Harry Potter and Changing Destinies

Chapter 10

“What the hell was that!” Bri yelled as Ali’s ice shield sizzled and melted from Harry’s fireball. Three of them watched as Ali fell to the ground. Before she could hit the floor Harry had caught her and held her tightly. When the word ‘sister’ left his mouth Bri and Hermione looked at each other in shock.

“Merlin, Ali what happened!?!” Harry asked as he slowly rubbed her back.

“I don’t know Harry. Bri and I were fighting then I felt something break inside me. Next thing I know I’m staring at you through a wall of ice.”

“Your bind broke, Ice. You just came into your full powers.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now that was a pretty impressive shield can you do it again?”

“I’ll try,” Ali said pulling away from Harry’s embrace.

Harry turned and looked at Draco, Bri, and Hermione. Seeing the shock on all their faces he said, “Short version Ali and I are elementals. When her bind broke she came into her full power. I’m going to see if she can produce that shield again and then we will explain everything.”

He walked over to Hermione and kissed her softly, “Its okay Mione. I’ll tell you everything.”

Hermione looked into Harry’s emerald eyes knowing he spoke the truth, “I trust you Harry.”

Harry turned and walked back to Ali, “Ready Ice?”

Ali smirked, “Fire away Ash.”

“Cute sis,” Harry put his hands up and a fireball appeared in his hand.

Throwing it at Ali she quickly threw up an ice shield as Harry’s fireball hit.

Spinning out from behind her shield she raised her hand and a stream of icy vapor went hurtling towards Harry who retaliated by shooting a stream of fire at the vapor. As the smoke from the melting ice and cooling fire cleared Harry and Ali were sitting on the floor laughing.

“No wonder we did that all the time Ash. That was fun,” Ali said wiping the tears from her eyes.

“It was but I can understand why our parents stayed far away when we did that.”

“Harry?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah Mione?”

“What do you mean you did this before?” she asked.

Harry looked over at Ali who nodded. Helping Hermione to her feet then extending his hand to Bri he said, “Lets go somewhere else to talk. My training room isn’t the most comfortable.”

He looked back at Ali who seeing the look she was sending Draco.

“Ice should we go to the den?” Harry asked.

Without taking her eyes off of Draco she answered, “Yes, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Harry escorted Hermione and Bri out of the training room, leading the way to the den. He knew by the look on Ali’s face that his beloved sister was in love with Draco and he suspected that Draco was in love with her too.

“Hmm,” Harry thought, “I’m going to have a little chat with Malfoy. He better not even think of hurting her.”
Ali walked over to Draco placing her hand on his arm. At her soft touch Draco puller her into a body shattering embrace burying his face in her hair.

“Drac? What’s wrong?” she asked closing her arms around his neck trying to comfort him as best she could.
“You scared me Ali. Bri and I couldn’t get you calmed down at all.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that my powers would come so fast like that.”

“Its okay Ali. I’m just glad that Harry could get you calmed down so fast. I knew you had power but I had no clue you that powerful.”

Ali laughed, “I didn’t either, Drac,” she pulled away and looked him in the eye.

“I didn’t mean to scare you. I would never do that on purpose.”

“I know that Ali. Are you okay now?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I finally feel whole. Like there was a huge part of me that was missing but now its not,” Ali said her face lighting up with joy. Draco couldn’t help it, she was so beautiful. Her whole body was glowing with happiness that he had to kiss her. Ali sighed and closed her eyes as Draco’s mouth covered hers.

Draco moved closer as Ali kissed him back. Pulling her as close as he could he caressed her back first through her shirt and then with his hands on her skin lightly just for a moment. Then they were right back to gripping her shirt in both his hands as he held her close and ran his tongue over her bottom lip silently asking her permission for entry.

Ali tangled her hands in Draco’s hair pulling him closer and closer as she opened her mouth to him. She whimpered as Draco’s tongue entered her mouth and touched hers lightly at first, but then with desperate need. She matched him stroke for stroke letting his need feed hers and vise versa. Their tongues battled as Draco began to explore her mouth as deeply and fully as he could with just a kiss.

Draco was quickly reaching the point of no return when he felt a vibration in his pocket. Ali groaned and broke the kiss saying, “Drac, my mirror.”

He reached into his pocket and handed it to her trying to calm himself as much as he could. He definitely did not want Potter to see his reaction to Ali when they had their talk that Draco knew was coming and soon.

