Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Awakening To the Dream	By : ChimaeraChan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 45316 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
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
- 1-CH1
- 2-CH2
- 3-CH3
- 4-CH4
- 5-CH5
- 6-CH6
- 7-CH7
- 8-Ch8
- 9-Ch9
- 10-Ch10
- 11-CH11
- 12-CH12
- 13-CH13
- 14-CH14
- 15-CH15
- 16-CH16
- 17-CH17
- 18-CH18
- 19-Ch19
- 20-CH20
- 21-CH21
- 22-Ch22
- 23-CH23
- 24-CH24
- 25-CH25
- 26-CH26
- 27-CH27
- 28-CH28
- 29-CH29
- 30-CH30
- 31-CH31
- 32-CH32
- 33-CH33
- 34-CH34
- 35-CH35
- 36-CH36
- 37-CH37
- 38-CH38
- 39-CH39
- 40-CH40
- 41-Ch41
- 42-Ch42
- 43-Ch43
- 44-Ch44
- 45-Ch45
- 46-Ch46
- 47-Ch47
- 48-Ch48
- 49-Ch49
- 50-Ch50 *End Part 1*
- 51-Ch51
- 52-Ch52
- 53-Ch53
- 54-Ch54
- 55-Ch55
- 56-CH56
- 57-CH57
- 58-CH58
- 59-CH59
- 60-CH60
- 61-CH61
- 62-CH62
- 63-CH63
- 64-CH64
- 65-CH65
- 66-CH66
- 67-CH67 *New 6/6/2015*
- 68-CH68
- 69-CH69
- 45
- 46
- 47
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Ch 46
Lesley, good man that he was, hadn’t even checked with Harry but went to the door to the Hall of Peace and opened it at the first knock. He stepped out into the corridor, shielding the other occupants of the room from curious and potentially dangerous eyes. “What’s going on here?” He demanded, ignoring the visitor whom had Helena slung over his shoulder, and addressing the leader of the Elite Enforcers Christien had sent out to find the woman.
“Forgive us; he insisted, threatening Miss Dominé—”
“I would hardly consider it a threat…”
“Be silent.” Lesley ordered the newcomer, taking in the creature’s grayish-blue skin covered in tattoos, towering height, and disturbing pitch-black eyes. “Put the woman down and stand over there until I decide what to do with you.” Not bothering to see if the man complied, he turned back to the Enforcers. “Explain why you’ve let a dangerous being into the castle without clearing it first. This is highly improper, Ged.”
Abashed, the Enforcer studied the toe of his boot. All warriors had to train individually with Lesley for three months before they could get cleared to take the exam to become an Enforcer. Although, officially under the Magistrate’s command, just a single glare from the First Chair had them meek and in line. “The Chancellor said it would be alright, sir…” He trailed off uncomfortably.
“You do not take orders from our dear Chancellor, Ged. You take orders from the Magistrate.”
“He insisted, sir. He, uh… well, he seemed rather interested in Mr. Balten’s powers and wanted the chance to speak on neutral ground. The Chancellor opened the gate before we could confirm with the Magistrate, and by the time we had followed, Loxton was calling for Jacques, and Balten was off with Helena to find the Heir.”
Lesley inwardly sighed, not at all surprised that Rowland would throw caution to the wind when faced with the possibility of controlling a real live Ascian. “This will not happen again. Times are not like they were before; enemies will be coming at us from all angles with motives that we cannot even begin to understand. If you were to go back and do this all over again, Helena and each one of you would be dead. Why? Because you had fallen in battle to prevent a stranger from breaking into this fortress!” He looked each Enforcer in the eye, his mouth set in a grim line. “I do not expect to have this conversation with you again. Go and prepare your written reports for the Magistrate. You are dismissed.”
The Enforcers nodded, obviously fatigued from the long search in the wilds. Even still, they were wary to leave the creature alone with no one there to guard. Lesley nearly had to push them down the hall to get them to leave. “Ged.” Lesley pulled the man aside. “Get a fresh group in here. I need every bit of this castle searched. If anything suspicious is found, make a note of it, seal off the area, and get me. No one touches anything. If anyone tries to interrupt your search, send them to me.”
