Chapter Text
Elemental Awakening
Chapter 1
Dressed in his favourite black trousers and a casual white button-up shirt, the youngest ever Dragonlord stood in an office on the top floor of a high-rise building looking out over a strange cityscape and thinking about how different it looked from London. He and his family were at the outskirts of Graz in Austria waiting for their portkey. This was the last stop before the dragon sanctuary where he would spend three weeks speaking to and getting to know a sizable flight of dragons.
“Draco!”
He turned at the sound of his father's voice.
“The portkey leaves in five minutes.”
Silently, Draco nodded once to acknowledge his father’s words and took a deep breath before securing his cloak and solemnly stepping up next to his parents. When an attendant brought in the portkey, it was revealed to be a steel bar with several handholds.
The Malfoy family had registered a private portkey for this leg of the trip since Charlie Weasley had gone on ahead last night to prepare the way.
Draco felt a rush of excitement as he imagined what his next three weeks would look like. Oh, he knew the basic itinerary...
When he and his parents arrived, they would be met by the managers of the sanctuary along with several of Charlie’s fellow dragonologists. They would be shown their lodgings and allowed to relax for a couple of hours before Charlie would return to give him a guided tour of the nearby grounds. He would spend a couple of days shadowing his friend as he visited several of the dragons to check in on them and their health. They would feed the little ones and then he would meet the goblin emperor who would give him tasks to perform over the second week. Harry was scheduled to join him in the middle of his last week in residence but he would only be there for a few days before they all left.
He just couldn’t wait to live among the dragons and have conversations with them and play with the baby dragons.
“One minute.” Draco heard his mother murmur as she and Lucius gripped the steel bar of the portkey.
He quickly reached out his hand to join theirs and was rewarded with approving nods just in time for the attendant to begin the ten second countdown. The sensation of a hook pulling him by the navel was sudden but expected. The sounds and colors swirled past him until they landed in a field.
Draco quickly steadied himself before checking on his parents who had landed several feet away. Both gave him a reassuring nod as they walked over to him.
“Shall we?” Draco asked lightly, indicating the group of people who were gathered at the edge of the field.
“Indeed.” Lucius' lips barely moved with that one word answer.
They turned as one toward the group just in time to hear the greeting. “Welcome!” The deep booming voice belonged to the man who was standing beside Charlie Weasley.
“Hello, Dragonlord.” Charlie said with a grin. “Hello, Lord and Lady Malfoy! These are the managers of the sanctuary, Graplok of the goblin nation, and Stefan Bullwark of Romania.” (Stef-on)
“Hello.” Draco offered his hand to them in the order they were introduced.
“The others you see around us are my fellow dragonologists and friends. As we discussed, everyone in attendance has been informed of your status and I'll introduce each of them a little later, during the tour.” Charlie said as they waved. “Let's get you settled!”
“Come!” Stefan said eagerly. “Come see the arrangements we've made for your stay!”
“We've put you in the lodge with Bullwark. It's this way.” Graplok informed them. “I have a specially converted cave nearby if you need my assistance for anything, but he and the other humans prefer to live above ground and he was sure that you would agree.”
“We do.” Lucius nodded decisively as they turned to follow them.
The field was fairly large but the spot where they’d landed was near a hill which led to a path and Draco sighed happily as the hills rose on either side to create what amounted to a wide corridor with no roof but the occasional footbridge crossing overhead. The group walked for about five minutes and Draco overheard his parents speaking with some of Charlie's colleagues but he remained silent and watchful. In that vein, he closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment before he could sense several dragons scattered over the next few acres to either side.
“Everything alright, Draco?” Charlie asked, sounding slightly worried.
“Yes, the nearby dragons are quite peaceful at the moment.” Draco smiled as he opened his eyes. “Why?”
“You stopped walking.” Charlie told him carefully. “I stopped with you but everyone else is far ahead of us.”
“Oh!” Draco blinked, looking around. “I'm so sorry! I'm so embarrassed. I just wanted to stretch my senses - try to see where the dragons are and how far out I can feel them. I certainly didn't mean to delay us.”
“It's fine, Draco. As long as there aren't any disturbances we need to worry about, I don't mind a little delay.” Charlie smirked kindly. “I do need to tell you though - there was a slight hubbub when I arrived last night.”
“What do you mean?” Draco asked, with a confused shake of his head.
“It was written of, and carefully revealed to everyone here just who would be visiting the sanctuary but since you are the Dragonlord and none of us can tell the dragons you were coming...” Charlie tried to lead him but Draco didn’t catch the hint. “I arrived with your medallion tied into my hair and wasn't prepared for the reaction!”
“There was a...” Draco frowned until it began to dawn on him. “What kind of a reaction?”
“Graplok asked me to oversee the little Norwegian Ridgeback dragonlings’ nighttime feeding - there's three of them - and usually it's not a problem but they caught a whiff of the medallion and tackled me!” Charlie laughed heartily. “None of us could figure out why they did that until one of them managed to get the medallion loose from my hair and ran off with it.”
