Trouble
A crack in the silence broke the stillness of the dark and seemingly unoccupied forest. Its frosty winds whipped at the branches of the trees, slowly inching away every single life within the forest. A warm cloud was released from a woman’s lips wearing a thick black cloak, its hood hiding her features.
Bellatrix stood in the middle of the dying forest, her breath puffing out of her lips clearly seen in the cold. A strong gust of wind blew and when the wind stopped, she already knew she was not alone. The frosts on the ground and on every surface began to spread, inching their way closer and closer to her, yet this never affected her as she merely waved out her hand and a circle of fire appeared around her.
The darkness showed themselves. The Dementors seemed to fade away, closing in around her but the flame kept them at bay. She watched as the creatures tried to suck out whatever happiness they thought they could take away from her, only to find nothing but the sweetness of the darkness seeping from her magic and her very blood itself.
They spun around her curious, waiting. She just stared back at them as she waited for the one she was waiting for to appear. Soon the crowd of Dementors fell away on both sides, paving a way for a huge mass of dark cloak, skeleton hands, and pure coldness that tried to seep into her very bones.
Most people would’ve shaken in fear, their happiness was eaten away till nothing was ever left. But she was different than any other one of them. She knew she had always been special and so, with a wicked smile on her lips, she tilted her head up to face the faceless monster, the leader of the Dementors.
“Our master’s awakening is near. Now, shall we proceed with uprooting unnecessary weeds in our Master’s garden?” she smiled as the Dementors seemed to fly circling around her in a joyous dance. She knew that these creatures would not betray her Master as they are after all like their Master, children born in the dark.
……
“Harry.” Someone was calling his name but he could not make out the voice. He knew he was still asleep, but the voice urged him to awaken. His eyes were heavy but he tried his hardest to open his eyes.
Soon eyelids were fluttering open and Harry closed them once again in reflex to block out the brightness of the morning. He lifted his hand to cover up his eyes and allowed it to adjust. He blinked a couple of times and then when he looked around him, he knew he was at one place he was quite familiar with.
He was in the Hospital Wing. The curtains were drawn to his bed and he could not hear anything as he figured a silencing spell was put up. But as he paid attention to the inside of his curtains, he could hear some one’s soft breathing. He lifted his head for a bit, only to see platinum hair just near his hip. Marius was sleeping soundly, his head resting on his side of the bed and his face facing his direction.
His eyes went wide just slightly and a small smile began to tug on his lips. He watched as the blonde slept fitfully as if not even noticing if he was awake or not. He wondered just how soft Marius’ hair was, he felt tempted to touch it. Seemingly in a battle of wills, Harry then began to pet the head of Marius. Now finding out that it truly was as soft as he had imagined.
Harry continued on to caress Marius’ soft locks, not noticing that the blonde was about to wake. Grey clouded eyes looked up into his clear emerald eyes and Harry had never seen such a vulnerable side from the human ever since they met. His guard was so down that Harry found it endearing that he trusted Harry this much to allow him to see a side of himself no one had perhaps ever seen. At least, that was what Harry wanted to think.
A soft smile graced his lips as the blond began to yawn a bit like a cat and starts to move his limbs, Harry’s hand still on his head. But a thought crossed Harry’s mind, remembering the reason why he and Marius could never be how he wanted it to be. So he slowly, as not to alarm the blonde or startle him, inched his hand away as if to give way from stopping the blonde from stretching and fully waking up. He placed his hand on his lap, his other hand clutching it tightly as if to prevent it from going back to touch that head.
A memory then crossed Harry’s mind as he clutched his head with one hand. Marius noticed that and was quick to place his hand on Harry’s shoulder which made Harry flinch. He pulled away quickly, expression hurt. Harry was not able to apologize as his headache was then starting to show him his memories of what happened last night.
“I-what-happened?” he looked up at Marius and the blonde looked clearly worried, but he answered as he sat back down in his chair.
“You were poisoned with Wolfsbane.”
The werewolf’s eyes widened. He looked around him to see if there were anyone injured in the incident.
