Lord of Shadows Arc, Book One: Prince of Darkness

Er, HI! ^_^! I am soooooo sorry I haven't update here, I 'm so behind! Anyway, I'll be uploading chapter 12 in just a little bit, so stay tuned, just let me check the formatting here. . .

Um, yeah, if you go back a few chapter, I've got a yahoo list, they've had chapter 12 (the next chapter) for a week now, so. . . you might be interested in joining

And I'm so sorry I haven't replied to ANY reviews, I don't know what's been wrong with me, but to everyone who reviewed, I will be writing some thing in response soon, I honestly don't ignore people even though it seems I have been!

Gah, I feel like Tweak!

Ok, so, usual disclaimers and the like. This chappie is NC-17 as well, and the last lemon for a while (sorry!)

And review, I'll eventually respond!


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From: Lion at New Moon

What can I say about the Coven and not sound clichéd? That they are the family I never had? That I trust them with my life? That they are the most incredible people in the world?

You know all this, if you have paid any attention to the world in the past few decades. In retrospect, they and Draco are the only reasons I was able to keep my sanity after the Vanquishing at the Battle of London. Believe me, they are the only people who stood between the world and the annihilation of everything. They mark the line between sanity and madness, and even to this day, I'm not sure which side I stand on.

But it doesn't really matter, does it? Because I still have them, I still have my angel, Draco. The Coven may have saved my mind, but Draco saved my soul. For even Heaven would become Hell if he were not there with me. I may often jest that the only reason I lived through the Battle of London was because I couldn't stand it without the sex. And it's true, sex with Draco is never second-rate. But in the end, as wondrous and marvelous as it is, it's only the side benefit that comes with the true gift. Because the reason he's so good in bed is not just because he's so skilled (which he is), or because of his impressive size (and it is), but simply because he loves me. Every kiss, every touch is a reminder of his love, without which all would be dross.

And this is the secret of Alchemy, how one takes the lead of sex for pleasure's sake and turns it into the gold of the Sacred Union. Love, which makes all things bright and new.



Albus Dumbledore gazed over the emerald canopy of the Forbidden Forest from the window of his office, his thoughts troubled. He hadn't slept since his charges had returned from the Ministry last night, not that he really needed much sleep at his age anyway.

After they had left his office, he had viewed the memories in the Pensieve, by turns awed, saddened, and amazed at what had happened. And now, nearly twelve hours later, he was still trying to understand everything that had occurred. His ears caught the sound of footsteps in the corridor and he turned.

"Come in, Severus," he said, turning back to face the window. The door opened and closed.

"Headmaster," said the Professor in greeting, joining him at the window. They were both silent for a few minutes, gazing out over the trees undulating in the breeze.

"Tell me, Severus," Dumbledore finally turned to his companion. "How was the meeting this morning?"

The Potions master snorted.

"Much as expected, in many ways. . .everyone got a hit from the Cruciatus and was interrogated by turns, and finally he tired of us all and sent us away."

"Do you need anything from myself or Poppy?"

Snape shook his head. "No. The bond sheltered me from most of the effects of the curse. . . I could still feel it enough to writhe about convincingly, but it wasn't nearly what it usually feels like . . ."

"Really?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Did it do anything else?"

"Aside from telling the Dark Lord a bald-faced lie, no, not much. . ." Snape said blandly.

Dumbledore returned to his desk. "Severus, do you mean that the bond interceded on your behalf?"

Snape followed him, taking the seat opposite.

"I'm not sure. During the entire meeting, I felt that I was really not in control of myself, as if someone else was speaking through me. But I never felt threatened by this; if I'd wanted to, I could have pushed it aside, at any time. But it was so useful, I never even thought to. . ." He sat back in the seat, thinking everything over.

The headmaster sighed.

"To tell the truth, I'm not sure what everything that happened last night means. . ."

In the corridor, footsteps were approaching.

"Come in, Professors."

The door opened again to admit Professors Lupin and McGonagall, both looking ill rested, though the latter looked much better off than the werewolf.

"Good afternoon, Albus, Severus," she said, kneading the small of her back with her knuckles, as Lupin grunted wearily and fell into an overstuffed chair near the fireplace.

"Good afternoon, both of you. Did you sleep well?"

