Child Of Light

Chapter 7- Child of Light

Ron and Rhiannon stepped out of the limo, Ron extending his hand to Hermione, and the three moved to let Harry and Draco out. They all smiled and walked up to the door of what looked like an old café. Harry nodded to the woman behind the counter, and she moved around to the small hallway leading to the bathroom. There were also a set of roped off stairs, which the woman let them down. The other people in the café smiled, and the woman turned back to her counter, eyes flashing silver once as she saw a black dog lay down outside.

The music was defening, the smoke and light irritating Ron’s eyes, but other than that, the place below the café was amazing. No one would have ever guessed that a muggle and wizard club lie under a café. The whole place was decked out in black, streamers of red, green, silver, gold, purple, and black silk s hanging from the ceiling, and there were lights of every color dancing everywhere. There was a sitting area, with booths and tables and a bar, and then the dance floor, a few slim metal poles scattered here and there, and the huge stage, where the band was playing, and where some couples had decided was a good place to fuck. This would be an intresting night.

Hermione looked off towards the bar, and the bar keep smiled at her, nodding towards a large booth in the corner, away from the dance floor. She smiled and nodded in thanks and motioned for the others to follow her. Once they were seated she quickly flagged down a waitress, and ordered them all drinks. Butterbooze (Butterbeer’s new line of alcoholic drink) for herself, a malibu and coke for Draco, a strawberry daquari for Rhiannon, a Smirnoff ice for Harry, and a mudslide for Ron. All but Draco and Harry looked at her in mute shock. How could she know what they drank?

“First order of business. Harry, you explained that you’re an elf, and that some how Draco is truly a Malfoy, but I still don’t understand how. Could you explain, in laymans terms please?”
“If I’ve stumped you ‘Mione, then I’ve got to really simplify things. Okay, look at it this way. The Malfoy’s and the Potter’s were, before they married Witches, were pure blood elves. When I traced my family line back, I found that only BOYS were born to the Potter family, thus marrying a witch or Elf, having a son, and the line would continue. Only the Potter MEN can control or use the Dragon’s Blade, or the Pendant. Malfoy’s line does the same thing, only for some reason, Narcissa Malfoy was born.
“Continuing with their ‘pureblood’ thing, the Malfoy’s only married Elves, and when Narcissa was born, she was immediately taken to Rivendell. Legolas knew that she was special. Narcissa was born 100 years or so ago, and shortly after her birth, her mother died. Her father then married a witch, and the Elven blood thinned. Narcissa never knew herself to be a Malfoy, until she concieved Draco and Rhiannon. She then learned that Lucius Malfoy was as close to 100% elf as the Malfoy’s would get for a long time, and froze Draco. Somehow she knew that Lucius would be dragged to the Dark Side, and he would trust her with the Pendant that had laid dormant in a Gringotts vault. Legolas said that Draco would be stronger than Rhiannon, and being the Malfoy male, was the only one who would control the Pendant. She devised the plan to shift her age, falsify a birth certificate, and get Lucius to marry her. She’d then have Draco, and he’d be raised as a Malfoy, as a wizard rather than Elf, and she’d make sure he’d be strong enough to control the Diamond’s power. When Lucius had pushed her aside, and thus out of her son’s life, she was forced to pray that Draco would make the right decision. In the end he did, although my mother had something to do with that.
“When my mother and Narcissa were in school, they were good friends, and had both been extremely good at Divination. Trelawny was pissed that neither took her class, but that’s not important. They had done a joint reading, and both saw that their children would be Soul Mates. They didn’t know that I was going to be male, but that didn’t matter. I’m the reason Draco turned on Voldermont. Because he’s linked to me, he couldn’t bring himself to do me harm. The bond we created with the Diamond in Snape’s classroom only added to the link. That’s why I’ve been so unstable these past 3 years. I knew Draco was alive, because my link was still active, but I had seen him die, so it was conflicting emotions driving me crazy. I think that’s the best I can simplify things, so can we stop discussing the reason for my powers and business and celebrate my birthday?”

