𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭

Ron stood in the huge and cheerful crowd, watching as his elder brother and new sister-in-law danced in graceful twirlls and circles . It bought him a solace to see the smile on their faces and the unconditional love in their eyes. He was happy that they got their share of heaven before hell descended.

His mother and elder twin brothers standing beside him, smiling at the newly wed couple . While his father danced happily with his precious daughter.

Everything was fine and merry but it didn't last that way.

*SWOSH*

Suddenly , several black shadows entered the place, firing haphazard spells and curses at innocent and ignorant people.

The death eaters were here.

The tent which was seconds ago their castle of happiness , collapsed like tumbling blocks.

People ran here and there, some falling down to be stepped on while others pushing and pulling to step on others as they made their way to safety. This scene struck a realisation in Ron and he understood that the world is never entirely black and white and no one is completely innocent.

The hell has already descended, it seems.

Ron frantically looked around as he tried to find his family. From some distance, he heard his father shouting for his mother to take his sister and leave. He also saw Bill protectively hugging his new wife , Fluer, as he shot hexes at the men who disrupted one of his happiest memories.

Everyone was in mayhem . No one realised what happened and who went where.

No one will realise if he disappeared now.

This was the perfect chance. He knew that his family would be alright and protected. His father will never leave any option for that to happen and all his brothers were here as well. He knew that no matter what, they would be alright.

Ron silently lifted his wand. Coincidentally, his eyes caught the gaze of his elder brother, George . George was rapidly making his way towards Ron with Fred at his side. His face frowning and lips shouting something that couldn't be heard in the ruckus around, as if he knew what Ron was going to do. And probably , Ron thought, he might actually know.

When George saw the raised wand in his brother's hand, a bad premonition rose in his heart and he wildly started running towards his little brother, shouting at him to stop, to wait . As his words dissolved in the air, going unheard, the bile in his gut rose to his throat. The fear clawing the inside of his stomach.

Ron gave them a last smile , mouthing two words that he couldn't do himself before disappearing completely as his wand's magic sucked him in through its tip.

Ron disappeared and a hoarse and desperate cry rang out from George. He's gone. Their little brother's gone. Only leaving the two words that curdled his blood with dread :

"Protect them "

A middle aged couple languidly sat in their house. Relaxed and pliant on their couch as they streamed through the photo album of their one and only daughter.

Their daughter, their sweet little girl , was the only treasure worth protecting in their life. This house, their car, their life insurance , their savings and all they had was for their small bundle of sunshine. They had worked hard and toiled to gather this so that she could live a comfortable and happy life.

They didn't even realise when the baby who was the size of their forearm had grown and become a responsible young woman . The years went by so fast and now their small flower was in full bloom, beautiful and vibrant, spreading her sweet fragrance everywhere.

From the corridor behind the couple, Hermione appeared. Her eyes held indecision, confusion, as if she was reluctant about a certain task but was compelled to do it either way.

Her eyes looked at her parents in sorrow and reluctance. Her expression showed defiance and unwillingness. She slowly lifted her wand which was held in her hand with such force that even her knuckles turned white.

With her slender body trembling slightly, she lifted the wand towards her most beloved people. The sorrow swirling in her blood seeped out of her glassy eyes, bitter but clean and pure tears flowed down her face.

She didn't want to do this. Even if it was the best option she had, even if it was the right thing to do. She still didn't want to do this. She didn't want to erase every memory, every proof of her happiest moments to be erased. She didn't want that love, those hugs to only exist in her memories. The thought of her parents forgetting her and living as if she never existed pained her. She feared that if one day she came across them on a busy road and they didn't recognise her , what would she do ? She feared that one day even she would forget these memories or mistake them for a wild dream. She didn't want that. She never wanted that.

But what can she do ? What can she do other than erasing her existence from their life so that they can live ? What can she do other than leaving them with an aching heart in her chest so that they do not forget to smile as she had ? What can she do other than abandoning them so as to protect them ? Because now the only danger that threatened their life was her existence.

How can she let any danger, any threat around them , harm them ? No, she won't, even if that threat is herself and the cost is her happiness. She will erase her entire existence from their life if that's what she has to do to protect them.

Hermione's pained expression slowly shifted to determination . Her eyes shone no doubt , she was firm in her thoughts and actions.

With steely eyes, she uttered, "Obliviate"

She watched as white strands from all over the house flew into the tip of her wand. These were her memories , the proof of her existence. Her figure in the photos, her clothes, her books, all her belongings, everything connected to her slowly disappearing.

She watched as her parents' eyes turned unfocused and dazed as they went into a stupor while her wand hungrily ate their memories of her.

