Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Freedom Bound in Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 58478 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Harry Potter characters. I did not make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 47
- 48
- 49
Dancing
Malfoy Manor was lit up like a shimmering star. Every window spilled golden light onto the lawn and gardens. Facing the front door, the whole left side of the first floor was filled with playful instrumental music. Upon entering the foyer, Lottie greeted guests and took their invitations, guiding them into the entrance hall. The crystal chandelier above them was at full light. The marble floors shone with a mirror finish, the wide staircase glistened as if new, beautiful statuary and portraits accented the walls, and at the base of the staircase on the left-hand side stood the Malfoy family.
Lucius stood straight and proud, his hair pulled neatly back and tied expertly with a black ribbon at the base of his neck, his hair falling in a glistening tail between his shoulder blades. He wore sleek black dress robes that hugged his shoulders and torso and flared out at the waist. Three tiny silver buttons held the robe closed over his stomach. A bright white dress shirt, a gorgeously textured deep blue vest and matching bowtie could be seen underneath the outer robe. Perfectly tailored pants were tight along his muscled thighs and fell over leather boots with an inch heal. His cane rested under his right hand while his left arm was crooked for Narcissa’s hand.
Narcissa was his perfect match, skin slightly paler than his and with hair a darker pale yellow to the Malfoy platinum. It was done in a perfectly intricate knot with clear crystals strewn throughout, and she wore a diamond-colored gown that fell off both shoulders. The long sleeves were thin and gauzy, the corset tight across her bodice, hugging her slender ribcage. The dress flared out at her hips, falling in white and silver drapes and ruffles to the floor. Sapphires ringed her neck in two layers, one strand against her throat and the other falling over her sternum. Diamonds hung from her ears.
Draco and Harry stood at her side in nearly identical robes to Lucius except in miniature. The only difference was that Harry’s vest and bowtie were black compared to Lucius and Draco who were the Malfoy blue. Draco, of course, was miserable in the heavy, constricting clothes. However, you could not see it on his face. He kept a perfectly calm expression, lips turned up in a polite smile. Harry stood flushed and nervous, eyes lowered behind round black glasses. He held tightly to Draco’s hand, anxious about messing up.
Guests were greeted by Narcissa and Lucius and then gave their compliments to Draco and birthday wishes to Harry. Then they were guided to the left and into the long ballroom. The inside wall was covered in a single long mirror, making the room seem twice as wide as it really was. The outside wall held large windows that spilled light out onto the front lawn.
Enormous chandeliers glistened and filled the room with soft, beautiful light. Spelled fireflies in soft gold and white fairy lights twinkled and shimmered above the guests’ heads. The white and grey pattern of the shinning marble floor swirled together to create a delicate spiral that dancers could follow during the waltz.
Seven pillars stood along the mirrored wall. Greenery and flowers were draped and hung along the ceiling between them. Long tables covered in beautiful, hand-stitched lace tablecloths were set with finger foods, champagne flutes, wine glasses, and dozens of different types of deserts. In the center along that wall and on a raised platform, slightly faded images of Malfoys from the years past played various instruments.
The instruments were real and had been enchanted with the memory of the Malfoy who had played them in life. There were twelve instruments in all: two violins, a cello, one clarinet, two harps, and a piano. The music they produced was beautiful and light. It was an impressive and inspiring bit of magic, a not-so-subtle display of Malfoy power.
Narrow and long, the ballroom had at first seemed too large for a birthday party that had only fifteen kids invited, but as the guests continued to arrive, the space slowly began to fill. Twelve-year-old Marcus Flint was the first to arrive with his parents in tow. Draco had demanded a list of former Death Eaters who were invited, and so he was aware that Lord Flint carried the Dark Mark. Draco watched him carefully, but when he spoke to Harry, there was no hint of hostility.
Second came seven-year-old Earnest Macmillan with his parents. They were Neutral, and Draco had expected the family to be nervous. Instead, the family was very haughty and gave compliments only by making a comparison to their own home or property.
Then six-year-old Hannah Abbott arrived. Her parents plus her aunt, who was Head of the Family, and her uncle came with her. Her mother just happened to be Draco and Harry’s caseworker: Abigail Abbott, Head of the Department of Magical Child Services. Mrs. Abbott assured both boys after greeting them that she was here in a completely unofficial capacity and she thanked Narcissa again for her thoughtful invitation.