“I never considered!” Draco’s jaw loosened in surprise. “There must’ve been chaos! I’ll have to get it back for you.”
“No need.” Charlie’s smirk turned sharp as he pulled the braid holding his ‘friend’ medallion to rest on his shoulder. “I found it sitting on the mat outside my dwelling this morning. The dragonling culprit was hiding in some nearby bushes to peek at me.”
Draco chuckled. “Mischievous little bugger.”
“C’mon, Dragonlord. Let’s show you to your room.” Charlie started walking toward the lodge again and, this time, Draco kept pace with him. “Your parents are probably already unpacked.”
The lodge was beautiful as it stood tall amid trees and several small dwellings.
“That door in the side of the hill is Graplok’s home.” Charlie told him as they passed it. He pointed to a small building with a bush close by. “That one is mine.”
“Can I see it?” Draco asked, dripping with curiosity.
Charlie shrugged and quickly lowered his ward. “Sure!”
Draco took a step inside and saw everything all at once. The bedroom was in a loft and led out onto a balcony. The kitchen and sitting area was on the first floor with a bathroom and shower.
“This is so nice.” Draco said as he wandered. “Compact and utilitarian but also elegant.”
“It’s just what we need.” Charlie shrugged offhandedly. “No clutter. Nothing extraneous. We even have wizard-space storage.” He pointed to a cupboard.
Draco hummed in agreement as the older man led him away.
“Draco! There you are!” Narcissa fussed as they entered the large main room that reminded Draco of the lobby of a hotel. “I was beginning to worry!”
“What happened?” Lucius asked tensely, looking toward Charlie.
“Nothing happened.” Draco tried to reassure them. “I simply stretched my senses to feel the dragons which caused me to stop walking and we fell behind. Charlie stayed with me the whole time and quickly showed me his dwelling as we passed it. It is small but homey in an elegant way and everything serves a purpose.”
“All the dragonologists here have that kind of dwelling.” Charlie informed them. “However, the lodge is where we house our guests. Your room is upstairs, next to your parents’ suite and across this common gathering room is Bullwark's flat which is just there.”
Draco’s eyes followed Charlie’s gesture while his feet followed his friend up the staircase, into a lavish suite which instantly set him on edge. The sitting area could fit his whole friend group and Harry’s besides. The large bed with silk sheets shocked him and the matching curtains made him frown. There was a full bathroom with both a tub and a shower.
The spaciousness of the suite had the opposite of its intended effect. It was so wide open that he felt boxed in.
“It’s too much.” Draco muttered, shaking his head. “I didn't expect pampering. I don't want it! I don’t feel right... I don’t feel comfortable here.”
Charlie looked worried again.
“Are there any small dwellings you could let me have?” Draco asked with a decisive turn toward Bullwark.
“I-I suppose so.” The man looked startled. “B- But I was given to understand that you were among the uppercrust. Your father is a lord! You live in a Manor house with elves!”
“Yes but...” Draco sighed. “I'm not sure how to explain. You see, sir - my calling is to be the voice of the dragons. To do that, I need to talk to them and walk amongst them.” He reasoned carefully. “Back home, there aren't many places I can get close to dragons, let alone talk to them. I'd like to make the most of this opportunity while I have it. To me, that means living a little closer. If that also means living a bit rough, well... I'm alright with that.”
Bullwark looked worriedly at Lucius and Narcissa but they weren't giving him any cues.
Draco glanced over too and since he knew his parents well, he could see that his mother wasn't happy with his request but his father seemed cautiously supportive.
Bullwark's eyes switched to Charlie who gave a barely perceptible shrug.
“Marco's replacement isn't due for a month yet.” Charlie offered quietly. “We could give him that one for the time he's here...?”
Bullwark agreed but seemed reluctant and a little disappointed. “Marco is one of our former dragonologists. He retired recently and his dwelling is temporarily available since his replacement doesn't arrive for around a month and a half.”
“I'm sure it will be more than satisfactory, Mr. Bullwark.” Draco grinned, allowing his relief to show. “Thank you.”
“Charles, you're more than welcome to show the young man to his dwelling.” Bullwark told him gruffly. “If you change your mind, just let one of us know.”
Draco nodded solemnly and thanked him again before turning to his parents. “I know this seems strange, Mother, but it's like the chest at Gringotts. I feel it in my bones that my staying in this suite... in luxury and so close to you and Father... is wrong. The way I see it, this slight distance will give me a small taste of independence and allow me to slowly grow... in my powers, in myself as a person and, as that happens, I believe I'll grow closer to the dragons.” Draco felt his mother's hesitation as she looked searchingly into his eyes.
After a long moment, Narcissa nodded once - decisively. “Alright.”
Lucius agreed, silently placing his hand at her lower back in support.
“Remember, Draco darling. We'll be here for most of the first week and then your father has a meeting in Bucharest.” Narcissa fussed with his cloak and adjusted the pin Harry had given him. “We’ll only be gone for a couple of days and we’re returning in time to meet the goblin emperor when he arrives.”