Harry’s laughing face came into view, “Did you get lost, Ice?” he asked smirking while taking in her swollen lips and glazed over eyes. He knew perfectly well what had held her up.

“Quiet Ash or I will freeze your bits off,” Ali replied laughing at the look that came over Harry’s face.
“Drac and I will be right there.”

At Ali’s words Harry put his mirror down.

“They’ll be right here,” he said as he turned to the two women in the room with him. One an ally and fighter at his side. The second much more, a friend, a girlfriend, a confidant, an ally, a soldier at his side, someone he respected and loved more than anything in this world except maybe his blood family.

As Draco and Ali were in the training room…

As Draco and Ali talked or did whatever they were doing Hermione and Bri followed Harry to what could only be the den. It was a comfortable room, fashionable but welcoming. It had two leather chairs and a three-seater couch surrounding an ottoman on a warm carpeted floor. These were facing a fireplace that was lit keeping the room warm but not hot because of ventilation. There were pool and other game playing tables deeper into the room. On the opposite wall from the door was floor to ceiling shelves full of books both muggle and magical.
As Bri crashed sideways to one of the chairs Harry sat on the couch watching as Hermione walked right to the book shelves and looked them over. As Hermione was perusing the shelves she tried to calm herself, to think rationally about all she had heard and seen and she was succeeding pretty well. That is until she was it. A book, but not just any book but a journal and not just any journal Harry’s father’s journal. James Potter’s personal journal.

While Harry and Bri got introduced and talked strategies and fighting techniques she reached for the journal and began to read it. Skimming it bit by bit. She found the journal itself was small but that was because it was magical shrunk. The journal held the simple joys of a child as he put his memories down on paper of the day he had, the fears and anxieties of an eleven year boy beginning Hogwarts, to the curiosity and frustration that grew to crush-love and then to real love for the muggleborn red head by the name of Lily Evans whom would be later known as Lily Potter and mother to the savior of the wizarding and muggle worlds alike. The joys and frustrations of being a newly wed man to the woman of his dreams, the fears and anxieties of being a soon-to-be father to being a new father on the run with his wife and child. Hermione learned that he had worked for the Department of Mysteries and the Auror Department too at times. She learned that he and Lily along with the Longbottoms had worked on the veil trying to figure out what it was and were very close to figuring out how to bring someone back from it, but before they could the couples had to go into hiding.

She could hear Harry talking to Ali over the mirror so she put the journal back with a grimace of hurt that she hid well or so she thought, but as she caught Bri’s eye she knew her hurt had been noticed but she gave Bri a look to say ‘leave it’ and asked, “Is Alexis alright, Harry?”

“Yeah, Ice is fine. I think that Malfoy had to see it for himself though.”

Bri snorted, “Yeah, I’ll bet he had to make sure she was fine.”

Harry looked at Bri seeing the smirk on her face, “Do you know something that I don’t?”

“Well Draco has to tell you that himself.”

“I have to tell Potter what Bri?” Draco asked walking into the den with Ali at that exact moment.

He quickly sat down on the other leather chair Ali had in the room placing his feet on the ottoman. He tugged Ali down and she made herself comfortable sitting curled up on his lap.

Harry’s eyes narrowed to slits as he saw his sister in Draco’s arms. Hermione grinned at the two of them then looked over at Harry. Seeing his face she went to sit with him on the couch placing her hand on Harry’s arm she said quietly, “Harry, Ali is right where she wants to be. I’m pretty sure that she can take care of herself.”

“Thank you, Hermione. She can. Now Potter before you and Ali start throwing fire and ice again will you explain what the hell happened?”

“Well as I told you Ali and I are elementals. I can control fire and I also have the ability to throw it…”

“While I can control water and throw ice,” Ali said finishing that thought.

“Wait a minute. How are you elementals? The last known elementals were Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw. The only way you both could be elementals would be if you were…” Hermione’s voice trailed off as she looked at Harry.

“If Ali and I were direct descendents of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, right Mione?”

“Well, yes but how can you be?”

Harry looked at the confused faces around him. He sighed while thinking, “this was going to take a while.”

“Okay, Mione do you remember when we went to Gringotts and Griphook called me Lord Potter?”

“Yes, but what has that got to do with this, Harry?”

“Hermione, do you want to know the story or not?” Ali asked getting frustrated.

“Well of course I want to know the story Alexis.”

“Then shut up and let Ash finish, would ya?”