Lupin grunted again, and Professor McGonagall shot him a look of annoyance.

"Moderately well, Sir, until I started dreaming early this morning. . ." She sat down gracefully next to Snape. "Strangely enough, it was about you," she said, turning to him.

"Really?" he drawled. "And what was I doing, pray tell?"

Professor McGongall scowled. "You-Know-Who subjected you to the Cruciatus, and he kept asking you questions you couldn't possibly have answered, though you lied well enough. Gave me a horrible ache in my back."

Snape raised a cool eyebrow.

"Funny," Lupin said from his place by the fire. "I had the same dream. . .only I ache all over. . ."

Snape frowned at this, but was prevented from comment when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and the twins Floo-ed in through the fireplace. At the same time, Neville, Hermione, and Ron walked through the door.

"Ah, good afternoon everyone. Molly, Arthur, you and your boys will be happy to learn that Ginny will be alright. Apparently, Miss Lovegood overextended herself last night, and when she collapsed, it left a momentary hole, which a stray curse flew through. Ginny was able to partially deflect it while patching the hole, but the effort was more than she could take. She will be resting in the hospital wing until tomorrow, just to be safe."

The Weasleys sighed in relief, though Ron still had something on his mind. "Hermione and Neville can come too, right? I mean, they'll have to go up there anyway . . ."

"What is wrong?" Dumbledore asked concerned.

Hermione bit her lip as she stretched her arms, and Neville gingerly found his way to another chair, sitting with a grimace.

"Nightmares, Sir. Both Neville and I dreamt about Professor Snape at a Death Eater meeting, and we ended up with horrible muscle cramps. Neville in his legs and feet, and myself in my arms and hands . . ."

"Ah. . ." was all Dumledore said, as the door opened yet again, this time admitting Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and Todd Silversman. Again the Headmaster bid them a good afternoon, and inquired after their sleep. All had slept well and had no complaints even after such a long night of partying, spell shielding, or, in Todd's case, grading homework and quizzes. No sooner had they finished answering-- and Todd had moved over to ask Hermione a question about a point in Hogwarts, A History-- than Draco and Harry walked through the door, holding parchments and vials of potions. Harry, bearing the vials, began passing them out to everyone in the Coven, explaining that they had stopped by the infirmary for the Liquid Massage Pain-Killing Potion, since "it seemed like everybody but Draco and I had a rough morning."

Snape grunted, not wanting to know how Harry had known, and downed the potion in one gulp. The others murmured their thanks, grateful for the relief. Lupin stared at his moodily, not really sure if he wanted to drink it.

Harry frowned, not wanting to pry into his mind, nor to force him, but not wanting him to be in pain either.

"Please drink it, Uncle Moony. It'll help you feel better . . ."

Lupin looked up, surprised, and unexpectedly pleased at his new appellation. Harry blushed as he realised what he said, but refused to back down. Even if the bonding were unintentional, they were his Coven now, and he would make sure they were all alright.

With a sad smile, the Professor drank his potion, sighing involuntarily as his muscles relaxed. He was surprised when Harry threw himself into his arms with a muffled "thank you", before drawing quickly away and taking the now empty vial with him.

"If you don't mind," Draco said from his seat, "we had to do some fast talking to let Madam Pomfrey give us that much potion, so if you all could stop by at some point before dinner to confirm the amount you took. . . otherwise she'll hunt us down and demand its return."

"Also," Harry added, as he sat down in Draco's lap, "we'd like to extend to everyone the same offer we gave Professor Snape last night. If you'd prefer to not be bonded, we'll do everything we can to free you, just let us know. I suspect that now that you've experienced some of the 'down-side', this may well be an option for you . . ."

Professor McGonagall responded to this with an indignant,

"Hmph! If you think I'm going to give this chance up simply because of a minor backache, you severely underestimate me!"

Hermione's rolled eyes said pretty much the same thing, as did Neville's pursed lips and sudden interest in his shoe-laces. Lupin growled under his breath, something about "thinks he's trying to protect me, he's got it all wrong".

Snape took a deep breath.

"As much as I appreciate the concern," he ground out, appalled that he was appreciating anything Potter was doing, "I've found it to be quite beneficial already. Not only were the effects of the curse diluted, apparently it was spread out through everyone in the Coven, but someone stepped in and lied for me, something that I wouldn't be able to do, but since I wasn't doing it, it couldn't be detected."

