Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 1: James' Story

James Potter sat at breakfast and silently watched his children eat. His only son, Harry, was nibbling on a slice of bread covered in mango jam, a carefully guarded gift from James' last trip to the coast. James' daughters, Pansy and Millicent, were indifferent about mangoes. They ate their porridge covered in milk and cinnamon as they chatted about the latest gossip.

Pansy turned and caught Harry's eye. "Have you heard? Your bookworm friend has finally caught herself a husband," she said.

Harry laughed softly. "You mean Viktor? He's from one of the northern horse tribes. He promised to teach her to shoot an arrow from horseback and she decided then and there they would marry. I'm glad he finally acquiesced."

"Why didn't you marry her, Harry?" Millicent asked.

"I'm engaged to Cho," he answered before returning to his mango-laden toast.

The girls were speculating on the details of the marriage, which would be rushed due to Hermione's father's ailing health, when the family's housegirl entered bearing a letter. As she turned it over to James, he asked, "Who is it from, Romilda?"

"One of Lord Dumbledore's messengers delivered it, sir. He said Captain Remus sent it on a fair wind from Port Puddlemere." James dismissed her and opened the letter. A moment later, he stood.

"Harry, I must go at once to Port Diagon. Remus has met with good trade and will be returning a month early. You are the man of the house while I am gone."

"Yes, father," Harry answered dutifully.

Pansy sniggered, "Don't worry father, we won't let him bed Cho while you're gone."

Millicent snorted and asked, "Will you bring back a pretty dress for me?"

"And a shawl for me," said Pansy.

James turned to his son. "And you, Harry? What gift would you like from Port Diagon?"

"Just a mango or two, father." James laughed. His son's answer was always the same, but then mangoes did not grow anywhere near Godric's Hollow.

It took several days for James to reach Port Diagon. He left his horse Buckbeak at a friend's stable while he wove his way through the busy streets to the docks. He had barely arrived when a dockhand called, "Mr Potter, your captain's in the Hog's Head Pub."

James nodded in acknowledgement and turned to enter the pub. He found Remus staring into an empty mug, his face upset. James sat down and rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Remus? What's wrong?"

Remus blinked and kept his eyes on his mug. "They're gone," he whispered sadly.

"Who's gone? Your crew? The other traders?"

"The ships, sir. It was the night of the full moon, three weeks ago. We hit a bad storm and ..." Remus paused and swallowed thickly. "... and next morning, my ship was the only one left. We found the wreckage of one, but the other two ... We don't know, sir."

"Remus," James whispered gently. "What of Sirius and Peter?"

"Sirius was manning the Marauder. It wasn't the one that sunk, or maybe it did and left no sign." Remus swallowed again, mourning his friend. "Peter - Peter's a traitor. Last week we made an emergency stop in Puddlemere and he sold us out to some bloody pirates. I escaped with the ship and crew, but we lost all of our goods. All I had left was the money I hid in the cabin and it was little more than enough to pay the crew. Here's the rest."

Remus handed James a leather satchel and James counted the money silently. If he was thrifty, it would barely be enough to outfit Remus' ship, the Phoenix, for another voyage with partial provisions. "Take it," James said finally. "Here's what little I brought with me as well. Prepare to set sail before winter with whatever you can manage and tell the crew they will be paid on their return at winter's end."

Remus nodded and took the pouch. "I will do what I can, sir."

James smiled weakly and gripped his friend's shoulder again before standing to leave. "Good luck, Remus. God willing, Sirius will return to us and Peter will be lost to the sea."

Two days later, James rode Buckbeak out of Port Diagon. He had no money to buy dresses and shawls, but he was sure his daughters would understand. He also decided against buying mangoes. They were expensive as food went and he needed what money he had left to feed himself.

He traveled at first with a caravan heading inland, but when they were waylaid by bandits, the group scattered and James was no exception. He galloped Buckbeak down a deer path that led roughly north in the hope that eventually, it would take him to the trade road heading east, toward Godric's Hollow and home.

At dusk, he did finally reach a road, but the brush on either side was overgrown and the weeds covering it suggested years of disuse. It led east though, so he decided to follow it. Full night had fallen by the time he reached a massive wrought iron gate at the end of the road. He looked first for a fork into the woods or a way around the walls, but found nothing.

Finally, he banged on the gate in the hope that someone, a guard perhaps, would answer. He also hoped that whoever answered would be working for one of his many merchant friends. At last, he drew his dagger and used it to pick the lock, then led Buckbeak through and closed the gate behind them. He reckoned that trespassing was safer than spending the night fending off predators in the woods.

In the light of the waxing moon, James saw a vast expanse of gardens, though he could make out no real detail. He followed the main path, which led to a fountain first, then off to the right. They moved from gardens to fruit trees and James thought surely whoever lived there would not mind if he took a mango for his son, as he himself would not begrudge a weary traveler a bit of food. Then, starving, he took one for himself as well and bit into it.

He had barely moved onto the path when a voice commanded, "Halt! Who dares to steal what belongs to the Master?"

James started in fright and looked around nervously. Before him stood a three foot tall gnome with shaggy hair that could have been any color and a spear aimed at James' chest. "Good evening, sir," James ventured and was glad when his voice sounded calmer than he felt. "My name is James Potter. I'm a merchant and I lost my way in the woods. Please, may I speak with your master?"