Hermione saw red, “Did you just tell me to shut up?”

“Yes I did. This is Harry and my story to tell, but he can’t if you keep interrupting him.”

Hermione stood up advancing on Ali, “Look you bitch I don’t care who you are to Harry or that this is your house. Nobody talks to me like that and gets away with it,” she reached for her wand but before she could grab it Harry stood in front of her.

“Mione, stop. You are my girlfriend and I love you but Ali is my sister. Furthermore, she is right. This is our story and you asked to know.”

“You’re taking her side, Harry?” Hermione asked hurt.

“I’m not taking anyone’s side Mione. I’m just telling you to stop it now.”

“Oh I see…you choose her then.”

“Of course, he does. We’re family, blood. Nothing’s stronger than that,” Ali replied.

“Oh, really! And your telling me if you had to choose between Harry and Draco you would choose Harry,” Hermione threw out.

“Yes. I would. But hopefully I won’t ever have to because both know I love them. But differently. Harry’s my family, my blood. There’s no bond like that stronger, but Draco’s my one and only. I love him with all of my heart and soul. They both are a part of me like I’m a part of them. Like Harry’s a part of you or you of him. Like I’m a part of him. Harry and I need our family, but we also need you and Draco to be complete. Do you get it now,” Ali getting frustrated just a bit now.

“Ali’s right Mione. If forced to I’d choose her, but I don’t want to have to make that choice because I love you both, I need you both with me. Now will you both calm down. Mione, Ali is magically more powerful than you. Don’t push this.”

“He’s right you know,” Bri spoke up finally, “Ali knocked me clear across the room with just a look. Don’t get her mad, especially right now when she’s just come into her magic and its so unstable ok?”

Finally, Draco spoke softly, “Look Hermione you have nothing to worry about. Yes, Ali and Harry are close that’s to be expected they only have each other now, they’re the only family they have. But you are Harry’s girlfriend and Ali is mine and if we have anything in common besides Quidditch and our mutual feud its our loyalty and love of our significant others. You don’t have to be jealous of their relationship at all.”

Hermione sat back down a little ashamed of her outburst, “I’m sorry Alexis…Harry.”

“Look Hermione, you and I will have it out because its obvious that you don’t like me, but not here and not now. Ash please continue.”

Harry sat down next to Hermione sensing that she needed to be assured of her place in his life. He placed his arm around her shoulders grinning as she snuggled closer.

“Okay back to the story. The Potter family is directly descended from Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw. They were both elementals who could control fire and water. When their son was born a prophecy was made that the elemental heirs would be a brother and sister of great power. Many generations went by without the heirs then my father and his twin sister were born.”

Bri interrupted Harry this time and received glares but she just shrugged them off and asked, “You father had a twin sister?”

It was Ali who answered, “Yes, Marion. My mother.”

“So you and Wonder Boy over there are really only cousins? So how did the whole brother sister thing come into play?”

Harry chuckled, “Bri just wait. Marion and my dad were thought to be the heirs as they were twins however Marion was a squib. When Ali was born she had magic but nothing unusual until I was born. She was brought to my house when I was only a few days old to be introduced to the family. From what my dad wrote in a letter I read, Ali grabbed my hand and a blue and red light surrounded us both. Dad called Dumbledore who realized Ali and I were the prophesized heirs. However, as we weren’t siblings a ceremony was done making Ali and I brother and sister so that we could receive our full powers.”

“But Harry and I were more powerful than anybody realized. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw could only control the elements, they couldn’t throw them. The power evolved as magic and the people wielding it did. When we were little Harry and I liked to throw ice and fire at each other just to watch the ice melt and steam rise. When James and Lily realized that Voldemort wanted to kill Harry we had to be separated from each other for our own safety. A block was placed on Harry’s elemental power and a full magical bind was placed on me.”

“Why was your magic bound Alexis?” Hermione asked truly confused.

“My magic was bound because both of my parents were squibs and they knew that they couldn’t protect me. Plus, Harry was prophesized to end Moldyshorts and needed his magic and a lot more protection. That is also the reason why Harry couldn’t live with me. For our own protection no one could know that we were related.

Dumbledore reintroduced us after your third year knowing that we needed to be friends and start to trust each other before we came into our powers. It worked. With the help of our mirrors and the fact that Harry spent most of his summers with me we have a bond that can’t be broken. I trust Harry with everything I have and with all that I am. So when he told me the story I accepted it without question which was what I needed to do.”
Bri stood up, “No wonder you got pissed when I brought Wonder Boy into our argument. That was some awesome display of power by the way.”