“I remember, Mother.” Draco told her softly, squeezing her hand. “You'll be here for the tasks and Harry is due to arrive during my third week in residence. We’ll leave shortly after.”
“You know where we are if you need us. Be safe.” Lucius nodded stiffly.
Draco nodded confidently. “Yes, Father.”
“Ready?” Charlie asked quietly.
Draco walked over to the pile of luggage and took what belonged to him before acknowledging Charlie's question. “I am.”
Each step toward the door of the lodge felt like a step toward the future, a step toward growing up, a step toward freedom from any preconceived expectations of him.
“Since we weren’t expecting this turn of events, your cold box isn’t stocked.” Charlie frowned as they walked toward the dwellings.
“Cold box?” Draco asked.
“There are no elves here at the sanctuary, as you were told.” Charlie told him. “We are all expected to be able to cook a rudimentary meal or two for ourselves and we sometimes share with the others.”
“I can formulate potions but I’ve never cooked a meal.” Draco frowned with a sigh.
“You’ll learn.” Charlie said decisively. “Until you do, I’ll help.”
“You’d do that for me?” Draco asked quietly.
“Of course, Draco!” Charlie stopped and looked at him. “I’d do it for anyone I was hoping to foster a good working relationship with but look at the points in your favour - by your gift of the medallion, I’m your Friend.”
Draco snorted softly but acknowledged his words with a nod.
“With or without a capital letter, friends help each other out. In addition to that, you’re my cousin’s future spouse and thereby family.” Charlie pointed out. “I would never want to see a family member or any of my fellows here suffer... so I will help.” He paused to get the blond’s attention. “I won’t do things for you, but I’ll teach you how to do them.”
Draco nodded slowly, taking in what his friend had laid down. “So today...”
“I will take you around to visit the closest dragons and in between I’ll show you a breakfast recipe that I learned from my mum before I moved out here.” Charlie explained. “I’ll make both of today’s meals and you’ll make them tomorrow. Deal?”
“Deal.” Draco reached out a hand and they shook. “In the morning, I’ll ask my parents for the funds to fill both of our cold boxes for the remaining weeks of my visit before they leave for Bucharest.”
“That's very generous. Now, your dwelling is just a little further down this path.” Charlie pointed and then led the way past a cluster of trees.
“It’s perfect!” Draco breathed. “It looks like a log cabin!”
“True, but the dragons could set fire to a wooden dwelling so it’s actually a stone cottage that’s been transfigured to look like a log cabin.” Charlie explained. “Marco cast the transfiguration spells after his original log cabin dwelling was burnt to a crisp during a fight between two pregnant mother dragons.”
Draco chuckled as they approached the front door.
“Place your wand on the door.” Charlie instructed. “I’m connecting you to the wards for a duration of four weeks. You are now able to access them. Use your wand to tap the door and you should sense me.”
Draco obeyed and sensed his presence. “Ok, how do I allow you to enter at will?”
Charlie grinned. “Just think it and as long as you and your wand are in contact with the door, it is true.”
Draco made the decision that Charlie Weasley was permitted to enter the dwelling at will and he felt the command sink into the stone.
“I’ll leave you to unpack and return in an hour for the tour.” Charlie smirked as he walked away. “Have your broom handy.”
Finally alone, Draco looked at the dwelling and made a decision. If given a chance, he would love to have a dwelling of his own on the sanctuary grounds. He pictured a dragon statue on his doorstep and perhaps he would even look into the spells it would take to connect Harry’s snake Sigmund into his own wards.
He took a deep breath and opened the door to find a clean but empty looking loft flat. The sofa was his first stop and he checked the softness with one hand while looking at the kitchen - nerves building. The narrow staircase that went up the left side of the room beckoned and he ignored the kitchen for now in favour of climbing to the bedroom area.
Smiling to himself, he set his luggage on the bed and enlarged it. First, he pulled out the case holding his broom, setting it on the dresser. A moment later the maintenance supply bag joined it. Then he began pulling out his clothing. Two piles fit nicely into the top drawer while the next drawer was filled with undergarments. The next things to be removed from the suitcase were two picture frames - one that showed himself with his parents and one of Harry. He frowned at it as he realised he didn’t have a picture of the two of them together yet.
“The last item to find a home is Merlin's grimoire.” Draco looked around for a special spot, murmuring to himself. “The drawer of the nightstand is perfect. I can secure it with a light sticking charm.”
As he closed the drawer, Draco sighed, happily done with the unpacking. He quickly shrunk the suitcase and slid it easily into the wizard-space storage cabinet before deciding to do a last minute maintenance check on his broom.
Through the windows, Draco could hear birds in the trees and walked over to look out. The small balcony would be perfect for his chosen chore so he opened the door and took a deep breath of mountain air. A quick examination of the broom revealed a couple of broken bristles that were easily removed. Once that had been taken care of, he began a light meditation that ended when he heard an odd exchange that left him breathless.
“But Mama!” A child-like voice whined.