The gnome grunted and waved its spear toward the castle. "Hurry up, thief! Master will not be pleased to hear of you!"

As James dropped Buckbeak's reins and was herded toward the door, he wondered what sort of person this master was. He also wondered in a distant way whether or not he was dreaming, for everyone knew that gnomes were only found in fairytales.

The moment they entered the castle, the temperature dropped considerably. The tapestries and carpets were lighted yellow by the torches along the walls. James followed the gnome down a long hall and into a large room, where a fire crackled merrily in its hearth. He thought for a moment that the gnome had taken pity on him and started toward the fire.

The gnome put out its spear to block his progress and called, "Master, I must speak with you!"

"What is it, Captain Percival?" an unpleasant voice hissed.

"A trespasser, Master. He asks for food and shelter."

For several minutes, all that James could hear were his own heartbeat and the crackling of the fire. Slowly, a large creature raised itself off the floor and stepped out of the shadows and toward the door. James had never seen anything so ghastly. It looked largely reptilian with a snake-like head and leathery bat-like wings. It walked on four legs, but when it reached them, it raised itself up on two legs and tested the air, its forked tongue flicking out periodically.

"It is a human," the creature said at last, unnecessarily in James' opinion.

"Yes, Master," Captain Percival said with a bow.

"Throw it in the tower. I can use a new toy."

James shrank back in horror and was almost glad when the gnome led him away from the creature and up to the tower. "What was that thing?" he asked the gnome.

"You will address him as Master," Captain Percival said sternly. A moment later, he tossed the hapless traveler into the cell. "I will see that food is brought for you eventually." James looked forlornly through the bars as the gnome walked away.

The next morning, James awoke feeling cold and damp. The sun was still rising, but it was shining straight into his window. He stood shakily and moved to the window to gaze outside. Far below, he saw orchards, gardens, a pond full of birds, and a field with livestock. For a moment he entertained the thought of finding Buckbeak among them, but the animals were too far away to be certain.

A voice at the door broke his reverie. "Traveler, I have brought you breakfast."

The door unlocked and a gnome with wavy red hair and lots of freckles entered. He set the tray on the floor, then stood to the side while James sat to eat the toast and porridge before him.

The gnome continued, "Mum says she's sorry there's no meat or eggs. She'll try to get some for tonight. And sorry about Percy; he's almost as much a prat as our master." The gnome watched him eat for a moment before adding, "My name's Ron by the way."

James looked up from his food. He had no idea how gnomes aged, but this one looked to be about his children's age. "Thank you, Ron. You are very well mannered."

The gnome blushed and mumbled, "I should go now; mum'll be wanting me for chores."

James chuckled. "See you later, Ron." But the gnome was already gone. His food finished, he settled down to wait. At least, he decided, he would eat well.

That night, Ron returned with two more red-headed gnomes and a dinner fit for a king. "Mum'll have our hides if you don't finish it," Ron said as he set it down.

James had little time to eat though as the other two gnomes - Ron's brothers Fred and George - kept asking him questions. By the end of the night, he had told them all about his children and the lost ships and Harry's love of mangoes. He finished his food only with the gnomes' help.

Before they left, Ron said, "I want to meet Harry. Do you mind if I write him?"

James smiled. "Of course you may. Please tell him too why I haven't returned home yet."

"Thanks, I will. See you tomorrow." As the gnomes left, the other two teased Ron about Harry. James was just glad that his son would have word of him.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 2: Harry's Story

Harry was sitting in his father's garden, enjoying the temporary privacy with Cho Chang, his betrothed, when an owl landed on a tree nearby. He studied it curiously and raised his arm to point it out to Cho. Immediately, the bird lifted off and landed again on his arm.

"It's got a package," Cho said as she reached to untie it. She opened it slowly to reveal a mango and a letter addressed to Harry.

The bird flew back to the tree and Harry unfolded the letter. He read aloud, "Dear Harry, your da told me you like mangoes, so I'm sending one along. He's staying at my master's castle right now, as a kind of prisoner, but don't worry about him. Mum's keeping him well fed and she's trying to get him moved out of the tower and into one of the dozens of empty bedrooms. I'm not sure how long my master will keep him here, or why he's keeping him at all really except we never get visitors, but until then, write to me by owl at the kitchens of Slytherin Castle and I'll pass any notes onto him. And write to me too! I haven't got any friends except my siblings, but they're all boring. Yours sincerely, Ron Weasley."

"Your father's a prisoner?" Cho asked dumbly.

Harry reread the letter before saying, "It looks that way. I think I should go to Slytherin Castle."

"No, Harry! What if they imprison you, too? Please, love."

Harry sighed. "I'll write back to this Ron fellow, send him back his owl, and ask what they want for Father's return. But after I hear back, I can't just do nothing."

Cho looked away. "If you go, something terrible will happen. I just know it!"

"Cho, please," Harry whispered. He turned her head to face him, then kissed her gently. "It will all work out," he said against her lips. She returned his kiss reluctantly.