“…Is there something specific you’re expecting to find?” Ged asked, eyes immediately searching the corridor for enemies.
“We had a grim in here.” Lesley could appreciate the man’s sudden pallor and new tenseness in his shoulders. “It is dead now, but you can understand my concern that it may have left friends. Be thorough and be swift. I expect a report from each Enforcer on the job every half hour until White Towers is secure.” Ged nodded briskly, and took off down the hall at a near run to obey.
That taken care of, Lesley turned unenthusiastically to the far from welcome visitor looming in the corner. Helena was standing unsteadily next to the Ascian, with unfocused eyes. He walked up to the petite woman, placing a helping hand on her arm. She started, giving him a weak smile of recognition but it didn’t last long. “What business do you have with the Heir?” Lesley asked the Ascian, pulling Helena closer to his chest to keep her from falling.
Balten straightened, pushing away from the wall and looking down his impressive height of seven foot ten inches. “My business is the same as all of the sentient clans of magic.”
Lesley narrowed his eyes. “What has happened to Helena here? Is this your doing?”
“Don’t get your feathers in a knot, fae. I found the girl in the midst of being fed upon by the Sorfen. I suspect she’ll be fine in a day or so. I was planning on dropping her off at the nearest muggle village when I met up with your men.” He glanced down the hall where three of the Enforcers were still lingering with suspicious expressions. “I asked who sent them, merely curious mind, and all but one said the Council. One special little faerie claimed that the Ultimate Being, the Soul of the Ancient Night, had sent them. As you can imagine, I was intrigued…” Balten grinned widely, revealing large sharp teeth tinted blue.
“Yes, I can imagine.” Lesley eyed the door thoughtfully. Harry was tired and weak from the grim, but he was still pretty riled from the adrenaline and blood, and should be able to handle the Ascian. He could either let the creature wait until Harry was in better health, consequently having to house the Ascian until that time came, or they could get it over with now. He didn’t sense any ill will from the man, but the sentient magics were an erratic group, with their own customs and rules that influenced their actions. Balten may not necessarily think he was causing harm while in the midst of doing just that.
“…Very well, Cred Balten.” Lesley addressed the being with its appropriate title for a powerful male that had not yet reached its waning years. “If you can pass through this doorway, you may meet with the Heir. If not, you will have to leave and return when the Heir is not so occupied.”
Balten frowned, eyeing the door suspiciously, and then Lesley. “Am I to fight you, Fae? Or is there something here guarding?”
“Ancient magic is your opponent here.” Lesley pointed to the huge door, indicating the symbols carved into the wood. “The door to the Hall of Peace cannot be breached by any means except one; your intentions must be pure of heart to enter. There is no other requirement, so you have no need to waste your strength trying to beat it down.”
Huffing in annoyance, Balten placed his hand to the door hesitantly. Yes, magic was tangible in the doorway but he still found it hard to believe that such a thing could keep him out. Certainly there were powerful magics out there, but few could contain someone as powerful as him. As if the door knew this as well, it relented under his hand, soundless as it swung open to reveal the huge room.
“That wasn’t so hard.”
Lesley ignored the smug smile sent his way and moved aside so the Ascian could step into the room and he could secure the door behind him. He kept a steadying arm on Helena’s shoulder and led her gently to the table and one of the safer chairs. Obsidian followed him, curling its long tail around Helena’s feet. He glanced up, trying to catch Harry’s eye, but the boy was leaning back in his chair with his eyes shut to the world. Understanding, he addressed the Ascian once again.
“Councilors, this is Cred Balten. He was thoughtful enough to ensure Helena’s protection while she was at her worst.” He turned, stern faced to the Ascian. “State your business. We are in the midst of a meeting, after all.”
Not affected by Lesley’s insistence on speed at all, Balten remained quiet. He searched each person in the room thoroughly, pausing a long time on Harry’s bloodstained face, before finally settling on the decapitated grim’s head on the table. “I am here… not as a representative of the Ascian Clan but on my own accord. May I…?” He reached for the head but Christien blocked his hand with his own.
“I think you should get to the point, Cred Balten.” Lesley urged.
“Yes, of course.” Balten shook his head clear from the scent of blood, his natural magical reaction calming in response. “I… what is this doing here? The boy is dosed in it and yet still lives—it’s a grim, if I’m correct. Why…?”