“No! The two-legs will visit when they visit!” An older female voice responded. “You're not supposed to bother them! You know what happens when we try to go places they don't want us to.”
The child-like voice grumbled. “They chase us away.”
“Go play.” The older voice commanded gently.
Draco calmed himself and smiled. Children would be children no matter the species, it seemed. He couldn't wait to tell Charlie what had happened.
As it turned out, he didn't have long to wait before he heard his name from inside.
“Charlie, you'll never believe it!” Draco called excitedly as he rushed down the stairs, broom in hand.
“Believe what?” Charlie blinked. “Is everything alright? I don't see any damage to the dwelling but did the mischievous dragonling come by? I was told a mother dragon was knocking down trees not far from here.”
Draco grinned and told his friend about the conversation he'd overheard.
Charlie gave a loud belly-laugh. “Well, let's go, then! I'm sure they haven't gotten far.”
They mounted their brooms and rose into the air heading cautiously in the direction of the fallen trees.
Draco watched for a signal from Charlie and when he saw it they both descended to the ground.
“What is it?” Draco asked quietly.
“The mother dragon is Norberta.” Charlie told him. “She's in the next clearing, doing something strange.”
“Odd name. What is she doing?” Draco asked, concerned.
“She was named by Hagrid and... She's...” Charlie shrugged, helpless to explain it. “She's cleaning up her mess.”
Draco bit his lip to hide his amusement as he slowly realised that this mother dragon was the baby dragon he'd inadvertently caused Hagrid to lose six years ago and the dragonling in question was her baby. “Wow.”
“C'mon.” Charlie waved for Draco to follow him and they slowly made their way through a group of trees.
One of Charlie's coworkers waved from a closer vantage point and pointed to where a Norwegian Ridgeback female had just picked up a fallen tree in her jaws.
“I want to say hello.” Draco murmured.
“Go ahead.” Charlie urged him. “You're the Dragonlord, Draco. We'll follow your lead here and step in only if there's danger.”
Draco took a deep breath and stepped out to be seen by the dragon. “Lady Dragon!”
She dropped the tree and turned her head slightly. “Can the oldest stories be true?”
Draco politely bowed to her and walked a few steps further into the clearing. “I suppose it depends on what the oldest stories say, Lady Dragon.”
“The others like you call me something else.” She said matter of factly.
“They call you Norberta.” Draco confirmed. “I have heard that it was the man who hatched you who named you such.”
“He was a kind, large two-legs.” She eyed him carefully. “The oldest of us here, tell stories of a two-legs who spoke our tongue ages ago. He was called Lord of Dragons and it is said that his bloodline will always protect dragon kind. One day another in his line will come to be a new guardian in the world of two-legs.”
“I am that person.” Draco confessed, taking another step forward. “His name was Merlin. I am called Draco.”
“How is it that I come to be your first contact among my kind?” She asked carefully.
“You're not.” Draco informed her with a slight shake of his head. “You are the first dragon I've met here at the sanctuary but I met a lovely white dragon in my homeland named Opal.”
“You've met Opal, little lord?” Norberta asked, sounding surprised. “You must meet her sister! She is the one who tells the stories!”
“Indeed I will, Norberta. But first I want to meet you and perhaps your little one?” Draco suggested gently. “You were knocking down these trees. May I ask why you're picking them up now?”
“I knocked them down in haste to find my hatchling.” She huffed. “He ran off and I didn't want him to cause trouble.”
Draco smirked and waited to see if she would explain the clean up.
“The little one brought back a bit of metal last darkness that felt odd and important. Now... having met you, I understand that it means the bearer of it knows you... is sent by you.” She went on. “The two-legs burn trees in the cold days so I decided that my destruction could serve a purpose.”
Draco nodded solemnly. “That is appreciated, Norberta. Thank you. I need to speak with the others of my kind for a moment.”
“I will call my hatchling.” She answered before bellowing a call into the air.
Charlie and his coworker raised their wands, now on alert but Draco held up a hand.
“Wait! She's just calling the baby!” Draco turned to face Charlie. “She feels guilty about the trees. She thinks that her destruction should serve a purpose so she's picking up the trees in order that the two-legs - the dragonologists - will have firewood in the cold days.” Just as he finished speaking, the hatchling bounded into the clearing and crouched low to the ground circling behind his mother.
“Don't move, Draco! The baby is stalking you.” Charlie cautioned but was interrupted by the mother dragon swatting the air near the hatchling’s head with her tail.
“I have to go on instinct and things I've read in my ancestor’s book.” Draco told him as calmly as possible. “She's his mother and dragons are matriarchal.” He turned around to see the baby dragon who was the size of a small horse. The only word that explained the small creature's behavior was that he was pouting. “I'm going to continue our conversation now. Was the baby named by humans?”
“We call him Pyro.” Charlie told him.
“Hello, little one.” Draco kept his voice soft and even.
The hatchling looked at his mother before answering. “You speak our language!”
Draco grinned at the excitement in the little voice. “I do!”
“Mama!” The hatchling rushed to his mother. “Mama, did you hear?”