Next, identical twin girls stepped up to greet the boys. They were introduced as five-year-old Flora and Hestia Carrow. Like Hannah, they arrived with their parents as well as an aunt. Their father and their aunt just happened to be twins as well, and they were the most intimidating bunch who had arrived so far, with unblinking stares and too-wide smiles. Amycus and Alecto Carrow were also Death Eaters, but again Draco didn’t sense any particular malice when they spoke to Harry. Still, Draco’s hand tightened around his boy’s until the Carrows finally finished their greetings and left them to enter the ballroom.
The next guest was most welcome. Dora arrived with her mother. They wore matching purple gowns, except Dora’s was off the floor, the puffy skirt swirling around her ankles. It also covered her chest and had full sleeves while Andromeda’s gown consisted of a sleeveless corset. Draco accepted Dora’s hug and didn’t protest when she also flung her arms around Harry. The thirteen-year-old was smiling widely, clearly delighted to be at the ball.
Seven-year-old Theodore Nott arrived with only his father. Lord Nott was older than Lucius and he seemed very solemn and stern. Theodore wasn’t nearly that cold, blushing and ducking his head, reminding Draco of Harry. Nott was another Death Eater. He greeted Harry as he was expected to, but he said the bare minimal. However, he spoke the same to Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco, so perhaps that was just his way and not a sign that he wanted Harry dead.
Seven-year-old Vincent Crabbe and six-year-old Gregory Goyle arrived together with their parents. Narcissa and Lucius greeted them with the most familiarity so far. The two boys were overweight, blond, and blue-eyed. They were cousins, their mothers sisters. Harry’s nervousness spiked and he tucked his face into Draco’s shoulder. Narcissa prevented things from getting awkward by telling Mrs. Crabbe and Mrs. Goyle that she looked forward to talking more in the ballroom, dismissing them. Draco didn’t have time to ask Harry why he was so upset by those particular families, but he would be sure to ask him later.
Seven-year-old Pansy Parkinson arrived with her Death Eater father and her mother. They were all dark-haired and not very beautiful, their features too severe, but they were intelligent. It showed in their eyes and the confident way they spoke. This was another family greeted warmly by Lucius and Narcissa.
Seven-year-old Millicent Bulstrode arrived with her parents next. Her father was also a Death Eater. Lord Bulstrode greeted Harry stiffly, but the mother and daughter smiled warmly before being led away. They were the first family where the women said nothing, not even a greeting, the father doing all the talking. Draco watched them, thinking that he could easily win Millicent over.
The next family to arrive was Neutral, and after greeting so many Dark families, they were very welcome. Six-year-old Daphne Greengrass and her little sister, five-year-old Astoria, arrived with their father Iason Greengrass and their mother, as well as their grandfather, Lord Cyrus Greengrass. However, Draco noticed the way Iason’s hand tightened on Daphne’s shoulder when she spoke to Draco, which was interesting. It seemed Iason still had a problem with him.
The last two families to arrive came together just as the Crabbe and Goyle families had. Fifteen-year-old Thorfinn Rowle and thirteen-year-old Euphemia Yaxley were also cousins. Both families were Dark, the fathers were both Death Eaters, and their mothers were sisters. They greeted Lucius and Narcissa politely, expressed seemingly genuine well-wishes to Draco for his return, and eyed Harry warily. Draco grinned, showing his teeth.
With the last guest having arrived, Lucius led them into he ballroom, and they made their way over to the platform with the instruments. A wave of Lucius’s hand and they came to a stop, silence replacing the sound of music.
“I am happy so many of you chose to attend this auspicious occasion for my family as we celebrate the return of our son, Draco, and the birth of our ward, Harry Potter. Please enjoy the refreshments our elves have prepared. We shall begin the dance shortly.”
Turning, he started up the music again, and Narcissa gestured Draco and Harry to a corner of the ballroom where couches, armchairs, and a few games and toys were set out. Draco noticed a chess board, magical dominos, Exploding Snap, and quoits (a magical ring toss game). Following their example, the kids of each family broke away from their groups to follow the boys to the “children’s corner”.
Dora was the first to approach them, her skirt swishing around her as she walked. “Draco! Harry! This place is incredible!” she exclaimed and flopped into an armchair, her dress rising up around her, making her laugh.
Draco noticed the others giving Dora either shocked or disgusted looks. In comparison, the other girls - Hannah, Euphemia, and Pansy - sat perfectly gracefully on a long couch, carefully holding and pressing their skirts so that it pillowed around them in an orderly fashion. Thorfinn and Marcus stood together against the wall, wine glasses in hand, while Theodore sat on a smaller couch next to Earnest.