Aki stood and gave Bri a hug, “Thanks Bri. Sorry about throwing you into the wall.”

“No problem Ali. Its been a long day though so I am going to go to bed.”

“See you later, Bri.”

“Goodnight, Cuz.”
“Goodnight, Dragon. Harry, Hermione nice to finally meet you. Goodnight.”

Harry and Hermione both nodded as Bri walked away.

Ali sat back down on Draco’s lap smiling as his arms closed around her.

“So Malfoy what are your intentions towards my sister?” Harry smirked coolly.

“Harry James Potter! I am a big girl I think I can take care of myself. Besides you’re my younger brother so knock off the protective older brother routine.”

Draco laughed and kissed Ali on the cheek, “Its okay Ali. Its Harry’s job to ask. You may be the head of the VanLint family but Harry is the head of the Potter family and as his sister you are a Potter. He has to ask these things.”

Ali scoffed, “You and your pureblood nonsense.”

Draco stood up with Ali in his arms. Turning around and giving her a quick kiss he place her back in the chair. Leaning close to her and whispering in her ear he said, “Remember when I said I wanted to court you?”

At her quiet nod he continued, “I can’t do that without the permission from your head of the family and that is Harry. I love you Ali I want to do this right.”

Ali gasped and turned her face towards Draco, kissing him with everything she had. They broke the heated kiss when Harry cleared his throat. Before Draco could pull away she whispered, “I love you too Drac.”

Draco turned towards Harry formally he said, “Lord Potter-Black may I request a few moments of your time?”

Harry immediately recognizing the gesture for what it was stood and replied, “Of course Draco, heir of Lord Malfoy this way,” then the two men left the den.

“Where are they going Alexis?” Hermione asked beginning to get uncomfortable.

“To my father’s study. Harry sort of claimed it last year.”

“You do realize what Draco wants to ask him don’t you?”

“Of course I do. I may not have attended Hogwarts Hermione but I was raised to be a pureblood witch, just in case I needed a cover. I am also the only heir to the VanLint title and fortune. I would say that I know the rules of nobility better than you.”

“Well you don’t have to be rude about it Lady VanLint,” Hermione snapped.

“Look Hermione if you have a problem with me then you had better tell me. You have been nothing but a bitch to me ever since you met me and yet you still manage to it all my fault. I couldn’t wait to meet you because all I have heard about in the four years that I’ve known Harry is how great you are and yet when he brings you to my home you treat me like I am nothing but a bug to be squashed. What did I EVER do to you?”

“Harry loves you!”

“Is that it? Of course he loves me. I’m his sister.”

“But you didn’t always know that.”

“Some part of us did. I never even thought about Harry in that way. I have always treated him like a brother. Besides I am totally and completely in love with Draco.”

“How can you say that you never looked at Harry that way? He’s gorgeous, smart, funny. He could have anyone he wanted. And you, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You’re smart too from what I’ve heard plus you have more money than I could ever dream of making in my life. How can I compete with you? I’m just plain old muggleborn Hermione Jean Granger. I’m not pretty, I’m not rich and I’m a know-it-all. Why would Harry be with me?”

“How about the fact that he loves you, Hermione. Like I said for years all he talked about was you. I’ve known since third year when we met that he was in love with you. Plus, many of the things you just mentioned are outwards things, material things and you should know from knowing Harry so long those things don’t matter to him. What matters is the heart, the person not what they look like, what their name is, or what they have. You’re beautiful to him and those closest to you just like I am to the outside world and those closest to me. Plus, I may be smart and he may turn to me for some things, but if he was pressed for time and he needed help he’d run to you even if I was closer. You’re the one he turns to when he’s lost Hermione. You’re the one he needs and wants, I’m just a substitute in that area if you can’t be found.”

“Then why?”

“Then why did he date Cho and Ginny?”

“Yes?”

“Cho was because she was there. He thought she was cute yes but that’s it. First crush. He dated Ginny because that’s what everybody expected him to do, just like everybody expected you and Ron to get together. Luckily he realized that while he liked Ginny he loves you. And thank God he did I really don’t want to be related to the Weasleys anytime soon. No offense to Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie of course.”

“You don’t like the Weasleys?”