“One last question.” Ron said, finishing his drink, “Actually I have two, but this is the more important one. What did Draco mean when he said you were so close to God that it was scary?”
”With both my parents being a WizElf, which is what a person of both ‘races’ is called, and my being the Ancient of Earth and the Heir of Griffindor, and linked to a pure blood WizElf, my powers are incredibly strong. I’m not exactly a God, but I’m so strong it’s not funny. It was that raw, unknown power that saved me from Voldermont, with the combined magic created by my parents sacrifices. I wasn’t stronger than Voldermont in the final battle until that sacrifice was again offered, and my power was completely free. Draco and I both can cast spells without wands, words or even a look. All it takes is a thought. And in answer to your question about Hermione knowing what we drink, it’s easy. She’s an empath. She picks up on the projected emotions and thoughts of others. Draco and I did it all the time in school. Why do you think Hermione was such a bookworm? She needed something else to occupy her mind, so she didn’t pick up everyone’s thoughts. That is, until she learned to control it. I Know I’m confusing you all, so let’s just drop it, not speak of it again, and dance.”

Harry got up and pulled Draco out onto the floor. Rhiannon did the same with Ron, and then grabbed Hermione’s hand.

“Just because you didn’t bring a date doesn’t mean we’re gonna let you sit on your ass all night ‘Mione!” Ron laughed as he twirled both girls under his arms. “I think I can handle the two of you.”

They laughed, and Rhiannon smacked him playfully. They were going to have a good time, and nothing was going to stop them.

~!*^*!~

She walked through Knocturn Alley with an air of innocence around her, dressed in a pale grey as opposed to the black she normally wore. She had her hair pulled back into a long braid, ribbons of silver woven through it, and her red eyes looked more brown with the nuetral colors of her make-up. Her nails however were pitch black, and seemed to dance as the light hit them. She pulled her navy cloak tighter around herself and moved into an oh-so-familiar potions supply shoppe. As soon as she crossed the threshold, the hair on the back of her neck stood up on end, and the silght burning feeling on her arm flared for an instant. She didn’t see anything out of place as she made her way to the shelves of live ingredients. It wasn’t until she heard voices that she realized why her senses were so hyped.

“I don’t see how it’s possible young Master, but I’ll take your word for it. If Snape gave it to you, it’s bound to be legit.” the shoppe owner said as he ushered two boys out of the back, a wide smile on his face. “Please, feel free to come by anytime, day or night. We have much to talk about.”
”I’ll keep that in mind, thank you Rafi.” one of the boys said, shaking the man’s hand.

He was blonde, his hair coming to his shoulders, held back by a simple black ribbon, and he had blue eyes that pierced through her as he caught her eyes. He was tall, but not as tall as his companion, dressed in a pair of rhinestone studded jeans and a black peasant shirt. His pale complexion was a stark contrast to the dark shirt, but he made up for it nicely with the dark make-up.

His companion was similarly dressed, in a pair of tight jeans, some sort of celtic design printed in pockets and down the legs, and a white shirt to match that of the blonde. He had done his make up very much like the other, only not as heavy. His midnight black hair looked wet, and she could just barely make out the lightning bolt scar on his forhead. She smirked to herself and went back to looking at the belladonna she had been inspecting.

“Have you seen Damiana, Rafi? We checked the Dragon’s Belly, but she wasn’t in. Cory says she’s out on vacation.” the dark haired one asked, and her smirk grew even darker.

“Vacation? Damiana’s not taken one of those since, well, ever. And it’s not like her not to be here so close to the start of school. Although Knocturn Alley is normally avoided, we do wonderful business just before the Express leaves King’s Cross.”
”I believe it. Thanks for lunch Rafi.” said the blonde as he took the dark haired one’s hand.

“I’ll be in sometime next week for my supplies.” added the one dressed in white.

“Didn’t think you’d still be needin’ ‘em, with the young Master back…” the old man winked.

Both boys smiled and thanked him again before heading out. She quickly picked up the belladonna and mugwort she’d put aside and walked up to the counter. The bell on the door jingled as the old man turned to her.

“Those two are special.” he said, calculating her total.

“Potter’s and Malfoy’s generally are.” she said sweetly.

“You know them?”
”I’ve known Malfoy since he started at Hogwarts. He was a friend of my brothers.”

~!*^*!~

Damiana sat in her room, listening to the small harp that sat on her bedside table, and looked at the girl that lay there. She was no more than 11 years old, dressed in a dark green robe, her light brown hair falling in her face as she rolled over, butt length rat tail wrapped around her fingers. She smiled and walked out into the sitting area of her room, which was almost exactly like Hermione’s (save most of the books), and decked in the Ravenclaw banners.