Earnest sniffed and flicked at the arm of the couch as if it might be dirty, while Theodore clasped his hands in his lap and watched Daphne and Millicent. The girls had chosen to sit on the floor with the dominoes.
Vincent and Gregory stood awkwardly at the edge of their gathering, blinking slowly and looking somewhat confused. Meanwhile, Astoria stood next to the couch with the three girls and was being questioned by the unsettling twins: Flora and Hestia. About what, Draco could only imagine. He had chosen to stand next to the armchair he had directed Harry to sit in. It was placed next to the one Dora had chosen.
“So. What do you think about the Wizarding world so far?” Thorfinn asked neutrally, eyes on Draco. He was an intimidating teen, tall and broad-shouldered with thick, sandy blond hair and dark hazel eyes.
Draco met his gaze easily in spite of Thorfinn standing almost as tall as Lucius. “What can I say?” he drawled. “It’s different.”
“You lived with Muggles?” Marcus asked, a sneer on his lips, his thick brows hanging over his eyes in a glare. He had dark, curly hair and pale white skin, making him look like a kid vampire. He was also wide and thick for a kid only twelve.
“Oh shut it,” Dora cut in, scowling back at him. She had finally wrestled her dress into place. “Unless you want to talk about your adventure getting lost in Salisbury and falling into that gnome’s den. That’s a way worse place to live, don’t you think?”
Marcus flushed red, glaring angrily at Dora. “Who told you that?”
Dora fluffed her platinum blond hair, an identical shade to Draco’s, as her eyes brightened to Harry’s emerald green. She was about to retort when Draco put hand on her shoulder.
“We’re not here to fight,” he cut in. Giving Marcus a cool smile, he answered, “I lived a bunch of places before coming here, not just with Muggles.” Then turning to Thorfinn, he asked, “You’re in Hogwarts?”
“Hufflepuff,” Thorfinn drawled and tipped his head at Dora. “Like Tonks, but I’ll be starting my Fifth-year.”
Draco turned his eyes expectantly to a still red-faced and scowling Marcus.
“I’ll be a Second-year Slytherin,” the teen bit out.
“I’m a Ravenclaw,” Euphemia spoke up, voice soft and polite. She had soft brown hair that fell to her waist in waves; her bangs were tied back with a ribboned bow. Her eyes were almost the same shade of brown as her hair, and her skin was tan. In her white dress, she was very pretty. “I’ll be starting my Fourth-year like Dora.”
“How do you like it?” Draco asked, but then he lifted his eyebrow in a wry expression as he eyed Marcus and Dora. “Or will that make you guys fight some more?”
“It’s great,” Dora offered, looking around to see if anyone would argue with that. No one did. “It’s huge! Seeing it for the first time is like seeing magic itself. Quidditch is really popular and the classes are challenging, but it’s all stuff you can use, mostly, so it’s interesting.”
“I’m going to try out for Quidditch this year,” Marcus spoke up. He finally lost his scowl and smiled. “Eventually I’ll be captain.”
“Slytherin is one of the strongest Houses at Quidditch,” Thorfinn explained, tone neutral. “They’re the type to do anything to win.”
“He’s calling us cheaters,” Marcus clarified, grinning. “But it’s not cheating or we’d get called on it.”
Dora laughed. “You do. Your team has almost double the fouls as Hufflepuff.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Marcus promised, grinning.
“I’m glad I’ll be out of Hogwarts by then,” Thorfinn said with a laugh. “An evil villain is taking up the team.”
“How’d you and Potter meet anyway?” Pansy broke into the conversation, voice slightly rushed as if anxious to join in.
Harry looked up at Draco at the same time as Draco looked down at him. A small smile curled Draco’s lips and his grey eyes seemed to twinkle when he answered, “On a pirate ship.”
The group of magical kids stared at him with wonder and disbelief.
Draco’s smile widened. “You don’t have to believe me, but we were kidnapped and held on a pirate ship.” His voice dropped as if sharing a secret. “They made us work, even during storms, the deck rocking back and forth. We escaped by taking out the captain. Knocked him right overboard. Then we jumped ship and ran into an American city. It had huge towers made of metal and glass. If you looked at them when the sun was shinning, it’d blind you!”
“You’re making that up,” Marcus muttered, his dark scowl back again.
Draco shrugged and leaned against Harry’s chair, unconcerned. “Believe what you want.”
“Can we see your scar?” Flora and Hestia asked at the same time, eyes on Harry.
