Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126119 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 43
- 44
- 45
BANG! BANG! BANG!

Hermione’s eyes popped open at the loud noise. She winced when she tried to get up. She’d definitely overdone it last night, both in dancing and in drinking. The banging started again and she groaned. “Up!”

“Need a hangover potion?” Melody called through the door.

“Yes,” Hermione groaned and looked over at Draco. His eyes were open but she could tell his head was seriously hurting. Maybe some of her discomfort came from him. Either way, he was covered with the sheet. She wasn’t though and grabbed a robe to throw around herself just as Melody came in with two potion vials filled with a minty green substance.

“Figured you would,” Melody said a bit softer. “I’d kill Alex for getting you two shitfaced but then again, you two are so much fun drunk.”

“It’s not so fun this morning,” Draco grimaced and sat up in bed, making sure his assets were covered. “I don’t think we’ll be doing that again.” He knocked the vial back in one go and wrinkled his nose at the taste.

“Oh, you will,” Melody chuckled. “At least you’re a wizard. We have remedies for hangovers that actually work. Besides, you have to admit the game was terrific.”

“Oh, it was smashing.” Draco chuckled as he remembered the previous night’s events. Harmony had gotten tired early and Victor insisted they go home right after one in the morning or so. She’d gone right to bed but no one else was tired. Since they were all up and already at home anyway, Alex had persuaded everyone to play in a truth or dare drinking game. After Melody dared Severus to undress to his trousers and dance like a stripper, they decided that truth wasn’t such a bad thing after all. The game changed to truth or consequences after that. Basically, drink if you didn’t want to tell the truth.

It was surprising how much was admitted before the drinking started. For instance, he didn’t have a clue that his godfather had a penchant for playing canasta. After they explained what it was, he was quite amused. He knew his godfather absolutely hated card games.

“Muggle canasta is hardly exploding snap,” Severus had sneered and the discussion was over.

However, as most drinking games do, things got downright silly and he found himself admitting that he always wondered what he’d look like in a pair of girl’s knickers. He smiled when he remembered that Hermione had dragged him up to their room and proceeded to show him. They’d been a little wild after that which was why his back was probably aching.

“Fond memories?” Melody chuckled, seeing his faraway look.

Draco’s face reddened and he nodded curtly.

“I imagine you looked quite sexy in your wife’s knickers,” Melody teased. “However, I’m afraid we have to visit the real world today. We’ve got to start figuring out how to get that damned cup.”

Draco’s scowled as he felt the world land heavy upon his shoulders. Melody smiled sadly and walked downstairs to let them dress in private. “There’s never any sleep for the wicked,” he sighed.

Hermione chuckled. “It’s rest and we’re not wicked. However, since wicked isn’t resting, neither are we.”

“What did you do with Bellatrix’s hair anyway?” Draco asked suddenly. He had one foot in his trousers and the other hovering in midair when the thought hit him.

“I put it in a vial. It’s in the top dresser drawer. I figured if we needed to look like her, we could use that.”

“I think the goblins could probably detect polyjuice. Besides, what would happen if Bellatrix suddenly walked in and demanded to see her vault? It would look quite strange to see herself standing there, don’t you think?”

“Well, that’s why we have to work out the details, right?” Hermione asked as she ran a brush through her hair. “Ugh, my hair looks ghastly.”

“It looks wild and sexy, just like you.” Draco walked over to kiss the top of her head. “Let’s go down to breakfast, love.”

Breakfast was another quiet affair. The adults were enjoying a cup of coffee quietly while the students chatted over eggs and toast. It took some getting used to, having grape or apple juice instead of pumpkin but everyone seemed to welcome the change. Draco and Hermione sat down, thankful for the large cups of steaming coffee Maria brought out to them. They sighed as they sipped on the rich brew, slowly coming back to life. Hangover potion got rid of the after taste and the pain, but they were still a bit groggy.

Hermione glanced over at the professor who was having what seemed an almost silent conversation with Celeste. She remembered the night before, their game, and the amazing fact that he hadn’t backed down from Melody’s dare. She remembered looking at him agog as he stripped and wiggled his bum, much to Celeste’s delight. Severus caught her looking and gave her a sly wink before returning his eyes back to his wife. Hermione blushed profusely and tucked into some eggs that Draco had shoveled onto their plate. Eating together in the mornings appeared to be a hard habit to break.

“Luna, you’ll be going to the clinic alone this morning,” Melody announced about half way through breakfast. “Ron will be along in a while. I’d encourage you to take this opportunity to shadow Philippe and learn some of the basic healing charms.”

“Excellent,” Luna said softly. “I managed an episkey the other day but it would be lovely to know more.”

“Great,” Melody said brightly.

“Why am I not going?” Ron asked, confused by the sudden change in plans.

“Because you’re not,” Melody shrugged.

“Brilliant,” Ron murmured.

“I could always send you to the basement,” Melody growled.

Ron’s face wrinkled in confusion.

“Alex is in the basement,” Draco offered, taking pleasure when the Gryffindor blanched.

“And he’s hungry,” Melody added, unable to resist a further dig.

Ron immediately ducked his head and concentrated on his breakfast, unwilling to say another word on the subject. Draco and Melody both chuckled darkly, happy they’d shut him up with the minimal amount of information. Hermione wasn’t happy about it but she understood the need to keep quiet. She noticed that Harry was blinking and rubbing his eyes every few minutes.

“Harry, are you alright?”