Two weeks later, the owl returned. It found Harry as he was leaving the stables. He untied its burden to find another mango and a new letter, which he unfolded immediately. "Dear Harry," it read, "I don't know what my master wants for your da since I don't know why he wants him in the first place. I asked mum, but she's confused too. Bill - that's my oldest brother and keeper of the books since the former advisor disappeared - Anyway, he showed your letter to our master, who says he wants to meet you. Mum made him promise not to imprison you too. And by the way, Blaise, the stableboy, says your horse is happy and mum got your da moved out of the prison to a bedroom. I think our mistress helped - she's a much better host than our master. I have to go wash pots now, but I eagerly await your reply. Yours, Ron."

Scribbled below the signature was a hastily written note. "Wethinks our little Ronnikins has a crush on his penpal - Gred and Forge." Harry colored, glad that Cho was not there to read over his shoulder.

He folded the note and slipped it into his pocket, then turned back to the stable. He had to leave at once. Harry quickly saddled Witherwings, Buckbeak's sister by the same sire, and rushed into the house only long enough to pack provisions and leave a hasty note for his sisters and Cho before rushing off.

On the way out of town, Harry stopped at Hermione's. Viktor was out training horses, but Hermione was thrilled to see him. "Be safe," she said as she hugged him.

"I will," he answered. "Take care of yourself."

She smiled sadly and waved him off.

Two days of hard riding later, Harry arrived at the gates. He dismounted and walked Witherwings along the path, admiring the vast gardens as he went. Hermione could spend all day in such gardens, he decided. At the fountain, Harry paused and let Witherwings drink while he looked around and called out a bit nervously, "Hello? Anyone there?"

At last a small red-headed gnome with a smart vest and long spear ambled over. "Who are you?" it demanded imperiously.

Harry struggled not to laugh as he said, "I'm visiting Ron Weasley. He sent me this." He offered his last message from Ron to the gnome.

The gnome looked it over with a grunt, then folded it and returned it to Harry. "Very well, come this way." Harry dragged Witherwings away from the water and followed the gnome uneasily.

They stopped first at a stable, where Harry demanded to be allowed to tend his horse. The gnome reluctantly capitulated, leaving him in the care of Blaise, the coffee-colored stable-gnome, and went to fetch Ron while they rubbed down Witherwings. Harry looked up when he heard an excited, "Oy! Harry!"

"Ron?" Harry asked as he eyed the blushing newcomer, which nodded. "Can you take me to my father?"

"Not yet. Master wants to see you first."

Harry turned Witherwings over to Blaise and followed Ron outside. "What is your master's name?"

"Draco, but he won't answer to it anymore unless Mistress uses it."

"Dragon? That's a bit of a pompous name, isn't it?" Ron shrugged. "So what should I call him?"

"Dunno," Ron said. "We haven't had visitors in ages, excepting your da of course." As Ron spoke, he led Harry inside and into a large study, where a large basalt-colored reptilian creature reclined by the fire. It turned its large silver eyes to gaze at Harry, who just stared.

Finally, Harry stuttered, "It's a bloody dragon!"

The dragon stood abruptly, spread its wings, and paced in front of Harry. "I am the master of this castle!" it growled.

"A dragon that can talk?" Harry asked stupidly.

"What do you want, human?" the dragon snarled.

"I want to free my father. Just name your price and if it's within my power, I will pay."

"Step closer." Harry obeyed nervously. The dragon paced around him, studying him. Harry saw the nostrils quiver and the tongue flick out several times. "Do you have offspring?"

"Er, not yet."

"Then my price is decided. Your father shall be freed on the condition that you remain." When Harry started to protest, it continued. "A handsome compensation will be provided, as many cases of fine cloths and gems as his horses can pull and a new cart to carry them."

"Compensation?"

"I am in need of a lover. You will do fine."

Harry gaped in astonishment and confusion. "But I'm a male and betrothed, not to mention human. Surely-"

"That is no matter. You will be my lover, or your father will die. You have until tomorrow morning to decide."

Harry nodded numbly and followed Ron to a prepared bedroom, where his supper was provided. He begged without success to see his father that night.

The next morning, Ron met Harry in his bedroom and presented him with a set of fine blue robes. "Master wishes for you to wear this to breakfast."

"Father?"

"I have not seen him. Mum says he's worried sick about you though. He hardly slept all night, she said."

Harry took the robe as Ron spoke and started getting dressed. "I guess I should decide what to say before I get there."

"Your da said go back to your betrothed and leave him here."

"I can't. My sisters need him more than they will ever need me. And the business - everything's in his name. His captains and sailors would never listen to me. They'd sooner take everything and flee to the next ocean." Harry paused long enough to do up the buttons. "I guess I've decided then. I'll stay, but only so long as father returns home safely."

"Master can be nasty," Ron said with a shudder, "but I've never known him to break a promise. Mistress would never tolerate it."

"I hope you're right." They walked down to the dining room side by side without speaking another word.

The moment Harry entered the room, the dragon pinned him with its gaze and asked, "Which of you will leave today?"

"Father, sir. My family needs him."

"Very well, now eat." Harry sat nervously, but could not bring himself to do more than nibble at his crepes. "Is the food not good?" the dragon asked impatiently.

"No, sir, it's fine. I'm just not hungry. I want to see Father before he goes." At the dragon's angry glare, he added quickly, "Er, I mean, if that's alright, uh, sir."

"You will see him from the window. You will not speak with him."