They were done with whatever issue they had with Astoria. Astoria had slipped in next to her sister on the floor, looking very relieved to be away from the other two. The twins were now flanking Dora’s chair, sitting on either side like matching bookends, one in a pale pink gown and the other in dove grey. With ruler-straight black hair and hungry eyes, they looked like they were from a scary movie.
Draco eyed the group. They all seemed interested, even the shy ones like Theodore and Millicent. After some thought, during which the group around them held their breath, he finally told Harry across their bond, * Go ahead. Lift your hair. *
Harry obediently reached up to hold his messy bangs away from his forehead. The kids around them made soft sounds as they leaned forward to see it clearly. The famous lightning bolt was pale white against Harry’s skin, slightly off center to the left. It started an inch below his hairline and stopped at his left eyebrow.
“Do you remember the night He came?” Flora - the one in pink - asked avidly, dark brown eyes wide and excited.
“Did it hurt?” Hestia - the one in grey - added, expression identical to her sisters.
Draco tilted his head curiously, a plan blooming in his mind. Dora opened her mouth with a glare, but a look from Draco silenced her. He lifted his hand to stroke Harry’s hair once, happy that his boy had been relatively calm so far, just the normal level of - nervousness - that he usually exhibited.
* Harry, I want you to tell them exactly what I tell you, * he purred into Harry’s mind. * I want you to drop your mask when you do. Show them your true face. *
- anxiety trust -
* Good boy, * he said, stroking his hair once more. * Tell them… *
Harry’s heart pounded in his chest. He’d been trying so hard to remain calm and not mess this important night up for Draco and Narcissa. He’d concentrated on looking blank and normal, eyes up and staying as relaxed as possible. It had helped once they sat down with Draco standing over him and touching him. Draco could handle anything, and it relaxed his nerves that the blond was in control. Now Draco wanted him to drop the mask he’d used as a focus. What if they saw how filthy he was? What if he ruined everything? But Draco told him to, and he trusted Draco.
Mouth parting slightly as his breathing grew fast and light. His eyes widened behind his glasses and his hand dropped from his bangs, shaking slightly. Sweat began to dew on his upper lip and hairline. Clasping his hands tightly in his lap, his fingers bleached white. When he spoke, his voice shook and he hardly got his words out above a whisper, - terrified - he’d get this wrong.
“I remember it…” He swallowed, eyes wide as he listened to Draco’s voice in his head. He dropped his gaze to his lap, unable to look the other kids in the eye without his mask. “No one thinks I should. I was a baby, but… maybe it’s magic?”
Draco smirked. You could hear a pin drop. The kids were frozen, eyes glued to Harry, hanging on his every word.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back…” Harry continued, lower lip trembling. “He wasn’t human any more. His eyes were red, and he had this laugh… like a little girl, really. He was crazy. Completely out of control. Narcissa’s teaching us a little bit about magic, and I think…” His eyes darted around, as if checking that no adult would overhear. “I think he was tenebris malus.”
That basically meant sick with darkness or insane with darkness. It was a condition that befell Dark magic users who became consumed and broken by the magic. It was deeply shameful, but it was also common for those who pushed too far into Dark magic. You’d be insane to follow someone in the grips of tenebris malus; the person was locked into a destructive spiral that always, always led to a very messy death.
All Dark families taught their children about Dark madness and told the tragic stories of the wizards who had succumbed as warnings. Narcissa had already mentioned it several times on their nightly walks after dinner down the Hall of Portraits. If Draco could make these kids believe - and possibly their families believe - Voldemort had become tenebris malus, it would be a step toward weakening the Dark Lord’s support structure. It would also build their reputations if Harry had survived the attack of someone caught in the grips of Dark madness.
“You’re making that up,” Marcus blustered, but his voice was faint and uncertain.
Draco had the same answer for him as before. Leaning against Harry’s chair, expression unconcerned but his eyes fierce, he said, “Believe what you want.”
The music stopped as Narcissa gracefully ascended the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, let the dance begin.”
Lucius stood at the base of the stairs and offered his hand up toward his wife. She took it and he led her into the center of the room. The guests backed off to give them space, and Lucius led Narcissa into a waltz. Her gown flared around her as they twirled, her head held in a graceful arc as she looked into the direction of every twirl. They moved so beautifully together.
Slowly other couples took hands and joined them, their bodies adding to the fluid pattern Lucius and Narcissa spelled out.
Thorfinn came around and approached the couch with the three girls. “May I have this dance?” he asked, bowing before Euphemia.
