Icarus Syndrome

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warnings: Violence. The second exchange. Abuse of Patronuses. Or is it Patroni?
Q&A:
Okay. For my dear readers who would like a bit more explanation about the curse. There will be more information gradually stuck in the story as it goes, but in interest of being very organized, here's some main points. Lucius was forced to disown his son because Rufus Scrimgeour is very intent on inheriting everything, money, title, power, prestige.... In an effort to prevent this, Lucius investigated his past family's actions and discovered a curse that paralleled a punishment curse not-so-fondly named Icarus Syndrome. Lucius' Curse has stipulations, such as a Guardian needing chosen and it occurs in stages. Harry was the chosen Guardian and will be tested. When the curse was created, there must have been an enemy that could not have been overcome by the family alone or the curse wouldn't be needed. Therefore, a Guardian is introduced who is strong enough to help them conquer the enemy.
Alcyone, the portrait woman, is a certified mythological character and Halcyon Days have been named in her honor. Look her up but her story is provided later.
Yes, the Mirrors are a borrowed element from The 10th Kingdom, bu Katheryn Wesley, and there are a few modifications to ensure a more... separate use. There are stipulations for use that are not detailed in the book. It is a good read if any are interested.
Thank you, dear readers, for the hits, reviews, alerts and favorites. An author loves to know their work is appreciated. I am impressed so far by the amount of attention this has garnered so far. Please keep it up. Seriously, keep it! I love to read reviews!

-X-

Harry stared at the Mirror Draco had just vanished inside, preparing to follow him through when he was suddenly crashing to the ground, a stone lion practically sitting on top of him.

“You cannot follow! The Mirror only takes one! You would disturb the magic and both of you would be lost in the space between. No one would ever find either of you again.” It snarled.

“Where did he go?” He demanded.

“The Malfoy library.” The ferret answered. “He wanted the book his father used to curse him. He'll be back with it soon.”

“Well.” Harry said, feeling both surprised and slightly excited. If Draco had the book, they could figure out what exactly could be done about the curse. He was sure Draco didn't want to be tied to him. They could figure out how to split them apart, in a way that didn't involve death hopefully.

“Draco! Potter!” Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when a doe burst into the room and started to shout in Snape's voice. “You must leave that room and report to the Hospital Wing! I know about the curse and if you are not out of the room by sundown disastrous things will happen. Please, Draco, get out of there. And Potter, get his arse out of that room if you have to do it with him kicking and screaming.”

The doe began to fade away and Harry quickly cast his own Patronus, sending it out of the room and to the Professor, feeling vicious and protective. Draco didn't want to talk to that man and frankly neither did Harry, but what he said was worrying and he wasn't about to let anything happen to Draco, not while they were still tied together.

-X-

Severus scowled as the stag appeared in front of him, tossing its head and brandishing its rack worryingly.

“Professor, Draco does not wish to speak to you after witnessing a confrontation between yourself and his parents. In fact, he doesn't even know I'm talking to you. You say you know about the curse. Tell me and tell me what disastrous thing will happen at sundown.”

Severus bared his teeth and hissed out a breath. That boy was pure arrogance. He sent the doe back.

-X-

“Potter. Where is Draco? I will only tell him what I know. And how dare you speak to me as though you are in charge of this situation.”

-X-

“Excuse me, Professor, but I'm in the room and you're not. I'm the one keeping him safe and you're not. I'm the one comforting him over the fact that his godfather tried to murder his parents and you're not. I think that does put me in charge.”

-X-

“I will skin you alive Potter. What do you know about my confrontation with Lucius and Narcissa?”

-X-

“I know that you just about traumatized him and that you'll be lucky if he ever even deigns to recognize your presence in a room, let along speak with you.”

-X-

“I will not attempt to explain my actions to you, Potter. I will see many points off of Gryffindor for this behavior. I will speak to Draco. Now.”

-X-

“Sorry, Snape. He's not going to speak to you until he returns with the book.”

-X-

“Potter. I am warning you.”

-X-

Harry smirked as the doe kept returning with grander threats. He had yet to reply. Draco wasn't back yet, but he was prepared to deal with Draco when he realized his godfather was threatening his accidental guardian. He sat on the stone bench before the Traveling Mirror and waited anxiously for Draco to return. Snape wouldn't tell him about sundown, and he wasn't too sure that it would be anything good.