"But ... why?"

"Because I said so! Now eat, or you will not get even that!"

Harry shrank back fearfully and picked up his fork. The food was good and the crepes had fresh sliced mangoes on top, but fear for his father drove away his appetite. He forced himself to eat nonetheless.

After the meal, the dragon led Harry up to a large bedroom with a massive bed in the center and the tattered remains of paintings on the walls. One entire wall was taken up by the largest, most beautiful window Harry had ever seen. The bottom was clear, but the top was a stained glass design of a beautiful rainbow-colored dragon. He moved toward it, entranced.

The live dragon interrupted his thoughts. "Your father is leaving now."

Harry looked into the yard to see Witherwings and Buckbeak hitched to an expensive covered carriage. Harry could not see what was inside, but it made no difference. The carriage alone would be enough to buy out his father's whole business and still have enough gold left over to marry off his sisters. He stood at the window and watched unmoving until the carriage disappeared beyond the gate. Then he sank to his knees and cried.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.
Warning: Mention of beastiality.

Chapter 3: Draco's Story

"Draco?"

The dragon lifted its head to regard the elderly woman at the door. She leaned on her cane as she watched him. "Yes, mother?" he asked.

"Why him? Why must you choose a male?"

"He is attractive. Nothing in the curse states that it must be a woman, thank God."

"He is also betrothed."

"That does not matter."

"It does, Draco! He loves a woman! Choose one of his sisters instead; both are available if he is to be believed."

"Then he must forget her. I have no interest in simpering females."

"What about an heir?"

Draco glared at his mother crossly. "If the curse is not broken, there will be no heir anyway! Now leave me alone."

He ignored her when she hobbled out. Time and the curse had been cruel to her as much as to himself and his father.

A month had passed since Harry's arrival at the castle. Draco gazed out the window and watched him pick the last mangoes of the season with the Weasley boys. Occasionally the one in the tree would chuck a mango at Harry's head, but he caught it every time. Draco was glad. He did not relish the thought of ripping a servant's throat out for harming his chosen lover.

Draco turned his head at the sound of footsteps. Narcissa hobbled over to the window, where she leaned heavily on her cane. "I worry about you, Draco," she said.

"What do you want now, mother?"

"I want you to be happy and I want that happiness to lift the curse."

"It won't happen."

"You are in love with him, are you not?"

"Yes, mother, but that doesn't matter. He needs to love me for the spell to break."

"Your father loved me and I him. It was not enough. We even tried to make love once to break the curse, despite his dragon form, but it nearly broke me instead."

"Then what more is necessary? The way Mrs Weasley goes on, you'd think love is everything."

"I found the spell after your father died five years ago in Severus' study, just lying on his desk as if he wanted me to find it. The spell demands three things, love, trust, and respect. Do you trust and respect Harry?"

"I don't know. How would I?"

"If you love something, Draco, set it free."

Draco's mother looked away and Draco knew she was thinking about his father. She had never told Draco what his father had done to incur his advisor's wrath, only that the curse was meant to protect his people by teaching his father to be human. Draco did not know either why the curse had not lifted when his father died, but instead had passed on to him.

"I can't," he said at last. "I'm afraid I will lose him forever."

Nonetheless, in the coming weeks, he learned how to play games with Harry and the other young men, how to joke with them, and how - ever so slowly - to court Harry. The one thing he could not do was eat with them. The idea of ripping meat from a fresh carcass before Harry, and likely splashing blood on Harry's robes, disgusted him.

As the weeks went by, the weather grew colder and Harry took to waking at dawn to enjoy the frost. Sometimes Draco joined him. One morning, they walked some distance from the castle, Harry's hand resting gently on Draco's neck.

When they reached a rocky hill, Draco led Harry to a large cave about halfway up. Inside the cave, straw, leaves, and bones littered the floor. "When I first became a dragon," Draco said softly, "I used to come here to hide. As a human, I was beautiful, but now I'm hideous, and I thought I would die from the terror I felt."

"Why did you bring me here?"

"You promised to remain forever. I want you to know what I used to be."

"Were you the golden-haired boy in that painting on your wall?"

"Yes. For a long time I dreamed of breaking the curse and being him again, of being beautiful again."

"And now?"

"Now I have given up." Draco turned away, not daring to voice his fears.

"What must be done to break the spell?"

"Too much. I am not strong enough." Draco left the cave, spread his wings, and leapt into the air, leaving Harry to scramble over the rocks and back to the castle alone.

That night, Draco lay in the library reading a book on various philosophers' views of love when Harry entered. "I'm sorry I upset you," he said softly, "but if I knew what must be done, maybe I could help break the curse."

Draco remained still except to turn the pages of his book. When he looked up, he noted the open curiosity in Harry's expression. "There is nothing you can do," he said.

Harry worried his lower lip and looked around the room. "Let's play a game. Do you play chess?"

"Not anymore."

"Time to relearn then." Harry fetched the game and spent the rest of the evening reteaching Draco how to play.

One evening became several and on a particularly stormy night, Draco won his first game since childhood. Harry hugged him in excitement, then whispered, "I wish you had fur instead of scales. It's cold tonight."

"Sleep with me," Draco breathed before he could stop himself. Immediately he regretted it as Harry backed away, his eyes shining with fear and discomfort. "I'm sorry."