“I do, little one.” She was clearly amused by her hatchling's reaction.
“Does this mean the stories Ruby tells are true, Mama?” The baby asked as he jumped and rolled around in excitement. “Are they?”
“It appears so.” Norberta replied.
Draco laughed at the baby's antics and asked Norberta. “Where is Ruby's home?”
Charlie stepped up behind Draco, letting the dragons see him. “Ruby is the oldest dragon in residence. She keeps a cave in the cliffs.”
The dragons looked at him as if startled.
“Norberta, Pyro, this is my Friend.” Draco confided to the hatchling. “His name is Charlie and he wears my marker in his hair. He was among those who carried you to the sanctuary, Norberta.”
Norberta leaned in close to Charlie and sniffed him, snorting in recognition. The baby dragon just flattened his body to the ground and whined.
“I think that's meant to be an apology, Charlie.” Draco smirked. “Pyro?”
The baby dragon whined again. “The metal smelled funny. I brought it to Mama but she just told me to bring it back to the two-legs.”
Draco nodded understandingly. “It's alright, little one. I didn't think about the reaction such a thing might cause after so long not having it in the world! I should have warned him to wait until I explained to the dragons before wearing it here at the sanctuary!”
“Are there more pieces of this metal, little lord?” Norberta asked.
“There are some more exactly like it but then there are pieces that are even more significant. My parents are at the lodge and they each have a marker.” Draco nodded. “I have a mate and a brother at arms and each has something to signify their importance in my life.”
She seemed thoughtful. “We should enjoy meeting them if that eventuality should come to pass.”
Draco smirked at her. “You have actually already met my mate, Norberta. He was there when you hatched and when you were taken to the sanctuary from Hogwarts.”
“How interesting... I wonder if I will recall his scent.” Norberta snorted again and nudged her baby forward. “My little one will inform Ruby of your visit if you tell us how many periods of darkness will pass before it.”
Draco looked over at Charlie. “She’s offering for Pyro to act as a messenger to inform Ruby that we are coming to visit. How many nights will pass before we go see her?”
“Winnie?” Charlie conferred with his coworker who was standing a few feet away. “Draco, this is Winifred Macdonald. We call her Winnie.”
Draco nodded a quick acknowledgement which was returned just as quickly.
“I believe it was planned to be in her area on day three of the Dragonlord’s visit.” Winnie answered.
“So two nights will pass.” Draco spelled it out for the dragons.
Norberta bowed her head and nudged the baby. “Fly this message to Ruby. The Dragonlord she speaks of exists and will visit her after two periods of darkness.”
Pyro looked longingly at Draco but did as his mother asked. Taking a running start he rose into the air and headed in the direction of the cliffs.
When he was a speck in the distance, Draco turned back to Norberta. “I think he’s a bit curious of me.”
“He is curious about all two-legs but you and your people will be a particular focus.” Norberta snorted. “Where shall I put the trees I have felled?”
Draco chuckled. “Charlie, where should she put the trees?”
“Tell her thank you and if she can gather them together,” Charlie told him. “We’ll take it from there.”
“Alright. I read about this.” Draco nodded nervously. “Follow what I do.” He faced Norberta and bowed his head with Charlie following suit. “Thank you for your help, mistress Dragon. If you place the trees together in one spot, the two-legs will transport them to where they are needed.”
She bowed her head back to them and began to push the fallen trees into one area of the clearing.
“A bowed head gives them respect and the task will allow her to fix her mess but also keep us in control of the result.” Draco murmured to Charlie as they watched.
Charlie and Winnie watched in slight awe before she took off on her broom to speak with the managers of the sanctuary.
“Let’s bind the trees with spells.” Charlie directed Draco.
“I think I can handle that.” Draco told him happily drawing his wand. They waited until she’d finished and each took a pile to cast the binding spell on.
She watched until they completed their task and Draco waved to let her know they were leaving.
“Let's head back to my place.” Charlie suggested. “I'll show you the recipe I was talking about and then I'll show you where the young dragons spend their time.
“Will I have duties this week?” Draco asked.
“Officially? Not really.” Charlie explained as they mounted their brooms. “I think maybe the managers want to observe you and see what happens when the emperor comes.”
Draco sighed and took off. Once they were back on the ground, he replied. “They probably want to see what I'm capable of.”
“I think they also want to see what you're willing to do.” Charlie speculated as he opened the door to his dwelling. “The way you wanted the dwelling instead of the luxury suite was surprising. They'll be wondering if you're going to object to anything in particular like gathering the manure or dealing with the sick dragons.”
Draco followed Charlie into his dwelling and started looking around. “I don't like the idea of either of those but if that is what they need me to do, I'll get through it.” The young Dragonlord was determined to live up to Merlin’s example and he was certain that his ancestor wouldn’t have refused to assist with such things.
“They’re most likely to need your help with things that would be easier if we could talk to the dragons.” Charlie looked like he was trying not to be impressed with Draco’s resolve but failing. “Disputes over territory or eggs and youngling altercations would qualify.”
