Windbound 27/35

[herumtreiber]

Title: Windbound - 27/35
Chapter: Twenty-seven
Author:herumtreiber 
Genre: post DH, slash, romance, adventure
Disclaimer: The world and characters of Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling. I don't make any money from writing these stories.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: None
Epilogue compliant? Epilogue complaisant
Chapter length: ~4,867 words
Summary: Draco/Harry, Ron/Hermione, Hannah/Dean, Justin/Daphne, Ginny/??? My take on the Marriage Law. Should they obey the government’s edict or fight it the Muggle way? This leads to marriage equality. Plus there’s a twist exploring how a Horcrux operates. Good!Lucius, finally:) Hufflepuff house is amply represented here.



Table of contents


Chapter twenty-six


January 20th, 1999
Hogwarts

After an uneasy night she spent tossing and turning on the bed, Hermione took breakfast at the Gryffindor table, watching Harry and the twinkle in his eyes, his annoying cheerfulness, disturbing because it was always on display. Everyone could insult him and he hardly reacted, as happened when Zacharias Smith offended him. She pondered why no one had reacted to this.

In her mind, she imagined someone noticing, like brave Dean or Justin, and going to speak with Harry about his strange behaviour. No doubt Dumbledore would Obliviate them ruthlessly.

Draco was seated at the Hufflepuff table, where Justin gently chided him for being out of it. They started talking about their law firm. Justin nudged the blond's elbow "What will we call it, Draco?"

"Malfoy & Finch-Fletchley, of course. We'll be the best solicitors the world has seen!"

Justin whined. "Why do you have to go away to Salamanca?"

"It's where Law school for magic is located. I'd be following precedent going there!"

Justin muttered, "Why not go to Oxford with me? I know you're not so keen on traditions now. Come on, it'll be fun." Justin dangled a very powerful carrot in front of the blond Slytherin. "You can watch all sorts of movies and drink cola whenever you want!"

Draco pondered a bit as he speared a melon slice. "That will need looking into, Justin. I'll have to think about that!"

Justin lifted an eyebrow inquiringly. "Why so gloomy, Draco? Something bad is going to happen?"

"I don't know, Justin, I'm not sure."

Changing the topic, Justin asked, "What do you know about werewolf legislation?"

Draco leaned his elbows on the table as he steepled his fingers under his chin. "Heard they are discriminated against. They have difficulty holding a job, are made to register and cannot have children. It's awful. They need all the help they can get."

The blond asked his friend, "What about gay marriage, Justin? How is the situation in the Muggle world?"

"It's allowed in parts of Europe. Currently not permitted in Britain. A thing that should be private - between two individuals - has become a clarion call to stop reform." Justin leaned toward Draco, ruffling his curly hair. "One day, Mr. Jameson, a friend of dad's? He received a phone call. His partner had a serious infection and was taken to the hospital. The man stayed there 72 hours and Mr. Jameson wasn't allowed to visit, because their relationship was not recognized by the State. I saw how he suffered. It's a ghastly reminder of some people's pettiness."

oOoOo

Ron was desperately trying to convince Hermione to go to Hogsmeade with him next weekend. After Harry was successful and got Mr. Weasley, the Minister of Magic, out of Muggle jail, Ron felt elated.

But when Hermione triumphantly pointed out to him that the Marriage Law was invalid and they didn't have to marry, Ron felt deflated. She tried to convince him that she still loved him but she needed time to live a little, explore the world and find her niche.

Therefore Ron was intent on seducing Hermione, and he knew that a good Hogsmeade weekend could work wonders towards that goal. He'd even thought of going to Madam Puddifoot's.

Ron shouted to Hermione's retreating back, "Come on, Mione! Go there with me, we'll have fun!"

Hermione turned slowly to face Ron. She'd never look more beautiful in Ron's eyes. Hermione's wild hair shining in the sun, as free as her; that beautiful, thoughtful face which had an imperceptible scowl, and her shapely figure. Hermione took away his breath. She was dressed in a simple uniform and robes and yet she made them her own.

"I've important things to do, Ron! I must prepare to sit the final exams; I must revise my notes, and tutor two Second Year Gryffindors. There's no time to go to Hogsmeade right now."