She accepted his hand and they joined the dancers twirling on the floor. Marcus, a slight blush on his face, asked Pansy to dance. Earnest took Hannah, and Theodore offered his hand to the quiet Millicent. Quite against convention, the five-year-old Carrow twins pulled the slow-blinking Vincent and Gregory onto the floor without waiting for them to ask.
Draco prodded Harry to offer his hand to Dora, reminding him to try and put his mask back on. As they walked past, Harry only as tall as Dora’s shoulders, Draco grabbed her arm and whispered, “Take the lead, but don’t be obvious. He’s a nervous dancer, and I don’t want him to look bad.”
- gratitude relief - flowed softly through the bond. Harry felt grateful that Draco was taking care of him; made him feel like maybe he wouldn’t mess this up.
Dora gave Draco a serious nod and carefully guided Harry into an open spot amongst the dancers. With a smile, she said, “Don’t worry, Harry. I’ll probably trip at some point, so if we look awkward, everyone will think it’s me!”
Satisfied that Harry would be okay even as - anxiety fear - strummed through the bond, Draco looked at the remaining girls of the group. Daphne and Astoria still sat on the floor, their ball gowns pooling around them. They had almost the same shade of golden hair and dark green eyes, and they looked up at him with equally expectant expressions. Draco knew he’d have to dance with all the girls at some point, as it was only polite, but who he chose first would make a statement.
He chose Astoria. She was a few inches shorter than him, about Harry’s height. They would look better dancing together as long as she followed his lead.
She accepted his hand with a blush, coming to her feet in one smooth motion, her leaf green gown swishing. He put his hand on her waist and lifted his other to shoulder height. She moved with him easily. It wasn’t as smooth as dancing with Harry, but they looked good together, her dress flaring beautifully on every turn. The song ended and he turned to find Pansy ending her dance with Marcus with a curtsy.
* Ask Astoria to dance, * Draco ordered down the bond, catching sight of Harry standing uncertainly off to the side. “May I have this dance?” he asked out loud, holding his hand to Pansy. She accepted his hand and stood with an excited smile.
Harry found Astoria and in a soft voice asked, “May I have this dance?”
The girl blushed the same as she had for Draco and took Harry’s slightly damp and trembling hand. She was very sweet and slow as she moved with Harry onto the dance floor. As they settled into the steps for the waltz, it was stiff and awkward, but she was patient and kind, so it went okay.
Harry was nearing his limit as the song came to an end, and he practically stumbled back over to the chairs in the corner when Draco allowed him to take a break. Millicent and Hannah were the odd girls out for the third dance. He sat there, not knowing what to say, when Hannah broke the ice.
“Draco’s a good dancer,” she offered.
Harry practically lit up. “Draco’s the best.”
“What’s it like having a bond?” Millicent asked quietly.
Harry glanced up at her with his big green eyes before ducking his head with a smile. “Draco saved me. It feels like… like… being safe and alive and…” he trailed off, not knowing how to say all the feelings he felt.
Hannah clasped her hands, grinning. “That sounds so cool! The papers say it’s a twin bond, so maybe it’s how other twins feel, too. My mum said it’s really rare for people who aren’t really twins to make a twin bond, so you must be very special.”
“Draco’s special,” Harry explained anxiously. “Not me.”
The girls looked at each other, unsure what to say next. Hannah brightened, knowing it was always safe to give compliments. “You look beautiful, Millicent.”
“Thank you,” the shy girl answered, smiling. “You, too.”
“This is only my second ball,” Hannah continued. “I think I love them. Dancing is so fun!”
The next song started and Draco prompted him to ask Millicent to dance. He obeyed, feeling queasy from nerves. A mask was one thing - he represented Draco and the Malfoys now and he had to act a certain way - but touching other people made him feel jittery. He was filthy, and he was afraid he’d contaminate them.
* Remember your nice clothes and how good you look. You’re mine. You aren’t dirty when you’re doing things for me, * Draco whispered into his mind, somehow knowing exactly what Harry was afraid of.
Draco’s words settled his nerves a little bit, and he relaxed slightly into Millicent’s gentle hold. His clothes were very nice, it was true, and it felt like a protective armor. An armor that would protect others from him. It allowed him enough peace of mind to take a deep breath and move with Millicent across the floor.