"That part was real, too?" Lupin asked before he could stop himself. He and Snape shared a long, strange glance before he turned away with a muttered curse and a faint blush.

"Um, what is everyone talking about?" Todd broke in hesitantly.

Hermione turned to him. "Last night, when the ritual was done, we discovered that a Coven bond had been formed between all the participants."

Todd's eyes were wide. "A real Coven? Oh, wow! That's brilliant!"

"Even he seems to know what a Coven is," Harry sighed dejectedly, leaning back against Draco.

"You know now . . ." the other replied. "And besides, he's a pureblood and a book-worm. Like Hermione, only with more extensive magical background. . ."

"Hm," Harry still looked dissatisfied with himself. "So I take it no one wants out?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"I have a few questions, though." McGonagall spoke up. "I assume we'll be allowed our own Circles? What criteria do you want us to use when choosing which people to invite?"

It was Draco who answered.

"First of all, loyalty to both myself and Harry, simply because we're sort of central to the whole thing, and we need people who are trustworthy. If the person isn't yet of age, don't bind them permanently, use a one year bond, and ask them every year until they're of age if they wish to stay bound. And try to avoid anyone whose career might be threatened if word about their bond got out-- present spies excluded, of course. Anyone who works for the Ministry, for instance, would be committing a big breach of ethics. Otherwise, we have no preference. They do need to be minimally magical, of course, and sentient, but they needn't be human."

The others nodded, accepting the few limitations they'd been given, though Lupin started to snicker over the "sentience" requirement.

"Damn," he laughed. "Here I was hoping to bring my pet rock into my circle . . ."

Dumbledore gave him a look torn between worry and indulgence before returning his attention to Harry and Draco.

"Have you thought of who the other members of the Grand Coven will be?"

The two young wizards looked at each other, and Draco handed Harry one of the parchments.

"Um, yes, Sir, we discussed it this morning." Harry consulted the list again. "We'd like to invite Ron Weasley, Pansy Parkinson, Professor Firenze, Molly Weasley, Blaise Zabini and the twins into permanent bonding. For a one-year bond, we'd like to invite Todd Silversman." Gasps swept the room as the names were given.

Draco felt the need to speak up. "Please do not answer us now, it is important that you really think about this."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "That brings your number up to twelve, and an interesting twelve it shall be . . . that you have a werewolf, a centaur, and a Death Eater among others. . .have you considered the thirteenth member yet?"

"Yes, sir, but we couldn't think of anyone who currently fits that particular role. Haniel wrote that we had 'no less than a year' to work it out, so we're going to give it more thought." Harry fidgeted, knowing the next question.

"Why not invite the Headmaster?" inquired Professor McGonagall.

Harry looked chagrined, so Draco answered for him.

"Because he's already got enough to do, what with Headmaster-ing, leading the Order, and keeping Fudge from handing us all over to You-Know-Who. If word ever got out that he was leading an organisation like the Order alone, his goose would be cooked. Add a Coven to that. . .and even if one dismisses all those concerns. . ." here Draco's eyes narrowed in thought. "Consider the amount of power Harry and I will have at our disposal. What's to keep us from being corrupted and deciding that we can succeed where Tom Riddle has failed all these years? Professor Dumbledore has to be separate, at the very least to prevent him from becoming our potential pawn. . ."

Dumbledore nodded, pleased that they both had the humility to see such a disastrous potential.

"They are right," he said. "Besides, I am far too old to link my mind to such rambunctious teenagers. One never knows if such an act would finally push me into senility." His eyes were twinkling as he said this. "I trust, however, that the Coven and the Order will work together?"

"Of course, sir!" Harry had never conceived of anything different.

"Good, good," the headmaster said. "Now, is that all that needs discussing on that topic?"

No one voiced any concerns, so he moved on. "To tell you the truth, the formation of a Coven was one of the least amazing things that happened last night. What stuck me particularly were the following things: the angels seemed to take a solid physical form, as did Lily and Sirius; that it was Harry who called the latter forth; and that when touched by the Veil, Harry did not immediately die."

"Are you saying, Albus, that the boy called forth my dead grandson into physical form?" asked Phineas from the wall.