Harry frowned and took his glasses off. “I’m not sure. I can’t seem to see much this morning. It’s hard to focus on anything.” He sighed and rubbed his eyes, blinking again.

Melody froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. “Can you focus without your glasses?”

“Not really,” Harry said, squinting to see if he could see things.

“Hmm. Philippe, could you check his eyesight before you leave. It might be time for new glasses,” Melody said lightly.

“No problem,” Philippe shrugged. “We could do it now if you’re finished.”

Harry nodded and they walked outside so he’d be able to cast the spells. A few minutes later, a dazed Harry and a contemplative Philippe walked into the dining room.

“All set?” Melody asked lightly.

Philippe frowned. “Yes. I had to change his prescription. He should be just fine now. Um, Melody, may I have a word with you before I go?”

“No problem.” She practically jumped out of her chair, dragging him into the other room. Draco and Hermione listened closely to the conversation.

“Something’s going on,” Philippe said softly.

“What?” Melody said, trying to sound innocent.

“I did have to change his prescription but not for the worse. I cut it in half, for the better. Care to tell me what’s going on?”

“Not particularly,” Melody said miserably. “But you’re not going to leave it alone and I don’t want you hounding my sister. Alex…um…adopted the boy.”

There was a heavy silence and then Philippe sighed. “By adopted, you mean they exchanged blood.”

“Yes. It isn’t like that though!” She said quickly. “Harry agreed first, of his own free will, no thrall.”

“And if I asked him?”

“He’d confirm it,” Melody said definitively. “It was the only way.”

“More phenom things,” Philippe sighed.

“I’m afraid so,” Melody said sadly. “But it all worked out for the best.”

“Any other changes I should know about?” Philippe said, annoyance clear in his voice.

“Not that I know of. At least, I hope so.”

“You’re crazy, you know that?”

“I believe I do.” She cackled and walked back into the dining room.

“Alright Luna, Harmony, time to go,” Philippe said softly as he walked back into the dining room.

Once they heard them leave, Melody sat her coffee cup down heavily. “Alright, down to business.”

“Did you find it?” Harry asked eagerly.

“Well, we know where it is.” She grimaced. “It’s not going to be easy to get though.”

“What the bloody hell are you talking about?” Ron asked in aggravation.

“Language Weasley,” Snape growled and glared at the red head until he flushed.

Melody sighed. “We’ve found out where one of the horcruxes is.”

“How?” Ron asked, wide eyed.

“The how isn’t important,” Melody snapped. “Getting to it is. It’s currently in Gringotts right now, in the vault of one Bellatrix LeStrange.”

“Oh brilliant,” Harry groaned. “Only the most secure place in the wizard world.”

“Well, we have to try,” Hermione said softly. “Gringotts has been broken into before.”

“True,” Harry said, the wheels turning in his head. “But no one knows how.”

“I’m sure the imperius curse was used quite heavily,” Draco said. “But we still have to get in undetected and down to the vault. The goblins have several other security measures in place though. It’s going to be a nightmare.”

“Well, I have Bellatrix’s hair,” Hermione offered. “I can polyjuice into her but like you said, we have to make sure she doesn’t show up as well.”

Melody grinned. “Perhaps we can get her detained and not in the presence of the Dark Lord either.”

“How?” Ginny asked. “You can’t just waltz up to her and stun her. She’d rat you out in a heartbeat.”

“That she would,” Melody acknowledged. “I was thinking more of our vampire friends. She seems to have a taste for them.” She winked at Draco, who shuddered.

“That’s disgusting,” Ron growled. “You drank your own aunt’s blood.”

“I didn’t,” Draco snapped. “I merely put her under the thrall and led her to the back. An actual vampire took over from there.”

“You have the thrall?” Ron asked in astonishment.

“Yes Weasley, I have the thrall,” Draco mimicked. “Hermione does as well. We just choose not to use it. It’s a bloody nuisance most of the time.”

“Why? You can make people do whatever you want,” Ron said, his eyes glazing over at the thought of the power.

“Theirs is a diluted power,” Severus drawled. “It causes attraction and mild compliance but it isn’t the total control that Alex has.”

“So how did he lure Bellatrix LeStrange away then? I don’t take her for the type that’s easily swayed.”

“She’s not,” Draco agreed. “But she’s a sucker for power. Strangle her and she’s putty in your hands.”

Ron’s eyes widened comically. “You strangled her?”

“Only for a moment,” Draco shrugged. “It worked though and we found the cup. So now we need to find a way to keep her occupied until we get it.”

“Why don’t you just strangle her again?” Ron asked sarcastically.

Draco laughed. “I’m not exactly her most favorite person anymore.”

Severus chuckled darkly. “Indeed. However, I’m fairly certain she and Lucius both will be incapacitated and under the Dark Lord’s eyes for at least a week.”

“You think he’d punish them that long?” Melody asked in shock.

“Longer if he looks into their minds,” Severus said thoughtfully and took a careful sip of his coffee. “The Dark Lord doesn’t take kindly to those who disobey him.”

“Lucius was there?” Ginny asked in shock.

“He made an appearance,” Severus granted. “He wanted to get back at Melody.”

“What did you do to him?” Ron asked in shock.

“Well, I’m not sure,” Melody said. “It could be the time he thought I hexed him into next week but it was really Sev that time. It could be the night of my induction as well. I’m pretty sure I knocked him hard enough he was unconscious for a few days. Either way, the man is still a sucker for a pretty face. It was easy enough to dispatch him. He’s really lost his touch.”

“Be glad of that,” Draco said darkly.