The dancing continued until Draco had danced with all the girls they had invited. Harry had taken a few breaks, avoiding by Draco’s direction the more aggressive girls. Showing Harry was affected by memories of the night he was orphaned was one thing, allowing the girls to push Harry around was another. Draco wouldn’t allow it, so Harry only danced with Dora, Astoria, Millicent, and Daphne.
Despite Draco’s encouragement, Harry was on the verge of collapse after his fourth dance. He’d managed to hide it mostly, but he was ghostly pale and tears had gathered in the corner of his eyes. He didn’t belong here, dancing and trying to belong. Harry repeated his mantra over and over in his head - I belong to Draco! - to remind himself that Draco belonged here and he belonged to Draco. Harry had to do his part, but the stress was getting to him and he knew it, which stressed him out more because he could feel himself crumbling.
Draco strode over to where his boy stood frozen near the center of the dance floor, looking blankly at the curtsying Daphne and completely lost on what to do next. Ignoring Daphne’s concerned expression, Draco offered his hand to his boy.
Harry took it without thought, and as soon as their skin came into contact, Draco was able to press his presence down the bond like a heavy weight against Harry’s mind. Harry visibly relaxed, and Draco tugged him firmly against his chest. The room faded away as their senses locked on each other.
Narcissa became aware of the disturbance as her dance partner’s steps slowed to a stop. She followed Lord Nott’s eyes to see Harry held close by Draco, waltzing together in the center of the floor.
Draco’s hands weren’t anywhere inappropriate, his right hand firmly on Harry’s waist and his dominant hand holding Harry’s hand up and out at shoulder-height, but there was no space at all between their chests. Harry’s head was bowed forward, resting on top of Draco’s shoulder in a show of complete submission as he moved blindly. The nape of his neck was revealed, and the black collar could be seen above his robe line.
They moved as one, not a single awkward moment between them. Draco pressed forward and Harry moved back. Every turn and step Draco took was smooth and yet forceful; Harry offered no resistance. It was almost art, the graceful way they cut across the floor. It was stirring and shocking, especially because they were still children and yet there was an undeniable hint of sexuality in their movements. Within moments, all the dancers stopped until Draco and Harry were encircled by an awestruck audience.
Narcissa met Lucius’s eyes. She could see him thinking furiously behind his perfectly blank mask on how to spin this and save Draco’s secret, but perhaps this was for the best. It would set the stage and start rumors so that when Draco came out to the world about his relationship with Harry it wouldn’t be so shocking.
She glanced at the expressions on their guests’ faces. Surprise sat on most of them and also appreciation for the display of undeniable beauty in their movements, but she could already see the shadings of suspicion and disapproval beginning to register on the faces of the Macmillans and Lord Bulstrode.
Purebloods, and especially those from the sacred bloodlines, would have been taught to hate and be disgusted by homosexuals. Such a thing was a real and direct threat to the continuation of their history and culture.
Lucius moved with fake calm to the stage and cut the song short only by a few moments, so that it didn’t seem too awkward or deliberate. He gave the room a cool smile and said, “Let us take a break from all the dancing and have the boys accept their gifts. Draco, Harry, if you would join me.”
Draco took Harry by the hand and moved confidently forward, unaffected by the intense scrutiny of the crowd. Harry looked much calmer, but he still ducked his head when he felt the weight of those stares.
The two stood side-by-side in front of the stage, Lucius placing himself to their right, Narcissa moving gracefully next to her husband. Their guests slowly formed a half-circle around the Malfoy family, enlarging and/or summoning the gifts they had brought. The boys accepted each gift with words of appreciation memorized before hand. They examined each one and set them gently aside on the stage. Narcissa took mental notes so that they may personalize each thank-you note they would send.
They received typical things, like books, plants, and games, what kids would normally receive from strangers. After the gift giving, the circle broke up into a more informal gathering. Some began to dance again, a couple of the kids moved back toward the corner with seats and toys to whisper together, others visited the food tables. Narcissa swept Harry into a dance while Lucius put a hand on his young son’s shoulder.
“You should keep certain things close,” Lucius murmured quietly.
Draco glanced up at his father. “Harry’s mine. I’ll never pretend otherwise.”
Lucius bit back the flood of words he wanted to say: They won’t understand! They will ostracize you! They will make your life miserable! You will have no connections, no marriage offers, no children! Some of it must have shown in his expression, however, because Draco sighed and briefly touched the back of Lucius’s hand.