Seeing Ron's hurt expression, she added softly, "Maybe next week. I definitely want to go. Just let me program it in my schedule, ok?"

oOoOo

Draco had entered the Slytherin common room and was walking to his room when he was tackled from behind. He found himself with an armful of Harry. He kissed the brunet thoroughly, enjoying it very much until he remembered the hors crux problem.

They stopped and Harry sat down on the edge of the bed. He seemed a little fidgety as he asked his boyfriend, "What's the matter, Draco? We haven't been together for long. Already you've grown tired of me?"

Draco knew that the next minutes would prove to be crucial as he hastily raised his Occlumency shields. Then he met Harry's intense stare, his green eyes twinkled. Harry's intent expression at that moment made him look more like Dumbledore than his sweet boyfriend.

Before this year started, Harry's soft side had been reserved for his friends. Draco had watched avidly as he did in all things involving Harry Potter, watching the interactions of the Gryffindor with the people he trusted. Draco knew intimately that sweet expression which hadn't been directed to him at all. Until Dumbledore started to express himself through Harry.

It was strange to be aware of the fact that Dumbledore influenced Harry to such a degree, yet to eagerly desire Harry's freedom without being assured of his love in return.

Draco thought that as far as Harry was concerned, when he came to his senses all this might appear like a fog. He would seek refuge in the person he trusted the most, Ginny Weasley.

So Draco felt he was windbound, too. He was subjected to the same contrary winds that affected his love. Draco could not sail homeward until Harry's shackles were destroyed and the Gryffindor free.

The blond met Harry's stare head on. He held the Gryffindor's eyes as he employed the Slytherin qualities of cunning and misdirection to the maximum. He answered Harry, "I'll never grow tired of you, my Harry. The truth is, I find this school year very taxing. Also I've got you to care for. The Marriage Law also wreaked havoc in my private time while it lasted. In the aftermath, I must deal with some business left undone."

"But you're always on my mind, Harry." Draco stood up and grabbed his bag, saying "Here, you can help me with this!"

He took out a large sheaf of parchment from his bag and gave it to Harry. "I need to write an essay about the magical qualities of imaginary roots of higher-level equations. It's for Arithmancy, so I have to quote the source notes. Will you help me, sweet Harry?"

His curiosity having been assuaged at the moment, Harry proceeded to nod sadly and fell to reading the boring manuscripts.

Draco noticed Harry's sad expression and all his stern resolve flew out the window. He needed to communicate with Harry without Dumbledore's interference, but how to accomplish that?

The blond stood up and took two brooms. He said cordially to Harry, "Want to fly with me?"

After he reassured Harry he'd do his work later, the Gryffindor nodded enthusiastically and the boys went out of the Slytherin Common Room. They passed the Great Hall talking animatedly, reached the doors and kept going to the Quidditch Pitch.

Draco hopped on his broom and flew upwards, happy to be in the Quidditch Pitch. He turned to look for Harry and didn't find him.

The Gryffindor was gleeful at the prospect of flying with Draco. It seemed he was of two minds about it, one part wanted to return to Hogwarts and leave the flying later as unimportant, the other part wanted to soar like a bird.

Harry decided to act like an Eagle. He transformed into his Animagus form and took off to try to surprise and harass Draco.

The blond was still looking for his elusive boyfriend when he observed a dark shape swooping down. He thought it might be a bat, but the animal turned out to be a bird. It flew alongside him and harshly pecked his fingers.

Draco was outraged with the eagle, or gyrfalcon or whatever. Until he observed carefully the animal's unruly head feathers, and the intense green eyes.

Those emerald eyes were a giveaway, what convinced Draco, though, was the unruly mop of feathers.

He shouted with glee, "Potter! Nice Animagus form! Who would expect you to turn into such a bulky roadrunner?"

Draco was doing one of the things he did best: annoy the Gryffindor. He liked it very much; he had even come to enjoy being riled up by Harry.

What he most assuredly did not expected was an enraged eagle, jumping and perching in his broom whilst he was flying. The raptor bird started pecking energetically his fingers until they bled. Draco took out his wand, careful not to lose the grip on his broomstick, and cast Healing charms on his fingers.

The blond dealt with the irate bird. "Bet I can beat you as an Eagle. What do you say we play Quidditch one on one?"