-X-

Draco stared around him in wonder. He hadn't been to the library since before he was disowned. There were so many books he had wanted to read, so much he wanted to learn hidden away in these shelves. He supposed that this would be the last time he ever came in this room again.

It smelled familiar. His father's brandy lingered by the desk, glasses shining. His mother's perfume clung to the dark furniture longingly. The apple wood that burned in the fireplace made the room smell sweet and it brought forward so many memories.

He placed the book he was carrying down and spread his hands in front of him.

“Accio book on Icarus' Curse.” He said, watching as a few books shivered before going stationary. He frowned. Apparently, he couldn't summon anything. He snapped his fingers.

“Master Draco!” The elf said high-pitched voice echoing in the room. He hissed for it to be quiet.

“Sorry Master Draco, but you is not allowed here! You are dismissed!”

“I still have the blood! You must still obey!” He snarled. “I want the book Master Lucius used when he was in this library last. I want every book he's touched since I left stacked up here.”

“Of course, Master.” The elf said subdued. The books began to flutter and stack themselves carefully on the table at his side. He waited and the stack only rose to be two feet high. He began to sift through them, glancing at the books on poison, potions and other darker things. It was the slim leather-bound diary that he finally recognized.

His father had spoken to him about Scieran Malfoy and how he was considered one of the greatest figures in the family. He told him many of Scieran's accomplishments and how they effected the world. He told him that he should read about him. Draco had never found the time.

He began to thumb through it, hoping that maybe Scieran had written about the curse. It had been popular and just starting to wane when he lived. He found a familiar paragraph and couldn't catch his breath as he began to read.

A door slamming open startled him into the present. He couldn't stay here. If his father found out...

“You are to tell no one I was here!” He ordered as he ran back to the Mirror. He could see Potter beyond it, staring at him anxiously and gesturing frantically. His eyes widened as the mirror began to shrink and dissolve around the edges. He tossed the book through, watching as Potter caught it effortlessly and put his hand as close to the mirror as allowed.

Draco thrust a hand through, grasping Potter's hand tightly. He grabbed the frame and started to pull himself through as the mirror closed around him. Potter grabbed his other hand and pulled him hard, sending them both to the ground just as the mirror closed the gateway.

He heaved a relieved sigh and tried to get up. Potter still had his hands in a tight grip and wasn't letting go anytime soon.

“Potter! Let me go!”

“In a minute. You need to brace for it.”

“What?!”

“Potter! Your entrails will hang from the ceiling of my classroom and you head will be mounted like a house elf's above my door if you do not get Draco and yourself out of that room. Now!”

Draco gasped and fell back against Potter as a silvery doe crashed into the room, barking out threats in his godfather's cold voice. Potter let his hands go, but Draco just gripped his right back. The doe vanished but Draco hadn't moved from Potter's chest. His face was deadly pale and he was breathing lightly.

“Snape wants us out of here. He said something would happen at sundown. I don't know what will happen and he won't tell me. He will only respond to you.”

“I don't want to talk to him. He tried to kill my family.”

“He won't explain his actions to me.”

“Cast a Patronus. I will speak with him.” Draco said quietly some time later. He felt Potter's hand move up to his shoulder and squeeze.

“You don't have to. You don't have to speak with him. I can for you.” Potter reassured.

“I won't be afraid of my mind and won't be afraid of him. I refuse to. Besides, if I let you do everything for me, you'll just screw it up. Now, cast the charm. I'm not feeling too confident with my magic to do it.”

Potter obeyed and he found himself speaking into a silvery stag. He raised a brow.

“Snape's Patronus is of my mother's spirit. He loved her once upon a time.”

“How it must burn in his soul that she wound up with your father. No wonder he hates you.”

Potter was surprisingly silent and Draco squirmed his way out of his hold. He sat on the stone bench, holding his breath as the doe appeared again. He had to get through this. Needed to get past this stupid fear. Potter rose and stood behind him, providing support by mere proximity. Draco hated that he needed it so badly.

-X-

“Draco, you must leave that room before sundown. There is not much time. Please, Draco. I will explain everything to you as soon as I am sure you are safe. Please return.”

Harry watched as the doe bowed its head, looking plaintive. He growled slightly.