The man sitting at the small table in the room looked up as she walked in, and smiled at her. He was dressed in simple robes, the Hufflepuff crest on them. He had short dark hair, and a gotee. His dark brown eyes sparkled mischieviously, and she rolled her eyes at him. He had a rat tail to his knees and as he stood up to join her, he felt the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end. He stopped and mentally looked around for the threat.

“it’s just Ace.” Damiana said as she walked over to the water pitcher. “She projects like that when she’s dreaming.”

“That’s no projection Dee.”

“Crawler, there’s nothing here.”

“It’s in the- Get DOWN!!”

He tackled her to the ground as Peeves came tearing through the room, laughing as the Bloody Barron waved his sword and shouted at him to stop running and fight like a man. Damiana laughed.

“Forgot that you feel the dead. You may want to work on that. With all the ghosts in this place, it’s amazing you made it through your 7 years.”

“Shut up!”

“Has Legolas asked to see you yet?”
”Of course. The only reason I’m not by his side right now is because of, well, we ARE in Hogwarts. It wouldn’t be proper, considering that he was Cissa’s husband.”
”And you’re lower than that?”

“In the magical world, no, but many of the students here are muggle born, and thus-“
”Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are gay.”
”So?”
”And they went through their years at Hogwarts just fine. Besides, he needs you to be there for him. Get your sorry ass up there and tell him I’ll send his niece up as soon as she’s awake.”

~!*^*!~

Ron and Rhiannon sat with Hermione at one of the booths in the Leaky Cauldron, patiently waiting for Harry and Draco to come back from Diagon Alley. Hermione, as usual, had her nose in a book, this time a muggle romance novel, and Ron was attempting not to make fun of her. He knew that with two women with him, he didn’t stand a chance.

“Interesting book Hermione?”

“Considering that it’s about a homosexual couple, yeah, I guess.”

“Why may I ask are you reading a book about gay guys?”
”I’d like to have some clue as to what’s being said when Draco and Harry make gay references!”

Rhiannon laughed and abruptly stopped. There was something not right in the room.

“Rena?”
”That woman, with the large bag. There’s something… dark… about her.”

“She’s probably dabbled a bit, that’s all. I don’t feel anything that threatening from her.” Ron said as he locked his gaze to her.

“You’re right Rena, there is definitly something dark in her.” agreed Hermione, using her ability to lightly touch the womans mind.

“What are the two of you talking about, there’s nothing ‘dark’ about her!” Ron nearly shouted, annoyed that he was being ignored.

~!*^*!~

She walked up the short flight of stairs, tucking her hair behind her ears as she went, and knocked lightly on the door. At the low ‘Enter’, she opened it, and was met with the sight of a firey phoenix, who nodded at her and she nodded back. It looked a bit startled.

“Ah, Aislinn, please, come in.” Dumbledore said as he poured two cups of tea. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

“Yes pleae, Headmaster.”
”Please, call me Professor Dumbledore. I’m merely a teacher, like my collegues.”

“Of course, Professor.”

“Your uncle will be right up. He and Mr. Crawler had something to take care of.”
”They’re snogging.”

Dumbledore dropped the spoon of sugar he’d had in his hand, and Fawkes nearly fell off his perch. The old wizard’s eyes sparkled with the ever familiar light of mischief, and he cleared his throat.

“Ah… well then… one sugar or two?”
”Two, thank you. Sorry.”
”For what?”
”My stating the obvious. You’ll find I’m very quick to speak, more often than not, before I think.”

“Quite alright my dear girl!” he laughed, passing her the cup. “I was just under the impression that you were not aware of their ‘relationship.’ “

“Oh, I know. When I was little, I walked in on them and Cissa.”

This time he nearly spilt his tea. Fawkes made the wise decision to sit on the floor, where he couldn’t fall over and hurt himself. Dumbledore laughed as she swore under her breath.

“I take it that is another habit of yours?”
”Cursing my lack of commonsense? Oh yeah. Do it all the time, especially when I’m making a first impression. I usually fail miserably to make it a good one.”

“My fist impression was made the second you acknowledge Fawkes.”

“Who?”