The eagle looked at him confusedly whilst Draco groaned. "You can catch the Snitch with your mouth, Harry. You've done that before." He was tempted to be more sarcastic, but observing the eagle's mood and being 100 feet above the ground tended to make him cautious.

The boy and the eagle played a spirited game one on one and at the end, the eagle won.

They flew around Hogwarts. Harry saw a regal eagle owl he knew very well. He decided to dive-bomb it! However, his plans were derailed when Draco realized Harry was harassing his owl Osiris. He jerked forward in his broom and the owl noticed the movement, becoming aware of the raptor bird. Osiris wasn't surprised or afraid with his master there, and swooped to the Owlery, giving the eagle a heated glare.

They flew some more. This time Draco was scowling at Harry and promising retribution if he harassed those poor owls again. The eagle meekly nodded whilst crossing two of his claws.

Finally they got tired and returned to the ground, to the place where Harry's broom was. He transformed into his human self and sauntered to Draco who was lying down. The blond beckoned him to his side.

Draco asked softly as he kneaded Harry's hair. "Do you know the tale of the Three Dragons?"

"Can't say I do."

"It's a pureblood tale, a favourite of my mother and sister. It tells the adventures of a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon. Majestic was he, with scales as black as a cauldron, bronze horns bigger than an Erumpent's, and the typical black ridges on his back." Draco leaned to whisper on Harry's ear. "The dragon felt really confined in his domains though. He yearned to be free, wanting to find someone to love in his draconian way. He travelled far away in those big mountains. One day he came in contact with another Ridgeback."

Harry put his head on Draco's chest, twisting sideways so he could hear the blond's soothing heartbeat. "What happened next?"

"They had great fun in the mountains of Norway. When mating season came they did, and a few months later they had dragon eggs to take care of." Draco went on in a hoarse whisper. "The eggs were stolen by enterprising wizards. They wanted to use them to make useless love elixirs, truth potions and what do you know? Cosmetic powder."

"I reckon the parents weren't happy," said Harry mournfully, recalling his own family life with the Dursleys.

"They weren't. The female dragon died of a broken heart. The lonely male searched far and wide for the missing eggs, but finding none he returned to the Norwegian fjords where he had his cave."

"That's too bad, those pesky wizards should've thought better!"

"Indeed. Most of the eggs were duly sold and used to create the illusory love elixirs." Draco ruffled softly Harry's hair as he continued in a wistful voice. "One of the eggs was inadvertently thrown out the door. It was discovered by a warm-hearted man who provided shelter and heat for the egg. Eventually it hatched and the baby dragon came out, as big as a small black cat and just as dark."

Harry reached behind his head, intertwining his hand with Draco's.

"It was a beautiful baby dragon, with the distinct bristled shape of the Ridgebacks."

"Was he lonely?" said Harry, thinking of his solitary existence in the care of the Dursleys.

"Yes, Harry, he was. The man loved him though, and that compensated a bit the absence of his parents. After he grew up, he moved out of his caretaker's abode because his flame could burn the place down very quickly." Draco bent down to kiss Harry's forehead, just down the zigzagging scar. "The young dragon learned to hunt, travelling far and wide in the icy realm of the north of Norway until at long last, he met his father in the northern reaches where the sun hung in the sky for months."

Harry sighed, wistfully wishing he could've been reunited with his parents too. More than the brief time he spent conversing with them when he held the Resurrection Stone in the palm of his hand.

"The dragons were united at last," said Draco whilst he gazed at the sky. "They had many adventures through the years. When the older dragon lay dying, a sympathetic wizard showed up."

"I bet the wizard used his wisdom to save the dragon!" piped up the Gryffindor.

"No, Harry. There are many things that magic cannot do, and this was one of them. The wizard used powerful magic to transform the dragon into the constellation Draco. He told the young dragon those stars would point the true North, as truthful as the older dragon's love for his son, and that the stars would look out for dragonkind."

"So everything was alright then."

"Well," said Draco tentatively. "Unfortunately, or perhaps by design, the wizard made several mistakes and did not put Draco so it would point to the true North. That turned out for the better though, since that constellation now watches for dragons and humans."