“Down boy. Cast again.” Draco said in a bored tone. Harry frowned at him but did as asked.

-X-

“Severus, I have no intention of leaving until you explain to me why you assaulted my mother. My father I could have understood, but you attacked my mother and nearly killed my father. I have little trust in you and I want both my safety and Potter's guaranteed before I ever leave this room, disastrous consequences or not.”

-X-

“I do not know how you know of that, but believe me when I say it was necessary. I attempted to contact your mother but discovered she was under surveillance by Aurors. I could not ask what I needed to if I did not stage a battle between myself and your parents. It was a trick to fool the Aurors though my curses were true. I would not have attacked them so blithely otherwise. I am a Slytherin, Draco. I have acquired something valuable from my mission. You must come up before sundown. I do not know what will happen but it will be painful. Please.”

-X-

“There is an hour before sundown. I will use half of it to think. Then Potter and myself will leave. If I do not think you are telling the truth...”

-X-

“I understand, Draco.”

-X-

The golden apple suddenly began to shake, an ominous cracking sound filling the small alleyway. Pedestrians began to look around fearfully. The apple split in half and suddenly a tree bloomed in the alley, growing faster and faster and faster, until it was higher than all surrounding buildings. The buildings beside it crumbled and smashed as branches grew outwards. Screams erupted as the tree kept growing, limbs and branches smashing windows and walls. Glass and stone rained in all directions as people ran for cover or apparated away. A resident Auror began to cast fire spells at the tree but it was ineffective. Small blobs began to sprout from the branches, rapidly growing until large dragon-like shapes fell from leafy branches.

The wyverns howled and hissed as they began to chase and attack the public. They snapped and scratched, breathing flames that were as hot as forest fires. They were the size of hunting dogs, but they spread terror as though they were the great St. George's Dragon itself. Diagon Alley erupted into chaos as Aurors appeared to fight the monsters and save innocents.

-X-

Draco took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He needed to get this together. Whatever happened, he needed to keep a level head.

“I never gave you those lessons on meditation.”

He felt Potter's surprise and looked up to meet the other boy's eyes.

“That's alright. My magic seems to like you.”

He snorted and summoned the book with a casual wave of his hand.

“Mine's still spotty. I couldn't summon things in the library.”

Potter frowned and joined him on the bench.

“We'll work on it. The answer's probably in the book anyway. We'll figure this out.”

“You can stop your attempts at reassurance any time, Potter.”

“Well, sorry. Typical people like being reassured when things look bad.”

“I'm hardly typical.”

Potter snorted, but he ignored that so he could read the journal.

“Have you found anything?”

“No, Potter, but as soon as I do, I will be more than happy to share it.”

“I bet that's a first.”

“I will also pretend, for the sake of your continued breathing and my patience, that I am deaf.”

“Brat.”

“Ignoring you.”

Potter shifted noisily beside him and struck up a conversation with the stone creatures. He ignored them for the most part, but couldn't help listening in.

-X-

The wyverns were being driven back, contained in only a portion of the Alley. Fred and George were smiling grimly at one another as they launched a few more fireworks over the physical barrier. A magic one kept the beasts in the area but only because they couldn't smash their way through the people who were holding them back.

Fred and George were launching fireworks and throwing other explosives into the wyverns area, frightening the beasts into staying away. It wouldn't last long though and soon they would have to find other ways of keeping them off.

-X-

Narcissa sat at his side nervously, clasping his hand tightly. He had laughed when she had described her hunt to him. Wyverns in London of all things. The false dragons were only mildly dangerous and easily taken care of by a well-prepared team. The chance of such a team being either well-prepared or assembled was very tiny.

The sun was just waiting to set, hovering over the edge tauntingly. He clenched her hand tighter. This one promised to be the most painful. The last exchange Scieran had described as sweet relief, a pinnacle where he understood the entirety of everything. The drain wasn't anything compared to the sense of relief and comfort.

He could only hope that Draco would forgive him of this. He never wanted his son to suffer. He loved his son more than anything. He couldn't be as evident as his wife, but he showed Draco in obtuse ways how much he truly loved his son. Draco would have to learn to forgive him of his mistakes, transgressions and shows of disregard. He just wished that things had been different. But, regrets were things of the weak. He couldn't afford to regret. Not any longer.