“If it interest you so, perhaps I can give it to you in parting.” Harry opened his eyes, cocking his head to the side so he could watch as the Ascian’s hand itched towards the bloodied head again. “For now, why don’t you finish your greeting and then take a seat so we aren’t all craning to reach your eyes, Cred Balten.”
Surprised by the new voice, Balten met Harry’s odd gaze and something seemed to snap in the Ascian, a rumble not unlike thunder bellowing from him. “Ha, the boy… I should have known!” He quickly fell to knee, bowing low. “Greetings, Heir to the Soul of Chaos. I, Balten of the Ascian Clan, welcome you back to the mortal realm and send my greatest hope that your time here will be long and successful.”
Harry nodded in acknowledgement and waved a hand towards a nearby chair. “Thank you, Cred Balten of the Ascian Clan. Your greeting has been noted and welcomed. Please, have a seat.” Waiting for the man to sit, Harry turned a critical eye towards Helena who was looking around the room with eyes that seemed to focus in and out. He couldn’t help but wonder if she even knew what was going on. Marjory was inching her way towards the woman with a concerned, albeit still a bit wild eyed, look on her face.
“Helena… look at me, love.” Marjory was gifted with a weak smile for her efforts but her disappointment didn’t keep her from stopping the dazed woman from getting out of her seat. “Has Jacques been called for yet? I think we should get him.” She said a little shrilly.
“Don’t fret, Marjory; Helena will be well in a few days. I doubt Jacques would be able to do anything anyways, and Rowland will keep him busy…” Lesley blinked in surprise, holding back a smile as Helena started pulling distractedly at the shiny buttons littering Marjory’s shirt.
“But… she’s not… right.” Marjory grabbed Helena’s hands, sending the woman a worried look before pleading with Harry. “Isn’t there anything you can do?”
Harry raised his brows, surprised Marjory was so quick to ask help from him of all people. Either it was the blood or her concern for the other woman; Marjory wasn’t the type to open up to people that quickly. He got up and walked around the end of the table so he could reach the dazed woman. Helena’s blue eyes kept skittering from his gaze until he was required to grab the redhead by the shoulders and force her to look him in the eye. What he found there was promising, and he caught at that small spark of coherency and pulled.
The Sorfen, a species of magical insects that swarmed on a person and drained them of emotion, and consequently life, were attracted to those with bright personalities. Their magic excited those natural emotions in a human so they could feed off of them, leaving the victim dazed and listless and completely vulnerable to attack from any beast roaming by. Helena had certainly gotten lucky to not be completely drained. He was afraid she would suffer permanent damage though. He wasn’t sure of the results just yet, but Harry was certain that she had been affected on an emotional level judging by the markings of her aura.
“Can you hear me?” He asked simply once he was certain the woman was aware of her surroundings. Helena gave a hesitant nod, looking a little overwhelmed since everyone in the room was leaning into her personal space to gauge her condition.
“Helena? Are you alright?” Marjory placed a hand on her arm.
“…I guess. Umm… why shouldn’t I be?” Helena turned, looking back to see her friend’s worried face. “Is that blood on your mouth, Margie? You look positively gothic.” She smiled sweetly and Marjory couldn’t help but return a relieved smile of her own.
“Same old Helena.” Christien concluded happily, sitting back in his seat in an untidy sprawl and returning to shooting heated glances at Lesley.
“I’m afraid we don’t have the time to fill you in on what’s going on right now, Helena. I will make a point of doing it later, once the current meeting has been concluded and if you are feeling well enough. Your memory loss will probably linger for a while. For now I think it would be best if you just sit there and get your bearings. You’re free to listen but I’d prefer you to keep your questions for later.” Harry gave the woman a final, contemplative look before rising and taking his seat once again. “Cred Balten, I would like to formally thank you for bringing Helena back to us safely. Your generous nature will not be forgotten.”
“I was happy to do it, Sire.”