Fawkes stood up and then flew over to back of her chair, playing with her hair as he made an almost purring sound. She smiled and reached up to pet him. She pulled back immediately as her robe started to slide down her arm. Dumbledore’s eyes looked away politely and he sipped his tea. Hoping not to anger the firey bird, she reached over with her other hand and stroked his feathers.

“Not everyone can tell that he’s saying hello when he nods at them. And it most certainly isn’t everyday that they do the same back. Only four of my previous students have done so. Your mother is one of them.”
”She told me. I think that’s why I knew to nod, not to say anything or to pet him. With any animal or creature, you should never just reach out or make any sudden noises. They may take it as an attack, and in turn attack you.”
”Very wise words, especially for one who’s lived with them for her entire life.” a new voice said as the door opened.

The man who walked in was dressed in very elegant robes of green and brown, a leaf like brooch holding his cloak around his neck. There was gold embroidery all allong the robes, and the leaves on the cloak moved as he moved, as if the movement was a breeze through the trees. His elven ears were elegant, even with the small gold earings that ran up the one and cuffed the other, and his eyes were the color of the oceans. They were bright and clear, and looked like they could see into you. His hair came to just below his shoulders, the front and a bit of the sides braided and tucked behind his ears. He had a green leaf ensignia ring on his right ring finger, a plain gold band on his left. He gave off an air of sophistication and royalty, and an extremely strong power. Aislinn stood up immediately.

“Legolas!!” she cried, launching herself into his arms.

“It’s good to see you too Ace. Sorry about the wait.”

“You’d’ve been even sorrier if you’d made Crawler wait any longer to get-nevermind, I’m shutting my mouth!”

She flushed brighter than Fawke’s feathers and sat down as Legolas did. She watched as Dumbledore passed the Elven prince his tea, and she picked up her own. Her mind was racing. What was she going to talk about, with the Headmaster in the room? She normally didn’t have a problem talking to her ‘uncle,’ but the Headmaster was in the room, and most, if not all, of what she wanted to talk about was probably inappropriate, especially for a lady. She just sipped her tea and looked out the balcony doors. She didn’t even remember getting up to walk over and out, nor did she remember Legolas and Dumbledore laughing about something that was obviously funny.

Sipping the last of her tea, she moved to put the cup back, when a shrill cry rang through the air. She turned back to the balcony, as did the other two men in the room, and Fawkes flew out, landing on the railing. He looked around furiously for the source, and when his eyes settled on it, he burst into flames. He let out a scream of his own and turned his head to look at Dumbledore.

<Stag.> he said telepathically to the old wizard before locking his gaze with the Elven Prince.

“I know.” was all Legolas said as he walked out next to the bird. “It’s the second one since the Calling.”

“Second what?” Aislinn asked, putting a hand on Fawke’s back.

“Don’t worry, it’s just-“
”If it wasn’t important, you wouldn’t look so sad and angry as you do.” she snapped, her green eyes dark as she peered out where the phoenix was looking. “Something just died, didn’t it?”
”No, but it will soon. Fawkes, please go inform Hagrid and Fang of what’s happened and have them take care of the body.”

The bird took to the sky, and Aislinn could only watch as his flames grew brighter against the darkening sky. She suddenly felt very cold, and without a word, turned to the door and bolted. Dumbledore smiled as Legolas sighed and he sipped his tea.

“What is she?” the wizard asked.

“We’ve never been able to figure it out. She never shifts, just gives off the energy of several different animals. The Ancients animals.”
”Then she’s a Spirit element, like yourself.”
”Yes and no. Her true element is Water, but she has some Spirit attributes. She’s a natural flyer, like her mother, and she can swim like a mermaid, which is understandable considering her element, but she’s attuned to the Earth as if it were literally a part of her. Not many of your first year students would have been able to hear that Stag scream, but she’s heard the animals since she was three. Damiana sent her to live with a Guardian until she could control it.”
”Which Guardian?”
”Serpent of Light.”
”Ah, a Slytherin Guardian.”
”The only one that would take her.”

“That’s understandable, considering what house she’s going to be sorted into.” a new voice said, drawing their attention to the shelves by Dumbledore’s desk, “She’s a true Slytherin, like her Father.”

Dumbledore smiled at the Sorting Hat and Legolas sighed again. It was going to be a long year if Aislinn was a Slytherin.