-X-

“I saw a vision in the pool when I asked it to reveal how this bond was created.” Harry said, angling himself so he was speaking to the stone creatures but close enough to support Draco should he need it. “I saw Draco standing with wings as red as his magic. His father appeared behind him holding a sword of light. Draco stepped aside and I saw myself appear and kneel before them. Lucius touched the sword to my shoulder and the magic surrounded me. He gave the sword to Draco and vanished as he placed his hands on Draco's shoulders. Draco absorbed the sword and I took the guard position at his right shoulder. The magic grew brighter the closer I was to him.”

“Quite a vision.” The ferret remarked. “The sword must represent the spell.”

“His father cast it and passed the bond to be between yourself and Draco. That is what the passing of the sword would mean.”

“But what about his vanishing? Perhaps his removal from the spell?” The ferret asked.

“No. He would not need to be touching Draco if he were unattached.”

“Then perhaps it means that he is represented by Draco?”

“No. That doesn't feel right.”

“We will think on it.”

“The guard position is the easiest to unravel. The bond regards you as his protector, guard, guide and defender.”

Harry's eyebrows rose at the very casual display between the stone creatures. They acted as if they bantered like this since the dawn of time.

“You two are the soul representatives of me and Draco, right?” They nodded at him. “Then, how are you two so close and chummy? It's weird.”

He heard Draco snort behind him and turned to give him an unrepentant sneer.

“Excuse me if I'm not used to my soul being nice to yours.”

Draco's shoulders quaked a bit but he brought himself under composure quickly. Harry scowled and blushed at the boy's stupid humor, though it was nice to see him happy rather than upset. He rolled his eyes.

“Have you found anything yet, eavesdropper? Or have you been too busy?”

“I think I have found something...” Draco trailed away and leaned over the book, biting his lip.

“What is it Draco?” He leaned over, hovering just above Draco's shoulder as they read a passage together. Their faces began to pale at the exact same time.

“Did you cast a tempus spell? How much time is left?” Draco asked in a frightened tone.

“You'll be alright. I will make sure of it, Draco.” Harry said, voice hard and confident.

“You don't know anything. How can you promise that?” He asked, turning his head away from Harry's. Fierce protection washed through him. Harry turned Draco's face back towards him, gently but forcefully. Draco's silver eyes were wide and frightened and he shook slightly.

“I will be right beside you every step of the way. I will protect you, Draco.” He said softly, steel and pride in his voice. He cradled Draco's cheek in his palm, swiping his thumb across his soft skin. Now that he knew what was about to happen...Now that he knew what consequences Snape had talked about...It terrified him to the depths of his soul in far greater ways than Voldemort ever could. Please, he prayed inside his mind, please don't hurt him. I would take his place at a moment's notice freely and happily, but please don't hurt him.

He leaned his forehead against Draco's unmarked one and their breath mingled as they breathed. He do everything in his power to protect Draco. First, they had to leave this room. Then he would do whatever was necessary to protect him.

-X-

Draco found that he couldn't object when Potter scooped him up and cradled him against his body. He could hear Potter's reassurances and on some level he appreciated them, but he couldn't respond. His mind just shut down when he tried to think past this blinding fear. What Scieran had described, the sensations, were chilling. He could easily die during this part of the exchange. That's what it truly was. It was an exchange.

His father...He felt tears slip down his face and absently noticed the stone ferret curl into his lap...His father was trying to protect him...Potter was shouting something to the woman statue and the heavy noises beside him must have been the lion...His father loved him so much...The clatter echoed around him like they were in an enclosed area...His father might...Sunlight blinded him, searing the sky red as the first ray fell below the edge of the world...His father might d...There wouldn't be long before the sun slipped over the edge now...He might...Potter was screaming something and there was a might crash followed by snarled curses...He might die!

Draco screamed, the sound ripped from his throat as the first wave of pain crashed into him. Potter was screaming with him, sounding afraid and angry. There was a might roar and a shrill screech and then...Silence. Blissful silence and Draco fell into it, embraced it. There was a strong and warm presence completely surrounding him and it wanted him to trust it. He could only obey and opened himself up to the warmth.