Gradually, the white strands of light dimmed and disappeared. It was done. Everything related to her, her place in this world, her place in her parents' life was…. gone….

A hot tear slid down her fair cheeks as she made her way out of the house. As she opened the front door and stepped out, a figure caught her red eyes.

Wavy black hair shone in the setting sun rays of pastel yellow, pink, orange, red and purple and the figure , a woman by her body shape clad in a neat sweater along with the black skirt, turned around.

Pansy Parkinson.

It was Pansy Parkinson. Hermione stared at her in a daze as the said girl made her way to her.

What was she doing here ? Who gave her the address ? And why ?

Questions swirled in her head but her eyes were stuck on the pale figure.

Pansy made her way towards the shocked still Hermione. Her brows frowned as her lips repeatedly moved to utter words one after another. And it was as if Hermione's brain had shut down. She didn't hear or understand anything. She stood there, body still but eyes following the beauty, just like a sunflower stupidly following the sun.

Soon, the beautiful face scrunched in a scowl and a hand shot forward to shake Hermione's shoulder.

" Granger ! Granger !"

With a jolt , Hermione came back. Her eyes still trained on pansy but this time she heard her too.

" Granger ! What happened to you ? How did you suddenly go stupid ?! "

A wide eyed and open mouthed Hermione said dumly , " I am not stupid"

" Oh , Merlin . What happened to her ? Did she eat something weird ? Is she on drugs?" Came the musing whisper.

As she heard this, awareness flooded her and Hermione tightly closed her eyes to gather her thoughts. When she opened them again, she had already regained her calm and said slowly, " I am fine. How did you get here ?"

Her voice was doubtful and inquiring. Pansy sensed the disbelief and distrust in it and said scathingly, angry and sneering, " Potter told me as well as asked me to accompany you after I leave my house"

Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise, " And you agreed ?"

A pair of eyes as blue as summer sky averted themselves , refusing to look at the person the mouth was addressing.

" Well - yes . Potter said that you might need some assistance since you probably will not be in the right state of mind after ….. what you...just had to do and all"

Hermione's eyes still held the distrust but still softened considerably compared to before, " Thank you, Parkinson "

Hermione knew that Pansy lied. Harry might have told Pansy about her plan to Obliviate her parents but her friend will never ask her to accompany Hermoine. He knew full well that she wasn't that weak and spineless. Thus, it ultimately means that Pansy came here out of her own obligation.

The revelation lit a spark in her chest. As Pansy heard the softened words of gratefulness , her eyes angrily lifted, "What thankyou?! I only did this becau-"

The fuming words suddenly stopped short. A pair of eyes caught the wet tracks on Hermione's face.

Pansy's frown deepened. She swiftly moved , frantically opening her travelling purse to find something. Sometime went by and when she didn't find what she wanted , Pansy again lifted her chin up. Gripping her own sleeve ending in her own finger , she lifted her arm high to carefully wipe Hermione's cheeks.

Hermione's eyes widened and her breath caught still.

Pansy continued till she was satisfied , saying after, "How can a Lady wander around with a tear streaked face and snot dripping down her nose ? Huh ? I don't know what you did till now, Granger, but now that you are with us , such behaviour and display of weakness should stop. It's unsightly. Ladies do not cry, no matter what. We remain graceful and poised even in the face of death"

Her stern eyes met Hermione's as if cold and transparent ice, not wishing to hide or taunt
"Understood ?"

And Hermione sucked all her saddness and reluctance inside and said strongly, "Yes"

A smirk, so very Slytherin, graced Pansy's lips as she uttered with a slightly silvery voice like a smiling and scheming fox, "Good. Now let's go. You do not intend to spend the night on the street, do you?"

A gentle smile graced Hermione's lip and she said with a tint of humour, "Actually , I was considering the pavement under a bridge , cool and cosy , isn't it?"

A giggle echoed as the conversation continued between the young witches as their feet travelled side by side, making the way towards a new future with glowing happiness waiting for them beyond the curtain of darkness.

Harry slid the heavy bag on his shoulders to drop it on the wooden table. When he came up after paying for their rented room and dinner, Draco was already shallowly asleep on one of the twin beds in the hotel room. He had been tired and exhausted tonight. The travel from one end of the city to another on foot and the additional burden on their shoulders had been too much for him. While Harry wasn't that tired due to grace from the physical training he got from Oldman Eloise for the past few months.

Harry sat on the bed beside Draco and looked at his figure lying there as if a salted fish wringed dry of it's blood. They had walked for an entire evening before finally renting this room at the same inn they had dinner at. It was actually a light dinner meant to ease the stomach but not uncomfort the body.