~!*^*!~

Sirius stretched as he stood up and padded his way into the kitchen. For some reason he found it more comfortable to be in his animagus form around Hermione. It was almost as if he were reliving Azkaban, on a much smaller scale of course, and that she was a dementor, trying to get under his skin. She had a bad habit of connecting to him the moment she walked into the room, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that came over him when it did. It was like she was prying for a secret he didn’t have. Or did he? Either way he found that she couldn’t make that connection with him as Padfoot, and would gladly take the strange smile from his Godson while she was here.

He took a drink from the bowl on the floor and moved again through the living room, taking a quick glance at the three kids sprawled out on the floor. Make that two on the floor and one on the couch. Hermione had ended up suckering both Ron and Rhiannon to sleeping on the air mattress on the floor, just so she could piss him off. The couch was normally where Sirius slept, but obviously, Hermione didn’t think it was a good place for a dog to sleep. He made his way into Harry and Draco’s bedroom, and laid his head on the bed beside Harry’s face, wimpering a bit. He was hungry, and he’d rather eat left overs than risk her getting into his head.

“Just ignore her and she won’t be able to get in.” Draco said as he walked out of the closet, dressed in a pair of Harry’s jeans and a sweatshirt.

<Why’re you up so early?> Padfoot asked as he walked hopped up on the bed and laid down.

<Too much energy to sleep. I have to run it off.> Malfoy replied with his trademark smirk.

Padfoot gaped at him, if possible for a dog to do so, and watched as he kissed Harry’s forehead lightly. The dark haired boy just rolled over and reached for him.

“Don’t go running yet.” he said groggily, “Wait ‘til we get to Hogwarts.”

“Sorry Luv, but I can’t keep it bottled up that long. I’ll be back in a little while.”
”Then take Padfoot with you. He’s laying on my feet.”

“I know ya do Paddy. Now get out and let me sleep.”

Draco laughed as he kissed his boyfriend soundly and walked out into the living room. Ron and Hermione were up and sitting at the kitchen table sipping the coffee that had come on automatically at 5 that morning. The red head smiled at Padfoot and motioned to the bowl of chicken on the floor. He licked Ron’s foot in thanks and wolfed it down as Draco walked in and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. Hermione looked away from Padfoot for a second, nodded at Draco, and then looked back at the Daily Prophet in front of her. Ron watched the display with laughing eyes, and thought it time to break the ice.

“Padfoot, you do know what ‘Mione’s looking for, don’t you?” he asked, ignoring the glare he got from the said empath.

“She wants to know what’s up with you and Moony.”

Padfoot looked taken back as he cast a glance at Hermione, who flushed from head to toe. She was wondering what was going on with him and Remus? Why?

“A fellow professor asked how Lupin was, and well, when I tried to talk to you about him the other day, you totally brushed me off. I thought, well, I guess I didn’t think. I’m sorry Sirius, I just didn’t want to upset you by pressing into a matter you didn’t want to talk about. Normally people I connect with don’t realize I’m there. I guess because you’re Animagi and you communicate telepathically with people while in your animal form, you’re a little more susceptible to the presense of others in your head.” she explained, trying to sound sure of herself.

<Moony and I are fine, Hermione.> he replied, moving to rest his head on her lap. <The reason I didn’t want to talk about him was because he’d come running, and with this past week being a full moon, it wouldn’t have been a very good idea.>

“He’s linked to you.”

“If that’s not stating the obvious Hermione.” Draco laughed as he walked back into the kitchen –when had he left- pulling on his black windbreaker. “Are you coming with me or not Padfoot?”

<I’ll be Hell Hound soon enough. Think you can keep up with me old man?>

Draco smirked and raced Padfoot to the door. Once out, the two of them sprinted down the hall to the elevator, where Padfoot became Sirius again. He smirked at Draco and pressed the lobby button. The blonde noticed that he was dressed in a pair of simple jeans and a large black sweater, and he pulled his wand out to make it into a chain with ID tags around his neck. Draco laughed at that.

“Just in case you get lost?”

“No, just so people don’t think I’m a stray. That and I don’t have to worry about it jabbing me in the side when I shift back.”