“Look,” he said softly, quickly. “I’m the lost child and Harry’s the-Boy-Who-Lived. We’re rich and have all of the Malfoy status. We got ties to the Muggle world and Faerie. Our past is mysterious and exciting. The worst thing we can do is turn out to be normal. We’ll shock them, sure, but it’ll keep them wanting more, too.” He crooked his finger, making Lucius bend down. Cupping his hand around his lips so no one could read them, he whispered, “But most important of all, I want it clear that anyone who messes with Harry will have to go through me. Because nothing else matters more than that, Lucius.”
The quiet ferocity in Draco’s voice was heart stopping. Straightening, he subtly tugged at his sleeves, trying to settle his mind as his son strode off toward the corner with a few of the other children.
If being shocking was Draco’s aim, his son excelled at it. However, Lucius still wasn’t convinced that Draco had as much power as he thought he did. It was a very dangerous line he walked, and Lucius was hardly confident that his son fully understood the consequences he could suffer.
…
Draco gave a cool smirk as Euphemia, Marcus, Earnest, and Hannah fell silent at his approach. He looked each in the eye before choosing an armchair to sit in. He braced his elbow on the arm and rested his cheek on his fist, lips still quirked. The others stared back like lost sheep.
“I love dancing,” Draco finally drawled, voice heavy with meaning. “Don’t you?”
The others shifted uncomfortably, but before they could come up with something to say, Harry arrived, coming to stand next to the arm of the chair Draco was leaning against.
His mask was in place, so he looked back at the other kids, blinking slowly, expression calm. Inside, he was - uneasy uncertain. Draco made no move to acknowledge him, keeping his attention on the group of kids across from him. They looked more confused and uncertain than ever, shooting glances at each other, stuck.
Fortunately for them, Dora bounced up, her ball gown swishing and sighing, a grin on her face. “Tell us more about the pirate ship, Draco!” She folded with unusual grace for her onto the floor near their feet, staring up at him with exaggerated interest.
Draco snorted and sat up, patting the arm of the chair for Harry to sit. Harry did so, happily ducking his head so that he could watch Draco instead of the others around them. “Well, the captain was a mean brute. Wide enough to almost touch each wall of the narrow hallway below deck with wild dark hair to his shoulders. He was always glaring, except when there was blood. He always smiled when there was blood, and when he smiled, his teeth gleamed like a shark’s.”
“Was he a wizard?” Pansy asked, having arrived to hear him start the tale. She had Vincent and Gregory with her. They took a seat on one of the near couches to listen.
“I’m not sure. Never saw him with a wand, but I wouldn’t see it, would I, if he was on the run.” Draco lowered his voice, painting a story with his voice. “They’d make land at night when there was no moon and hide during the day far out on the ocean where no one could find them. I was kept down below during the raids, but I could hear them, the pirates yelling and cheering as they came aboard with the treasure they stole or the people they captured to play with. They’d have huge parties, drinking and singing, and I’d watch them through the floorboards.”
By that time, the rest of the kids had ambled over to see what was going on. Thorfinn leaned against the wall - Eupemia, Millicent, and Hannah shared a couch with Earnest and Marcus sitting on each arm - Pansy, Vincent, and Gregory shared another one - Dora was on the floor - the twins had squeezed in next to each other on a single armchair - and Theodore stood silently behind the couch Pansy had chosen. All of them were riveted on Draco, captivated by his story. In fact, the only two missing were Daphne and Astoria, who were standing with their father. Iason had a hand on each girl’s shoulder, keeping them close and away from Draco.
“Once,” Draco told his listeners, voice low and secretive. “There was a great storm. I thought we were done for. The sky was black as if you were in a room with no lights, no stars, no moon, nothing. The only light came from the lamps hanging on the ship. The wind howled. Like a beast or someone screaming on the top of their lungs. And it rocked! Like this.” He demonstrated, swaying one way and then the other. “The pirates couldn’t even stand. Falling over and hitting the walls. They were yelling, trying to fight the boat and keep us floating. The captain stood front and center on the deck, holding onto the wheel. The rain came down in sheets. You couldn’t see anything more than an arm’s length in front of you, and it was cold! Like ice cold. Thunder would hit and it shook the whole boat.” He clapped his hands, grinning when half of the kids jumped. “Lightning even hit the mast and caught it on fire, but the rain was coming down so hard that it put it out in a minute!”
“What happened next?” Flora asked, breathless, clinging to her sister, clearly thrilled.
“The waves lifted the ship up and dropped it down with a huge crash.” Draco demonstrated with his hands, lifting them up and slamming them down on his thighs. “The bottom of the ship flooded and some of the people they'd captured died.” He took note of the horrified looks on Theodore, Millicent, and Hannah’s faces. “They floated up to the top, bouncing there along the bottom of the deck. Thump! Thump! Thump!”