“No, I don’t. Ron has a very bad tendency to walk away from Harry when Harry needs him the most. Ginny can’t get over her hero worship of Harry to really know who he is. And don’t even get me started on Molly.”

“She’s been like a mother to Harry,” Hermione said shocked.

“Yes, and when he was younger that was fine, but like little birds grow to full adulthood so has Harry. But unlike mother birds she hasn’t let go so her birds can grow. With her its more like she want to control Harry’s life. I would love to see her face when she realizes that not only is Harry part of the Order but that after Dumbledore died he became the leader.”

“WHAT!?!”

“Oops, Harry didn’t tell you that?” Ali said with a smirk.

“No, I didn’t even know that he was in the Order. I thought Molly wouldn’t let him be inducted.”

“Well it wasn’t her decision, it was Harry and Sirius’s. Before you all went back to school for your fifth year Dumbledore inducted both of us.”

“Wait, you’re a member too?”

“Of course. Why do you think Harry used my home as a safe house for Draco?”

“So…you and Draco are together? You’re not just trying to drive Harry crazy by acting like your involved with the boy he’s hated since they met. So are you two serious?”

“Yes, we are. You and Harry?”

Hermione blushed, “Yes.”\

“I love him, Alexis.”

“Please call me Ali. I’m glad. Harry needs someone to love him like he deserves, to know the real him.”

“Well I do, Ali. I will love him for the rest of my life and on.”

“I feel the same way about Drac. I’m glad we worked things out Hermione. I have a feeling that you and I are going to be very good friends. Plus, once you get the self-confidence that can only come from having your man dote on you I think all the rest of our problems will fly out the window,” Ali stood and offered her hand to Hermione.

Hermione also stood but ignored the offered hand once again but this time throwing her arms around Ali she said, “I think we already are.”

The two girls embraced then went to their own rooms to think, but before they left the room Hermione went back and grabbed James’s journal. They now knew that they had the start of a very special friendship beginning.

As the girls worked out their issues and became quick friends Harry led Draco to Ali’s father’s now his study. As they walked in silence and then walked into the study the two young men were completely caught up in their own worlds.

Draco kept thinking to himself, “Will he give a definite no, definite yes or will he make me squirm then say yes or the worst option of all… make me squirm and say no. Merlin, I hope its not the last option.”

When they entered the study Draco could definitely see the Gryffindor touches of red and gold in the pillows and highlights of the room. Though they were in deeper tones than he had seen at school or ever expected their to be. Harry went to the desk in the back of the room straight back from the heavy doors of the study. He sat in a high-backed chair and sat there with his hands steepled eyeing Draco like a king eyeing a peasant who had just asked to court his daughter, which in a way at this moment at least Draco was. Draco knew logically they were the same age and knew each other personally, not in a friendly way of course, but personally from their school years.

Though at this moment their power differences, their moral differences, all their differences were more pronounced. They were yin and yang, light and dark, good and evil put to human forms right now. At this moment Harry looked, acted, and was older than Draco not because he was aging right in front of Draco or something like that but with their magic it was possible, but because it was finally hitting Draco that Harry was a young man being forced to grow up way before he ever should have to. He could see the strain in Harry’s eyes. Draco could feel himself actually beginning to like Harry, to respect and admire him. Which for Draco who had always been taught to hate and despise those who were muggleborn or halves or traitors to the pureblood ways this was a scary thought. To actually respect and admire Harry Potter and his gang who were the personification of everything Draco was taught to hate.

Suddenly, as Draco reflected on this new development Harry’s voice broke into his thoughts and said, “So, Draconis Sirius Malfoy what do you wish to speak to me about?”

Draco shook his head and cleared it while sitting in the chair in front of the desk. He took a breath and looked around the room seeing the shelves of books and artifacts, the fireplace with two chairs in front of it, a little couch and table. Once he got himself straightened out he looked straight at Harry, deciding to steal some Gryffindor courage for himself he just went right for it.

“I wish to court and marry your sister, Lord Potter-Black.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I think it would be a great alliance of families. People would see you as a fair and just Head of Family in the Wizarding World. Being able to get past our personal differences and accept me into your family.”

“Stop, right there! The Wizarding World already sees me as more than I want to be seen as. Secondly, yes we have issues which before I give my answer or even trust, truly trust you we have to have out. Lastly, you haven’t given me any real reason why I should allow you to court and/or marry my sister, Malfoy,” Harry said becoming quite angry with Malfoy, but also testing Draco to see if he was true about what he said while trying to keep control of his powers.