Harry shook his head. "Don't be. I just ... I don't know how to cuddle with a dragon. Someday maybe, but not now. I'm sorry too."

Some days later, Draco lay by the fire in the drawing room and listened as the Weasley twins tried to sing for him. His mother sat in a chair nearby, daintily sipping her tea. Their Weasley-imposed torture was broken when Harry stumbled into the room clutching a letter to his chest and fell to his knees. Tears slid down his face as he whispered to no one, "Please, no. Please, not this!"

Draco's mother stood and hobbled to Harry's side. "What is wrong, child?"

"My lady, I'm sorry...."

"Nonsense. Now tell me what's happened."

"It's a letter from Pansy, my sister. She wrote that father's fallen ill and the healer says he'll die any day. I ... I know I promised to stay, but ... I want to see him again."

"Of course you do, child. Draco, you will let him go?"

"No."

Harry curled in on himself. "Please just this once, to say goodbye. I'll come back, I promise!"

"No!"

Draco's mother stood. "Your father's worst trait was his jealousy. I hated it in him and I hate it in you! Now grow up and let the poor child go!"

"It is not your choice to make, mother!"

"Harry, pack your things. You'll take my horse-"

"No!" Draco lunged angrily at his mother. "He swore he would never leave! He will keep his word!"

Harry backed away and the moment he reached the door, he darted upstairs. Draco's mother stood her ground. "Just for the night, Draco, think on your decision. If you truly love him, enough to break the curse, then you will set him free and in so doing, you will learn to trust him."

That night, as Draco lay curled alone on his bed, he realized his mother was right. The next morning, he let Harry go.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 4: Hermione's Story

Hermione looked up from feeding her chickens to see Harry ride toward her on the ugliest creature she had ever seen. She supposed in a past life, it may have been a horse, but the claws on its feet and the fangs in its mouth belied that. "What is that thing?" she asked in horror when it halted about ten feet away.

Harry swung off its back. "This is Thestral, my mistress' horse. He has a wonderfully smooth gait. Would you like to try him?"

"No thanks. Tie him somewhere - not near the chickens, mind - and come inside. You must be freezing!" Harry laughed and obeyed.

Once indoors, Hermione served her best friend some of the local spiced tea and biscuits fresh from the oven. After she had taken her seat, Harry asked, "So how are you?"

"As well as can be, I guess. So much has happened since you left, but now you're back and I know you will make it all okay."

"What do you mean? What's wrong?"

Hermione stared into her tea for a long time. "You know your father is very ill." Harry nodded and waited for her to continue. "Viktor was thrown off a wild colt several weeks ago. He ... it broke his back, Harry. He was so weak...."

Hermione buried her face in her hands. She heard Harry scrape his chair back and stand, then a moment later his arms wrapped around her. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I'm so sorry. Your family?"

Her voice was muffled by Harry's shirt. "They want me to remarry. They chose that oaf, Cormac McLaggen, and I can't stand him! Please, Harry. Protect me."

"Of course I will. How is Cho?"

Hermione choked back a bitter laugh. "Married. When your father got back from that trip, he called off the engagement. A week later, an envoy from Lord Dumbledore came through and she practically threw herself at one of the knights, Sir Cedric. They were married within three days."

"Did she miss me at all?"

"Honestly, I don't know. She lives in Gryffindor Castle now though, so unless you're planning a caravan there, I doubt you'll see her for a while."

"That's alright. I'm betrothed to someone else anyway." Harry nibbled on a ginger biscuit as he pondered the conversation. "Wait, does your family know I'm already spoken for?"

"Not if you don't tell them. Why?"

"Tell them you can't marry Cormac because I returned and asked for your hand. Then when I leave, come away with me."

"They'll expect a wedding."

"We'll put it off. Technically, I serve another lord now, and he's taken me into his confidence. We'll say I need to ask his blessing first and he will want to meet you before he gives it." Hermione seriously doubted that would work, but Harry would make a far better husband than Cormac any day, so she agreed.

Harry had been home a week when Hermione stopped by to visit him. They sat together in the study and Harry confided that his father had asked him to marry off Pansy and Millicent as soon as possible. He wished to see them provided for before he died.

While they were speaking, Romilda knocked on the door. "Mr Potter? A Mr McLaggen is here to see you, sir."

Harry grimaced, but kept his voice calm. "Please show him in, then fetch us some refreshments?"

Romilda curtseyed. "Yes, sir." A moment later, she led Cormac in.

Harry stood to shake his hand. After the customary pleasantries, Harry asked, "To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Mr McLaggen?"

"Still as polite as ever I see, despite having stolen my betrothed," Cormac sneered.

"You mean Hermione?" Harry asked lightly. "I was under the impression that the wedding plans were never finalized."

"I intend to have her back."

"To what purpose? She told her parents that she chose me over you and she is sitting right here if you wish to question her."

Cormac turned to Hermione. "I will marry you."

"No, you will not," Hermione answered levelly. "I have chosen Harry. Unlike you, he is willing to wait until I have finished grieving for Viktor!"

"Why Hermione?" Harry asked again. "Why not another marriageable woman?"

"Are you offering one of your sisters?"

"Only if they are willing. You are free to court them, but only if you leave Hermione alone."