“Oh I am. Lucius Malfoy isn’t someone you want to fuck with. Which is why I was so glad you two took him out last night. Merlin knows I wasn’t in any shape to.”

“How are you feeling this morning?” Ginny asked curiously.

Melody smiled. “I’m fine, thank you. A little hungover but nothing a potion couldn’t fix, eh Sev?” She asked. Her eyes sparkled in mirth. He’d had more than his fair share to drink last night.

He merely gave her a curt nod and went back to sipping his coffee. “Back to the topic. How can we get Demitri to detain her?”

“Demitri’s thrall is very powerful,” Melody said reverently. “It gets stronger with age you know and he’s very old. He’d merely need to come upon her to snare her. She wouldn’t suspect anything either since she believes him to be firmly in the clutches of the Dark Lord.”

“So how do we contact Demitri?” Hermione asked.

“Sergei would know,” Melody said. “And after last night, I’m sure he’d be up to it. He was very grateful to you both.”

“How much longer before he’s full strength?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Shouldn’t be too much longer,” Melody mused. “He has started self-healing again. I’d say he should be normal by month’s end.”

“How’s his woman doing?” Draco asked.

Melody giggled. “She’s still a bit shell shocked, honestly. She refuses to tell us her name and she flinches whenever anyone walks in. She’s relaxed quite a bit since we got her but it’ll be a long road yet.”

“Why is she so shocked?” Hermione asked. “If she’s Sergei’s lover, shouldn’t she be used to it?”

“You’d think.” Melody grinned. “I’m pretty sure she had a heavy case of denial at first. She’ll come around though.”

“So we have Sergei contact Demitri so he can contain Bellatrix. Sounds dodgy,” Draco said softly.

“It’s the best we’ve got short of killing Bellatrix, which I would love to do but it’s not feasible,” Melody retorted.

“It would be better if we got hold of a goblin,” Ron murmured. “Then we could know what we’re facing.”

“A novel idea,” Melody acknowledged. “However, I’ve not met a goblin yet who was willing to betray its kind.”

“What if it didn’t do it willingly?” Draco asked softly.

“You’re suggesting we use an unforgivable on a goblin?” Ginny asked softly.

“What choice do we have?” Draco asked. “As much as I hate to admit it, Weasley’s right. We need to know what we’re going into if we’re going to get in and out.”

“Goblins are resistant to curses,” Severus said. “You have to find a weak minded one or be a very powerful wizard.”

“I think we have that covered,” Melody said flatly, trying to keep the mirth out of her voice. “The problem is cornering one without giving an alert.”

“I’ve rarely seen one outside of the bank. They don’t prefer to mingle with wizards,” Draco said thoughtfully. “How on earth could we lure one away?”

“Well,” Harry piped up. “I still owe you a bit of money, don’t I?” He gave Draco a pointed look to which the blond nodded curtly, ignoring the curious stare from Ron.

Draco made a cursory glance at Potter’s left hand and found that his ring was there. Weasley hadn’t seemed to notice it though so he figured it had the same charm that his and Hermione’s rings had on them. He glanced at his godfather and then back at Potter’s hand. Severus merely smirked, a sure sign that he’d charmed their rings as well. He wore a matching smirk and motioned for Potter to continue.

“Well, what if I went to my vault to retrieve the money and imperioused one of them then?” Harry asked.

“You have to mean an unforgivable Potter,” Severus said gravely. “You can’t just flick your wand and hope it sticks. You also have to find a goblin of a weaker mind which isn’t easy to do.”

“No one said it would be easy,” Harry snapped. “But it’s the best shot we’ve got.”

“And how are we to explain your absence from Hogwarts?” Severus drawled.

Harry wrinkled his brow in thought. “I got special permission from Dumbledore.”

“Surely not to go alone. You’d need an escort,” Severus said incredulously. Harry gave him a pointed look that made him grimace. “Brilliant.”

“If Vol-“ Harry was stopped by several heated glares. “Sorry, if snake face demands to know, you can tell him the truth. You escorted me to my vaults where I extracted some money and we went back to school. You just leave out the whole curse a goblin thing.”

Snape snorted. “If I’m going, I might as well curse the blasted thing.”

“Whatever you think works best,” Harry said, surprising most of the table.

“Indeed,” Severus said in shock. “Well then, we’ll do this. It’ll have to be when we return to England. You three are reported to have gone to the Burrow. It would look strange if you showed up with your Defense Professor in the middle of a holiday.”

“So we have to just sit on it until then?” Ron asked miserably.

“No,” Hermione said curtly. “We make tentative plans. I say that once the goblin is cursed and we find out what we’re up against, we should retrieve it immediately.”

“That’s going to be difficult to cover up, Miss Granger,” Severus said carefully. “Four student disappearances are not easy to overlook.”

“Four?” Ron asked.

“I’m going too Weasley,” Draco snapped.

“What for?” Ron growled.

“Protection,” Draco said miserably. He hated the thought that he’d been reduced to a glorified bodyguard. He wanted to fight but Nemesis had clearly said his purpose was to protect. What good was all that power if you couldn’t use it to your benefit?

Hermione placed a comforting hand on his arm. ‘We can still fight Draco. She just doesn’t want us taking advantage of our power and getting a big head. Thinking you are invincible is where mistakes come from. Just look at You-Know-Who. He thought no one could best him and one infant did so in a matter of seconds.’

Draco nodded and patted her hand. He knew all that, he just didn’t like it. Still, it was nice to be reminded. Ego definitely had been the downfall of his father, after all.

