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Golden Hearts	By : BetaBloodLust Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Slash - Male/Male Views: 3689 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: See Full Disclaimer Below--Any chapters containing explicit material will begin with warnings for the wary

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I own the characters within the Harry Potter series. J. K. Rowling owns the Harry Potter series and all original characters introduced within the series. I make no money from this story. All noncanonical characters are fictional fabrications. They belong to me. Any resemblances to real persons or groups of people are coincidence and should be summarily disregarded, and the doppelganger perpetrators should be shot for impersonating my creations. Have a nice day.

Golden Hearts: Chapter 8: Too Close

Arumus had immersed himself in study, thinking to avoid Draco and the uncomfortable consequences of his presence, but his cousin obviously had other ideas. He seemed to be practicing the courtesy he had promised, but even though Draco was trying, Arumus thought politeness did not come naturally to him. The evening before they were scheduled to depart for Hogwarts, Draco knocked on Arumus' door and entered without invitation as he always did.

Arumus was sitting cross-legged on the floor, sorting through various books as he tried to decide which ones to bring with him to school. Draco lowered himself across from Arumus, and their knees touched as he glanced at the book in Arumus' hands.

"Reliving Azkaban?" Draco noted the title. "What is that?"

"Autobiography of Alfred Shoetowne. He spent twelve years in Azkaban before he was exonerated and found innocent. I haven't finished reading it yet." Arumus spoke distractedly because he could feel the warmth of Draco's knees seeping into him. The feeling was too pleasant for comfort, but Arumus did not shift or move away.

"You really are a bookworm..." Draco held up his hands defensively at the annoyed glance Arumus shot his way. "I say that with all due respect, of course."

Arumus rolled his eyes. "I doubt you could be polite if your life depended on it. You are hopeless, Draco."

Draco smiled, taking Arumus' words as a compliment. He touched the tip of his forefinger to his bottom lip, stroking it once lightly. "I know. So, Father just told me something very interesting."

Arumus decided against Reliving Azkaban and placed it in the pile of discarded books to his left, trying to ignore the slight tingle that zinged down his spine as he averted his glance from the distracting sight of Draco’s finger against his own lip.

"And what is that?" Arumus asked.

"He said that he thinks someone is going to open the Chamber of Secrets." Draco's eyes sparkled with excitement as Arumus glanced back up to meet his gaze. Arumus looked away again and picked up another book.

"Really..." Arumus flipped through Burning Alive: A History of Persecution. He placed it strategically in his trunk with his right hand, annoyed that the Lockhart books were claiming so much room. Were it up to him, he would've burned the things.

"Yes, really!" Draco sounded irritated. "Arumus, listen to me!" He touched Arumus' knee absently, trying to capture his attention. Arumus glanced at him in wordless warning.

Draco continued, ignoring the warning and brushing Arumus’ knee lightly with the tips of his fingers. "We have to help the Heir of Slytherin purge the school. He'll probably need help, and who better than us? You've got the brains, I've got the brawn, and I'm sure he's got cunning. Think how wonderful it'll be once he rids the school of all that mudblood trash..." Draco seemed to be in the throes of ecstasy at the very thought. "I'd love to see that snotty Granger girl disposed of."

Arumus shook his head, partially to try to empty it. "Draco, that is a very stupid plan. Lucius certainly told you not to become involved?"

"Yeah, but I think refusing to help the Heir is the wrong thing to do."

Arumus gazed at his cousin, feeling slightly exasperated yet mysteriously attracted to his enthusiasm. He tried to banish the unsettling desire and ignore it. He replied peevishly. "Draco, to me, it sounds like Lucius is hoping the person who will open the Chamber will be caught. I personally have no desire to end my days rotting in a cell, having my emotions sucked dry by the Dementors. Do you?"

"Of course not. But Arumus, we won't be caught. Dumbledore will not--"

Arumus cut him off with an impatient gesture. "Dumbledore is perhaps one of the most intelligent and cunning wizards alive, Draco. If a student is going to open the Chamber, he or she will have little chance of escaping Dumbledore. Unless Lucius finds a way to remove him from his position, Dumbledore will catch the Heir, and if he does not catch the Heir himself, someone acting on his orders may. And I will remind you that there is no guarantee that the person opening the Chamber will actually be the Heir of Slytherin…"

"You can't be serious. Dumbledore is an old fool, and of course, the only person who can open the Chamber is the Heir. Everyone knows that." Draco spoke with derision.