“Ew!” Hannah squealed and was quickly shushed by Earnest, who was afraid Draco would stop the story.
“What’d they look like?” Marcus demanded in a hushed whisper.
“They were white and swollen, full of cold water. They looked like white dolls, shinny and smooth with their eyes staring wide open.”
Millicent looked ill and she wasn’t the only one, but some of the others wanted more. Draco made note of the Carrows, Marcus, and Earnest. Their enjoyment told Draco all he needed to know to control them.
Draco shrugged. “Eventually, the storm quieted down. I had to go gather up all the dead ones floating in the dark below deck and bring them up top. The pirates were pissed. They chopped up the bodies right there. Whack!” Hannah and Millicent jumped while Theodore shivered, looking green. “And fed them to the sharks.”
“You’re so full of shite,” Thorfinn muttered, grinning, but Draco could see the uncertainty in his eyes. The teen couldn’t tell for sure he was lying, which suited Draco just fine.
Once more, Draco told them, “Believe what you want.” He met each of their eyes, letting them see the weight of experience in his own.
On cue, Harry stepped away from Draco and offered his hand to Millicent. “Would you like to dance?” he asked softly, sweetly.
She gratefully took his hand to get away from Draco and his story.
Draco gave a wicked smile. “Harry’s right. We should dance while we can.” He stood. Most of the girls looked horrified that he would choose them, but not the Carrow sisters, and Draco held his hand out to Hestia. “Care to dance?”
She gave him a wild smile and took it; Flora pouted.
Harry danced with Dora next while Draco chose Pansy.
Most of the adults stood around the edges of the room in ever changing clumps and groups, gossiping. Narcissa and Lucius made their rounds, playing the game. Everyone ate and drank, the mood becoming less alert and more relaxed as alcohol was consumed.
As the night wore on, Draco was pulled into a few games of quoits, a weird magical ring toss game, with the boys. Harry ate some cake with the girls nearby, Dora sitting next to him watchfully, but they left him mostly alone. Eventually, Draco took Harry by the hand and guided the group of kids outside where he summoned Caelius and Agrippa.
The kids were all impressed with the stallions, their white coats seeming to glow under the moonlight. A few - Hannah, Dora, Pansy, and Theodore - even asked to pet them. Caelius was too nervous for that, but Agrippa allowed the kids to stroke his forehead, nose, and along his neck.
“I want a horse,” Pansy gushed. “I’m going to ask Father to get me one.”
“Won’t be one like this,” Thorfinn told her, impressed with the animal.
With a scowl, she stomped her foot. “Will too!” she screeched.
Agrippa reared up, causing the kids to scatter, before galloping away with Caelius on his heels.
Pansy blushed in embarrassment as everyone - except for Theodore, Millicent, Harry, and Draco - laughed.
Harry offered her a sweet smile. “I’m sure your horse will be beautiful, Pansy.”
She smiled and gave him a quick hug. “Thanks, Harry.”
Draco watched this interplay with interest.
It wasn’t long after that when parents began to gather their children. The adults offered Draco and Harry well-wishes once more as they left, taking in Draco’s calm expression and Harry’s shy one avidly during the goodbyes. Draco noticed several of the men promising to write Lucius, and he smirked. Dancing with Harry hadn’t done anything more than keep everyone interested just as he’d said.
He also noticed when several of the mothers suggested to Narcissa that they have tea soon. Draco watched this interaction curiously, pleased when Narcissa acknowledged the comments but made no commitments. He knew that in the eyes of these Purebloods he was an acceptable candidate to marry their daughters, and it made him curious to know how Narcissa and Lucius pictured that going. Draco made a mental note to ask Narcissa later.
Finally, all their guests were gone, and they were free. As soon as he could, Draco pinned Harry naked to the bed. He nipped and sucked his way down Harry’s chest and stomach before settling between Harry’s thighs. Heart pounding, pleased with how the night had gone, Draco set to rewarding Harry’s hard work.
Harry arched, clutching the sheets in his hands as he moaned. Bursts of hot heat exploded under his skin with every lick of Draco’s tongue. He writhed under Draco until the world shook apart and he collapsed shivering with pleasure.
In the dark, as the boys lay tangled together sleeping, the silver dragon inked into Harry’s skin lay his head down on his taloned paws and seemed to smile.
Chapter end.
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Freedom Bound in Chains