“We don’t need protecting,” Ron sneered. “And certainly not from you.”

“Oh you think so?” Draco asked in amusement. “How well did you fare the first day here?”

“Fluke deal.” Ron dismissed him. “We’ll take you on right now, me, Harry, and Hermione against you.”

“I won’t fight against Hermione,” Draco said darkly.

“Afraid she’ll beat you?” Ron smirked.

“Wow Weasley, you are thick,” Melody sighed. “They can’t fight against each other. It’s part of their malady. They have to work together. However, if you’re so keen on a repeat, we’ll play again. It’ll be Draco and Hermione against you, Harry, and Ginny. Since that’s not entirely fair, I’ll even put Celeste and Severus on your team.”

“That’s cutting it a bit close, don’t you think?” Celeste said softly.

“Fine. I’ll join your side as well,” Melody said.

Draco closed his eyes and groaned. How in Merlin’s name were they going to take out two daywalkers and Melody, who was more powerful than the lot?

‘We can do it,’ Hermione said encouragingly. ‘We’ll have far worse odds in battle.’

“That actually sounds really unfair,” Ron admitted, thinking that many people against just two was setting them up for slaughter.

“It is,” Melody acknowledged. “However, Alex is in the basement and Philippe, Harmony, and Luna have all gone for the day. For a truly fair fight, we’d need them all on our side.”

Draco chuckled at the absurdity of it all. How were they supposed to take on three phenom pairs, and four extra people by themselves? He could feel Hermione’s hysterical laugh bubbling up inside her. She happened to agree. The odds were completely against them.

“You think they’re invincible,” Ron said incredulously.

“As good as,” Melody grinned. “I helped train them, after all.”

“We’re not that good,” Hermione murmured.

“I beg to differ,” Melody said in amusement. “Severus?”

“I…believe I agree,” Severus said after a time. He had faith that his children could defeat anything in their path, especially after seeing them in the middle of a vampire fight. As long as their shields held, they’d be just fine. “However, I’d have to say nothing above fifth year defense and no spells that cause pain.”

“Entirely reasonable,” Melody acknowledged. “Oh how I wish we could make it happen.”

“Why can’t we?” Alex said as he materialized from behind her ear and she shot straight out of the chair, spinning around and brandishing a silver knife. “Whoa! Easy sweetheart.” He chuckled, clamping down on her wrist and taking the knife with ease. “I’d like to remain intact if you don’t mind.”

“Good God Almighty Alex. You scared the fuck out of me!”

“Good. I do so love hearing your pulse race,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver violently. He claimed her mouth in a violent kiss that actually cut her lip. He eagerly lapped up the blood and suckled her lips for a moment before coming back to himself and sealing the cut. He grinned and rained butterfly kisses all over her face.

Ron paled at the sight of blood. “That’s disgusting.”

“Oh come on Weasley,” Draco purred. “It’s just a bit of blood.”

“Says the leach,” Ron groused.

Draco shrugged. “Don’t knock it until you try it.” He grinned ferally at Hermione and delighted in the flush that worked its way down her face.

“You should be in the basement,” Melody chided, her words breathy as she panted.

“I should,” Alex agreed. “But I couldn’t resist the allure of the ultimate fight. Why don’t we call them over and we’ll get started.”

“You need to feed,” Melody said seriously.

“I do,” Alex said gravely. “I have a bottle of replenisher though so just a few drops.”

Melody nodded and held her hand out. Alex smiled brightly and produced a scalpel. He set out a jar and a vial of replisher on the table and held her hand over it. His cut was swift and Melody barely winced as blood flowed from her fingertip. Alex licked the tiny wound closed and poured the replinisher in the vial.

Celeste moaned. “God it smells delicious. Strawberry cheesecake.”

“Chocolate truffle,” Severus murmured so lowly that Draco was sure Ron couldn’t hear it.

“Wrong,” Alex breathed. “Cherry cobbler and vanilla ice cream.” He guzzled the glass down quickly, his eyes blazing indigo for a few minutes before they calmed.

Melody glanced at Harry and grinned. “I’m curious,” she said, nodding subtly to the Boy Who Lived.

Alex laughed. “Oh really? Let’s see.” He hummed and licked his fangs. “I’d say veal parmigiana.”

Draco burst out laughing. He couldn’t help it. It was hilarious, the Boy Who Turned Into a Buck tasted like veal. Hermione could hardly hide her amusement either. Harry looked a bit green, realizing what they were talking about. Ginny was frowning and looking contemplatively at Snape. She’d watched as Alex fed from Harry and now she knew what he tasted like. She thought about that day in the infirmary. What had she tasted like?

“Beef Wellington,” Severus said curtly and got up from the table. “Are we doing this?”

“Absolutely,” Alex grinned. “Let me pop on over real fast and we’ll get started. Where are we going to do this?”

“The back pasture,” Melody said, her eyes lighting up.

“Are you sure that’s a wise decision?” Hermione asked cautiously, the details of the previous morning all too clear in her mind.

“I am,” Melody said confidently. “Give ‘em a show, right?”

“If you say so,” Hermione murmured. “Mind if we head out early and get settled?”

“No prob. Off with you then.” Melody shooed them.

Hermione and Draco hustled off toward the back pasture. They knew the circle was gone but they wanted to see it for themselves. They arrived and had a look around, relieved that they didn’t feel the pull anymore. No memories invaded their minds except those they recalled from the previous morning. They sighed deeply and then started their morning exercises of sharing magic.