"Not so, Draco. Besides, I am sure Dumbledore would be happy to know that some people believe him a complete fool, but... listen to me, Cousin. I have just finished reading an entire series authored by Dumbledore on the uses of dragon blood. He is, if nothing else, a very brilliant man. I doubt that a mere student could easily outwit him. It would be very ill-advised to try unless we had outside support, at any rate." Arumus examined his cousin intently.

"You have been considering helping the Heir, then?"

"No. I was merely thinking about how I would approach the situation if I was the Heir..." Arumus had spent at least two days considering how he would infiltrate Hogwarts under the headmaster's nose, but he thought that he would reserve judgment until after he had actually met Dumbledore.

"If Father knows about this plan, perhaps the Heir does have outside help." Draco commented hopefully as he glanced away in irritation. He often failed to appreciate logic, but he could see sense.

"I don't think so." Arumus reached out and tilted Draco's chin up to force eye contact. "Listen, Draco. You are no fool, so don't pretend to be one. You will not go looking for the Heir, not only because Lucius asks, but also because I ask this of you. Do I make myself clear?" Arumus watched the emotion so evident in Draco's eyes, waiting for a signal of truth and assent. The pale gray eyes seemed to draw him in ever more deeply, and Arumus absently stroked Draco's cheek with his forefinger. Draco did not speak.

"Do you understand, Draco?" Arumus asked softly.

"Yes, Arumus..." He whispered, and his eyes seemed to be silently pleading for something that Arumus was too afraid to give.

"Good." Arumus withdrew his hand somewhat reluctantly.

Draco blinked, recovering himself. "How did you get so good at giving commands? You have never had anyone to practice on..."

Arumus shrugged. He knew exactly how, but Draco had no need for that information. Using well-placed compliments, small smiles, and polite conversation to cover his desire to order others about had always been necessary. Adults did not react well to commands, and Arumus had developed the fine art of manipulation to near perfection. The pretense was not necessary with his cousin, however.

"Uh, Arumus, if you want, you're welcome to join my group of friends on the Express tomorrow," Draco offered suddenly.

Arumus gave him a small smile. "That's very kind of you, Draco, but I prefer to build my own group of... followers. I don't want to usurp your position, at any rate." He secretly thought it might be a relief to avoid his cousin, if only to ignore the stirrings of the silent, agonizing craving his presence invariably caused.

Arumus distracted himself by remembering his last encounter with Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, and he couldn't help thinking that they would not want to see him again soon, at any rate. He had used sleight of hand to steal both their wands under their noses during their last summer visit, and they both had stormed into his room, bent on revenge. Arumus had been ready, jinxing them both into immobility and threatening them in high style until even those dimwits walked small around him.

He smiled slyly at Draco. "Besides, your bodyguards are not so fond of me," He commented.

"I have been wondering why they began avoiding you. What happened?"

"I just decided to illustrate that size does not matter in the world of magic," Arumus replied casually.

"If it was anything like what you put me through, I'm surprised they didn't wet themselves." Draco laughed. "Neither is brave, nor are they very bright. But they are useful..."

Arumus reflected that his intention with Draco had been to extract a promise for civility. He had not expected Draco to so readily agree to any demand, let alone actually try to... befriend him. Arumus studied his cousin, who was flipping through Sadistic Spells, a rather interesting book in Arumus' opinion.

He watched Draco leaf through the pages, wondering at the changes he had noted as he learned more about his cousin. Many were merely changes in Arumus’ own perception. Draco would always be haughty, and his mouth seemed to appropriate that hereditary sneer ever so readily. He succumbed to the prejudices of their family, hating muggles and muggle-born wizards and considering himself above them due to his Pure Blood status.

Arumus thought that prejudice could be useful, but subscribing to such narrow-minded views meant that one must continually strive to see other humans as filth. Arumus might pity any non-magical person, but he did not loathe them just for the sake of a nonsensical principal. Though he would never admit it aloud, he actually considered many muggle innovations quite inspired. He continued to watch his cousin covertly as Draco perused the book. Arumus knew that Draco stirred something extremely dark and sadistic within him, and though a part of Arumus was very attracted to the draw of this mystery, he was truly frightened by the emotions as well.

Arumus had begun to note small, slightly endearing traits about his cousin. Draco had a habit of blinking more rapidly when he was nervous, and he ran his fingers over his lips when pleased. Arumus often couldn't keep his eyes from watching Draco’s lips as he spoke. However, Arumus had a lifetime of practice at hiding and suppressing his emotions, so he thought that Draco did not fully suspect the effect his efforts were having. The largest change Arumus had observed was that Draco had a dark sense of humor, which he repeatedly shared with Arumus. Even now, Draco was smiling as he perused the spell book.

