Follow Me

A/N: Thank you to all that have reviewed the story so far, and a thank you in advance to all those that will continue to do so. I have to admitt it does an ego good to see the number of people that are enjoying this story.







[...] or {...} = mindspeak

~...~ = parseltongue

'...' = thought

**...** = phoenix speaking



CHAPTER 16



Two weeks into the school year and things were just starting to fall into a routine. Classes were doing ok, although for the start of the year there sure was a lot of homework. Chris loved the transfigurations class and excelled in it. Of course Norische’s favorite was potions, he loved helping his father with the class and watching his father nod approvingly when he gave the right information to a student, to answer their questions was wonderful. He knew his father couldn’t show it, but Norische honestly felt his father was proud of him.



The incident with Ron kinda blew up. Father had filled formal charges as well as docked Gryffindor one hundred points. Ron’s parents came to the school and begged for him not to be expelled. With Norische’s pleading, the headmaster negotiated an arrangement. First, Ron was on a detention with Filtch for three solid months, during which time his wand was taken away, no Quidditch or field trips and no extra curricular activities were allowed as well as he had a curfew of 11pm just like the first years. Second, a formal apology would be issued to both Harry and Norische. Third, Ron had to attend anger management counseling and Fourth, if Ron so much as bumped into Norische by accident or spoke word of any of it to anyone then he was instantly expelled.



Also, what happened at the ministry was now front-page news on the Daily Prophet. Since the ministry didn’t believe they had done anything wrong Dumbledore made good on his threats and went to every media source in Wizarding Great Britain and told them what had happened. Although names were left out of the information and some details were a little sketchy, the fact that the Ministry of Magical Defense attacked an unarmed minor and caused great physical pain and damage to the boy made everyone in the Ministry uncomfortable. Norische finally received his formal apology from the Ministry and notification that all those involved had been disciplined, several of which had been dismissed one or two had even had their wands removed.



While Severus didn’t like the publicity, he liked the end results. He smirked at the scroll with when he read it and simply nodded. Handing it to Norische to read.



*****



Tomorrow was Draco’s birthday; Norische had a little surprise in store for him. Chris had managed to arrange part of his present while Norische was in class, and whispered that the present had been delivered and was ready. Norische had taken precautions to make sure that Draco didn’t know what his presents were so he was having fun when Draco would sit looking at him with those wonderful puppy dog eyes and beg to know what his presets were.



“No! You will get your presents tomorrow and not a moment earlier, and I am not speaking about one minute after midnight, I am talking about tomorrow morning after we get up so don’t keep trying to get me to give them too you.” Norische stated sternly.



“But its my birthday I should say when I get my presents.” Draco pouted.



“Keep pouting like that and we will have to have a ‘talk’ about your manners… of course if you would rather I can have Pari ‘talk’ to you about them.” Norische was getting a little frustrated but not too bad yet.



When Norische said he would have to have a ‘talk’ with him, Draco’s eyes got big and he got slightly paler. “You wouldn’t” Then Draco looked into Norische’s eyes…. “You would… I’m sorry, please don’t make me ‘talk’ to Pari… I’m sorry.” Draco looked truly concerned.



“Then I suggest you stop your pouting, and try a little patience, you will get your presents only if you behave. If you don’t behave then we will have a discussion about your behavior and wait until I think you have learned your lesson before you get your presents. Do I make myself clear Draco?” Norische did not like it when Draco pouted, for some reason it always made him feel like he was being manipulated. Draco nodded but said nothing, making sure that bottom lip was pulled back in.



That night Norische stated that they were going to spend the night in the suite so after dinner Chris, and Draco followed Norische down to the dungeons and using their new private entryway they went into their room. Severus and Remus heard Draco’s scream from the other room and come running into their son’s room. When the burst into the room they saw Draco with his legs wrapped around Norische’s waist and his arms wrapped around Norische’s neck, kissing him passionately.



Chris looked over to Severus and Remus and pointed to the wall. “He saw his first present.” The gorgeous tapestry that Draco had fallen in love with was hanging proudly on the wall beside their bed. Both Severus and Remus laughed and shook their heads then headed back into the main area, leaving the rather excited Draco wrapped around their son.



“I thought you said I wouldn’t get my presents until tomorrow?” Draco exclaimed.



“Well if you want to be particular about it I can obliviate it from your mind and…” Norische started



“NO! No.. it is wonderful, thank you so much, thank you.” Draco kept kissing Norische until he was grinding his hips into Norische’s crotch.



“Well since you have already gotten one of your presents do you want your second one?” Norische asked and looked over Draco’s shoulder to Chris who was grinning.



“Can I, I mean you aren’t teasing are you?” Draco pulled back and looked into Norische’s eyes.



“No I am not teasing. If you want your second present you can have it now as well.”



“Then I want it.” Draco answered excitedly.