Even if Harry knew that this was a journey which will inevitably wear Draco out, it was necessary. Harry was still not 17 then and still had the ministry's tracing charm on him. Using any magic would have directly alerted their enemies and given out their location . While Harry was able to use magic in Potter manor because of its protective charms and barriers , he could not do the same outside. Fortunately, Draco and the other six were all above 17 already and he completed the 16th year of his life as soon as the clock struck eleven tonight, which was the time of his birth.

Harry slowly lifted Draco's feet to pull out the shoes and socks before neatly keeping them aside. He took out the all-purpose magical medical cream he carried. The small cylindrical box was opened and revealed a green translucent salve with herbal fragrance .

Harry scooped a generous amount on his palm and rubbed with both his hands to warm it up. He meticulously placed a well defined and pale foot on his lap and slowly started massaging it.

He started from the ankle, slowly massaging it with a comfortable and easing pressure. Leisurely moving down to hold the pink tinted sole in his hands to move his fingers along the depression in the sole and the heel. He didn't forget the twin mounds of soft flesh just beneath the valleys of his toes . His fingers gradually slipped inside the sensitive junction between the toes as a small sigh escaped Draco's throat.

Harry cradled Draco's feet in his hand like a treasure, careful and delicate. He slowly bent down to tenderly press his lips to the translucent skin of Draco's ankle. His green eyes filled with adoration and love as he looked at the slumbering beauty.

He effortlessly slipped off the outer coat from Draco's body, making sure of his comfort before drawing up the covers.

Harry got up from the bed and the warm body it nestled and reluctantly walked away to open the windows. As soon as the glass opened, an owl flew inside carrying several letters.

Hedwig dropped six letters down in the bed as it landed on Harry's shoulder . He kindly brushed his palm over its feather before offering some treats as a payment and some more as a generous reward for the loyal beast's hard-work.

The letters entailed about the situation and observations everyone has made. Accordingly, Pansy and Theo are already out and on their way, it seems. While the other two need some more time to sort things up. They might probably be on their way already.

Harry so got the havoc and nervous atmosphere in the Order of Pheonix because of his disappearance. As Harry suddenly disappeared, the order of Pheonix was in a worried tandem but unable to do anything. When Harry read this piece of information in Ron's letter, he had started to make keen calculations in his head. When he realised what he was doing, the shock in his eyes was clear. When had he become like this ? Calculating and scheming ? But when he thought what he had and what he could lose, the shock wore off. Now , Harry had people and family to protect, he had Draco. If scheming and plotting can help him keep his beloved safe, he was naturally willing.

Reading through all six , Harry felt a sense of urgency in his veins. Actually, everything was alright and proceeding as planned but the unknown gut feeling in the pit of his stomach was nerve wracking. He wanted to write back as a warning to pay extra attention but couldn't as all of them are already out and on the road. For sometime Harry sat still in a dazed stupor, lost in his own thoughts, before coming back.

Concluding that there was no way other than waiting for Theo, Ron, Pansy and Hermione, Harry instead chose to forewarn the remaining two, Blaise and Neville.

He rapidly wrote long letters, including each and every warning he could remember in both the parchments while making Neville's a little longer. Afterall, while Blaise was an acquaintance and newly formed ally l, Neville was someone Harry instinctively protected and looked after. He was the small shy little brother of the entire Gryffindor tower and Harry inherently saw him as the same. Finishing them and keeping them aside, Harry got up with the intention to sleep as well.

Hedwig relaxed and nestled on the foot of Harry's bed and Harry decided to let the bird rest before his next journey tomorrow morning .

As he was about to lay on his own bed , an egg suddenly popped up and went up flying . With it's sight , Harry's eyes grew impossibly wide and his magic subconsciously caught the egg.

Ahhh, this naughty one ! Why does he always keep popping here and there ? Isn't he afraid of cracking up and breaking ?

Even if Harry felt all the annoyance and irritation he had for it , the fond exasperation in his heart didn't lessen by even a bit.

As Harry rested the egg beside Draco on the covers, he slowly asked while dotingly laying his hand on top, "Hey, big guy . What made you pop out today ?"

*nudge*

A slight tilt was felt beneath his hand.

" Did you feel hungry ? But if I remembered clearly , Malfoy already gave you a big and healthy meal this morning, didn't he ?"

*nudge*

Another tilt was felt but this time somewhat more forceful.

" Can't sleep because you're still hungry ?"

*tap*

A light tap was felt from inside the shell.

" Such an eager response. I am right, huh? Well, since you are a good child, would you like a , let's say, …... tiny midnight snack ?"