When they walked off the elevator, and rounded the corner of the building, Draco pulled him into an alley way, where they both shifted. Draco’s collar was still red and spiked, only this time he had the diamond hanging from it. Padfoot smiled and as they headed out, started light conversation.

<what do you plan on calling yourself?> he asked.

<I’m no Marauder.>

<There’s one spot open…>

<Moony’s a Werewold, I’m a dog, you’re a Hell Hound, there’s a difference between the three. Now, what are you going to call yourself?>

<You’re the one who has to answer to it!>

<FINE! Just call me Fox.>

<Fox?>

<You’re the one who asked!>
<I know. What’s your sisters animal?>
<Dragon.>

Padfoot was silent for a moment and he looked out at the people they were passing. Apparently they weren’t used to two big dogs walking down the street together, seemingly to be in perfect stride with one another, and avoiding everything. They had also passed two hot dog carts and not even sniffed at them. He smiled mentally and sent Draco the image of the two of them stealing a strand of hot dogs and running down the street with them. The reply image was that of Harry scolding them both, and then the two of them walking away, tails between their legs. Padfoot laughed inside as they turned into another alley, some 3 miles from the apartment, and transformed back. He hadn’t realized they’d gone so far in such a short amount of time.

“Coffee?” Draco asked, motioning for the older animagus to step out into the light.

“Fine by me. You’ve walked the streets of London before, haven’t you?”

“Everyday since my death.”

Again Sirius was silent. They walked into the small café, appropriately called the Beanery [1], and sat down. As the waitress took their orders, he felt questions that had been clawing their way to the surface finally break through, and he just had to ask them.

“Draco, why didn’t you tell Harry before hand?”

“Rejection is one of the hardest things for a Malfoy to take Sirius. I could ‘die a happy man’ knowing that Harry knew I love him, and then not have to deal with the hurt of him rejecting me. Of course fate backfired on me when he said he was in love with me. Either way, I lived these past three years or so in quite a bit of pain. Physical, mental and emotional.”

“Physical? Don’t tell me you’re-“
”I was. The first year was incredibly hard on Harry, even though he didn’t show it. They’re unbelievably hard to see, but did you notice the scars across his wrists?”

“Harry’s never been suicidal.”
”No, but his emotions were sent over our bond, and I became severly depressed. Needless to say, when I cut myself, it looked like Harry did the same. Luckily he’d been drunk the night before and didn’t remember anything. As far as he knew, they were just from the battle. My scars are faint, so his are even fainter. It’s happened again when he called me back.”

Draco held his hand out, showing Sirius the slight scar on his palm. The older man nodded and then ordered himself breakfast. Draco put a stray lock of hair back behind his ear, ordered, and then looked out the window. The sky was over cast, but the sun was trying to make it’s way through. It would rain when they get to Kings Cross.

About an hour later, Draco paid for their meal, much to Sirius’ dislike, and they headed out again. As the two animals walked down the street, people just got out of the way. It was as if they knew the dogs had somewhere to be. About a block from the apartment, a familiar feeling washed over Fox, and he stopped.

<I’m not exactly sure, but it feels like a Calling.>

He bolted down the road, and without even checking the streets, was back in his human form, bursting through the doors. Sirius followed him, eyes wide as he mentally heard Harry scream. Once back on their floor, both men threw the door open, only to see Rhiannon rocking Harry back and forth while Ron disappeared and Hermione went to the storage closet. Draco was on his knees next to his sister in a heartbeat and quickly pulled Harry into his arms. The dark haired boy screamed and burried his head into the pale animagus’ chest. Draco looked up at Sirius with tears in his eyes, and the older wizard kneeled down next to his godson. Placing a hand on Harry’s chest, he gasped, and immediately went to the coat closet.

“We don’t have time to wait for the express! We’ve got to get him to Hogwart’s NOW!” he shouted, pulling out everyone’s cloaks. “Rhiannon, where’d Ron disapparate to?”

“Hogsmeade. I told him to get to Hogwart’s and inform Professor McGonagall of what’s happening. Being an Animagi herself, I thought that best.”
”Good thinking. Hermione, what have you got?”
”A minor sedative, to keep him from hurting himself or us.” the Griffindor witch said, holding up a small vial of clear liquid, “Draco, can you get him to swallow it?”
”Shouldn’t be a problem, with all the screaming he’s doing.” the blonde said as he took the vial from her.

