Cherry Brandy

READER BEWARE!! While not a full lemon, there is some pretty heavy lime-like activity going on in this chapter. I was in the mood for some angst and some sap, so I threw it all in here, but there’s more sap than angst, or at least I think so. Oh well, it’s all good.

Chapter 13- Cherry Brandy

Legolas, Crawler, and Dumbldore sat in the Headmaster’s office, Fawkes perched on the balcony, looking out over the snow covered groundsl. The silence was incredibly unnerving to the younger of the two Elves, and he cleared his throat. Legolas took his hand, kissed his knuckles and stood up to shut the balcony doors. The Phoenix just nodded before taking flight, a bright red, orange and yellow streak across the dismal grey sky. Dumbldore stood to pour tea.

“Things have been far too quiet, Albus.” the Elven Prince said, taking the offered cup and one for his Mate.

“Yes, and that worries me just as much as it worries you my friend. Not even Fawkes can say what’s happening.”

“The darkness is still present, we know that much.” Crawler stated between sips, “Where it’s center is, that’s a different story.”

“I have a feeling it’s closer than any of us know.”

“Or getting closer.”

The three men stood by the closed doors, cups in hand, and looked out as Fawkes had done. It was indeed too quiet.

~!*!~

“Dudley! Get up to your room this instant!” Vernon Dursley shouted, grabbing the Goth dressed boy with his son by the neck, “and you, get out of my house!”

“Dad!” Dudley screamed, running down the stairs to push his father away.

In the years since Harry had left, Dudley Dursley had lost quite a bit of weight. In fact, the famed Boy Who Lived wouldn’t even recognize his cousin now. He was 5’11, his build that of a swimmer, long legs of taunt muscle, arms thin but strong. His entire physique had changed, not that his parents or doctors had complained. He kept his hair short, but just long enough to fall in his eyes unless he used a pomade to keep it in check and looking wet. His eyes were defined with unnaturally dark lashes. ((Muse: if it wasn’t sick, I’d say he was quite the looker, but I’m a Draco-holic, so piss off Dudders))

He managed to get his father’s grip off the boy’s throat and stood protectively in front of him. Vernon was fuming, and as Petunia cowered in the living room doorway, she made the startling discovery that her husband hadn’t gotten this angery since before Harry had left them. She didn’t say a word.

“I want him out of my house! I will not have his kind here!”

“His ‘kind’? What do you mean by that, Dad?”

“I said OUT!!”

Vernon’s fat fist was caught a mere inch from his son’s face by an incredibly strong hand. Dudley’s hand.

“If it’s because of the way Dean’s dressed, then you can sod off! I’m 20 years old, I think I can choose for myself who my friends are. If I’d known you were going to react this way, I would’ve stayed at school.”

Dudley’s voice was cold as he pushed his father back and walked to his mother.

“I’m sorry Mum, but Dean and I aren’t welcome, so we’ll be going. We’ll stop in for tea sometime before break’s over.”

He kissed his mother’s cheek and ushered his friend out to the car they’d come in. He heard the door slam and the argument start. With a sigh he and his friend left.

“Is your father always like that?”
”Not since my cousin left, but the holiday’s are stressful on him. As far as I’m concerned, he can piss up a rope. He knew you were coming with me for dinner, what did he expect? A full suit and tie? It’s not like we’re telling them about, well, you know.”
”About me being a Wizard, or about me being Bi?”

“Either.”

“You know, you never did tell me who this infamous cousin of yours is.”

“And I don’t intend to. You’d hate me forever.”

“And I’m not going to hate you forever for not telling me?”

“I’ll tell you, but now’s not really a good time. Not over the holidays.”

“Alright, you can wait until classes start again.”

“Thank you.”

Dudley gave his leather clad friend’s knee a squeeze and turned onto the parkway. [1]

~!*!~

Harry settled himself into the hot water of the tub and sighed. The winter holiday was nearly over, which meant he’d have to start teaching again. As much as he loved it, he hated it. Lessons to plan, homework to grade, projects to hand out and grade, points to give out, points to take away. There was hardly enough time in the day for half of it. And to top it all off, he and Draco never had any real time alone, except for sleeping. They were always somewhere else, or somewhere too public to do what they found enjoyable. And of course there was Kain.

He loved the boy, which is good, but teaching him how to call upon his Patronus, which was their current project, was exhausting. Draco was also still learning that art. He’d never had a use for it, as Dementors often left him alone. Letting himself sink deeper into the water, he let his mind drift, and didn’t even notice his Mate slip in until there were hands on his shoulders. And lips pressed to his.

“Hmmm…” he sighed into the kiss, lazy eyes smiling at Draco’s own.

“Thought you might like some company.”

“You’re always welcome.”

“That’s good to know.”