Draco whispered softly to his sleepy boyfriend, "So you see, Harry, there's struggle and evil in the world; but if we persevere enough and find threads of love and trust, perhaps we'll make it through the storm."

Then Draco fell asleep, too. Fortunately for the students, a house-elf appeared. She had been charged by Kreacher to take care of Harry. Observing the two boys, the elf smiled and transported them to Draco's room by elf Apparition. Soon the boys were in their pyjamas and still asleep.

oOoOo

The next day, the gang was having breakfast at the Gryffindor table. Most Gryffindors just nodded or looked away but a small minority scowled fiercely at the group, including Seamus Finnigan and Ronald Weasley.

Draco was trying to distract his scheming Gryffindor by asking about his relatives. Harry answered politely and informatively. He uttered no words of scorn towards the Dursleys and appeared to be an elder statesman discussing the needs of the world.

Draco wondered how long he could keep up this façade. It was very tiring to keep up pretences with the man he loved whilst inwardly praying for a solution to the cruel dilemma they faced.

Hermione was meditating along similar lines as she stared intently at her porridge. The manuscripts she'd read indicated that non-living Horcruxes could be destroyed by poisons or specific spells. The parchments were notably vague, though, when it came to living Horcruxes. Of course, one way to get rid of them would be by killing them like Neville did with Nagini. But they didn't want to kill Harry.

Besides, her best friend had been killed already; it wasn't fair that Harry had to suffer all the time. His relatives, the people at school and the Wizarding world, they'd all scorned him at one time or another. Then what he suffered during the battle, and when Voldemort killed him!

Hermione paused as she reviewed her thoughts. 'Voldemort killed him, therefore freeing him from his horcrux! That's great!'

She sank into despair again when she realized Voldemort was definitely alive when he killed Harry. Dumbledore was dead, though. How in the nether hells was he going to kill Harry from beyond the grave? It was awful. The situation appeared hopeless to the Gryffindor witch.

Just then the doors of the Great Hall were flung open and Lucius Malfoy strode in. The elder Malfoy looked regal as always. He wore a dark blue robe, richly embroidered with silver snakes. Despite the Malfoy mask, the man seemed preoccupied about something.

Lucius looked for Draco at the Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables. Not finding him there, he frowned. Finally he looked at the Gryffindor table and noticed the blond hair. With a small moue of distaste, he motioned for the young Slytherin to meet him outside.

Draco duly followed and met his father just outside the Great Hall.

Lucius said imperiously, "I need you to come to the Manor with me, Draco."

"Something happened?"

Lucius answered sombrely, "I'm afraid so. Miriam has disappeared."

The elder Malfoy promptly added, "Don't worry, the wards show there was no breach from outside or the inside. Clearly Miriam is still at the Manor."

Tapping his cane against the floor, Lucius continued, "That's where you are needed, Draco. Your mother and I realize you know the Manor better than everyone, including ourselves. We want you to search for Miriam. Will you come?"

"Of course, dad. Let me just find someone…" Draco entered the Great Hall and espied Robert Lehmke sitting close to the door. He motioned for him to meet him outside.

Lehmke obeyed, and Draco told him, "Could you please alert Liz of the fact that I've had to leave for the Manor? My sister's lost and we'll look for her."

Robert assured him he would convey the message to his aunt and wished them luck.

oOoOo

Lucius and Draco left the castle. Once they were out the gates they Apparated to the Manor. Lucius opened the door and entered the foyer to try to comfort a very worried Narcissa.

The blonde moaned brokenly, "My child, my child, whatever will happen to her?"

Draco kissed his mother's cheek and asked her gently what she knew about Miriam's disappearance.

Narcissa explained that Miriam had taken to prowling the Manor or trying to roam at any rate. After Lucius explained to his daughter that it could be dangerous, one never knew what had accumulated through the years. Magical creatures could be hidden in some crannies, perhaps doxies or boggarts.

Miriam appeared to accept the explanation. All was well, or so they thought.

In the morning she hadn't appeared for breakfast. They searched frantically in her room and in that general area, finding nothing. The wards were untouched, so that meant Miriam was in the Manor, hiding somewhere, or unable to make her way to them.