“You wish to mock the fates?” A smooth voice interrupted their concentration and their pent up magic went a bit haywire, sparking off into the sky. They spun around to see Nemesis appear out of thin air. They stepped back quickly and grabbed onto each other. “Take heart young ones, I’m just here to observe. You’ve come so far.”

“Why are you here, really?” Draco said, the words coming out thick and strained.

“To check and see that the balance is here. What better way than a duel?” She chirped. “I also wanted to clarify to you both your role as protectors.”

“What about it?” Hermione asked softly. “We’re supposed to protect the phenoms, right?”

“You are,” Nemesis said softly. “However, you were meant for so much more. You are to protect the rest of the world as well.”

“How?” Hermione breathed.

Nemesis chuckled. “It isn’t quite as daunting as it seems. You merely need to protect them from threats that they can’t fight. You’ll have no bearing on petty wars over greed and territory. Your focus is balance. What do you think would happen if this Dark Lord were to win?”

“Total anarchy,” Draco breathed. “He’s already poised to expand beyond Europe.”

“Precisely. He wishes to rule the world and no one should, despite the power they possess,” Nemesis said, giving them a pointed glance. “You have the power to do so but you must use it to stop those who wish to succeed. What are your aspirations?”

“To live a normal life,” Draco said. He looked down at Hermione who was pale but standing beside him bravely. He smiled gently and gave her a squeeze. “I want to travel the country with my wife and then settle down. I want us to have careers we both love and I want to raise a family in peace.”

“And you?” Nemesis asked Hermione.

Hermione cracked a smile. “I want the same. I don’t want to rule the world. I just want to live in peace.”

“And so you shall as long as you remember that. You may find your power to be more of a burden than a blessing but protectors often do. I want you to know that you will be able to fight. We don’t wish to take that ability from you but merely stop you from conquering everything in your sight. You will need to stay in secret. Only the phenoms will know about you.”

“And Harmony,” Hermione laughed.

“Ah yes, the twin that knows.” Nemesis smiled. “Their power has been one the fates have regretted giving for years. It’s only been misused once and that was handled with dispatch. They are hard on the twins because they don’t wish for it to happen again. They will also be strict with you two.”

“How many people have been born like us?” Draco asked curiously.

“Besides the twin that sees, there have been exactly 5 other couples born with your powers. Only one of them made it, Merlin and Nimue. Each set was born during a time of great peril, the dark ages, the witch burnings, when Hitler tried to take over, and each of the world wars. When each of these dark times passed, the couples were denied the opportunity to meet and returned from that which they came.”

“So why were we allowed to meet?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Because we don’t foresee this threat ending without your help,” Nemesis said gravely.

“How was it that he was allowed to be born in the first place?” Draco growled.

“Why were the pharaohs, Hitler, Napoleon, etc. allowed to live?” Nemesis asked lightly and watched as the couple couldn’t explain. “Because the world is better when it overcomes adversity, just as it will be once this threat is over. The world is all about balance, good and evil, light and dark. It’s why your powers are the way they are; why your upbringings were so vastly different. Hermione was raised in a loving home and has had only a few bumps along the way before she came to this new world. Draco was raised in nothing but hardship and danger, the only love shown from that of his mother and a man who was not his father until recently. Use those experiences children.”

“Use them how?” Draco asked incredulously.

“She has taught you the meaning of unconditional love, has she not?” Nemesis asked and smiled when he nodded. “He has taught you what it means to persevere through hard times?” She smiled when Hermione nodded. “Then you’ve taught each other how to have balance. Hermione is more willing to bend or break the rules; Draco is more willing to follow them. Together, you can walk the line securely, balance it.”

“So we’re here to balance the world…essentially,” Draco said in confusion.

“Yes,” Nemesis said with a nod. “You have some rules to follow. Only use the power you need and no more. Never reveal your true potential to anyone but the phenoms. They are your family now, after all. And finally, don’t go looking for a trouble. Let it come to you.”

“But…we need to,” Hermione said softly.

“I am aware that your next task puts you in the position to fight. However, it is for the precise reason to take the tyrant down so it is fine. I mean for you not to go looking for things to stop. Deal only with the tasks in which you’ve been given at that time.”

“There will be more tasks, won’t there?” Draco asked, his stomach dropping to his feet.

“That remains to be seen,” Nemesis said softly. “However, know that you will be given plenty of warning. The twins will see it, of course. If it is your fight, you’ll see me again.”

“Are you not going to take Melody’s life after all this then?” Hermione asked boldly.

“That depends on her. If she’s willing to give it up to save her husband’s soul, then I will.”

“Is that possible?” Hermione asked timidly.

“Anything is possible,” Nemesis said. “Now, you’re friends await and the twins grow restless. I must depart. Remember the rules, protect, stay secret, and use only what you need.”

“Thank you!” Hermione called as the goddess blinked out of existence.

“That was strange,” Draco said after a moment.

“Somehow I don’t think that will be the strangest thing we’re ever going to see.” Hermione leaned into his shoulder. “So, we want the same thing for the future.”

“Definitely,” Draco breathed and turned her so he could place a tender kiss on her lips.

“Awwww,” Melody cooed. “I love a happy ending.”

“Ending?” Draco pulled back.

“You think I’m blind?”

“Ah. It was…interesting,” Draco drawled.

“Never a dull moment with her,” Melody sighed. “Now, everyone all set?”