*TAP*

Another tap was felt but this time it was heard as well. The sound was small , tiny and incomparably weak but still there .

" Okay , okay "

Harry said as he lifted his fingers to his mouth for a flesh-tearing bite and immediately placed it over the pristine white shell . His warm blood seeped from the wound and dripped on the egg , who hungrily absorbed it cleanly. All the while Harry made random talks with it about Hogwarts, about how it was growing heavier, bigger and healthy or about Draco. The egg silently listened to its protector as he ate his fill . After having his fill, the egg gave an affectionate nudge to Harry before rolling away to nestle and cuddle beside an asleep Draco who subconsciously tucked an arm around the egg , delicately yet firmly holding it warm in his embrace.

Harry looked at both of them and again silently tucked the covers over the egg as well , before resting in his own bed to soundlessly drift in a shallow and aware sleep. He slept with one eye open . In such times, Who knows when the misfortune approaches ? He had people to look after and his beloved to protect. Tardiness wasn't something he could afford right now.

The next morning, Draco woke up nice and warm in his covers . Looking around, he noticed that it was barely dawn but Harry's bed was empty . He was still dreamy and confused when Harry came in through the door carrying a tray of fulfilling breakfast .

The sweet scent of maple syrup and warm scent of pancakes made his tummy grumble like a small beast with a witty conscience.

Embarrassed, Draco sat up with red cheeks, " Good Morning "

" Good morning to you as well . Had a good sleep ?"

" Yes, and even my feet stopped aching ."

Hearing this, Harry's eyes unconsciously flashed hidden happiness and glee, his effort of last night indirectly acknowledged. Well , let's just say , he wasn't someone to carry medical cream on his being…….unless he had certain plans.

Now, what plans ? You must be thinking. And if your mind is dirty enough and my prophecies are accurate enough, then something that definitely has the potential of giving eggie a younger sibling.

[ T/N : votes are open in the comments. Mpreg Sibling or no siblings ?? Any other suggestions are appreciated as well.]

" That's good. Here breakfast ", Harry said, placing the tray in Draco's lap while simultaneously sitting beside him as well.

The foil covering the plates lifted to reveal a stack of pancakes topped with butter and maple syrup on top. Harry handed Draco one of the plates and took the other for himself.

As he was about to take the first bite, he said, " I also bought the cup of chamomile tea for you "

Draco stilled, " how do you know I like chamomile tea ?"

A teasing smirk lit Harry's face, " Well… how can I not know ? Now that we are bound by magic and oaths, I obviously need to take good care of my companion"

Crimson rose in Draco's cheeks and ears and a scowl rose on his lips out of habit,
" Bound ?! What do you mean by bound ? And what companions ? Don't talk nonsense, Potter "

Harry innocently said, " But , Malfoy , we are indeed companions bound by oath and magic , bound for life and death, bound for eternity --"

" Shut up ! Stop ! Don't say it like that !"

" Like what ? Do you mean when i say bound for -"

" Stop ! How-how can you say it like that? It sounds- it sound like --"

Draco paused the troubled look on his face clear and he searched for the right word. Angrily glaring at Harry because he knew that no matter what and how he said it , Harry is going to make fun of him either way.

Green eyes gazed into cold and seething silver ones . Harry's voice dropped an octave , becoming a dark lure , an enchanting seduction, " Like what ?"

Silence prevailed for some frail moments before a shouting rang out :

" LIKE NOTHING ! YOU SHAMELESS IMBECILE !"

" Now , now . Let's not escalate to such heart wrenching profanities. It does not suit that pretty mouth of yours "

Emerald eyes darkened further as Draco decisively looked away and Harry caught the sight of ears so red that they seemed to be dropping with blood.

' So pretty . His ears are so red and his neck looks so smooth, beautiful and unblemished. Ready to be branded with my marks ' Harry thought as his gaze maped the curves and columns of Draco's throat.

Suddenly, the image of his teeth sinking in that neck and leaving their mark flashed across his eyes, deepening them to form a dark endless well . His little brother twitched in under the thick cloth of his jeans and Harry barely resisted the involuntary action of his own body . His palm fisted the bedsheet beneath in an effort to ground himself.

' I myself don't know how long I will last. It's as if he was an existence made to trouble me , a species made with the intention of making me lose control . So lovely, so perfect , so irresistible '

Despite the churn in his gut, Harry smiled gently ,like a beautiful carnivore flower , and coaxed , " Okay , I apologise for my insensitivity. Now, Will you please forgive me and have your breakfast ?"

Draco's narrow eyes looked at Harry in doubt but ultimately said, " Fine "

Breakfast was pleasant . As soon as they finished, Draco started getting ready and packing up while Harry went to the reception to check out of their room.