Draco knew the layout of the general area where Miriam's room was. He felt he knew where Miriam was. He comforted his parents and walked to her room, finding the door ajar and some things out of place, amongst them the Black Mirror.

Draco noticed a children's book. It was about dragons. Miriam liked them. He smiled as he made his way out of the room and went upstairs to a place he had half-forgotten, but had found fascinating when he was younger.

For a small child the picture gallery found in this floor would be entrancing. Draco casually opened each door and peered inside. Finding nothing, he closed them and moved to the next.

In the third room, he found Miriam. She was lying on a piano bench, apparently asleep. There was a beautiful white and silver piano, free of dust and the passage of years.

Draco remembered when he found this particular room. After perusing the contents, he'd tried to leave but the door wouldn't budge. It wasn't until later that he realized the room wanted him to play the piano. If the person inside didn't play a melody, or at least tried to, the piano room would not let them out.

Miriam opened her eyes, saying enthusiastically, "Conis! I knew you'd come soon!"

Draco replied warmly, "Yes, it's me, Miriam. Though I must say that mother and father are worried about not finding you!"

"I came here, saw the piano and tried to leave, but I couldn't. Wait!" She looked fearfully at the door. "How are we going to get out?"

Draco bade Miriam to sit in another chair whilst he sat at the bench, flexing his fingers in preparation. He knew the piano would be properly attuned, being magical.

He began playing a beautiful, haunting melody. To Draco, it reminded him of dew-covered green meadows, of waking up after a long night and preparing to celebrate the day. Miriam felt as if she could see the park, the blessed park where she went to escape the abusers.

The melody ended far too soon for her, and Miriam sighed. "That was beautiful, Conis!" She poked his chest. "It's good that you don't play music as badly as you draw!"

Draco nudged her. "Shut up, Mi! It was you who didn't know that to leave this room you must try to play the piano. There are bad things in the Manor. Just picture hundred of years of wizards and witches living here. Promise me you will be careful!"

The child answered, "Ok, I promise, Conis, I really do!"

After they made their way to the parlour and met the visibly relieved Lucius and Narcissa, Draco said goodbye before leaving for Hogwarts. He grabbed the care package his mother hurriedly put together.

Draco returned to the school after Narcissa had stuffed him full of sweets.

oOoOo

On Friday, Draco managed to speak to Ginny alone, without the bothersome presence of the Weasel or Harry.

They were walking to Greenhouse #3. After the redhead waved goodbye to Luna and Neville, they reached the building and went in. Ginny motioned for Draco to grab a bucket and heave it to the table. The blond looked at the bucketful of woodlice in disgust. "What are these things for?"

Ginny replied nonchalantly, "A variety of plants use them either for protection or as a source of nourishment, Draco."

He made a face, "You are starting to sound like Longbottom. It's uncanny and to tell the truth, a little nauseating."

Ginny laughed richly whilst he said with a mischievous twinkle, "I received a letter from Astoria, you know. She is doing well. Sends her regards."

Ginny blushed. "I hope she is all right. Hope things are not too boring, being home-schooled."

Draco talked at length about the Greengrass sisters, how he watched Astoria grow up from a rambunctious child into a beautiful young woman. He mentioned how they always looked up for each other, how protective Daphne was of her little sister. Astoria's protective streak towards those she loved.

Draco explained why a marriage between him and Astoria would be welcome with open arms by the Malfoy and the Greengrass patriarchs. Looking at Ginny's frowning visage, he hurried to add, "But you know that my heart belongs to another, Ginny!"

He sighed regretfully. "Astoria would make a great mother, though. Like you, I'm sure."

Ginny hesitated to answer. "Yes… I'd love to be a mother."

"Will you marry Potter?"

"I don't know, Draco. When we had the spectre of the Marriage Law I didn't want to be tied to him at all. The feeling remains, but is now tinged with wistfulness. I'd love to have his children, I just don't see us having much of a life together, you know? Not sure we would have much to talk about, 20 years down the line.

Ginny picked up a wooden spoon and used it to feed a tree with the contents of the bucket. "So I can't answer your question. I'm sorry because I can see how much you care for Harry, but this demands utmost honesty and I have tried to answer you, best I can."