“No one was hurt, well except for Orion.”
Harry flinched at that. No matter how much he didn’t like the vampire, he wouldn’t wish to hurt him like that. He stared into Marius’ eyes, apologizing.
The human just shook his head. “Orion is fine, just a few scratches here and there but he will live.” He shrugged as if it was no big deal but Harry knew this was just to assure him.
He was about to drown in his own thoughts when a slightly cold hand began to clutch his hand. His eyes snapped up, only to see Marius’ blue-grey eyes and Harry seemed to calm down just a bit. The knowledge that he was not alone in this was a small comfort that Marius gave him. It calmed him just a bit as he caught his breathing.
“Dumbledore was able to evacuate everyone before you went ballistic. He and Orion was the one who stopped you and brought you here when you were knocked out. Professor Snape pumped you with the antidote all night till you naturally morphed back.”
Marius, deep down, knew that lying would someday bite back on him. The way he was able to construct these things from the get-go was even impressive for him to believe. He even talked about this with Dumbledore and Orion a while ago.
The only truth in his words was that Harry was really pumped with the antidote in his system, but he was sure as hell the poison was already neutralized when he spelled Harry. But he was not going to tell him any of that.
“What about you?” Harry looked at Marius and Marius knew that nothing really can go past Harry when he asked. He gave Harry a small smile before answering.
“I was with Orion when you suddenly rounded on us near the Whomping Willow.”
Marius was then suddenly tugged toward the bed. His face, hands, arms, and body subjected to the inspection of one Harry Potter.
“I attacked you!? God—are you hurt? Did I bite you? Were you injured?” Harry went on and on as he inspected Marius. It was a bit embarrassing on Marius mind since he looked like he was a kid being coddled but he could not help the fondness in his eyes as he watched Harry.
But seriously, it had to stop.
Holding onto Harry’s hand with a strength he did not know he had, Marius looked straight at Harry’s green eyes before voicing out, “Harry. I’m fine, really. Dumbledore and Orion protected me.”
Harry released a huge sigh of relief. Before Marius knew it, he was engulfed in warmth. Harry was nuzzling his hair as his palm ruffled it up.
“I’m glad.” Harry’s voice was so soft that Marius almost did not hear it, but he just whispered at Harry’s bare shoulder, “I’m fine. I’m safe”
Harry released him only for his hand to linger on Marius’ cheek. But then Harry’s eyes widened, he suddenly removed his hand as if burnt. He looked down from Marius’ eyes as if he was ashamed and this left Marius confused.
“What’s wrong?” Marius spoke.
Harry took a few beats before he responded, keeping his hand to himself, inching away from Marius who was now sitting on the side of the bed. Then Harry looked at him, their eyes meeting. “Aren’t you afraid of me?”
This was then that Marius understood what Harry meant. After seeing him in such a crazed state and him attacking Orion and Dumbledore, someone who was not used to such things would surely fear him now.
“Why would I be?”
Harry looked unconvinced at this as he ruffled up his hair and Marius recognized this as frustration. “Marius, I attacked you. I was not myself, but still, I attacked you, Orion, and even Dumbledore. Don’t you find that—“ Harry grunted and Marius just gave him a small smile before he answered.
“That wasn’t you, Harry, because the Harry that I know has a big heart, very kind and would never even hurt a single fly.” Harry snorted at that, but a voice that called his name rang in his head. It was so seemingly similar to Marius’s voice, but Harry shook his head knowing it was impossible.
He remembered bits and pieces when he was asleep due to the wolfsbane. There was someone that pulled him out, someone who called out to him. He could not help but hope that it was Marius. But as he looked at the human whose soft smile gave him all the warmth in the world, Harry knew that he really could no longer do this to Marius any longer.
“Did anyone tell you?” Harry said, looking up at the ceiling and closing his eyes just a bit. He could feel the eyes of Marius watching his every move. He could feel the slight confusion in Marius' voice as he replied.
“Tell me what?”
“That anyone would be very lucky to have you.”