Draco nodded thoughtfully while a collage of family photos caught his eye. “So would dealing with sick dragons. They could tell me what's wrong.”
“You can look around later, Draco.” Charlie chuckled as he set out the ingredients. “This is a basic breakfast recipe. It’s just eggs, bacon and toast. You can make it a sandwich or keep them separately on a plate. You can add cheese or veg to it. That’s all up to your preference. I like my eggs scrambled but there’s so many ways to prepare them.”
Draco paid close attention and the rest of the day went by in a blur. He met five more adult dragons and fed the three Norwegian Ridgeback baby dragons. Pyro followed him home and had to be encouraged to head back to his mother’s cave. Charlie thought it was hilarious but Draco was getting exasperated with the little guy. Draco barely remembered to set the wards before Charlie pushed him up the stairs. “‘M fine, Charlie. I can do it. See you in the mornin’.”
“If you’re sure...” Charlie frowned, worried the younger man would fall asleep before he made it to the bed.
/*/*/*/*/*
“Draco?” Harry's voice caused Draco to jerk as he woke. “How are you here?”
“‘M not here.” Draco blinked sleepily at him. “Dreamwalking.”
“Of course!” Harry exclaimed in wonder. “This is the first time we've dreamwalked in a while.”
“I hoped it would happen. I miss you.” Draco admitted quietly. “I met dragons today. I knew you would get a kick out of every moment and I missed you.”
“You said that already. ” Harry grinned fondly. “I miss you too. You should sleep a bit but I want to kiss you.”
“I’m too tired to do anything...” Draco lifted his face for a kiss but fell asleep as soon as Harry cuddled up next to him.
Harry smiled softly as the blond made a funny face before settling down. He didn’t know how this dream would go but this was a nice start.
A while later Harry ‘woke’ to the feel of lips kissing his neck. Knowing he’d physically fallen asleep alone, he opened his eyes to see Draco’s still slightly tired eyes as he worked his way up Harry’s neck. When he got close enough, Harry swooped in to take possession of his mouth.
They kissed leisurely for a few moments before beginning to move against each other.
Harry let Draco control their pace but held himself back a little so they wouldn’t repeat the intimate interaction they’d had on May day. He’d been better at controlling himself in recent encounters but he still had to consciously make the decision to calm down a bit while watching Draco fall apart and wait just a little longer for his own climax. As soon as he felt Draco shudder in his arms, he followed into bliss.
“Gods, I miss you.” Harry murmured into his fiance’s blond hair. “Stay safe. Write soon.”
“I will.” Draco sighed. “So much to tell you.”
“I can’t wait.” Harry said, kissing Draco’s forehead.
“I don’t know how much longer we have...” Draco breathed in Harry’s scent.
/*/*/*/*/*
Harry’s eyes fluttered as he woke to see his room at Potter Grove. Sighing he rushed into the bathroom, knowing that his cousins were probably already starting breakfast. He threw on his navy trousers and a t-shirt with the name of a muggle band across the chest. He wet his hair, combed it quickly, and hurried down to the dining room where Ron and Dudley were each gobbling down a plate loaded with food.
“Morning!” Harry said brightly.
“You’re awfully chipper.” Ron replied, eyeing him. “Did Draco write?”
“No. It wouldn’t have arrived yet if he had. This is better.” Harry grinned. He loved that Ron knew him so well. “He dreamwalked to me.”
Ron stared. “Wow.”
“I told you about that. Didn’t I?” Harry frowned.
“Dunno. Maybe.” Ron shrugged. “The creature mate bond?”
“Yeah.” Harry nodded. “We talked a little and he was tired but doing well.”
“I got this when I woke up this morning. It's from Mum. Charlie firecalled and she’s relaying the message.” Ron lifted a piece of parchment for Harry to see. “He says Draco refused the luxury suite at the lodge and asked for a small dwelling - sorta like a cottage.”
Harry smirked around the forkful of food he’d just eaten. That wasn’t one of the things they’d talked about. It surprised him a little but it also made him feel good. Harry had lived roughly through his relatives’ abuse and his escape last summer had forced him to finish maturing faster than he should. By doing this, Draco might grow up a bit and catch up to Harry.
“Oh! Charlie mentioned something...” Ron’s face scrunched as he tried to reread what his mother had written. “He wants us to tell you - Draco seems sad when he looks at the pictures on Charlie’s wall. He has pictures with his family and one of you by yourself but he doesn’t have a picture of the two of you together.”
“I have one that Colin took back in May! I’ve ordered a frame for it and it should be here any day now but I’d planned to give it to him in September on the anniversary of our betrothal.” Harry sighed. “I guess it doesn’t matter when he gets it. He should have it while we’re away from each other.”
“Mum says that Charlie hoped you'd say something like that, and if you did I should tell you to send it to him and he’ll sneak it into Draco’s dwelling.” Ron finished.
“That’s a great idea!” Harry grinned. “As soon as the frame that I ordered comes in, I’ll put it together and send it!”
“What time are we leaving for Hogwarts?” Ron wanted to know.