Everyone had formed a semi-circle around them while they’d been conversing amongst themselves. The phenoms had paired off and Luna had stood beside Ron. That made Hermione crack a smile which the dreamy girl returned. They really did look good together. Melody took her place in the circle in front of Alex. Murmurs went around, discussing strategy mostly.

‘Any thoughts?’ Hermione relayed to Draco.

‘We’re stuffed?’ He offered and smirked as Hermione huffed.

‘I’m serious Draco. We’re way outnumbered and you heard Nemesis. We can’t knock them all flat on their arses in one go.’

Draco burst out laughing causing several bemused glances. ‘I hardly think that godfather will let you knock him on his arse. I say we keep a shield up and pick off the weakest first.’

‘Weakest?’

‘Well, we take Lovegood and Weasley out first. They proved easy to stop earlier. They also don’t have the benefit of full shields like the others.’

‘Agreed,’ Hermione said. ‘Philippe and Harmony next. I want her out as soon as possible.’

‘Agreed,’ Draco said. ‘She doesn’t need to fight with the babies. Harry and Ginny are going to be more of a problem this time since they’re bonded now.’

‘They still aren’t coordinated enough to throw a full shield. It’s the other four I’m worried about.’

‘Well, godfather won’t risk exposing himself to Weasley and Lovegood so he won’t use his speed. That’s one thing in our favor.’

‘Doesn’t mean he still couldn’t best us,’ Hermione said. ‘You think the earth moving spell would work again?’

‘Won’t hurt to try.’

“Excuse me!” Melody called. “If you two are done glaring at us, we’d like to begin now!”

“Right,” Draco said. “Ready!” He called and took a stance just in front of Hermione.

“Rules again!” Melody called. “Nothing above fifth year defensive spells, nothing that causes pain, and if any one of you idiots throws something worse than a simple disarming spell at my sister, I’ll string you up by your toes and let the trolls have you! Now, on three!”

Draco and Hermione held their wands at the ready. When Melody finished the count down, they put up the most powerful shield charm they could conjure and several spells bounced off of it. They took a deep breath and looked around. Severus, Celeste, Melody, and Alex were merely standing there, looking bemused. Harmony and Philippe were carelessly tossing a few light spells in their direction to make it look like they were trying. Harry and Ginny had their hands clasped and were faintly glowing, obviously trying to gain enough power to break their shield. Luna was carelessly tossing spells about but Ron was trying everything he could think of to take the shield down. He was almost red in the face because he wasn’t stopping.

“You know what?” Draco whispered. “Why don’t we just teach Weasley a lesson about conserving energy? He’ll pass out in a few minutes if he keeps going at us like that.”

“That’s not very nice,” Hermione hissed.

“Nice or not, he’ll get us all killed if he goes barging in the bank like that. He’s got to learn when to stand down.”

“Fine,” Hermione huffed and crossed her arms.

Everyone stopped throwing spells and watched in amazement as Ron single mindedly focused on trying to break through the shield. It took a good twenty minutes or so before he fell to his knees, exhausted. Draco took the shield down and casually twitched his wand, summoning Weasley’s wand with ease and reconjuring it before anyone got any ideas.

“And that, Weasley, is why he’s going with you. There is a time to fight and a time to stand down,” Melody growled.

“No one else was helping,” Ron panted.

“No one else is that idiotic. We know we can’t break the shield. If it held after we all threw a spell at it at the same time, battering it isn’t going to take it down.”

“I’ve done it before,” Ron huffed.

“You’ve never fought anyone like them before,” Melody quipped. “You’ve fought Death Eaters before but if you remember, you got your asses handed to you until the Order showed up. You need to learn stealth. You’re good at strategy. USE IT.”

“What can you do against a shield that won’t fall?” Ron grimaced.

“Wait it out.” Melody said with a shrug. “Watch and learn Weasley.” She pointed him to a bench she’d conjured. “And back in three!”

They all attacked at the same time and again, the spells bounced off the shield. “Take Luna,” Draco growled under his breath and took up his stance. Hermione ducked behind him and when the shield came down, she quickly threw a disarming spell at Luna. Draco threw a wide shield but not a complete one so she could collect her wand and then put the entire shield up. Luna skipped over to Ron and sat down to watch.

“You take Harmony,” Hermione breathed and took control of the shield. It was as easy as breathing now. They’d worked on sharing the shield hundreds of times and since it proved so useful with the vampires, they’d worked even harder on it. Their conversion was flawless.

Draco crouched behind her and struck as soon as she took the shield down. It was a bit more difficult to get a bead on the blond twin but all too soon, he had her wand in her hand. Melody called for a complete stop so Harmony could go sit down. She wasn’t taking any chances that a stray hex, no matter how harmless, should hit her. When she’d settled, the fight was back on.

Draco let Hermione control the shield while he dueled Philippe for a moment. He managed to catch a jelly legs jinx right after he took the healer down but recovered quickly and shot off a few hexes that knocked Ginny and Harry back a few feet. Hermione quickly put the shield back and tended to him. She had him to rights in a matter of seconds.

‘Well, they’re out, now what?’ Hermione bit out as she lowered the shield to fire off a few shots in succession that caused a cloud of dust to well up.

‘The Potters next. We’ll need to take them at the same time. It’s the only way. They’ve been blocking for each other.’

‘We’ll be vulnerable,’ Hermione warned.

‘It’s definitely a risk. We can’t throw silver because of Alex. We can’t stake anyone. The only thing I can think of is to conjure enough wind to throw them off while we do this.’

‘I don’t know how to conjure wind,’ Hermione said in a panic.