Harry smirked at the obvious lie, Balten smiling similarly. They both knew the only reason Balten had saved Helena was to keep other wizards from following after her and possibly starting a war, or just all out annihilation, of all life in the Arc Fault. Humans did have a history of over reacting, especially when faced with things they have no control over. For the first time, Harry wondered if this hadn’t been Loxton’s plan all along when sending Helena there. Her death alone wouldn’t have caused Harry much grief, but the beginnings of a battle between wizards and the Clans of the Arc Fault most certainly would have. It did seem above Loxton’s— No, he couldn’t underestimate Rowland Loxton. For now he would focus on seeing if Helena had information that was of interest to Loxton. It could have been anyone, but Loxton had chosen Helena to die first for a reason.
Balten, on the other hand, would be able to give him some insight into how the wizarding community was viewed by the magical clans, and if any new forces had been making themselves known out in the wilds. “I would like to speak with you, Cred Balten, later this evening. I’m afraid that I have business to attend to, but I would appreciate it if you would delay your departure and stay the rest of the day.”
“I would be honored. If I could possibly get something to drink…?”
“Of course.” Harry said quickly, realizing the slip. “Lesley will take you to more proper accommodations and the house elves will be at your call. I will join later in the evening once we have finished with this. If you have any problems, you can send a house elf for Lesley.”
Balten stood along with Lesley and gave a low bow. “Thank you for your generosity, Sire. I anticipate our next meeting.” He obediently followed Lesley from the room and Harry felt a twinge of guilt for making his cousin spend more time with the magic absorbing creature. It wasn’t intentional, but the powerful Ascian could not control his natural ability to absorb magic from his surroundings. If it had been intentional, Harry imagined that all of the Enforcers never would have made it to White Towers alive. As it was, he could immediately see a difference in Helena’s condition once her magic was free to flow correctly with the Ascian gone.
Decided, he asked Marjory to help Helena into some armor, and he called the house elves to set up a light meal to help everyone regain their strength. After the days wasted on parties and mini disasters, he suspected the current meeting would be running long.

*******

“I can’t compare from first hand experience, unfortunately. I’ve only lived four hundred and fifty odd cycles so I was not around when the Heir’s influence was still in effect. I can honestly say, based on our history and the stories passed on through our elders, that it was a different time indeed. The most significant would be our interaction with the humans in the area.”
“I was under the impression that humans did not live in the Arc Fault.”
Balten smiled widely, his pointed teeth gleaming in the low light of the lower regions as the two walked to Harry’s room. “Yes, well that is different too. We used to have a fair population of magically inclined humans in the area before I was born. My people tell that when war broke out among the mortals, the land rejected them and would not allow them entry again without resulting in great suffering. I do believe you woman was the first human I’ve seen in my homeland… mmm, alive, that is.” Balten flashed another large smile.
“I’m sure it didn’t take them long to get the drift.” Harry agreed wryly. “So you’ve had no contact with outsiders?”
The Ascian shrugged his large shoulders, studying the pattern of a hydra ingrained on the wall. “Usually we are the ones to initiate contact with those outside of the clan. There are ways to get our attention if one’s need is strong enough. That particular being has not tried to contact my clan… but there have been rumors circulating around.” He turned a glittering eye towards Harry. “They have diminished with the rumors of your rebirth, my lord, but even now they leave a foul scent of unrest.”
Harry nodded in understanding. “How long?”
“Recent, not even three months ago was when we felt the realm’s magic shift. You might have noticed it, but I’ve heard that your summer was not quite pleasant.”
Harry scowled. “What, was I stalked the whole time and not one thought to even help me?”
Balten turned from the mural and regarded him thoughtfully. “You seem no worse for wear. Besides, the information is secondhand. I don’t know which clan was watching you, but we have a strict law of not interfering with the muggles.”
Harry did not return the smile. Everyone always had a bloody excuse. “Tell me about the rumors not concerning me or my other self.”
“Ah, well that’s a little sticky really. Rumors are rumors after all; one can’t be completely sure of their legitimacy.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that.” Harry grumbled. “Why don’t you paraphrase?”