“I don’t need to pack much and the elves have been brilliantly helpful if we need anything...” Harry thought hard. “How about two hours?”
“I want to visit Mum for a bit. How about three hours?” Ron asked.
“That’s fine.” Harry agreed. “I can go see Dudley’s house and write a few letters and make a general plan for our search. Meet me at the Hogwarts suite in three hours.”
“Perfect!” Ron slapped Harry’s arm and grabbed one last piece of bacon on his way toward the floo.
“You’ve seen my house, Harry.” Dudley frowned at him.
Harry smirked at his cousin. “I just wanted Ron to think I had more things to do so he wouldn’t feel like he has to rush through the time with his mum. Want to take a run?”
“Sure!” Dudley grinned.
They changed and ran the path through the grounds of Potter Grove.
When they returned to shower, Harry realised that less than an hour had passed so after showering, he started to write some notes out.
To Sirius and Remus, who were at the London townhouse for their honeymoon, Harry sent word that he was heading back to Hogwarts as planned. He promised to write as usual and welcome their visits if they came.
To Percy, Harry wrote a vague message that he knew where to find him if he was needed.
To Madam Amelia Bones, Harry wrote that she could contact him through the Headmistress at Hogwarts if there was any news about Albus Dumbledore or the investigation.
“Who else do I need to contact?” Harry muttered to himself. “My future in-laws are with Draco and are therefore well informed... NEVILLE! Dobby, please inform Neville that Ron and I will arrive in around two hours.”
That settled, he gathered the Founders’ journals along with the notebook which was almost full of notes he’d taken in preparation of their search and packed them into his rucksack.
“Package, Master Harry, sir!” Ziva called as she popped into his room.
“Brilliant!” Harry exclaimed as he rushed over to take the box from her.
The picture Colin Creevy had taken the first weekend of May would look stunning in it. The frame itself was made from a deep mahogany wood and the spells in the frame would keep the picture preserved while allowing their movements to be seen without hindrance.
He walked over to the desk and pulled out the folder with the picture inside. With a smile, he slid the picture into the frame and set it down lightly. “I hope he likes it. I’ll add a short note... and now to send it. Ziva! Please use one of Sirius’ owls to send this package to Charlie Weasley in Romania - care of the dragon sanctuary.”
Ziva nodded eagerly and popped away to take care of her errand.
A new idea popped into Harry’s head and he wrote out a request to Colin for two more copies of that photo along with asking him to take some random candid photos sometime during the school year. He promised a favour as well as actual monetary payment in return.
Proud of this thought, he smiled on his way to tie the letter to Hedwig’s leg. “I know you’re bored, girl. I’m sorry you couldn’t take the package, but it was a secret and you’d be a dead giveaway that it was from me. This one isn’t a secret... not from the recipient, at least.” He chuckled to himself. “Meet me at Hogwarts when you’re done.”
She hooted softly and took off through the window as soon as he opened it.
Harry sighed as he watched her disappear in the distance. Then he grabbed his rucksack and strolled leisurely toward the floo room.
A handful of powder took him into the Headmistress’ office at Hogwarts and he greeted her warmly. “How are you, Headmistress?”
“Well enough, Potter.” She sighed. “While you’re looking for these stones of yours, would you be so kind as to let me know if you see anything I should point out to the workmen?”
“Of course. Neville and Ron are helping me, as you know.” Harry gave her a grin and began to wave goodbye but a thought stopped him. “Oh, have you found replacement teachers?”
“A few. As discussed, Regulus Black is set to take Vector’s arithmancy seat. He's signed up for a two year term.” She told him, shuffling papers on her desk. “I’ve decided that I will continue teaching the NEWT Transfigurations classes but the pre NEWT years will be taught by a recent graduate of Beaubatons.”
“Not Fleur Delacour!” Harry decided to hazard a guess.
“No.” She chuckled. “This young lady is a friend of hers, though. Her name is Aurelie Barbier.” (Aura-lee Barb-ee-air)
“I appointed Andromeda Tonks as my proxy to the board of school governors and she only comes to me with super important issues.” Harry nodded thoughtfully. “Is there anything new from the governors? New classes? Is divination being brought back?”
“Several classes are being reviewed and reworked. I recommended Divination for that, along with Muggle Studies. Sybil Trelawney will not return but the class itself will be reinstated.” Mcgonagall nodded. “The new curriculum will be designed by a competent practitioner but we have yet to find such a person. Latin, Magical Theory, and Alchemy are several of the new electives being offered to NEWT students and for the Alchemist position, I have found a man from England who has been living in South Africa since his childhood but has recently returned.”
“Oh?” Harry asked intently.
“His name is Eli Dovetail and he’s a widower with adult children.” She confided. “I think he will fit well.”
“Well, good luck.” Harry sighed. “If anything new develops, I hope you will let me know or at least encourage the governors to be forthcoming with such things.”
“Of course, Potter.” She smiled tiredly. “Please let me know of your progress with the stones.”
“Of course, Headmistress.” Harry grinned as he left. Once he was out of range of her office he called his head elf. “Dobby?”