Draco slid back into the lounge seat, pulling Harry with him, lips meshed together, tongues dancing, each trying to out do the other. He groaned as his dark-haired lover straddled his lap, pressing into his hips as he tangled his fingers in the wet locks of platinum-blonde hair, lips attacking his throat and collarbone. He could feel all the tension flowing out of Harry, replaced by something much more intense and intimate.

<Drac… I need you…>

“Not yet, Luv, not yet.”

<Please.>

“Patience.”

Draco ran his hands down his Mate’s sides to his hips, pulling him closer as he turned the heat of the water up. It seemed far too cold now that their bodies were on fire. He smiled at Harry’s gasp, and flipped them over, the dark-haired boy’s legs locking round his hips as he kissed him hard and dragged him under. He could feel the moan in their kiss, and with a quick, easy movement, burried himself inside his lovers tight heat.

<Draco!>

“Dad?”

Kain poked his head into the cave like room, knocking on the door frame loudly before stepping in completely. There was no sign of either of his fathers, and as he turned to leave, the hot tub growled. He stopped in the doorway and listened, hearing a low cry get louder.

“Oh God! Draco!”

“Harry, yes Harry!”

His face flushed immediately and he left as quickly and quietly as possible. He’d have to remember to use a Sonorus charm the next time he knocked on their door.

“At least now I know why I couldn’t get them mentally.” he said, looking down at the letter in his hand. “I’ll give it to them at dinner.”

~!*!~

She sat at her table sipping a blood red Muggle alcoholic drink, ignoring the people that bustled around her as she tightened the black sting around a small wallet picture. A stern white haired man with a mustache, and impossibly fat, crinkled as she lit it on fire. She was smiling.

“Phase one complete.” she whispered to herself, finishing her cherry brandy and leaving. “Time for your dear cousin to join you, Harry.”

~!*!~

Harry and Draco sat down at the Slytherin table with Kain in between them. The boy had been fidgeting all through dinner, and they had no idea why.

“Is it the lack of a worm in your salad, or is something wrong?” Draco asked.

“It’s nothing. Excuse me.”

The black-blonde haired boy left, salad half eaten, and Hedwig flew in, dropping a letter in Harry’s lap. He looked at it quizzingly, and noted the stamp. Whoever had sent it tried Muggle mail, and hadn’t put a return address on it.

“What is it Harry?” Draco asked, putting an arm around him.

“I don’t know.”

Upon opening it, he found Muggle paper and ink, and a script he hadn’t seen in years.

“Dear Harry Potter:

“This is quite awkward, probably for the both of us. I’m not even sure why I’m writing writing this. You’re the only one I can turn to, I guess.

“Dad-your Uncle Vernon- passed away last night. Heart attack, or so the doctors said. Mum doesn’t want to talk about it, which is completely understandable, but I have a feeling it was my fault. He’s always blamed me for the things that happened after you left. He tried blaming it on you at first, but when I reminded him that you were gone for the upteenth time, he made it my doing. I was stupid to blame everything on you when we were kids, I never learned how to stick up for myself. I’m guessing this is supposed to be an appology for everything I’ve ever said or done to you. Not that I deserve to be forgiven. Hell, I wouldn’t even forgive myself.

“ After you left, things started happening to me. Weird magic type things. I was losing weight, and toning up, not that my parents or doctors were complaining. I didn’t think anything of it at first, but when my grades came in, I knew there was something wrong. Sure, I paid attention in school, but I never studied, hardly ever did my homework. But somehow it got done, and I passed with flying colors. That should’ve been my first tip off.

“Later on that year-my junior year- I was standing at the back door, looking up at the night sky. You remember that old broom Mum used on the back walk? Well it fell over, and when I looked down at it, I said something, and it jumped into my hand. Scared the living daylights out of me. Later on I found that if I said the word ‘up’ and held my hand over it, the damn thing would jump. I stayed as far away from it as I could.

“It wasn’t until recently that I’ve been seeing things that move at too fast a pace for people to see normally. Like the bullets from the rifles Polkis and I fire on the nice days. I dodged one that misfired. Polkis thought it pure luck. I also met a guy who’s Wizard. His name is Dean Thomas. He’s extremely patient with me, and doesn’t use magic around me. We dorm together at University. He went to Hogwarts, so maybe you know him. He’s the reason I think it’s my fault Dad had the heart attack. You see, he wasn’t going home for the Christmas holiday, so I asked Mum and Dad if he could have Christmas dinner with us. They agreed. Unfortunately, Dean is working as a model for this american company, Hot Topic, and had a photo shoot that morning. He had a change of clothes and what not, but he hadn’t gotten the chance to change before we got to the house. I never thought Dad would go ballistic on him. It’s not like I told him Dean and I are ‘friendly.’ I was so angry at him, I just told him off, pushed him away from Dean and we left. I got a call later that night from Mum, telling me he’d died.