Balten bared his teeth cheerfully. “An open invitation for gossip; how delightful. The elders are calling it the evil one. Most of us find it preposterous; the evil one has been dormant for ages after all. The elders like to make a big deal out of things; a bad spell of weather is the gods punishing us, and all that rot.” He tossed the grim head he was carrying and caught it on the way down like some sort of lopsided ball. “We listened though, because that is our way, and have started preparing our homes for war. If anything, the changes in magic have concerned us enough to pay close attention to the mortals… and your arrival, of course. I think that’s what really has the elders in an uproar. Not because of you, so much as, your rebirth validates that the changes going on are something more than just fluctuations in the cycles.”
“Well, I commend your elders for their insight.” Harry snatched the grim head out of the air before the Ascian could catch it again. He handed it back with a challenging smirk. “Voldemort is in fact the reincarnation of the Behemoth of the Last Silence. I’m afraid it’s too late to prevent bloodshed, but my hope is to finish this before a full war breaks out… I wouldn’t count on it though. Voldemort is moving fast, and the majority of those I could count on are long dead. Things would be simpler if we weren’t fighting each other.”
“Are you suggesting an allegiance? Wizards are not known for their fair treatment with our kind.”
“Oh, I’m sure they’ll all be jumping to use you; I have no delusions about that.” Harry snorted at the thought of Fudge getting his fumbling hands on any magical creature. “But I am not of the wizards anymore, but of all in this realm.”
Balten nodded in agreement. “Still, you must understand that many see you as such. You’ve been raised by muggles and adopted by the wizards. To us you are one of them.”
“And to the wizards I’m a danger, and to the muggles I’m a freak.” Harry replied with an empty look. “Even so, I am the Heir and I do not play favorites with the races. You’d be pleasantly surprised to know that none of you are as different as you think… well, except the Domin and the Exault, but that is to be expected.”
“That may be so… but we are different. It will not be a simple thing to suddenly start integrating us.”
“Of course not. Honestly, I don’t think it would be a bright idea to mix the magical clans in with the humans right off, anyways. There is so much prejudice and false information around; I think the results could be disastrous. No, I’m afraid we will need time we just don’t have right now.” He would have to speak with Dumbledore; the man had a knack for pushing the barriers with magical beings and the little witches and wizards at Hogwarts. It wouldn’t be much help now, since he certainly didn’t want children fighting, but if he lived long enough he’d like to know the younger generation were learning things correctly.
“I can set rules and laws, and enforce them, but I cannot be everywhere at once. We both know that it takes only one indiscretion for the clans to be offended beyond repair… and blood to be shed. I have a few people I can trust, but there is not enough to protect interactions.” Harry smiled ruefully. “I find it somewhat ironic that I’m missing my popularity of old. Things were a bit easier when I didn’t have to go about creating connections each time I returned.”
“Perhaps next time you will return faster, Sire?”
“Perhaps… I’m sure I had my reasons for staying away as long as I did.” Harry held a hand up, stopping at the mouth of the corridor that led to his current room. The grim’s body was still undisturbed, slumped between the wall and the floor. The house elves were just as superstitious as everyone else in the castle, and no one would touch the creature even though it was very dead. “Well, it’s all yours, Cred Balten.”
Harry approached the corpse and pulled it free from the wall. It gave way with a wet sounding rip, dried blood flaking onto his robes and a small curl of intestines slapping against the floor. “I wouldn’t recommend eating it. The parts will be useful for potions and trading though. I certainly have no use for it.” Balten happily slung the grim over his shoulder when Harry handed it to him. “Will you be going directly to the Arc Fault?”
“Hmm, well I suppose I will be making a few stops. There are some things we’ve discussed that the other clans will need to hear. Confirmation on your rebirth, for one.”
“Yes, that… I realize that all parties may not welcome it but, as with tradition, my coronation is open to all who wish to attend. It will be held two days from now on Friday. I will remain another two days before moving on to more mundane things. If anyone wishes to speak with me, I will be free those two days. Otherwise, I will not be seeing anyone for at least a month until my exritus has stabilized. If you wouldn’t mind passing that information along…?”
“It seems like a fair trade.” Balten agreed, taking a dagger from his belt and using it to stick the grim head to the rest of its pelt. “You do realize the dangers…?” He paused, taking in Harry’s expression. “Of course you do. There are a few rogues in all clans, but the majority will not follow the evil one. Your presence will help ensure that.”
Balten reached a hand towards Harry and they clasped each other’s forearm. “Thank you once again, Sire. I am pleased to have been able to meet you. I hope I get the pleasure again someday.”