Draco closed his eyes and shared the information he’d learned about conjuring a whirlwind. It was an odd little flick of the wrist and willpower. They’d have to build it up before they lowered the shield and then strike. He opened his eyes to see his godfather narrowing his eyes in curiosity. He hoped he hadn’t caught on.

Hermione brought her wand behind her back and started doing the wand movements that would allow them control of the whirlwind. Draco stuck his wand behind him as well and began the movements for the wind. When they had enough momentum built up, the lowered the shield and cast. All four of the adults left rose in the air and spun madly. They took that chance to have an all-out duel with Harry and Ginny. Spells flew back and forth between the pairs, lighting up the morning sky like a rainbow. Their spells proved to be too powerful though and they quickly disarmed the newest phenom couple and erected their shield before the others could situate themselves out.

“That was sheer genius!” Melody called with a wide smile. “However, we won’t be falling for that one again.”

“Didn’t figure you for a fool,” Draco yelled and observed the four of them from behind the shield. They certainly were a formidable group. However, he knew they could take them all. Even in an accident, their magic had battered through three shields. Still, they couldn’t use that much force, especially with Weasley and Lovegood watching and definitely nowhere near Harmony. It was just too dangerous and unpredictable. They’d knocked them all for a loop last time.

“Are we having a Mexican stand off or what?” Melody called. “I’d like to fight sometime this century.”

“Keep your knickers on!” Draco called and fell back. “Just taking a bit of a breather.”

‘I have an idea,’ Hermione thought.

‘I’d love to hear it.’

‘It’s something that Severus said to me when we were fighting that day, the first time I knelt before you.’

‘I’ll never forget that,’ Draco sighed. ‘It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’

‘Well, he said that we had natural tendencies. I wanted to please you and you wanted to protect me.’

‘Obvious so far.’ Draco frowned, not following her.

‘He said that I negated my own safety to protect the ones I loved, which somehow tied into me wanting to please others. Alex said it works well as a fighting style. I barge in and you protect me from the spells.’

‘So, I stand behind you and block and you hex them to hell and back,’ Draco clarified.

‘Yes. He also said that fighters won’t suspect the shielder to cast the final blow. I think it might be negated in this instance since they are the ones to point it out.’

‘Well, it’s the best we’ve got,’ He said. ‘And of course, if it gets too hairy, we can always just erect the full shield again.’

‘Exactly,’ Hermione gushed.

‘Alright then. We’ll do just that. I say we take Alex out first since he’s the fastest. Lowering the shield in three.’

Draco took the shield down and it became a full scale war. Hexes and curses flew through the air. If it had been the middle of the night, the sky would have been as light as day from the sheer amount of magic that hurdled through the air. They took a few hits but landed twice as many. Suddenly, Draco saw his opening. Alex was going to double back behind everyone and hit them from the side. He was thankful for the rapid fire mental link he had with Hermione when they switched flawlessly and he struck Alex hard. The vampire flipped over backwards from the sheer force of the spell and his wand came flying their way.

‘We go down the line now. Melody first, then Celeste, then godfather.’ Draco put them in order.

‘Why Severus last?’ Hermione asked curiously.

‘He can’t use any vampire strengths and Celeste can but Melody is more powerful than both of them.’

‘Fair enough.’ Hermione shrugged and prepared to fight again.

They worked flawlessly, hardly taking any hexes but landing them was getting harder and harder. The adults seemed to have kicked their efforts up a notch. She was getting a bit tired so Draco took over for a while. Suddenly, she saw her opening. Melody was starting a complicated movement but her other hand wasn’t holding a shield. Draco switched her instantly and she disarmed the strawberry blond with haste. Melody grinned as she practically skipped over to the now crowded bench.

Celeste started darting back and forth, hitting them fast and hard and using Severus to shield for her. Draco signaled for the earth moving spell and they cast it as quickly as they could. Unfortunately, they couldn’t cast faster than the time it took Celeste to jump in the air and magically hover a few moments until the spell dissipated. Taking a risk, Hermione let her shield down completely and threw an aguamenti spell at Celeste. Draco disarmed her as Hermione shielded them from Severus and the red head shrieked as she walked from the field, totally waterlogged.

Severus chuckled and admired her form as she flounced away. Draco took that opportunity to strike but he wasn’t fast enough. Severus had already thrown a tickling jinx that caught Hermione in the foot. Draco erected the full shield as he took the jinx off. They regrouped. Severus hadn’t lived as long as he had by being a careless fool. They’d have to either outfox him or outstrip him in power.

‘Cast in tandem,’ Hermione realized. ‘It’s the only way.’ She relayed her memories of them besting him in the shrieking shack their third year. Draco had to agree with her logic. They started casting spells at opposite ends. Hermione cast a tripping jinx the same time he cast one designed to spin the opponent 360 degrees. Severus neatly jumped through them. Hermione cast the jelly legs jinx and Draco cast one to turn the ears into huge elephant ears to slow him down. He barely was able to block them and Hermione took that chance to act. She cast the Prince’s own levicorpus spell and Draco disarmed him in his shock. Hermione sat him down gently and stepped back behind her husband.

Melody jumped up and whistled. Everyone else was hooting and hollering, yelling their well dones. They received pats on the back and accolades. Severus glared at them the whole time. Hermione felt bad for using that spell against him but she didn’t see another way to take him out without knocking him flat out. When everything was said and done, Ron grudgingly agreed that Draco would make a good asset to the team and stormed off to wait for Philippe to take him back to the clinic.