-X-

“Potter!” Snape was screaming his name, shaking him gently. He knew that he was more concerned that he would drop Draco than actually caring for his well being but he brushed it aside. The stone lion and ferret had followed them out of the room and were trying to be supportive. Their presence probably hadn't even registered with Snape yet.

He stared down at Draco's motionless form, feeling unable to breathe until Draco had. There was a trail of blood down his chin and it stood out starkly against his pale skin. Something had happened to Draco...He had promised him nothing would happen...

“Draco?” He whispered, jostling him carefully. Draco's head slipped back, throat tipping back like a doll's. “Draco, please. This isn't funny. Draco?”

Something felt like it was slipping away from him. Some bright and elusive light was being lost steadily to him. He couldn't allow that to happen. No! He needed Draco here! He reached out blindly, magic grasping like a drowning man's fingers for air.

“Draco!” Snape was at his side, wand waving frantically as spells swarmed around him. Harry shook his head, magic straining as far as it could. He couldn't reach him. A pained howl torn from his lips as his magic faltered and then failed.

“Draco!” He screamed, emerald eyes spilling tears down his face. He slumped to the ground, feeling so lost and more alone than he felt standing before Voldemort's dead body. Draco's body he held close to himself, pressing his face into the silver-white hair. He was in his own world of grief and pain now. His entire being was cut adrift. Draco was his life. Somehow...he had...failed.

-X-

Lucius screamed as the large red wings rent his back to pieces, magic suddenly swelling inside himself. This wasn't right...The magic was supposed to pass to Draco, not manifest in his body. He reached for his connection to Draco, seeing it in his mind's eye as a silver thread. It was brighter than it should be. The magic was being forced back his way.

“No!” He cried out and suddenly his son appeared in his mind's eye. Draco was as beautiful as a seraphim, but he was covered in blood and smiling. “No!”

“Father. Please. I'll be okay. Don't do this. I couldn't stand it if you died for me.” Draco smiled softly and Lucius only felt rage.

“No! You are not allowed to make this decision! I will do as I choose and you shall only obey.” Lucius snarled as Draco shook his head. Fresh blood poured down, sliding like a tear down his face.

“Don't die for me. Live. Let me die for you.”

Lucius howled in indescribable rage as Draco forced the magic back towards him, slowly fading away. He pushed it back, forcing Draco to absorb the magic. Scieran had labeled this the most painful because it was the moment of unveiling. The son would learn of the father's sacrifice and depending on his feelings, would either rip the magic away or give it back. It was the false choice. His son's unconscious mind understood what was happening and with love for his father in his heart, he turned the magic away and back to its source. If Draco gave the magic back, not only would Draco die, but he would take Lucius and Potter with him.

Potter! That was the answer!

He cast the magic back at Draco and forced it along the link, toward Potter. The guardian's magic suddenly swelled and attached itself to the magic Lucius sent, draining Lucius regardless of Draco's wants. Draco wouldn't remember this exchange, but he felt happier, even as he was suffering the backlash. Draco still loved him. It was more than he deserved. Tears of sorrow, pain and happiness covered Lucius' pale cheeks. Draco would live...for him.

-X-

Harry sent a thankful prayer to whoever was listening. Something had reached for him and his magic grasped it and then suddenly everything went back into place. His entire universe stabilized, everything becoming as it should have been. The tears renewed as they spilled down his face, but Draco was breathing again and Snape was yelling at him and he could feel Draco's magic as intimately as he could his own.

“He'll be fine now, Professor. He'll be fine.” He whispered, leaning his head on Draco's soft hair as he stood back up and the odd party made their way to the Hospital Wing. Harry let Snape lead. He couldn't have found a wall with guided instructions and being placed in front of one.

The soft light that he could tell was magic surrounded Draco, illuminating him like a star. He was so...beautiful. Harry smiled as he looked down on Draco's gentle face. The light was like a halo and never faded from around him. It was amazing.

-X-

Screams broke out as the tree grew and grew, crashing through the floors of the hospital. The wyverns dropped out of branches, leading an assault against the patients who were soon barricaded into their rooms. Healers scrambled, protecting their patients against whatever those monsters would throw at them. Aurors began to arrive, accompanied by volunteers who followed as soon as reports came. Chaos erupted further as wyverns spilled out into muggle London, Aurors scrambling to protect the muggles and defend their world.