Marius eyes widened slightly at this and without him even noticing nor thinking, he suddenly blurted out, “Why not you?”
Marius bit his lip when he fully heard himself, heard the word that he uttered. His brain was in the middle of a war now with the pounding of his heart. Especially when Harry looked at him with a shocked expression. He knew there was no holding back at what he just voiced out, so he watched Harry with serious eyes. But then those green eyes closed and when they opened, Marius knew—he lost.
“Marius—I have a mate.”
That was all that Marius needed to hear. He could feel something within him shatter to pieces, but he held on to his expression as he cooled his features. Then, before Harry could even talk, as if on cue, Orion opened the curtain and drawled.
“Potter’s awake,” he voiced loud enough that soon the room was crowded with his friends along with Madam Pomphrey who was trying her best to shoo them away.
Harry did not notice when Marius suddenly faded away from his side and disappeared altogether. But he felt the need to apologize, to explain. Though it seemed he would have to find another time for it to happen.
…….
While Harry was being surrounded by his fellow Gryffindor allies, Marius eased away from his previous place as quickly as he could. No one seemed to have noticed him other than Orion who decided to follow him. The two walked in silence as Orion had heard a gist of what the two were talking about.
He understood that this would be a huge blow to Marius so he allowed for the silence to overtake their walk. Upon reaching the Headmaster’s office, Marius looked back at Orion and smiled a weak one before asking, “Come with me?”
Marius did not have to ask. Orion would go wherever he would want him to go if that was what his cousin would want. They both went up the stairs and knocked on the Headmaster’s office.
The door opened up for them like usual. The Headmaster was there sitting in his chair, sifting through what seemed to be letters. As soon as he saw the two, he folded them and placed them in his right side drawer. His eyes sparkled and gestured for the two to sit, but Marius did not take a seat. Rather, he shook his head.
“Is there something the matter?” Dumbledore began to ask.
Orion just looked at Marius’ direction, only to be shocked by what he heard.
“As soon as the potion is done, I will leave Hogwarts along with the Wizarding World.”
Orion was left gaping but still could not stop himself from blurting out loudly. “What?! If this is about—” Marius gave him a look that told him he would explain himself, so he shut up.
“I cannot be found, no matter what. I am a Nullum. This means that even if I never wanted to participate in this war, Bellatrix would still have a shot at making me side with her by turning me Dark.” Orion was surprised, again. He closed his eyes as he tried to remember and understand what Marius was saying. He remembered reading about Nullums and that was then that his eyes opened and widened. He was sure that his Mother would stop at nothing to have the capability of controlling someone like his cousin. If his Mother were to be successful at turning Draco dark, then they would have a special bond, one that would make Draco compelled to do whatever it was that his Mother wanted.
“I understand, Draco.”
Orion’s head snapped to the Headmaster’s. This was the only time he had realized that the Headmaster knew of Marius’ real identity. Then he looked at the two people who were having a silent conversation.
“Wait, how did you know?” Orion asked the Headmaster, only to have him smile at him and point at Fawkes who was near his desk, perched up watching them all. Orion just sighed and slumped at one of the chairs, his head rested on his hands as they were clasped together on his knees. “You could’ve at least warned me about this, Draco.”
Orion called his name and Draco could not help but feel a bit apologetic to his cousin. He kneeled down in front of him and looked him straight in the eyes.
“I know that even if I am gone, you would be able to handle yourself.” Orion looked about to protest, but Draco gave him a small smile and continued. “You are not alone any longer, Orion. And if you ever grew weary of the war, you could always come to me.”
Orion’s eyes widened at this. He sat up to hold on to the shoulders of Draco. It was slightly too hard, but Draco found it endearing instead.
“You swear?”
Draco nodded his head. He began to whisper an incantation and the bracelet that he always wore glowed slightly as Draco’s magic weaved its way to it.
“This will always bring you to me, wherever I am.”
Orion hugged his cousin and nodded his head.