Harry couldn’t help but return the sentiment; he’d had enough of everyone hinting that he wasn’t long for this world. “Do be careful in your travels. There will be those a little too anxious to know about what we have spoken of. I would hope to see you on Friday, but I will not take it as a slight if you choose against it.”
“I will consider it…” Balten paused, a thoughtful expression on his fierce face. “It was the most peculiar thing. On my arrival I could have put my life to the fact that I had heard the call of a dragon.”
Harry smiled. “I heard it the other day. I’ve been noticing new energies coming forth as well.”
The Ascian nodded, straightening from his bow. “As have I. That is quite a sign, Sire; a good sign. You may have more for your coronation than you suspect.”
Harry sighed. “Somehow I doubt it. Take care, Cred Balten.”

*******

Sitting hadn’t worked so Christien had taken to pacing, but that had been quite bothersome after a while and he had dizzily gone back to sitting. Only, moments later he was back on his feet again, peering out the tower window. And then, he was pacing again because there was no sign of the familiar blue head he was waiting for.
Certainly he could appreciated just how busy the First Chair was— he himself had experienced similar days— but honestly, if he didn’t get a few moments alone with the busy man, he was going to lose his mind! Growling in exasperation, Christien debated whether he should just go back to his office and finish the stack of reports waiting for him.
“Oh, sir, I thought you were in the Blueth Hall.” Ged peeked his head through the doorway he had just passed, a confused expression on his face. “Is everything alright? You look a bit frayed. Maybe you should call it a night?”
“No, I’m fine.” Christien took a deep sigh and composed himself, something he always found to be quite a bother as well. “I just need to speak with Lesley is all, and, as usual, he’s off on something.” The middle of the night and the man was away on business. It was always something.
“Actually, he’s downstairs looking for you… he had the oddest expression—yeah, just like yours…” Ged raised a brow at his superior but knew enough not to joke with him about the First Chair. “I sent him towards the Blueth Hall. I thought you were there. Err, I still need to go over the findings of our search, sir!” He hollered to Christien’s retreating form.
“Did you find anything?” Christien called back impatiently.
“Um, not really.”
“Then it can wait.” Taking off at a jog, he missed Ged’s amused smile. He took the tower stairs two at a time, jumping the final four. Alright, fine, he didn’t really need to run, it wasn’t like it was life or death or anything, it was just… hell. He was such a fool. By the time the meeting with the Heir had ended, he had been sent off to inform the Ministry of the latest events and Lesley was off doing whatever it is the First Chair did. Added to the whole grim, Helena, and Ascian thing, he hadn’t had a chance to speak with Lesley in private, and it was now midnight and he had yet to eat dinner, never mind set his mind to rest on their earlier discovery.
Had Lesley been serious? He had seemed so sure hours ago but now, having time to think away from Lesley’s intoxicating presence, he was only left with doubt. Annoyed, he slowed to a walk and then finally stopped to lean a hand against the wall. It wasn’t something you joked about… it just wasn’t. A life bond was serious business, and Lesley had said it like it was a stroll in the park.
He couldn’t have meant it. They had just been caught up in the moment, like it always happened when they were so close. It was chemical, magical even, during those few rare moments when they would slip and accidentally touch.
Light footsteps drew his attention and he raised his head. It figured; the instant he stopped looking.
“Hungry?” Lesley drew up beside him, looking as tired as Christien felt. “I was just about to head for the kitchens.”
“Uh, yeah. I’m starving actually.” He skirted away from the man’s gaze, slipping his thumbs into his belt loops and taking a step down the corridor. “How’d it go with…um, what were you doing?”
The taller man fell into step and they walked together. “Harry wanted me to throw my weight around with the African Ambassador. The ruddy bastard was trying to play like he didn’t know that the Wastelands of Thro were being looted. I’m pretty sure I scared him straight, but he’s still answering to someone. We may have to send some Enforcers to settle this all out.”
“Did you happen to mention who you’re working for recently?” Christien asked, curious how the ambassador had reacted when faced with the Heir.
Lesley pursed his lips as he remembered the waste of his last three hours. “He thought I was joking. I’ve invited him to the coronation though. If he bothers to show, I’m sure he’ll be rightfully cowed.”