"That is indeed what happened, even though until last night, I would have sworn it was impossible." Dumbledore looked troubled as he said this.

"Why?" Harry swallowed nervously. "Why is it impossible?"

"Because the living cannot call forth the dead. That is why the binding of demons is essential to most forms of Necromancy-- one must force a demon, or convince an angel, to call the dead for them." Snape scowled as he said this. "For a mortal to do such a thing means that his voice alone has enough power to cross dimensions and be heard in a place where sound, as such, does not exist."

Harry blinked. He'd had no idea what he'd done was so . . . unusual.

"And on top of that," Dumbledore added, "they took solid forms, another thing that no one has done before. The best most people ever accomplish is to have spirits manifest themselves as a mist, or smoke. But to have them actually touching people, to hug and to kiss them. . . " Dumbledore shook his head. "It is unheard of . . ."

He looked intensely at Harry. "May I ask how you did this?"

Harry shrugged, uncomfortable. "I just did what the manuscripts said to do. I asked Uriel for Mum and Sirius, and he told me to call them myself."

"Yet another dimension to the matter. . ." the headmaster murmured, rubbing his brow. "Have you any idea how you survived being touched by the Veil? And for my curiosity, what did it feel like?"

Harry shrugged again. "It felt like rose petals, soft and hardly there. . .and I was so absorbed in watching Uriel leave that I didn't notice where it was until it was touching me, and then I was fine, so I didn't think anymore of it. . ."

Dumbledore nodded, lost in thought.

"What does all this mean, sir?" Hermione asked, concerned.

"I am not sure, Ms. Granger. All I can figure out is that there is more going on here than us trying to thwart Voldemort. That the angels are taking such a direct role signifies something no less than cosmic in scale. . . though what it may be, I do not know."

Hermione nodded her understanding, and everyone was silent, lost in their own thoughts.

Dumbledore broke the silence. "Draco, since the bonding is now accomplished and you do not have to worry about it anymore, have you decided what to do with the students who attacked you a month ago?"

Draco bit his lip in thought. "Yes, a bit. I'd like to have them gathered in one place, perhaps tomorrow, so I can dole out final punishments. I'd like it if you, sir, and Harry and Professor Snape were there, as well. And could I get a copy of Crabbe and Goyle's timetables?"

The headmaster nodded. "I would not be anywhere else. Perhaps we could meet here, tomorrow afternoon? And I'll have Dobby bring you their timetables later today."

Snape, Draco and Harry nodded.

"Good then, that was all I wanted to go over, though I would like to stop by at some point to see that fascinating arrow you brought back. Could I stop by later tomorrow, after we meet?" At Draco's and Harry's nods he continued. "Did anyone else have anything to add or ask?"

The assembled group shook their heads, their minds still processing everything from before.

"Then I propose we adjourn for the time. I'm sure you all want to visit the infirmary to see Miss Weasley and to confirm your consumption of the potion, and then get about your day. Harry, Draco, will you keep me up to date regarding the progress in forming your Coven, please?"

The two nodded and soon all had left the office except Snape.

"I'm surprised," he mused, "that after last night, no one wanted to leave the Coven."

The Headmaster's eyes were twinkling furiously. "You do realise, Severus, that had they wanted, they could have blocked the pain. They will not experience anything through the bond that they do not wish to experience."

"What do you mean?"

Dumbledore tutted.

"The bond was formed by their active participation, which means they have active control over their part of the bond. If they took some of your pain, it was because they wanted to-- unlike Harry who has to feel it anyway, though now he has Draco to help put him back together."

Snape scowled. "If that's so, then how come Lupin felt so much more than the others?"

"I'm sure I don't know. . ." Again, those eyes were shooting twinkles like comets. "Perhaps you should ask him?"

* * *

Everyone who left Dumbledore's office headed straight for the hospital wing to see Ginny, even the Slytherins. Blaise had been impressed with how she'd been doing the night before, before Luna had fallen, Todd was wrapped up in a conversation with Hermione and Ron about an old battle discussed in his History of Magic class, and Pansy had heard from Blaise about Ginny's performance, and wanted meet this icon of "womynly strength" who, moreover, had held her own growing up with six elder brothers.

They entered the infirmary, the Weasley's going straight to the bedside of the still sleeping Ginny, and most of the others dropped by Madam Pomfrey's desk to confirm their use of the medicine.