As soon as he was released, Draco then stood up again. He faced Dumbledore with serious eyes as he began to voice out, “I will strengthen the ward of Hogwarts. Not with my blood, neither is yours, but with Professor McGonagall.” Dumbledore nodded in understanding. He could trust Minerva with anything along with the lives of his students as she would always protect and fight for what is right.
“A wise choice.” Dumbledore agreed since no one would ever be able to think that she would be the center of the barrier. “I will inform her soon then, but I would not tell her of your existence.”
“I will make the preparations needed. Meet me in the Great Hall seven days from now.”
Dumbledore nodded his head.
Draco could not help by the way that Dumbledore’s eyes lingered on Orion and the vampire seemed to have noticed this too, so he only drawled. “No one has been capable of reading my mind even with torture ever since I was ten.”
Dumbledore had a flash of what seemed to be sadness in his eyes when he looked at Orion who just waved it off.
“Orion will not betray you. His mark is still incomplete,” Draco voiced out and the Headmaster nodded his head.
“I know he will remain loyal to anyone but you, Draco. But won’t the Dark Lord suspect?” Draco shook his head and Orion explained.
“Mother wanted my first kill to be you, but they would not care what method I have to use to do it. Besides, with my incomplete mark, they could ask me to go to places where there are barriers that prevent those who bear the mark from entering.”
Dumbledore was impressed. It seemed like the two had already planned this all so carefully as to assure if ever some things might not go according to their plan. He felt proud and yet sad, as they were just but mere children but their innocence, their happiness, were robbed from them at a very young age.
“Headmaster, there is one more thing.”
Dumbledore was cut away from his musings as he then stared up at Draco’s eyes and gestured for him to continue.
“Could you bring me to Gryffindor Lands?” Dumbledore's eyes widened and Orion was worried.
“If I bring you there and Bellatrix will feel the barrier coming alive once again, she will hunt you down,” Dumbledore replied, worried that Draco might be turning reckless. But his following words puzzled Dumbledore so.
“Then can you bring something for me there?”
Dumbledore couldn’t do anything except nodding his head.
Draco held up his palm. Orion and Dumbledore watched as a sudden ball of light appeared on Draco’s hand, only for it to be reformed. Soon the light dissipated and all that was left in Draco’s hand was a dagger.
“This was my Mother’s blood dagger. It absorbs blood along with magic and when it will be imbued in the center of the Blood Ward in Gryffindor Lands, the wards will awaken and strengthen like it was when she was alive.” Draco held onto the dagger as if it was his lifeline. But he removed the blade from its scaffold and with his left hand, he held the blade to make his blood be spilled.
Orion looked away from the blood that was dripping on the dagger as he could smell slightly the smell of Draco’s blood. Despite being able to control his hunger, he still could not control it now with the mark making anyone’s blood so appealing to him.
Soon the dagger soaked up Draco’s blood until its once silver blade became red in color. Draco held it up in the light. Seeing that it was enough, he returned it back to its scaffold. Dumbledore stood up and walked towards Draco who held the dagger so dearly as if he never wanted to part with it and so the Headmaster asked.
“You don’t have to give it up. There has to be another way.” But Draco shook his head and handed the dagger to Dumbledore.
“There is none. I hate to part with it, but I am sure my Mother would’ve wanted it to protect others than to stay with me as a mere reminder of her.” Dumbledore wanted to protest at that, but Draco did not allow him to say anything any longer as he continued to speak. “The Barrier will never fall for as long as I live unless there would be someone who would be more powerful than me to break it.” Draco sounded as if he was joking, but Dumbledore knew that Draco had no par when it comes to his magic.
Dumbledore watched as he could see Draco seemingly regarding his magic as a curse rather than a gift, as he was sure he would rather have his mother alive than to have such powerful magic in his veins.
……
Orion was worried about leaving his cousin alone as he left the Headmaster’s office, but he cannot disobey the order of the Headmaster. Since it was found out by the Headmaster that he had been feeding on Draco, the Headmaster made it his priority to provide Orion with his own food source.