Cormac glared at them both in turn, then stood and said with subdued anger. "My business here is done."

Harry smiled pleasantly. "Go well, until we meet again."

"God willing, Mr Potter, we will not meet again." Harry inclined his head, but said nothing.

The next morning, Harry invited Hermione to dine with him and his father. Pansy and Millicent joined them, both chastising Harry that it was about time he wedded Hermione. She merely smiled tightly at their banter.

When James asked his son about his promise to the Lord of Slytherin, Harry stilled. After a long, tense pause, he said carefully, "The Lord of Slytherin is my master now. When he meets Hermione, we will learn what he thinks of our union."

"But I thought you were to marry him!" Pansy tittered.

Harry shrugged noncommittally. "Perhaps he has realised that I cannot provide him with an heir."

Millicent broke into laughter. "But dear brother, I think you would look quite remarkable waddling to market with your stomach hanging out!"

Hermione groaned softly in confusion and embarrassment and buried her head in her hands. She felt James place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "My son will take excellent care of you," he promised.

"I know, sir," she whispered back. "I hope the husbands he finds for Pansy and Millicent are as honorable."

James chuckled. "As long as they have large mansions full of servants and beautiful clothes, they will be content. You are not so easily pleased, and neither is Harry. Tell me, what do you think of Cormac and Pansy?"

"Sir? He is rich and would ensure she is well provided for. I think he would not show her proper respect though."

"Pansy is content to impress men, I think." Hermione's chuckle was cut off by Pansy's indignant remark.

"Are you two talking about me?"

"We are," Hermione answered. "We're plotting to marry you off to Cormac McLaggen."

Pansy rolled her eyes. "You cannot be serious!"

"Besides," Millicent snickered, "she likes Michael Corner." Pansy glared at her sister.

"Really?" Harry asked. "I can approach him tomorrow if you'd like." Pansy nodded and he turned to Millicent. "So who should I arrange for you to marry?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"If you don't decide by the end of the week, I'm asking Cormac." He ignored his sister's glare and returned to his meal.

James died in his sleep the day after Pansy was betrothed to Michael Corner. The funeral was a very sad affair and Harry spent days afterward meeting with his father's associates and settling his unfinished business. Hermione kept to herself during that time.

Little by little, she sold off or gave away her possessions and house. She moved into a spare room of Harry's mansion and took to alternately selling off his things and helping Pansy prepare for her wedding. She spent hours sewing and mending before the fire with several other local women, many of whom repeatedly congratulated her on her engagement to Harry.

In the midst of preparations, Millicent announced her own engagement to, of all people, Cormac McLaggen. Hermione just shook her head when Romilda told her of it. Harry's only input was to demand that both weddings occur before the spring equinox so that he could return home in time for some festival that Hermione was fairly certain he had made up.

The sisters decided on a joint wedding to be held exactly one month after James' death. Hermione began helping Harry to pack in earnest as he planned to leave the morning after the wedding. They sold all of the livestock except Buckbeak and Witherwings, who would pull their wagon, and Crookshanks, Hermione's cat who had been a gift from Viktor for their own wedding.

The joint wedding occurred with great pomp and ceremony that left both Harry and Hermione feeling bored. Nonetheless, Harry played his part goodnaturedly, handing off his sisters to their new husbands and speaking the requisite words of praise on their behalf. At the festivities afterward, which lasted late into the night, Cormac cornered Harry long enough to thank him for stealing Hermione. Harry responded that if anything happened to Millicent, he was holding Cormac personally responsible, then he escaped to dance with Hermione.

The next morning at dawn, they set out, Harry driving the cart and Hermione riding Thestral. The trip would take two days if they traveled straight through without stopping. Harry planned to push the horses as long and as hard as he could, desperate to return home quickly.

They spent their time talking about the new life they hoped to find at Slytherin Castle. Harry regaled Hermione with delightful stories about the kitchen boys and the games they played together. He mentioned his friend Ron many times and Hermione noticed that the descriptions he used played on the traits she found attractive in a husband.

"Are you trying to set me up with him?" she asked.

"Er ... I, uh, just think you will like him a lot, is all."

Hermione smiled. "I think I will too, but I'm not ready to marry again yet. Now tell me about your betrothal. You've evaded that topic for months now."

Harry's blush amused her. "Draco's the lord of the castle and surrounding lands. At first, I couldn't stand him. Now he's changed somehow. He's still as selfish and demanding as ever, but ... he's nice now. If there's something I want, he'll do anything to provide. He respects my boundaries and confides in me and ..." Harry fell silent until Hermione prompted him to continue. "He cares about me, Hermione. He values me in a way that Cho never did."

"Does it bother you that he's a dragon and male?"

"More that he's a dragon. Sometimes I want to hold him and kiss away his pain, but that's hard when he's several times larger than me. I never really think about him being male."

"Do you love him, or are you marrying him out of obligation?"

"I love him. I realized that a month ago when I was watching Pansy and Michael together and wishing that I could hold Draco the way he was holding her."

"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to me."

"Thanks, Hermione. I just wish I knew why he hasn't written the whole time I've been gone."

Hermione reached over the saddle to take Harry's hand. "Did you write to him?"

"Once, the day my father died, but that was nearly two months ago. I've been gone a lot longer than I promised."