Severus waited until they were gone to confront them. “Where, exactly, did you learn that spell?”

“Um…Harry’s mind?” Hermione provided. She’d seen James use it against him during the same time he’d called Lily a mudblood.

Severus sneered and shook his head. “You’ve outdone yourselves. However, had I been able to use my full abilities, you would have had a much harder go of it.”

“We know,” Draco snorted. “That’s why we saved you for last. It’s hard to sneak in a wandless spell or zip around when everyone’s eyes are on you.”

“Indeed,” Snape said with a bit of awe that they’d thought it out.

“Alright,” Melody said, gaining their attention back. “The rest of the afternoon is going to be split up. Draco, Hermione, I’m afraid you’ll be working on blocking senses again. Harry, Ginny, you two are going to find your other forms. When you’ve done that, we’re going to have an animagus battle.”

“An animagus battle?” Harry asked, startled at the abrupt turn.

“Yes sir,” Melody said proudly. “Sometimes, you’ll need to fight in your animal form. It gives you the element of surprise you need to overtake your enemies. Who’s going to think a tiny little hummingbird would turn into a dragon and fry them to a crisp?”

“Or have a lion maul them?” Ginny asked in amusement.

“Correct!” Melody said. “Now, you might not find your forms all that daunting but trust me, one kick from a horse will knock a man on his ass long enough to subdue him. Bucks can gore people as well. Even little weasels and foxes can do their fair share.”

“What about spiders?” Draco called.

“I can make people hurt themselves,” Melody chuckled. “It’s quite amusing to crawl on the face of someone with arachnophobia. They’ll give themselves a concussion trying to swat the poor spider away.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Harry asked in shock.

“A bit,” Melody agreed. “However, you learn quickly to avoid things like that…and how to shift quickly. Crawl on some poor souls head as a spider and then change into a horse. It’s a wakeup call for sure!”

“I’ll bet,” Ginny giggled.

“Come on then. Over to the clearing.”

They followed Melody over to a wide expanse of clear pasture.

“You’re not going to let them see your third form are you?” Hermione whispered.

Celeste huffed. “He won’t show ME his third form. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen him as a wolf either.”

“You’ve never asked,” Severus said softly and quirked an eyebrow.

“Fine,” Celeste huffed. “Severus, my I please see your third form?”

“I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours.”

“Fine. But I want to be in the trees when we do this. I’m not exactly proud of my third form.”

Hermione and Draco followed them, curious as to what Celeste’s third form was. The daywalker stopped abruptly and turned around. “Bat first I guess,” she sighed and morphed into a cute little red bat. It flapped around for a moment and then landed on Severus’s shoulder and nuzzled him for a few moments. She changed back and gave Severus a pointed glance.

He sighed heavily and turned into the wolf. His jet black fur and onyx eyes gave him a foreboding look. He reminded Hermione so much of Sirius’s dog animagus that was mistaken for a Grim. The professor changed back and then extended his arms in invitation for her to change.

“Just, um, don’t touch me alright?” Celeste asked and he cocked his head in question but nodded just the same. She crouched on the ground and in her place was a beautiful frog. It was tiny, bright red with blue legs, and had her beautiful green eyes.

“She’s a poison dart frog,” Hermione breathed.

“Beautiful Celeste,” Severus drawled. “I want to take a sample of your secretions to see if you are truly dangerous.” The frog hopped over and then cautiously crouched next to him. “Don’t worry. I won’t touch you,” he said softly. “If you are toxic, then we have one more thing in common.” He conjured a long glass rod and a vial. He then ran the rod gently along her back and stuck it in the vial, sealing it and putting it in his robes.

Celeste morphed back. “Well, I think I am toxic. The last person that touched me didn’t make it. That was the last time I used that form.”

“Me as well,” Severus said and transformed into the black mamba. He slithered up Celeste’s body and tickled her with his tongue, causing her to giggle. Then he slithered down and transformed back.

“You’re gorgeous,” Celeste breathed. “No wonder Melody likes snakes so much.”

Severus chuckled. “Yes well, unfortunately back to business.”

“I don’t want to,” Celeste huffed.

“None of us does,” Severus said and sighed heavily, turning to the couple.

Their senses went on red alert as Severus lunged for them. Suddenly, they were both bound to trees. Alex had popped up out of nowhere and secured them both.

“CRUCIO!” Snape hissed and Draco screamed in shock and in pain. Hermione mimicked him. It took a few moments for him to regain the ability to think. By that time, Hermione had already gained control. Snape released him from the curse and looked to Alex apprehensively.

“Almost a minute. Much better than last time,” the vampire breathed and released them from their binds. “Are you alright?”

They took a moment to assess the damage and found that besides some initial soreness, they were none the worse for wear. “I think we’re okay,” Draco panted.

“Thank Merlin,” Severus breathed and dropped his wand arm. “I’m not sure I can do that again.”

“Well, we didn’t panic this time,” Hermione offered.

“You had prior warning,” Severus said darkly. “Next time, you won’t.”

“Wonderful,” Draco sighed and held Hermione close to him. They were in for a world of hurt this next week.

AN: Hello Everyone!! Man am I glad finals are over... for another five weeks at least. I said I'd get this out Wednesday and I almost made it. I suppose it's still Wednesday somewhere, right? Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this last chapter. They're in for it now, aren't they? Thank you everyone for your reviews. I reread them a dozen times while trying to psych myself up for my finals and it certainly helped. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time... love you guys!
- 43
- 44
- 45
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Bound