He was thankful that he no longer had to feed on his cousin, but he really was worried about Draco. He could see and feel that he was rattled by their conversation with Potter. He just has to feed real quick so that he would find his cousin and talk to him. Or maybe he could hunt down Potter down.
……
As soon as Draco got out of the Headmaster’s room, he clutched his head as a headache was beginning to form. His mind flashed back to his earlier conversation with Harry and something inside of him broke once again.
Blood dripped from his nose to the floor as he began walking. It was still early and the class was ongoing, but he no longer planned to attend any of it. His balance was failing him as his body waved around and he could not hold himself up. He wiped the blood from his nose and once again, his clean shirt sleeves were stained with blood.
He knew using a large amount of magic with restriction on it and not fully reaching his age would cause a huge toll on his body. But it was all worth it for him.
He rounded up on an empty alcove as he felt like he was going to get sick. He clutched his stomach to stop his body from hurling, but all too soon he began to vomit. His throat hurt and he was heaving, but when he saw that he did not vomit his breakfast rather he vomited what seemed to be like black goo, his blood ran cold. His mind frozen.
He clutched his body closer to himself as a shiver ran down his spine. He shook his head thinking it was impossible. He was showing signs of imbalance and he thought deeply at what caused this. All that ran through his mind was the one word that stuck to his mind from the whole sentence that Harry voiced out.
“Mate.”
As soon as Draco recalled this, a surge of something dark and disgusting filled Draco’s entire body. He stared at his hands to realize what feeling was it and he pegged this feeling as jealousy. It was the same feeling that he had felt before when he was younger, but this was much more intensified than before.
He had never felt such animosity for the word as he had ever for now. He had the feeling of wanting to know who this mate was and he began to think about thoughts, dark thoughts that made his eyes wet.
“No.” He croaked out as he could feel an inner turmoil beginning within his body. A part of him wanted to hunt this mate person down and another was making him think of sacrificing Orion to discover out what the Dark Lord’s true nature was for the greater good.
He could feel his rationality being tested at every turn. He had never felt this horrible as he did years ago. It made him remember about the boy who made him question his sexuality and the jealousy that he had felt when he found out that he loved another.
He was the first person Draco ever loved other than his mother, one of the only people in the world that he could trust with his whole life. The pain he had felt before when he found out that he was killed was as if returning to him tenfold. At least at that moment, he had his mother with him to anchor him to balance but now he would have to deal with this alone.
He tried standing up to head to Hufflepuff Dorm, all to find out that his body was too weak to be able to walk. He could feel his body releasing a dark aura that was trying to take over his entire being, mind, and soul.
He felt like leaving. He never expected the words of Harry would break him this way. He never expected he would have fallen this way. In his clouded gaze, he saw a woman who seemed to have the same visage as his mother saw him. In his daze, he sought out his hand to reach her but before he could his consciousness fell away as he felt someone caught him before his head hit the ground.
…
“Who would’ve thought that after looking for you all this time, you would wound up straight to my arms.” A wicked smile graced Nymphadora within Luna’s body as she cradled the fallen blond in her arms.
She tucked away the stray locks of the blond in his ears as she smiled down at him. Seeing the dark aura appearing and disappearing from his whole body, she fully knew what was currently happening within the mind of the boy.
“It seems you are struggling to keep the balance in your magic. Don’t worry, I will assure you that you will find clarity in the darkness.” She took out the wand of Luna and began to chant as she cast a veiling shield, cutting the two of them away from the real world to not be seen.
When she was sure that the spell was cast, she left the wand to her side and placed one of her hands to Draco’s chest as she began to chant again in long mutters of Latin. Soon, a darker shadow began to seep in within Draco’s body and he began to slightly convulse as his body trashed, his arms seemed to hug himself as he curled up into a ball. Nymphadora smiled.
She hugged Draco tightly in her arms as he slowly began to sing a lullaby to soothe him. He slowly began to stop trashing and he seemed to be sleeping fitfully in her embrace.
“Mother would be pleased along with the Dark Lord. Finally, we found you, dear beloved Draco.”