"It will be okay, Harry. You'll see."

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 5: Narcissa's Story

Lady Narcissa hobbled as quickly as she could to the courtyard. Captain Percival had just sent word that Harry was returning. Much to her displeasure, he had added that a woman traveled at Harry's side. She watched as the gate was opened and hoped that Draco had received the captain's message.

The moment Harry's cart reached the courtyard fountain, Blaise took the reins and motioned him toward the castle. Harry obeyed and ran to meet Narcissa on the steps. She smiled sadly at him when he kissed her hand. "My Lady," he asked softly, "I trust you are well?"

"As well as can be, but it is my son about whom you should inquire."

"Where is my Lord?"

"Come." At her signal, Fred walked forward leading two saddled horses like Thestral. She asked Fred to tend to Harry's companion before mounting her horse and bidding him to do likewise.

When they were mounted, Harry asked, "Where are we going? Where's Draco?"

"To his cave. He lives there now and does nothing but wait."

"For what?"

"You. He thought you were not coming back and he feels safer in his cave than in the castle."

"But why? I promised I'd return as soon as I could."

"He's afraid, Harry. You broke his heart when you left. For two months, he waited faithfully, even long after you sent your letter, but when the frosts ended and the plants began to grow again, he lost hope. He's been starving himself for a week now, just waiting to die."

"No, he can't!" Harry looked horrified as he urged the horse into a full run, shouting over the wind, "Draco, I'm coming!"

Narcissa followed as quickly as she could. Harry had already reached the cave by the time she dismounted. She heard Draco whisper, "... just a hallucination," as she entered.

"No, my Lord, I'm real," Harry said urgently. He moved to Draco's side and pulled the dragon's head into his lap. "I'm sorry I took so long. I left the morning after my sisters' wedding. I was their keeper after father died and I couldn't leave them unwed." Harry started crying as he stroked the scales of Draco's face. "I missed you so much. I missed playing chess with you and listening to your stories and playing on the grounds and watching you try to eat neatly when you thought I wasn't looking and ..." Harry leaned over Draco's head and Narcissa had to strain to hear his next words. "I love you, Draco. Please listen to me."

At last, Draco stirred. Big sad eyes met Harry's, then Draco whispered, "I didn't trust you."

Narcissa was fairly certain that Harry did not know the details of the curse despite his repeated attempts to learn them. Therefore, she was not surprised by his blank look and baffled, "So?"

"I thought you would help me break the curse."

"Of course I will. Just tell me how."

Narcissa spoke next. "You love my son."

"Yes, of course."

"Do you trust him?"

Harry thought a moment before saying, "I guess so. I brought my best friend here without invitation because I was sure you would offer her sanctuary here."

Narcissa nodded. "Do you respect him?"

Harry looked down at the dragon. He spoke quietly. "When I first met you, Draco, I saw an ugly monster incapable of love. Now, I see you as my future husband, worthy of as much dignity and respect as anyone else. I respect you, my love."

Narcissa turned her attention to her son. "Draco?"

"I love Harry. I respect him; that's why I didn't write. I wanted him to have time with his family without my interference. Now ..." Draco shifted against Harry and keened quietly. She recognized his pain and discomfort, but she could not help him unless he allowed it. He spoke again. "You came back to me. Now I finally trust you as well."

Draco convulsed violently, causing Harry to cry out as he was knocked onto his back. Narcissa saw him scooting away from the thrashing dragon a moment before she herself collapsed. The next thing she remembered was Harry helping her to sit up. Her son lay on the ground not far away, human again, with Harry's traveling cloak covering him.

"You have saved us," she whispered. "I do not know how to thank you."

Harry gently pushed her hair from her face. "All that I desire, my Lady, is to remain here with Draco, and for Hermione, my friend, to be welcome as well. She's good with writing and numbers; perhaps she could assist Bill."

"I will speak with Bill tonight. Now let us return to the castle."

She struggled to her feet with Harry's assistance and waited for him to pick up her son before leaving the cave. They walked back to the castle together and left the horses to adjust to their new forms. Harry went straight to Draco's bedroom and laid him down, then sat with him while Narcissa ordered food and bath for them both.

Narcissa was glad that she and the servants had recovered quickly, but the transformation had not been so kind to Draco's already weakened body. She helped Harry to bathe her son and the sudden chill when Harry lifted him from the bath finally awakened him.

Draco lay limply in Harry's arms as he was carried to the bed, but his eyes darted confusedly around the room. "Harry?" he whispered.

"I'm here, Draco. Your mother has sent for soup; will you be able to eat it?"

Draco lifted a hand and ran it over his skin, lingering longest on his hair. Harry and Narcissa waited patiently for him to speak again. Draco let his hand fall and looked up at Harry. "I'm human?"

"Yes, love. You were right; you are beautiful."

Draco finally dragged his eyes from Harry and sought out his mother. "I had hoped after the curse broke, you would no longer need the cane."

Narcissa laughed. "I am an old woman, Draco, and just recently transformed. Perhaps in a week or a month, I will not need it or perhaps I will need it forever."

A knock at the door signalled the food's arrival. Narcissa opened it and nodded to Ron, who carried the tray of food to Draco's bed. "You are well, my Lord?" he asked nervously.