Since no one else was in the room at the time, Todd felt free to quietly voice a question that had just occurred to him.

"What did Professor Snape have to lie about?"

"Voldemort was asking him what he had been doing last night, and pressed him for details. He told them some quite convincing stories about cauldron washing gone awry and you spilling a bottle of ink," Harry said, wondering how much of the story was true.

Todd's eyes bugged. "How did he know? I know Miss Tonks didn't get a chance to tell him. . ."

"She told me," Lupin sighed. "She came over to my rooms with a bottle of Zinfandel, having figured that seeing Sirius again would have been . . . stressful. So we traded stories of the night, and she told me all about her evening, I told her some of mine."

"So," Todd's face twisted as he connected everything, "so, last night, you knew through the bond that the questioning was happening, and so you stepped in and lied for him?"

Lupin nodded.

"Brilliant!" The first year was amazed. And to think, he had been asked to join in this! He walked over to Harry and Draco.

"I'd like to accept," he said earnestly. "I know you said to think it over, and I have-- I'm not going to just let this opportunity pass. And besides, for me, it'll only be a year, so if I change my mind, I still have an out."

Harry and Draco exchanged long looks, speaking to each other without words. Finally, they both nodded.

"Alright," Draco knelt to look Todd in the eye. "I want you to understand that once we bond you, it'll be for a full year, and you'll be bonded to everyone else in the Coven as well. But, you will be able to block them out, if you wish. We do ask that you respect the privacy of others as much as possible. Do you agree to that?"

Todd nodded, "Of course."

"Good. Also, because you'll only have a temporary bond, you won't be able to make a formal circle. You are certainly allowed to make an informal one, but you can't make Circle bonds until you're permanently bonded to us, OK?"

"That makes sense," Todd agreed.

"Excellent." Draco gave him a bright grin. "Now, I want you to imagine you're holding a ball of light in your hands. It can can be any colour you want, but whatever colour it is, it's very intense."

Todd did as instructed, focusing on the space between his hands.

Draco smiled warmly. "Now, toss it over to Neville."

Todd looked surprised, but did so, and was shocked when Neville seemed to skewer something in midair with his wand.

"Got it," Neville said. "Just give me a moment. . .there!"

"Did it work?" Todd asked.

Of course it worked, silly, he heard Draco's voice in his head. He may be completely helpless with Potions, but even I'll admit he's pretty competent with energy weaves.

The first year's face lit up as his jaw dropped. Oh, wow! How brilliant! Now I can talk to big brother when I'm bored during Flying lessons! Excellent!

Draco's breath caught as he caught Todd's over-excited thoughts. He drew Todd into a tight embrace. I've never had a little brother before. . .

Nor have I, Harry added, but I'll gladly replace my cousin with you, Todd.

Draco released Todd, and stood back up, finding himself face to face with a steely-eyed Blaise.

"You can't ask us to wait any longer, now that you've let the shrimp in," he scowled. Next to him, Ron nodded vigorously.

"As though we'd have any other answer."

Draco looked at Harry, who stepped forward. "You realise, Ron, that by becoming part of this, you will be bonded to Snape as well."

Ron looked nonplussed. "And I'll also be bonded to Hermione and you. Snape can't scare me away from this."

Harry and Draco looked at each other once more, and then both turned to their respective friends, bonding them each. After this, they found that everyone else who was present and on their list had also made up their minds, and ended up bonding the rest of them as well, before finally leaving the infirmary.

"Well, that was a lot quicker than I expected." Harry commented as they walked hand in hand down a corridor.

Draco nodded. "Do you think we should go find Professor Firenze now and ask him?"

Harry pondered this.

"Yeah, we should give him some time to think about it. I'm really not sure how he'll react. . . Centaurs have this thing against 'serving humans'. Firenze isn't as bad as the rest of his old herd, but I don't want to accidentally insult him. . ."

Draco thought about this, absently bringing Harry's hand up for a kiss as he did so. "Most weekends, he spends a lot of time outdoors, by the lake and the forest. Perhaps, if we first approached him as Quicksilver and Prongs Jr., that would sort of help downplay the 'human' aspect. . ."

Harry looked surprised. "That's a good idea. . . I'm glad I married you."