“Ha, I expect he’ll be bending over in apology. It would be nice to see Kasper put in his place for a change. He’s gotten full of himself since he screwed over our Aurors on that custody fiasco two years ago.” Christien scowled at the memory.
Lesley sent him a bemused smile. “Still not a fan of the ambassador, huh? You might want to curb yourself around him for a while. He’s got a thing for the wild ones…”
Confused for a moment, it took a few lewd hand gestures from Lesley before the implications set in. “…Ewww, he’s like what, a flobberworm in a robe?”
“Well, I never said I was worried.” Without any hesitation, Lesley slung an arm over Christien’s shoulders, causing the other man to jump. “I’m glad I was able to catch you tonight. We need to talk.”
“Yeah, well, I-uh, I need to speak to you, as well.” He managed to get out, feeling too much like a flustered teenager to his liking. Damn it, he was thirty-four; he should be able to get a sentence out without sounding like a fool!
“That’s good, love. I’m glad to see we can still communicate after all this.” Lesley teased gently, and slowly threaded is hand through the curls at the back of Christien’s neck. He didn’t miss the soft hum the man made in response or the way Christien rolled his head slightly so he could trace across his spine. “To be honest, I was afraid you might have been hiding from me.”
“I wouldn’t hide, Lez.”
Lesley raised a brow, far from convinced. “No? Perhaps I’ve been paranoid these past months… but I could have sworn that you’ve been avoiding me. I’m sure the Ministry has enjoyed your new enthusiasm in your work there, but everyone knows you aren’t required to show more than once every two weeks. You’ve been there what, every day since our little snog-fest?”
“Err… it wasn’t, um, I wasn’t hiding, per say…” Christien looked away uncomfortably, his tanned cheeks flushed red.
Fine, he had been hiding. He had been confused, and angry… and really confused. Mostly because he had been the one to initiate their last encounter two months ago, and had been so sure at the moment when doing it. Usually it was Lesley somehow cornering him at odd moments when his guard was done. He had surprised himself with his daring, blaming it on his frame of mind at the time. Then he had caught Lesley being all cozy with the normal group of women that hounded the man, and he had decided he was a fool and shut Lesley out for the following months. Lesley’s consequential sulking had confused him—No, it had pissed him off really. Why couldn’t the man make any sense? The whole bond thing wasn’t really helping him in the confusion department at all either.
“Besides, it wasn’t a snog-fest. You happened to be in my way while I was running and I, er, landed on your lips.”
“Several times.”
Christien cringed. He apparently wasn’t fooling anyone. “Well, be that as it may, it wasn’t intentional and a far cry from anything remotely considered snogging, never mind a festival of snogging.”
Lesley stopped walking, his hand on Christien’s neck forcing the man still. Turning serious gold eyes on Christien’s flustered form, he remarked decidedly. “You’re far too cute for your own good at times, Chrissy.”
Christien’s anxiety melted into annoyance; he was certainly not some delicate, cute thing, and if Lesley couldn’t see that then they were going to have a real problem, real fast. “I am not—”
“Oh, you are, love. And I suggest you find a way to stop it right this instant before my resolve breaks and I stop being a gentleman.” Lesley warned, his eyes narrowing as he looked the man over thoroughly.
Hell, maybe being cute wasn’t such a bad thing after all. “…Food—We should, uh… get food. Now.” Grabbing the hand on his neck, he urged Lesley forward in hopes of distracting them from such thoughts. They really needed to talk, and sucking face in some dark corridor wasn’t really going to help in that department—no matter how nice it would be at the time.
“Chris, wait I…” Eyes intent on Christien’s parted lips, it took a moment for Lesley to notice the other presence in the hall.
Loxton, cold amusement plain on his face, stepped from a stairwell shrouded in shadow. “Gentlemen, please don’t let me intrude.”
“Shouldn’t you be out feeding on the weak, Rowland?” Lesley commented blandly, his face void of emotion. He tightened his grip on Christien, both watching the Chancellor guardedly.