“Dobby is here, Master Harry, sir.”
“How is the castle?” He asked, continuing to walk as they conferred. “Has Neville returned?”
“Sturdy and safe, Master Harry Potter, sir.” Dobby answered. “Yes, sir; Mister Longbottom arrived at Hoggy-warts this morning just after breaking his fast. Should Dobby let him know that you’ve arrived?”
“Hmm...” Harry considered this and cast Tempus. “Let him know I’m here and he’s welcome to join me but Ron won’t be here for another hour so he can take his time. Once he arrives our planning can really start.”
“As Master Harry wishes.” Dobby replied. “Hedwig has arrived in your owlry with letters.”
“Thanks.” Harry sighed happily as he strolled through the hallway toward his suite. He gave Sigmund’s head a quick stroke and entered the suite.
It was so strange to be there alone but he knew the elves were nearby and Ron would be here shortly so the rooms wouldn’t be empty for long. He put his rucksack in the office and quickly checked the door to the secret passage before going up to get his letters from Hedwig.
The reply from Colin was pleasant and positive. His young friend was ecstatic to be asked for such a favour as taking photos for a Lord and his family. Rather than asking for money, he only asked for Harry to supply the film he would need and that seemed reasonable so the young lord resolved to write back quickly, asking for the shop Colin used in order to set up an account. To Harry’s delight, he’d enclosed the two requested copies of the picture from May - one significantly larger than the other.
“Dobby!” Harry called out. “I need these framed! The bigger one should be placed on the wall in the sitting room Draco and I share. The other should be placed in my bedroom at Potter Grove. I don’t want Draco knowing about either of them until he sees them himself. Understood?”
“Yes, sir, Master Harry, sir!” Dobby gave a wide grin and hurried to obey.
The other letters were just confirming receipt of the notes he’d sent from home so Harry smiled to himself and made his way down to the office to start setting up the conference room.
He pulled out the founders’ journals and placed them in the middle of the table. His own journal and the book with all his notes about the journals went in front of his place at the head of the table. Then he frowned, unsure of what he was missing but the suite was a step ahead of him as one wall slowly formed a chalkboard, causing him to chuckle. “Thanks.” He muttered to the walls.
“Heya, Harry.” Neville called from the main office space. “Dobby said I should come through. Are you here?”
“In here, Nev.” He called back. “Ron should be here any minute. Are you staying in Gryffindor?”
“Yeah. I figured that was the rules right?” Neville frowned at his friend.
“That’s true for the school year but this is summer and I have a guest room if you want it.” Harry offered.
“I’d love that! Thanks, mate.” Neville grinned.
“I’ll get my elves to move you.” Harry told him with a smile of his own. “Dobby, Ziva! Neville will be taking our guest room for the duration of our mission. Please move his things here.”
“You’re taking to lordship quite well, Harry.” Neville smirked.
“It helps that most of my elves were left to me as part of my inheritances. They have a bond with me through the family that I never knew so they’re becoming my family too.” Harry told him quietly. “I would feel strange and really horrible owning elves if they were just slaves.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve known about elves my whole life and it had to be explained to me that there’s a bond and it isn’t slavery unless certain conditions are met.” Neville said kindly. “If there's mutual respect, the bond grows.”
Harry grinned.
“Harry?” Ron called as he came hurrying in. “Am I late?”
“No. I was early.” Neville grinned. “How’s your family?”
“Mum and dad are ok. Bill upgraded the wards at home because of the attack at dad’s office last Christmas. Charlie’s in Romania for a few weeks. The twins are busy at their shop. Even though they passed some of their NEWTs they’re coming back for next year because they heard there’s new classes and Mcgonagall said it was fine so...” Ron shrugged. “Ginny and Luna are doing stuff at Luna’s house for a while and they told me to tell Harry that Paris sounds fun so they’ll be joining us. I didn’t know we were going to Paris.”
Harry sighed then chuckled. “I didn’t know either. I’ll write to Luna.”
The three of them looked at each other and cracked up for a minute.
When they calmed down, Neville started them off. “So while I was up in Gryffindor, I looked around to see if I could find any interesting bricks.”
“And?” Ron asked.
“Nothing stood out.” Neville told them.
“I have a theory.” Harry spoke up. “I found the water stone when it was under attack. It was an unintentional attack but still, it was under threat. Not much can threaten fire so I think that should be the last one we look for.”
“Could we see the water stone?” Ron asked.
“You just want to see Slytherin house.” Neville scoffed.
Harry laughed again. “He saw the common room in second year. Have we got stories to tell you!”
Ron grinned at his best friend. He was so glad he hadn’t thrown years of friendship away over some stupid changes.
“Master Harry, sir?” Dobby asked as he popped into their midst. “Missy Headmistress sends for you! There is being a problem in Hufflepuff house!”
Harry looked at his companions. “Looks like we’ll get the opportunity to search for the earth stone first.”
“Let’s go!” Neville was so excited to be able to join another one of Harry’s adventures.