"Is that the only reason? My brilliant ideas?" Draco tried to look offended, but was unsuccessful.

"Well," Harry smirked. "That and your hot body . . ."

"Mmmm, so you're using me for ideas and sex?"

"Precisely," Harry stopped walking and pulled Draco in for a kiss, eagerly slipping his tongue into the other's mouth. Ah, Angel, I am addicted to your taste, your scent. . . he thought, pulling Draco closer as the other wound a hand through his hair.

Draco leisurely sucked on Harry's tongue, delighting in the feel of Harry's arms about him. Let go and see Professor Firenze quickly, and then get back to our rooms and spend the rest of the evening sucking and fucking each other through the floor. . .

Harry's cock immediately sprang to attention with this thought, and he ground himself against Draco's leg before he could think about it. Quickly, he pulled back.

"Right. That's a good plan. I say we do it right now." Harry struggled to catch his breath.

Draco smirked. After yesterday's teasing, this was good payback.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Firenze gazed into the watery depths of the lake, his form nearly hidden by the trees around him, absently humming a tune his mother had sung to him when he was a foal as he waited. He wasn't quite sure what he was waiting for, but he was quite sure that was what he was doing. Chill breezes swept around him, but he paid them no mind, words escaping his lips to float over the choppy waves.

One wolf in the den of five lions
Two traitors with the serpents three
The two counted one

Movement caught his eye, and he looked over to see a silver fox and a black stag approaching. The unicorn had told him of these strange creatures, how that morning they had run through the forest dancing round each other.

And the Light of the Sun
And the Lord of Night over thee

Like all Centaur verse, it was cryptic and lacking in any sort of explanation. But, due to its close association with his birth reading, it was a strange bit that haunted him.

The stag and the fox stopped before him, and he carefully reached out a hand to touch the deer's nose, fascinated with its solid black eyes. He felt something butt against his leg and looked down, seeing the silver fox look at him with wide eyes, as though pleading for attention. He leaned down indulgently.

"You're quite lovely, too," he said, scratching it behind an ear. The fox grinned and turned to look at the stag. Closing its eyes, it stuck out its pink tongue, and the stag shook its head in annoyance.

"Ah," Firenze said, "I had not known that there were Animagi with such magnificent forms. . ."

The stag stomped its foot before blurring into Harry Potter.

"I guess you figured us out. . ." he said, looking annoyed at the fox, who blurred to become Draco Malfoy.

"Not my fault I'm so beautiful," the blonde said, pouting. "I think he would have figured out pretty quickly anyway, considering the rather unusual shade my of my pelt. . ."

Harry sighed in concession. "You're probably right. . ." he turned his attention back to Firenze. "Professor, I assume you're know what happened recently, concerning Draco and me?"

The centaur nodded. "Yes, I know about the bonding, if that is what you mean. . ."

Harry nodded. "Yes. Well, it was successful, but there were some unintended side effects, a coven-bond was formed among the participants, including the, erm, non-corporeal ones . . ."

Firenze nodded, and Harry continued. "So now we need to include, er, that is, bond physical counterparts for those non-physical entities, and we thought that for Uriel's place, we'd invite you. . .uhm, if you'd like. . ." Harry was fidgeting by this time, hoping the centaur wouldn't be offended by his invitation.

Firenze blinked, not quite sure if he understood. "You're inviting me to join your Coven?" he asked.

Harry nodded nervously.

"It's going to be a Grand Coven," Draco added. "So you'd be able to create your own circle as well. . ."

Firenze pondered this. "Who else is in the Coven?"

"Professor Lupin and Professor Snape." The centaur looked surprised at both these names, but Draco continued. "Molly Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Todd Silversman, Ron Weasley, Pansy Parkinson, Professor McGonagall, the Weasley twins and Hermione Granger." Draco paused. "If you join, we'll have only one space left, and we don't know who we'll invite yet for that . . ."

"And what are the rules for the creation of our own circles?"

"They have to have be loyal to both Draco and me," Harry said. "If they're underage, they can only be bound with year-bonds, to be renewed with their consent until they are of age. Other than that, at least limited magical ability and intelligence."

Firenze nodded again, weighing everything in his mind. It was a great honour to be asked such a thing by any wizard, but by these two. . .there was only one problem.