Draco glanced up at Arumus. "Can you perform Flammas Celosus? It looks like a good one."

Arumus nodded. "It is rather nasty, causing one's target to feel as if they are burning to death. Of course, no real damage is done because it is a spell that affects perception."

"But you've never used it on someone, have you?"

"Not on a human being."

Draco arched a brow. "You've been walking around the forest torturing creatures? And I just thought you were a nature nut. You do enjoy being evil." He seemed to draw pleasure from the knowledge.

Arumus did not feel like correcting Draco. Instead, he picked up another book, Potions that Change the Mind. The book contained dozens of complex recipes, but Arumus doubted that he would need the book. He had finished reading it, and the book contained folded bits of loose parchment covered in his careful notes on possible improvements regarding various interesting potions. He placed the book in the left pile, deeming it unnecessary. Arumus chose another book, Basic Battle Hexes, and leafed through it absently.

Potion making had been the very first magical enterprise upon which Arumus had embarked. One only needed fire, cauldron, and ingredients, so because a wand was unnecessary, Arumus had torn through potions books, concocting his own potions with herbs found in the forest or stolen from Aunt Narcissa's stores. He had learned how to start a fire in the muggle fashion from a tattered survival guide he'd discovered at the library. He truly enjoyed tinkering with the potions to discover the myriad of effects that could be produced by altering well-established recipes. He believed that potion making was a refined and subtle art.

Draco spoke casually, breaking the short silence and Arumus’ train of thought. "Well, Arumus, if you ever need to practice, I'll be your victim if you promise to teach me the spells..." Draco's eyes flashed with mischief.

Arumus arched a brow, but he felt like laughing because he actually wanted to accept the offer. "You want me to torture you?" He asked quietly.

"I might enjoy torture at your hands." Draco shrugged, trying to remain casual, but his eyes betrayed him. The longing broke through his gray eyes.

"Really...?" Arumus was suddenly very aware of Draco's closeness. He dropped the book he held to the side as he gazed at his cousin thoughtfully, his eyes following the sharp, patrician angles of his jaw, and his fingers seemed to move of their own accord to touch Draco's face once again. "You are depraved, Draco. You should not make such an offer unless you are serious..." He drew his nail along Draco's cheek, feeling the hardness of his cheekbone and suppressing a shiver.

Draco smiled slightly. "Oh, but I am, Arumus. I am."

Arumus peered into Draco's eyes, looking for the lie, but it was not present. He trailed his finger down, placing his palm against Draco's throat deliberately. He could feel the muscles beneath tense and release as Draco swallowed, and he pulled Draco closer.

Arumus leaned forward slightly and kissed his cousin fiercely, biting his bottom lip and tasting blood. Then he pulled back, watching Draco through critical eyes. Draco touched his lip and glanced nonchalantly at the small amount of blood. He met Arumus' gaze once more, and the wordless plea was stronger in his eyes as his grip tightened on the book in his lap.

A knock at the door made them both jump. Arumus pushed himself slightly further away from his cousin quickly.

"Come in," Arumus called.

Aunt Narcissa opened the door and stood on the threshold. Her pale blue eyes seemed slightly troubled as she gazed at her son, who sat facing Arumus, still gripping Sadistic Spells tightly. His face suddenly betrayed nothing but irritation as he glanced at his mother.

"What are you boys up to?" She asked in a suspicious voice. She caught Draco's eyes with hers, searching.

Aunt Narcissa had seemed to grow more agitated over the past month as she watched her son change his attitudes and behaviors toward Arumus. Arumus thought she might have cornered Draco to warn him about being too easily manipulated. Draco's mouth curved into his ever-ready sneer as he returned his mother's gaze.

"Good evening, Aunt Narcissa." Arumus responded politely to her query, his expression bland. "Draco and I were just discussing Hogwarts while I finished packing my things. How may I help you?"

Aunt Narcissa waved a hand dismissively. "I came because Draco needs to finish packing before he retires for the evening."

"I will, Mother." Draco didn't seem to care that his tone dripped with disrespect, and his sneer seemed to intensify.

Narcissa studied him, anger kindling in her eyes briefly as she moved gracefully into the room, peering imperiously down at her son. "You will finish packing, now, Draco. I shall not tolerate insolence."