Draco sighed as he crossed his arms behind his back. He looked beyond the Greenhouse's flimsy windows, to the Forbidden Forest. "I trust there'll be a time when all questions are answered. It's only a matter of time."

oOoOo

That Saturday the gang went to Hogsmeade. There were two high-strung witches; Susan and Hannah were fighting. The cause was a difference of opinion between Robert Lehmke and Terry Boot. Naturally Susan had taken Robert's side, and Hannah charitably became Terry's champion.

Neither Susan nor Hannah had an idea of what the fight was about, they vaguely heard that it was about science.

Terry and Robert had become close friends and they got along famously, except that they tended to fight like lions when they differed in scientific points.

They entered the Three Broomsticks and went to their usual table. Draco sat down between Harry and Hermione. As usual, Madam Rosmerta took their orders and completely ignored him, which was fine with him.

Draco offered to be the mediator of their dispute, but soon recognized the error of his ways.

Robert said, "Are you ready to accept the Magical influx line, Terry?"

Terry snorted and replied contemptuously, "Of course not, unless you decide to accept the existence of the Magical containment fields?"

Robert replied heatedly, "Never, over my dead body. I will never accept such trash!"

Terry replied enraged, "Trash? When the great Lissovsky and Bogal embraced the theory?"

This went on for quite some time. Draco was bored with the discussion but didn't dare interrupt their fight, or their combined wrath might fall on him.

Finally, Harry said judiciously, "You know, this happens a lot in politics. Difference of opinions between individuals, they sometimes use an Arbitration Committee. Perhaps you could write to your scientific mentors and ask them some questions. Then you would reach another consensus."

Terry beamed at the Gryffindor. "That's a very good idea, Harry. We'll do that and see what comes up!"

Hermione dipped her head and muttered to the black-haired Gryffindor, "Great work, Harry, I wasn't aware that you knew so much about science!"

Harry snorted. "Actually I don't, Hermione. Wouldn't know a magical containment field if it hit me in the head and hexed me silly. But I know people and the way they feel their version of reality is the only truthful one."

Then the literal light-bulb went on in Hermione's head and she got a good idea about how to deal with the pesky hors crux.

oOoOo

On Sunday, Justin visited his father's estate. After they were served tea and pastries by the butler, Jason and Justin engaged in friendly banter.

Jason looked at his son. "I'm going to open a consultancy business with Lucius. We'll offer counselling services to people fighting for their rights, both in Parliament and the Wizengamot. We're financially secure, so we can afford to take the thornier cases, the ones the normal firms disdain because they seem so problematic."

"That's great, dad!"

"Both Lucius and I would like to work together with our sons. I know your plans about going to Oxford, and Lucius has informed me about Draco going abroad. Together the four of us could help society. We don't require an answer from you immediately, but we'd like to receive one when you have made up your minds. Whatever you decide, you are always my son and I'm proud of you!"

When Justin prepared to return to Hogwarts, a visibly disappointed Jason commented, "Aren't you going to call up one of your horseless carriages? They're so comfortable and quiet, I'm sure they would get you there safely."

Justin rolled his eyes. "Those horseless carriages you like so much are pulled by animals, dad. I'm sure even the mighty Thestrals would find it bothersome to do such a trip. I'm afraid I must Apparate to Hogwarts."

"Does it hurt as much as it did that time in London?"

"No, usually it doesn't. That was a special case of Side-Along Apparition, when I took you to Westminster. Because there were two of us, conditions were harsher. Usually nothing bad happens, unless you lose your concentration whilst you Apparate. Then you get splinched, parts of your body attached somewhere else. There's a ward in St. Mungo's – the Wizarding hospital – for such cases."

Justin looked around the empty parlour. "Dad, where's mom?"

Jason drawled, "Antonia is with her friend. Narcissa was apprehensive about leaving Miriam alone after she disappeared like that. Your mother offered to visit her and keep her company."

Jason frowned at his son. "What about Daphne?"

Justin said a little nervously, "She is doing well. We have several classes together and she's very, very nice. I'm glad I got to know her."

"You know, Justin, we have still to meet with Daphne's parents. Don't you think it is time that happened?"

Justin drawled, "Sorry dad, can't answer that, have to go now. Bye!"

He Apparated away.

Chapter twenty-eight

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Monday, October 17

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