Draco breathed a huge sigh thinking, “Should’ve known he’d want the one reason that scares the living hell out of any man. Out of me. Go right for the jugular don’t you, Potter? Well here it goes…” with that Draco said the most sincere and heart felt words he had ever said in his whole life to no one other than he’s life long enemy or so he thought Harry Potter.

“A real reason, huh okay well how’s this…that I’m head over heels in love with your sister. I can’t imagine my life without her by my side. I can’t think straight without her around or when she’s near because she drives me crazy in everyway. She’s beautiful inside and out. I need her Harry, not want…well I want her too, but when it comes down to it I need her in my life to be a good man, to be a man I recognize, to be the man I’ve always wanted to be but never got to be.”

Harry sat back calmly throughout Draco’s speech and when it was done said, “Well, Malfoy I think that’s the first time in what... 17 years you might have been actually honest. I’m impressed!”

Draco could sense the withheld sarcasm, but also the admiration in Harry’s voice, but ignored it at the comment replying, “Well, Potter we can’t all wear our hearts on our sleeves and rush in like Golden Heroes.”

“Why you…if you want approval to court let alone marry my sister you’re going about it a hell of a way, don’t you think?” Harry said scathingly.

“At least I know what I want and don’t bend to others because I want a mommy. At least I have standards that I live by. You dated Cho Chang and the Weaselette, where were your ‘oh-so-high-moral-hero’ standards then?”

“Why you damn snake! I had a mother, I don’t need another! So, I tried to find love within a family that cared about me, it’s better than being hated by your own blood because of what you are. So, what if I actually show my emotions, so what if I actually have my heart out there. At least I have one and don’t hide it away because I’! Do snakes have hearts or are they kept alive by the slime they slither through!?! Ok, I admit Cho and Ginny were mistakes, but I cared for them. Still do in a way. Cho was my first crush, you should know about those...even you must have had one or two. Ginny was an escape I admit, but I love her to much to use her that way. Plus, I’ve learned recently I can’t let my fears of real love in times like these make me lower myself to what others want. I love Ginny but like a sister. And before you say it yes it’s a bit disturbing thinking of a sister like that, but at that time I thought Ginny was it for me. She was all I could obtain in the way of normal. That was before Dumbledore died and my fate was truly set before me though. And if we’re going to strike at each other for bad judgment in relationships I guess I’m obligated to say one name…Pansy Parkinson.”

Harry could see Draco cringe which made him quite glad.

Just then Draco gathered himself and came out with, “Yeah, ok that was a moment of complete and utter stupidity on my part. I was trying to obtain normalcy and acceptance when I really should’ve been being myself. My standards have come back and are much clearer and more defined than back then and if my father actually knew Ali was a witch you would be having this conversation with him instead of me because she’s exactly what he’s always wanted for me…”

Before Draco could finish what he was going to say Harry broke in with an angry yell of, “And if it was your father I had to talk to the answer would be a swift boot to the ass straight to Azkaban. With you I just get to yell and insult.”

Suddenly, they both burst out laughing. They laughed for what seemed hours, but wasn’t very long. Once they caught their breaths Harry said, “Well at least we know where the other stands.”

“We did always know how to give what we got…so we good?”

“Yeah, we’re good…for now.”

“So…you’re answer?”

“First, answer one more question.”

“What?”

“Are you in love with or do you just love her, there’s a difference Draco?”

“I’m in love with her, Harry.”

“Alright, you can court and eventually marry my sister. You know either way I would have been stuck with you as a brother-in-law whether I agreed or not, don’t you?”

“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed,” Draco said sarcastically but then again asked, “Really, I can?”

“Really.”

“Yes!” Draco yelled as he left the room he turned to say, “So, you going to face the music and ask Granger?”

“What!?!”

“Never mind,” Draco left with a smirk on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.

With this revelation Harry sat back heavily into the seat shocked by what Draco had said. As Harry sat there all he could think was he was in love with Hermione, had been for awhile but never let himself acknowledge it for what it was. He truly loved Hermione and wanted to be with her for the rest of his life whether it be short or long. With this in his mind he left the study and went right for Hermione’s room.

While Harry was heading towards Hermione’s room Draco was knocking at Ali’s. When Ali answered the door Draco rushed in grabbing Ali around the waist and spinning her. When he placed her back on her feet he shut the door and smiled saying, “He said yes! I can court you!”