"No, but I will be. Harry, help me to eat?" Harry smiled.

Narcissa motioned for Ron to leave. Then, content that her son would recover, she left the two together to eat and sleep.

Narcissa visited her son for every meal after the first night until he was well again. She was pleased that Harry almost never left his side. Every morning she would arrive to find them cuddling and every afternoon they would be chatting, usually with Draco leaning on Harry as his fingers carded through Harry's hair. Since losing the scales, Harry told her over lunch one day, Draco had developed an obsession with hair, both his own and Harry's. Narcissa felt relieved that Harry found this amusing rather than annoying.

As Draco grew stronger, they began to spend more time with their other age mates in the castle. Blaise, Ron, and Hermione often joined them horseback riding and reported to Narcissa later that Draco and Harry usually ended up making out when they reached their destination and returning on the same horse, Harry's Witherwings.

Ron and the twins had adopted Hermione almost immediately and they found many creative ways to distract Draco so that Harry and Hermione could have some time together. Later, after her son and his lover had retired for the evening, the twins would disappear and Narcissa would smile as she watched Ron's fumbling attempts to court Hermione.

In the evenings, Narcissa, Bill Weasley, the Lord's advisor, and Hermione, who had become Bill's assistant, would sit with Draco and teach him all over again how to be a just and efficient ruler, as his father had never been. Harry, himself having taken charge of his father's merchant affairs several times over the years, caught on more quickly than Draco and offered advice where he could. Narcissa laughed one night when, in response to one of Draco's questions regarding taxes, Harry responded, "Just do whatever Bill tells you."

Narcissa had no doubt what her son and his lover were doing at night, when more than just laughter could be heard behind their door.

Two months had passed since the breaking of the curse. Draco was well again and everyone in the castle was busy preparing for the wedding. The Weasley twins had visited all of the villages of Slytherin, on Draco's orders, and had reported that all was as it should be. As word spread that Slytherin Castle was safe again, traders began arriving from all over. The first time one arrived from Gryffindor lands, Narcissa summoned Harry immediately.

Harry entered the chamber dressed in the finery of the Lord's consort and gasped when he saw the men before him. "Remus? What brings you here? And is that Sirius, whom father told me had passed on?"

"Yes, Harry," Remus said. "I came to thank you. You were very generous to hand over your father's entire business to me. I see you have done very well for yourself; have you married the daughter of the castle?"

Harry laughed and shared an amused look with Narcissa. "Our wedding is in a week. Will you stay and witness it on father's behalf?"

"We would be honored, Harry."

He threw himself at Remus and hugged him tightly. "I've missed you. Have you seen my sisters? Are they well?"

"They are. Pansy is hoping for a winter child and Millicent has found herself saddled with one of her husband's bastards. She does not seem to mind though as, according to her, pregnancy would not become her anyway." Harry laughed happily at this.

Narcissa watched her son enter the room, his eyes gleaming with jealousy and annoyance. He had to call Harry's name several times before he responded, but when he did, he moved immediately to Draco's side. Draco kissed his lover possessively and Narcissa glanced at the two merchants, who looked nervous and uncomfortable, then called for tea and biscuits.

Draco raised his head to glare at the man he had found Harry hugging, then drew Harry from the room, leaving Narcissa to deal with the men alone. Fortunately, she found them to be both respectful and adaptable.

The wedding was a very fancy affair. It lasted all day and began with Remus standing in for Harry's father and Narcissa for Draco's. It ended with a party at which Mrs Weasley served her finest mango wine in Harry's honor. In the twilight before the sun fully set, Narcissa watched a lone figure ride in on a black horse. She saw the Slytherin crest on the horse's blanket and approached with Captain Percival at her side.

"Welcome, traveler," she said when she reached the horse.

An indifferent voice replied, "I see Draco has indeed broken the curse. May he be a better ruler than his father."

"Severus?" She stared amazed as the sorcerer pushed his hood back. "I had thought you would be dead by now."

"Hoped, you mean. I have no doubt that Lucius would have killed me in those first years, had he found me. But, if I had done nothing, he would have inadvertently killed himself, and taken down all of Slytherin with him."

"Yes, but that was long ago. Draco no longer blames you for his years of torture and the one he does blame is dead. Come, greet him and his husband."

They found Harry and Remus chatting with Draco cuddled in Harry's lap silently nursing his wine. At Narcissa's greeting, all three turned. Remus spoke first. "Sorcerer, my greetings. On what mission has Lord Dumbledore sent you?"

"This is my home, wolf among merchants, and you would do well to remember that. Lord Dumbledore has been very generous to me, but when the curse broke, my desire to return was so great that he released me from his service. I bring his wishes for the success of this marriage, that it may benefit the people of Slytherin and Gryffindor both."

Draco stood and kissed Severus' hand. "Welcome home, Severus. I find myself in need of a sorcerer. If you are willing, you would be well compen-"

Severus cut across his words. "Of course I am willing, foolish boy. This is my home after all."

Harry stood as he was introduced. "And how is my former Lord?" he asked.

Narcissa heard Severus mumble under his breath, "Bloody Gryffindors. The blighters are everywhere." She smiled at his words, confident that everything would turn out fine. Now all she had to do was figure out how to provide Draco with an heir ...

The end.