Seconds later, he put Harry to bed, and once the pained boy was quiet, he turned to look at the three people standing in the doorway. Rhiannon nodded and went to the living room, followed by Hermione. Sirius walked in and put a hand on Draco’s shoulder, and then wrapped his arms around him from behind. Draco sighed and turned around, trying to get closer to the older man, and together they sat on the bed.

“Don’t worry, Harry’s gonna be just fine.” voice said from the doorway as Professor McGonagall walked in and placed a hand on the sleeping boy’s cheek.

“Professor!” Draco cried, jumping up.

“Relax Mr. Malfoy, I’ve known for some time now about your ‘death.’ It only proper that the house of your chosen know such things. Although your choice in Secret Keepers does shock me. I would have never thought you to approach Professor Granger.”

“Can we not talk about my ‘death’ and deal with Harry, please? What the hell is going on!?”
”All five Ancients are connected not only to their Element, but to their Elemental Guardian. During the time when the Dragon’s Eye Diamond was first discovered and used, those Guardians were Dragons, but after the Diamond split, the Elements chose their own.

Fire chose the Hell Hound, Water the Dragon, Air the Falcon, and Earth the Stag. When the Guardian passes, it’s powers are then transferred to the Ancient. I believe that is what just happened to Mr. Potter. The Guardian was killed on Harry’s birthday, and his son was just killed today. I believe it was the Calling of that young Stag that Harry heard, and at the same time, realized what had really happened. It can be quite painful for one so connected. I cannot discuss further information with you here, but I promise, all will be explained when you arrive at the Hogwarts. He’ll be fine once we get him to Hogwarts. Everyone follow me please. Mr. Weasley, will you please collect Harry’s trunk?”

Ron nodded and was about to head into the bedroom when two trunks came floating out. Hermione smiled and flicked her wand over the green flame on the coffee table. The trunks disappeared, and McGonagall smiled and nodded.

“Quick thinking Hermione. Everyone, into the storage closet. I’ve had Harry’s portkey rerouted to the Quidditch pitch. Mr. Malfoy, you can carry him?”

Draco was in the storage closet before any of them, Harry in his arms, and before they could even blink, they were gone. The others followed immediately, and the next thing they knew, they were on Hogwart’s grounds.

“I assume that I am not the only Animagi here that knows what we must do?”
”No.” Draco said, laying Harry in the center of the pitch. “I won’t let you force his body to take shape.”

“It is the only way to break the connection he has to it.”

“I’m fine.”

They all looked at Harry in shock as he stood up, leaning on his lover for support. The sedative certainly didn’t last long. Hermione took Ron and Rhiannon’s hands, leading them towards the Great Hall, and McGonagall firmly planted her feet as Sirius tried to do the same with her. She was not budging.

“I cannot allow this Mr. Potter. No matter how strong you are, no matter what the Ancient powers are telling you, I cannot allow you to call it.”

“You don’t have a choice Professor.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“When my Guardian fell, I became both the Ancient and the Guardian of Earth. The colt is alive, and his powers are stronger than his fathers. There’s no way I’m letting him stay out there alone. Whatever’s trying to get to me will go after him again, and he’s too important to leave alone. Are you coming Draco?”
”I never thought otherwise.”

McGonagall and Sirius could only watch as Draco became Fox, and as Harry became Prongs. His coat was a deep chestnut color, black on his muzzle and legs. His antlers were a good 12 points each, and had a slight silver tint to them, as did his midnight black hooves. His eyes were the same green, and the scar was still present, only as a patch of silver fur on his forehead. Fox looked up at him, and barked. Prongs snorted and they took off across the pitch, towards Hagrid’s hut. The two left standing in their wake looked at one another, and Sirius smiled.

“He’d do his father proud, the way he stands.”

“As would Malfoy. I didn’t think a Hell Hound was a possible form for an Animagus to take, but I guess I’ve been proven wrong.”

“Actually Professor, it is an impossible form to take, for a normal Animagus.”

Both adults turned to where the female voice had come from, only to see Aislinn standing behind them, her green eyes sparkling mischieviously as she started towards the Great Hall. Sirius saw something he’d never seen in Draco in her, and he shuddered.

<Lucius Malfoy’s blood runs through this girl.> he thought, following his one time professor off the pitch.

~TBC