“Good, then do that,” Ali smirked.

“I don’t want to…”

“Oh well…” Ali began to feel an engulfing sadness but before it could take real hold it was banished by Draco’s next words.

“I want to marry you.”

“What!”

“I want to marry you, Ali. I want to be a part of your life. I want you to be a part of mine. Hell, I need you in my mine. I need you to need me. I’m in love with you Ali. I can’t imagine myself the man I want to be or my life without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

As Draco began his proposal speech he led her to sit down on the edge of her bed because she looked a bit wobbly while her kneeled like a knight to his queen holding her hands and looking deeply into her eyes. All he could tell was Ali’s eyes had gotten huge and were becoming shock-filled. He let her absorb what he had said for a moment which felt like an eternity until he couldn’t take it anymore and blurted, “Well? You’re scaring me here darlin’. Answer me?!”

Just as he was about to turn away and tell her it was a slip of the tongue like that one muggle psychiatrist from the relief of Harry not killing him and joke the proposal off for her sake.

She whispered, “Yes!”

“What was that?”

“I said yes, you idiot! Yes, I’ll marry you!” with this Draco stood up as Ali threw herself into his arms. They twirled and laughed in joy.

As they celebrated by dancing and just having fun. They began to make out quite heavily, but before they got to far gone a knock came at the door followed by Bri yelling, “Okay, you two supper’s up. Oh, Harry says we’ll be heading to Diagon Alley in a few days, he got some letter saying he and Ali have to get to Gringotts quick. Plus, we got to get a wand for our household ice thrower and clothes both wizarding and muggle, so be ready.”

While Draco proposed and the two celebrated Harry was facing an angry Hermione…

Harry had just gotten to Hermione’s door to find it open so he walked in slowly to hear the song Anthem by Superchick playing so he knew she was angry about something. He stepped in cautiously knowing Hermione’s temper. Just as his head entered the door he had to duck for cover as a heavy totem came flying at him. As another came at him he caught it and said calmly. “Mione, Luv what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong! Why I don’t know Harry, you tell me? I thought we shared everything with each other.”

“What are you talking about, we do share everything?”

“Then why the Bloody Hell didn’t I know you were an Order member, hell the leader! Why didn’t I know some of your father’s things were here…are your mom’s here too?!”

“You know members are silent, they can’t tell others for the Order’s protection.”

“I know that! But you’ve shared information with me you weren’t supposed to before. I thought we were reaching a point in this...I thought you might want, feel like sharing something like that with me, seeing as I’m your girlfriend, now.”

“I know that but I was…”

“If you say trying to protect me I’ll personally emasculate you! You bloody asshole!”

Harry gulped knowing she would too, but squared his shoulders to face Hermione. You couldn’t show fear around her or she’d pounce and kill a man.

“Okay, I won’t but it’s the truth damn it! I don’t want anything happening to you or those I consider family. I love you!”

“Well, if you loved me you wouldn’t let me walk into this shit blind!”

“What! I do love you! Hell, I’m in love with you. I’d never do anything to harm you, Mione. I always want you with me. I’d never do anything that would put your life in danger. Hell, I’ve always tried to keep you back but you’ve always made it impossible for me to do that. You’ve always stood by me whether I liked it or not. I’ll always need you and I’ll always need to protect you. I’ll always share with you what I can, but damn it I have my reasons and you should respect that if I don’t tell you something I have my reasons. I love you and want to marry you. Have you with me always.”

“What!...What did you just say?”

Harry shifted from side to side now that his words came to him. Though this stopped while he watched her with a determined look in his eyes saying, “I asked will you marry me?”

“You’re joking…you’re just saying that to shut me up…you’re just asking because you could die tomorrow. You’re not serious…” she kept mumbling to herself now pacing the room out of nerves.

Harry went to her grabbing her by the upper arms in effect stopping her pacing of the room. She looked up at him panicked. He wanted to calm her but had no idea how. So he did the only thing he could think of to do. He kissed her, trying to communicate through his kiss that what he said may have been too soon and partly prompted by the situation but was also very true.

As he ran his hands down her arms and held her waist tightly pulling her to him. When he finally felt her relax and accept what he was trying to say. When he felt her hands run up his arms to around his neck he pulled back with a smile on his face saying, “So that’s a yes, right?”

Hermione laughed releasing the last of the tension saying, “Yeah, that’s a yes.”