"Harry, there is only one reason why I may not accept your invitation. . ."

Firenze paused. Harry and Draco said nothing, waiting for him to continue in his own time.

"When every centaur is born, the exact place and time of the foal's birth are noted, and compared against charts of logarithmic fortune, for the year, month, date, hour, and minute of birth, adjusted for place."

"Sidereal Astrology. . ." Draco said, and Firenze nodded.

"The natal charts of centaurs include more than just the visible planets and constellations," he continued. "We also included such mathematical points later found to be the black hole Cygnus X-1, the planet Sedna, and the still theoretical Nemesis orbit. When my natal chart was assembled, and the equations worked out, the geometric relationships between these points-- Cygnus, Sedna, and Nemesis-- together with the orbits or Chiron and both moons of Mars. . . the pronouncement from the elders was that not only would I grow to serve the Lord of Darkness, but that I would do so gladly. This is why I hesitate, for there is the strong possibility for betrayal, even though the very thought pains me. . ."

Harry nodded, looking at Draco. They communed quietly for several moments, weighing what he'd said, before turning back to him.

"We maintain our invitation, sir," Harry said. "While your kind are admittedly better at such things than ours, the problem still exists that most such pronouncements make sense only after everything has happened. If you betray us, it will be for a reason, not because some black hole millions of miles away was lined up with Chiron in some odd way."

Harry nervously placed a hand on Firenze's shoulder.

"Would you think about it for a while, and then let us know your decision?"

Firenze nodded. "I will do that, Harry Potter. I know what an honour it is to be asked such a thing." Harry smiled, then grabbed Draco's hand.

"Okay, then we'll leave you to your thoughts! Come on, Draco, I'll race you back to our rooms!"

"You're on, Potter!"

Firenze smiled as the two humans ran off in the direction of the castle. It would be nice to have a herd again.

*~*~*~*~*

Harry and Draco both flew into their rooms at the same time, collapsing against the walls and panting.

"Tie?" Harry asked between breaths.

"Tie," Draco agreed.

"Good," Harry took a deep breath and pinned Draco to the wall. "Angel, the whole time we were talking to Firenze, I was torn between really wanting to do two other things." He leaned into Draco, plundering his mouth, grinding his erection that had never really subsided against the other boy's leg.

"Really," Draco asked when they pulled apart for breath. "What, ah!" he gasped as Harry nibbled g hig his neck, "what were you thinking of?"

Harry licked from Draco's neck up to his ear. "I was torn between bending you over and letting my cock find some hospitality in that sweet arse of yours, or else taking you into my mouth and claim an early dessert."

"Ohh," Draco moaned, grinding his own erection back against Harry. "You really like sucking cock, don't you?"

"Mmm, I love anything to do with your body and me."

Draco struggled to look at the clock. "Well, we've got almost twenty four hours before we're expected anywhere . . . so we've got time for everything."

"Good. Bedroom. Now." Harry was reduced to single words as he pulled Draco after him into their bedroom, disrobing one-handed as he went.

Draco made sure to close the door behind them, yelping as Harry used a disrobing charm on him. He turned around as Harry leaned back into him, pressing him against the door, rubbing skin to skin, lips to lips, tongue to tongue.

Ah, Angel, I love you so much!

Draco moaned. Love you too. . . He felt like his legs were melting beneath Harry's hot assault and he yelped as Harry lifted him into his arms, and carried him over to the bed, their lips in constant contact.

Harry lay down on top of Draco as though trying to wrap himself about his husband, gravity pulling their aching erections together.

So, angel, what do you want to do first?

Draco considered this as he reached down to caress Harry's prick.

I thought there were some things you wanted to do . . .

Harry grinned, nibbling an ear. We've got plenty of time for those things. You get to choose first.

Draco smirked, then rolled them both over, pushing himself up to straddle Harry's legs.

"Well, then," he said, still caressing Harry's erection. "I'd like to start by fucking you through the floor, then sucking you 'till you scream, and then have you fuck me through the floor. . .to begin with, at least. . ."

Harry moaned in agreement, thrusting his hips up into Draco's, and reached blindly for the lube on the night table. Finding it, he pulled it over and gave it to the still smirking Draco, who poured it over his fingers, then slowly rubbed it over his erection, teasing Harry with the sight.