Draco scowled but obeyed his mother reluctantly, tossing Sadistic Spells onto Arumus' bed and slamming the door as a final protest. Narcissa listened to Draco footsteps as they moved down the hallway to his wing of the Manor, and then she turned to Arumus, eyeing him openly.

"You will never hurt my son, Arumus Lestrange. I will not allow it." Her voice was cool, yet Arumus heard the demand and the threat in her tone.

Arumus smiled coolly, meeting her gaze unblinkingly. He knew that Narcissa was an accomplished Legilimens. She had the honor of being the reason he rarely lied.

He spoke lightly. "Why, my dear Aunt, I would not dream of causing Draco lasting harm. He has, of course, finally discovered that blood can work to link like-minded relations."

Narcissa's eyes narrowed. "But you do not share this family's pride in pure blood, Arumus, do you? You are naturally devious, and you have been manipulating Lucius for years. Now, you have discovered something to use to manipulate my son." Aunt Narcissa pointed an accusatory finger at Arumus. "You do not care about either of them."

Arumus stood and moved closer to Narcissa until her eyes thinned further in warning. He stopped walking toward her and touched her arm in a comforting, delicate manner. She seemed surprised at the tenderness and drew a sharp breath.

He spoke quietly, gazing into her cold eyes with honesty. "My personal feelings about blood include the notion that I will protect those who share mine. It is true that Draco and I have been at odds until recently, but I did not instigate this truce. Draco came to me of his own accord to ask for reprieve. I am not a cruel person, Aunt Narcissa. I have the capacity to love..."

Narcissa's pale blue eyes seemed to pierce Arumus' for a few moments, and then she nodded uncertainly. "Everything you say seems truth, Arumus, but I do not trust you. You have always done things for your own reasons. I shall never forget the depths of your rage." Her eyes hardened at the memory, possibly seeing her son's blood once more as it had splashed onto the sitting room floor.

"Aunt, that occurred long before I could control my magic." He paused, feeling guilty and slightly angry at her accusations. He was careful to mask the anger, but he allowed the guilt to show, hoping she caught the expression in his eyes. "How may I convince you that my intentions are harmless?" He asked softly.

She studied him for a few seconds, placing her hand over his where it still rested on her arm and squeezing it forcefully. "Tell me why you employ such manipulation and what your ends are. Be honest with me, Arumus."

Arumus gazed at Narcissa for a few moments, and he decided that she deserved a portion of the truth. "I enjoy manipulating people." He shrugged. "The end result I have hoped for is to win affection and admiration. Perhaps this is selfish, but it is true. The reality is that I only want to be loved..." He gazed into her icy blue eyes and shrugged sadly.

Narcissa seemed taken aback by his apparent honesty, but she stared at him for a few moments before replying. "You are a natural actor, and I did not expect such sincere words, Nephew. However, you are your father's child..." She murmured quietly.

Arumus failed to keep an expression of startled surprise from flashing in his eyes. "What do you mean?" He asked.

Narcissa shook her head once, as if to clear it. "I just meant that you remind me of your father, sometimes."

"Ollivander said I resemble him." Arumus gazed at his aunt, watching for something, though he wasn't sure what, exactly. "Or at least that I resemble how he looked when he was young," He continued, trying to sound casual.

"I would not know. I did not know him when he was young." Narcissa paused, suddenly looking as if she had said something she'd had no intention of sharing. She changed the subject quickly. "You have been honest with me. Thank you, Arumus. I will leave you to pack." She swept from the room, her demeanor once more stiff and arrogant.

Arumus stood in his room long after Narcissa had left, running fingers through his hair and twisting it as he did when deep in thought. His half-packed trunk lay forlorn and forgotten as Narcissa's words echoed in his mind.

She claimed she had not known his father when he was young, but Arumus knew that she had attended Hogwarts with Lucius and his mother, Bellatrix. He was sure his father, Rodolphus, had attended school at the same time, and he knew they had all been in the Slytherin house. Why did Aunt Narcissa claim in a moment of unguarded honesty that she had not known him? They must have known each other... And yet... Arumus remembered how Mr. Ollivander had hinted that his father was not in Azkaban.

It might be true, Arumus thought. My father may not be Rodolphus Lestrange. This has been confirmed from two separate sources. But, if not, who could he be?

Arumus sat before his trunk once more to finish packing. Perhaps he would ask Lucius in the morning, though he very much doubted that his uncle would divulge an adequate answer.
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Golden Hearts