Loxton shook his head with a small smile that never reached his eyes. He gave the staff in his hand a little twirl and walked up to the two. “Ah, I do believe that is more your game, Lesley. Your family has quite the habit of… hunting…” He let his eyes linger on Christien for a moment. “I do hope someone is guarding our little Heir at such a late hour. Who knows what could be lurking in the shadows.”
“Harry is quite capable of taking care of himself.” Lesley stood a little straighter, his eyes narrowing. “Especially from the likes of you, Rowland.”
Loxton stared at the man impassively. “We’ll see, Lesley. I heard a grim nearly got him just this morning. The way things are going, I won’t even have to get my hands dirty.”
Lesley stepped forward with a sneer. “I’m warning you…”
“Ah, but that’s all you can do.” Suddenly Loxton had his staff pressed to Lesley’s throat, a narrow blade glittering with a magical aura hidden in the wood. Christien made a move but Lesley held him still. “You are a mere puppet here, Lesley. You do not have the authority or the will to dispose of me. And believe me, I know that is what you wish with all your altruistic, pathetic heart.”
“I could tear you apart with my bare hands.” Lesley spat, his glamours falling away to reveal a row of pointed teeth and claws itching to do just that.
“As long as you are bound to your vows as First Chair, you can’t even touch me, old man. Let’s see how long you last once your little guardian has gone back to school. You’ve crossed me for the last time, Lesley.” Rowland’s wrist shifted slightly, a small cut appearing on Lesley’s flesh.
“I think you had better watch your mouth, Rowland.” Christien snapped, grabbing the staff from the man and Lesley’s long throat, and throwing it to the ground. “I am still the Magistrate here and what you’re speaking of is blatant treason. If you have a problem with the First Chair’s performance, than it will be settled in the courts in accordance with the law. Incase you’ve forgotten, the position of Chancellor does not allow you to kill whomever gets in your way.”
“Yes… well that will have to be changed, won’t it?” Loxton held his hand out, his staff flying to his palm. “We’ll see what the Heir has to say a week from now.” Without another word, he whirled and stalked down the hall, his robes billowing behind him.
“Is he insane?” Christien asked, watching until the Chancellor was out of sight before turning to Lesley. “He outright threatened you right in front of me.”
“He’s up to something.” Lesley said with certainty, carefully rubbing his throat. He’d have to see Jacques to be sure he hadn’t been poisoned or put under some spell from the slight contact.
“Has he forgotten who your family is? Wouldn’t Solus Ta—?”
“Don’t speak that name!” Lesley snapped instinctively, turning on the man. “Unless you are family or something akin, you do not speak those names when in the house of another of my kin. It could likely get you killed.”
“Whoa, Lez.” Christien held his hands up in apology, surprised by the force of wrath given off by the man. “I really didn’t expect you to care about those things.”
“No, I… things are changing. Rowland it right, loathe as I am to say it.” Lesley waved vaguely in the direction the Chancellor had left, looking very tired. “If he kills me, none of you will know how to deal with my kind.”
Blinking, Christien grabbed onto the man’s arm. “What—Lesley! What the hell is that supposed to mean?! This is Rowland we’re talking about. He’s powerful but not as much as you.”
Lesley shook his head. “You underestimate him, you all have. As for my blood, they will not come to my rescue. My battles are my own, and I have been practically exiled from my family anyways since I accepted the position of First Chair. Rowland is well aware of this. No, he’s moving on something… something soon… I have to speak with Harry.” Lesley pulled away and began walking towards the stairs.
“Wait… gods be damned, wait! Fine, let Rowland get to you, but don’t think you’re throwing me off that easily, Lesley Griffith.” Christien grabbed Lesley’s arm again and began pulling him in the other direction. “It can wait for fifteen minutes, while you need to eat something before you become ill. Don’t think I haven’t notice you working yourself ragged these last few days.”
“I can get a house elf—mmph!” Baffled by the hot mouth on his, Lesley stopped struggling and let Christien crush him against the corridor wall.
“Fifteen minutes.” Christien demanded while sliding his hands across Lesley’s back and shoulders. Lesley nodded dumbly in reply, clutching at the shorter man’s biceps and seeking out his mouth with his.
Christien pulled away all too soon though, dragging Lesley’s befuddled form after him towards the kitchen for a good hot meal, and a long talk.
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Awakening To the Dream