"Guh, Draco. . ." he whined. "Fuck me. . ."

Draco snickered, repositioning himself between Harry's legs, lifting them to rest on his shoulders, and reached down to prepare the oh-so-enticing arse beneath him.

"Angel, just take me. . ."

"I don't want to hurt you . . ."

"Don't care. Fuck me. Now." Harry pulled his legs back, exposing himself even more, aching with want for Draco's thick, hard cock.

"As you wish." Draco positioned himself against Harry's entrance, and pushed, the tight opening yielding a sweet, soft, and oh-so-tight treasure.

"Draacoo," Harry cooed, tightening his muscles around Draco's prick in welcome. "Ohh, that feels so goooood!"

Draco sighed as he entered Harry, his hands gripping the sheets beneath them tightly as he was enveloped in tight, soft heat. Overcome, he kissed the chest, neck, and lips of the man he loved. It's like coming home. . .

Harry bucked impatiently, loving the feeling of Draco's cock filling him, but wanting more. "Enough sentiment, Draco. You promised to fuck me through the floor."

"And I will," Draco growled, pulling out. He thrust lightly at first, still slightly wary of hurting his husband, but those fears were quickly disposed of as Harry not only took more, but demanded it. Draco gripped Harry, eagerly speeding up his thrusts in response to Harry's pleading.

Harry was in heaven, delighting in the feel of Draco's cock sliding inside him, pounding into his arse. He met each thrust one one of his own, each time tightening himself around the wonderfully hard, thick heat burying itself over and over again within him.

"More, more!" he cried breathlessly. "Fuck me hard, Draco!"

Draco loved that Harry was such a vocal lover-- and not at all shy in asking for what he wanted.

"Do you like it when my cock's in you?" he asked, slowing down a bit to prolong the moment.

"Yes, yes!" Harry cried in abandon. "I love your cock! I love to suck it, to touch it, to take it deep inside me, fucking me, fucking meee. . ."

"You like being fucked?" Draco was always delighted when the usually proper Gryffindor was reduced to vulgarity in begging. It was such a turn on.

"Ohh, I love being fucked!" Harry replied. "Fucked by my very own angel. . . oh angel, fuck me harder! Fuck me with your heavenly cock until you explode inside me!"

"Oohhh. . ." Draco could hold back no longer, and he sped back up, impaling Harry on his prick again and again as the other moaned, begged, and writhed so delightfully beneath him.

Harry thanked all the gods he knew when Draco sped back up, his awareness narrowing to the sensation of Draco filling him again and again, the thick hardness stretching him anew with every thrust, sending white-hot fire through his body and making him feel more complete than he'd ever felt before, as though his arse had been moulded for Draco's filling. And now, it was more than filled, and with every wondrous, heavenly thrust, he came closer and closer to the brink of everything. "Ohh, Angel, Angel, I'm, I'm . .. oh. . ."

"That's right, Harry, come for me . . ." Draco's voice gave him permission, and Harry finally exploded, arching off the bed as his seed shot forth to cover his chest.

Draco gasped as Harry's orgasm hit him, the other's ecstasy crashing over him as muscles clamped down around his cock, triggering his own release, and he spilled his seed deep within Harry, whose own climax was intensified with the feeling of Draco's warm come filling him.

Draco collapsed next to Harry, regretfully pulling himself out, and muttered a cleaning charm between breaths.

"Oh, oh, Draco, that was wonderful . . ." Harry panted, trying to catch his breath. " You said you wanted to suck me next?"

The blond chuckled. "You're just as insatiable as I am," he said teasingly. "Let me catch my breath, and I'll be right with you."

It was a stroke of genius to include a centaur. It could always be argued that our inclusion of a werewolf was by mistake, but not so with Firenze. By including him, we showed the world that Harry and I were not like other wizards. We did not see other magical creatures as somehow less than ourselves, not if we would invite them into our Coven.

And this gave those creatures pause. Those who would have been enticed by Voldemort's promises now had proof of our position. On the one hand, they had words, on the other, actions.

And it appears that even that adage crosses all cultures and races. Our voice, though vastly outnumbered, was more than loud enough to be heard.

From: The Prodigal Dragon

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Review please, I know I am unworthy. . . but please ^__^?!