Draco had already known that staying in a place for too long wasn't possible. Two teenage boys barely legal , travelling around with huge bags. They had already been suspicious enough.

Before leaving, Draco quickly took out eggie from his portable ring to give him his share of breakfast . As he watched his warm blood fulfilled the appetite of this small being he cherished. He had come to care of eggie quite too much. Who wouldn't love this Ball of pure cuteness ?! Even Draco wasn't resilient to eggie's charm.

But after some time, Draco noticed that eggie wasn't absorbing his blood anymore and it was trailing down the white shell freely.

A frown made his way to Draco's face. Eggie usually drank much more than this. Is he already full ?

Just as he was lost in his head, Harry came back. Urging him to speed up, Harry said, "Come on, Malfoy. We need to empty the room in an hour"

Draco's head jerked upward to face Harry, " Oh. I was almost done. Just wait a minute "

Saying this, Draco totally forgot the matter about eggie's appetite and started to pack their belongings as well. Thinking about their journey ahead , he felt that something was missing.

Suddenly remembering he said, " Why don't you go down and pack some snacks for the way ? It's going to be a long journey and I still don't advise using magic yet. "

Harry raised a astonished eyebrow but answered,
"Fine "

As Harry was about to leave , Draco hurriedly said , " And remember that it should be something small yet able to supply enough energy , like sandwiches . If available, take some of those water bottles we saw yesterday. They are easy to handle and cheap as well, perfect for travel "

Now both of Harry's eyebrows were raised high, "I didn't know that purebloods were schooled in nagging as well "

Cold grey eyes meet mirth filled green ones , " Shut up , Potter. We purebloods are schooled in castration as well "

A sweet smile graced Draco's pale face and a fearless smirk painted Harry's smug face.

But Harry , naturally knowing when to provoke and when to stay passive so as to tightly grip a sly and slippery minx, didn't reply. Instead he happily made his way to the reception downstairs to request packages of sandwiches and water bottles.

When Draco finally came down with the huge bag , Harry was standing near the door, waiting for Draco's arrival.

Both of them set out , walking towards the nearest bus stand to take a bus to Islington.

London was damp and cold today. The clouds overcast as of a reminder of all the misfortunes in their life.

Harry and Draco climbed the bus and took the seats at the end corner . It was true that before this Draco had never been or travelled in such an environment. Yesterday night was his first time dwelling in the muggle world. But his adaptive nature and internal instinct of finding advantages in everything made it easier to adjust.

The they settled down, Harry said, " Hedwig dropped by yesterday after you fell asleep "

Draco's cheeks reddened. "After you fell asleep " he says. It isn't his fault that he had a body used to spells and quills and not running a marathon ! What do you expect from a pureblood like Draco whose blood had been nourished with aristocratic status and pampered with proud noblesse for centuries before his birth !

Ignoring the embarrassment, Draco nonchalantly said , " well… What did the letters say ?"

" Nothing much. Parkinson and Nott are on their way and Hermione must be out as well. Ron might take longer because of the wedding "

" Oh "

Like this, the conversation abruptly ended. Harry and Draco were very clear about the importance of each other . They were aware that they were in this together . So each of them were unconditionally and persistently honest and truthful, not hiding even a small useless detail from the other.

The bus ride was fairly long. Their current location being at one end of London and Islington being at the opposite, it took more than 4-5 hours to reach there. Meanwhile , Draco promptly told Harry to get out the sandwiches at the time of lunch. They silently ate their meal of three egg sandwiches each before Draco decided to take a nap in the remaining time.

The cloud sky was already dark and started to darken even more as time went by.

Draco woke up to the slight shake at his shoulder. Harry looked at Draco silently, waiting for him to regain his consciousness.

As Draco's eyes cleared and sharpened, Harry said , " Get up , we are already here."

Draco sat up in one fast movement,
" Already here ?"

The bus was already still. They hurriedly got up and made their way out before it departed again.

Getting down, Harry quickly helped Draco down . As the bus departed again, they started walking through the hustle and crowd. The synonymous look and architecture of metropolitan houses passing by from the corner of their eyes .

Hardly 15 minutes passed before they stopped again. Not in a comparatively silent and deserted neighborhood, Harry and Draco stood facing one of the every normal and inconspicuous houses.

Walking to the front door , the nameplate read - 12 Grimmauld Place.

Harry's wand silently rose but before he could do anything, the front door opened by itself.

" Harry, Malfoy ! You both are finally here. Good, now we can finally start " ,Came the unmistakable voice of Hermione Granger.

TBC