While they laughed and joked with each other Hedwig appeared at the window. Harry came over letting her in. He petted her and gave her a treat just as Crookshanks decided to make an appearance and jumped on to Hermione’s lap. When he turned back to Hermione his face was set in a serious look.

Hermione asked lightly, “Harry, what is it?”

“Griphook found a way into the bank. He says he needs me and Ali there to inherit our Gryffindor and Ravenclaw inheritances before the Death Eaters and supporters get into them.”

“I’ll be right back I need to talk to Bri, okay?”

“Yeah, sure…”

Harry kissed her cheek and left the room.

As the two couples were celebrating Bri was in the process of sharpening her weapons. As she began sharpening her broad sword Harry walked in, his face set in a grim line. Bri looked up as he rushed in saying, “Yes, Harry come right on in. Yes, Harry I’d love to help you.”

Harry stopped his pacing looking a bit ashamed of himself but the shame left him quickly as he spoke, “Bri we have a problem! Death Eaters and their supporters are trying to get into Ravenclaw and Gryffindor’s vaults. Me and Ali need to get in, but we need disguises, do you have any?”

Bri whistled and replied, “Whoa! Okay, okay we have a problem. I don’t have disguises I usually want the baddies to see whose kicking them to Hell before I vanquish them, but I do know someone who does. Give me a day at the most to contact them and we can go, okay?”

“Okay, thanks. Sorry again for barging in.”

“That’s fine. You’ll know when you can’t believe me.”

“Okay,” Harry smirked and left the room. He had only known her a short time, but he truly liked Bri and could see why Sirius had too.

~Song: Rinse by Vanessa Carlton~

When Bri was sure no one else was going to come in she went to the door and locked it. As she went to put her sword away her arm spasmed and her back where her scratches from her old friend turned enemy had cut her began to pulse. She wasn’t turning, she had taken the antidote the three sisters, whom everyone knew from the television show Charmed who really were witch sisters but let their lives be portrayed as a show to throw people off, had given her. Its like they said themselves, “what better way to stay out of the public eye and protect the magical community than to let the world see it for real but make them think it’s a TV show.” She may not be turning, but the cuts and pain were a reminder she had been hurt in more ways than one. As the pain subsided she vowed to herself to stop searching for love, for friendship in a lover. She had a fight to fight, she had no time for romance. Though she was happy for her cousin who she never thought she’d be close to and Harry and Hermione. After all they’d had been through they deserved their little bit of happiness.

After a bit Bri sat down to write to her friend and get her help with their problem. ~Song ends~.

“Dear Dragon,

How are you, Luv? How’s the new beau for you? I’m glad to hear your happy and about the new nest of eggs by the Chinese Fireball. That’s great! You know how I’ve always loved dangerous creatures, magical or not and what’s more dangerous than a dragon mommy (winking at you)?

I’m fine, busy as usual on all venues. Blaine Blade has been lost to the other side. He’s in the fires now. It was hard but had to be done. We all promised that night so many years ago, that we’d stop any of the others if it ever came to that. This though isn’t why I’m writing. I need disguises for four friends of mine, two females and two males. We’re going to enemy territory. You’re dragon hide illusion guises would really help.

Love Buffy”

The minute the letter was written it burnt to ash and another letter appeared with a return address from Romania. Bri read the letter smiling.

“Dear Buffy,

I’m fine and so is the new beau. The new nest and momma are great! I’m so sorry about Blade, he was one of our best, at least you released his mortal side to safety. I’m sending the disguises to two Order members, they may act crazy but they’re actually very good at what they do for the group. They’re actually relations to the new beau. I don’t know if where they’re located will be out of your way or not, if it is you can just tell me and I’ll tell them a place to drop them off, if not then great. They’re in Diagon Alley, they own a joke shop there just tell them their dragon crazy brother sent you. The shop is Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. They’re red heads like the rest of the family I hear and twins so enjoy yourself. Well, got to go check on the new babies, from Norberta actually isn’t that great. If you hear from anyway who knows Hagrid a big old half-giant tell him will you?

Love Dragon”

After destroying the letter Bri went to tell Harry who agreed they’d go to Diagon Alley day after tomorrow. Then he went to check on supper while Bri went to get Draco and Ali. Once everyone was at supper they ate while discussing their strategies to get into the bank and getting everything done they needed to. That night Harry came to Bri to recheck the plans once more.