“What’s wrong with me Harry? I can’t be a Wizard, but Dean thinks I may have a little magic in me somewhere. I’m not like him, and certainly not like you. I swear I saw Dad’s ghost last night.

“The wake is the day after tomorrow. I’d like it if you came. Please come. I need help Harry.

“Dudley Dursley”

Harry couldn’t help but stare at the paper, he quickly scanned it for anything else. He tossed it on the table and burried his face in his hands as he contemplated what to do. Draco read it and pulled out his wand.

“Aparecium.” he said.

Dudley’s handwriting disappeared to show a script that he was familiar with. Dean Thomas.

“Harry, Dean got a hold of the letter before he mailed it.”

“Dearest Harry,

“It has been far too long since we last talked, hasn’t it? We will have to make a date to get together. But I don’t think that’s appropriate talk at a time like this. I admit that I think this could’ve been avoided had I changed, but I cannot risk using magic around Muggles, and I refuse to use it around Dudley. I don’t want to make him nervous around me. And no, I’m not making him do anything he doesn’t readily want to. His bisexuality is his own doing, although I doubt your uncle would’ve believed that.

“As a point I think you’ll find most important, I’d like to inform you that I am a student at University more for Dudley’s protection than the education. Call it my job, as I work for the Ministry of Defense. Tell Ronald that Percy is quite good at his job, as I doubt they’ve talked since Ron prevented the arrest of his current Mate, Rhiannon Greenleaf. But that’s a story for another time.

“Documents were uncovered by none other than Neville Longbottom on the stripping of your Aunt’s magic, Wizard and Elf. We all found that quite shocking, but Percy wanted someone to watch over Dudley with the way things were getting hot with the Order. He’s a Squib [1], butat the same time, not. He does have the ability to use magic, he just doesn’t know how, or knows if he wants to. I don’t pressure him about it.

“I would definitly advise you to be at the house tomorrow, as that is where the damn ‘party’ Petunia is throwing for that oaf of a husband of her is going to be. I know you probably don’t want to be anywhere near Privet Drive, but for your cousin’s sake, please come. He’s confused, and scared, and you’re the only other Wizard he’s known. Feel free to bring your Mate... I think it will make him more comfortable to be around me. Your uncle (bastard) did quite a number on his son. Open-minded, yes, but scared to act so. Public display of affection was not accepted with Vernon, was it? Anyway, I don’t have much more time. My owl will remain in the owlry until you send it back with a reply. I wouldn’t advise telling him you’re coming, it might make him nervous.

“Griffindors Forever!

“Dean Thomas

“PS: Hello Malfoy, how are you? Getting enough action out of Harry? If not, give me a call, I always did want to know what you were like in bed.”

Draco smiled and pulled Harry closer, kissing his hair as Kain came back. The boy’s look was sad as he wrapped his arms around Harry from behind, and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. Harry took his son’s hand and pulled him and Draco into a tight hug.

“We’re going to the Dursleys.” he said clearly.

“Where?” Kain asked.

“The place I grew up.”

“Why? I thought you-“

“My uncle passed away last night, Kain. I have to go pay my respects.”

“But he treated you horribly.”

“He put a roof over my head, fed me, clothed me. Despite all the mean and heartless things he’s said and done, I do owe him something.”

“I’ll see you off then.”
”You’re coming with me.”

Kain looked at Harry with wide eyes. Why would he want him to go? Even though it wasn’t by blood, he was still his son, and his aunt and cousin wouldn’t be willing to understand that. Draco kissed his Mate’s forehead and then Kain’s, standing.

“I suggest we tell Dumbledore what’s happening, and get to the Hogsmeade Station. We should just be able to catch the last train to Kings Cross.” he said, holding his boys close, Harry’s head on his shoulder, “And Kain?”
”Yes Father?”
”Next time just slip a note under the door.”

“Uh… well, you see, I… I mean, uh, you and Dad, I-“

Harry laughed and ruffled the boy’s hair, shifting to Prongs and trotting down the hall. Fox and Snitch, as he called himself, weren’t far behind him.

<It’s good that you’re not taking this too hard.> Draco said softly.

<I’ll ask Dean, but I doubt that Dudley will accompany us.>

<It’s worth a shot.>

They seperated, returned to their human forms and packed their trunks. They met again, dressed in regular Muggle clothes, and Dumbledore met them at the doors.

“I take it you’re off to Little Whilling then?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. Take the time you need, I’m sure the others can handle your classes for a day or two if needed.”
”Thank you Professor.”

“Taking Kain?”
”We won’t have him terrorizing the other students without us, so yes.”

“Of course. Give Mr. Thomas my regards.”

“Yes sir.”

They walked out, chest in tow, and hopped into the carriage waiting for them. It wasn’t long before they were sitting on the Hogwart’s Express on their way back to the one place Harry had promised himself he would never go back to. Back to number four Privet Drive.

~TBC~