“Ok then, you will have to get down if you want your present.”



Draco carefully climbed down and then stood waiting to be told what to do next. “Draco do you remember the first time we did anything I told you that during Chris and my relationship I had bottomed only four times.” Draco nodded. “The first time, was when we made love for the first time. The second and third times were on his birthday. The fourth time was when we redid our vows.”



Draco looked at Norische and then realized what he was meaning. “So the first time we made love you also bottomed, and now it is my birthday so….” Norische nodded. Draco grinned and reached up to kiss his mate. “I want to unwrap my present right now, can I?” Norische nodded again, with that Draco set about to enjoy his birthday present.



*****



Three hours later Norische got up out of bed and put on his suede pants not bothering to put on a shirt or anything else for that matter. Then taking one last look at his sleeping mates Norische opened the door and shut it quietly behind him. Norische walked silently over to the cabinet where his father kept his liquor and pulled out the bottle of firewhiskey, pouring himself a shot he downed it and poured another then went over to the fireplace…and stood there watching the fire dance and crackle apparently oblivious to his father sitting at the desk in the corner.



Severus watched his son drink the whiskey, wondering what was going on. As Severus watched, he noticed that Norische’s was crying silently while he watched the fire and sipped on the drink in his hand. Severus got up and walked over to his son. “Norische?”



Norische jumped and dropped the glass of whiskey, although there wasn’t much left the glass hit the rock of the fireplace and shattered into tiny pieces. Norische bend down seemingly intent on cleaning up the mess, and avoiding his father’s eyes.



“Norische, what’s wrong.” Severus asked gently.



“Nothing.”



“Son, I can see that something is wrong. Please let me help.”



“It’s alright I can deal with it.” Norische spelled away the mess, the stood up and turned away from his father, wiping his eyes, although the tears kept coming.



{Remus luv, wake up….}



{Yes…yawn…I’m awake, I think}



{I need you out here, Norische just came out of his room and he is crying, He wont say what is wrong, he wont even look me in the eye.}



{I’ll be right there}



“Did you and the boys have an argument?” Severus asked.



“No,” sigh “It’s nothing father, I can deal with it.”



“Perhaps, but helping you deal with it is our job.” Remus stated as he walked out of the bedroom yawning.



“Father, I wish you wouldn’t have woke up dad, it’s ok…I will be fine”



“He woke me up because he knew I would want to be here, to make sure your ok, and that if he didn’t he would be sleeping on the couch for a week.” Remus said with a sad smile, as he walked over to Norische.



“Norische, we love you and it hurts us to see you in pain. Please, allow us to help.” Remus said as he brushed Norische’s hair with his fingers. Then reaching down he lifted Norische’s head to where he could look him in the eyes. As soon as their eyes made contact the barrier broke, Norische fell into Remus’ arms and he began to sob. Remus wrapped his arms around Norische and ran his hands up and down his back trying to comfort him. Severus came up to the two and put his hands on his son’s shoulders, wishing he could do more.



Soon the sobs slowed down and Norische just stood there trembling. “Do you want to sit down?” Remus asked. Norische nodded. The three of them walked over to the couch and sat down. As soon as they sat down Norische turned and leaned against his father, as if desperately needing his strong arms for support. Severus gladly wrapped his arms around his son and waited patiently for Norische.



“Are you going to tell us what is wrong?” Remus asked.



Norische took a deep breath, and said “It’s Draco’s birthday.”



“Yes we know, we have a couple of presents for him when he wakes up.”



Norische shook his head. “No,” sigh. “During me and Chris’ relationship I have bottomed with him only four times. The first time was when we first made love. The second and third times were on his birthday, and the fourth time you two witnessed.” Norische wiped away the tear that was creeping down his cheek. “The first time Draco and I made love I bottomed, and today is his birthday.”



Remus looked at Severus with understanding in his eyes, although Severus apparently still did not know what was going on.



“It’s what your grandfather did isn’t it?” Remus asked while rubbing Norische’s back gently. Severus’ eyes got big as he realized what Remus was asking.



{He said he bottomed on their birthdays, apparently when he does…it triggers some memories of what his grandfather did.}



{Merlin, I had forgotten…}



Norische nodded. “It’s only once a year, you would think I could handle it… just once a year.”



“Well son, it is actually twice a year at this point and if I am not mistaken this would be the fourth time in the last month.” Norische looked up to his father, questioning. “Well, the two episodes in the prefects bathroom, your bonding ritual, and just a little while ago. That makes four times, and considering you haven’t broken down until now I think you are doing quite well.”



Norische let a sad smile cross his face, but he shook his head still the same.



“Severus is right dear. You have done very good considering.”



“Well the times in the prefects bathroom I passed out, and well there is this time. So the only time I didn’t have a major problem was my bonding, and I was still in shock that Chris was back…so my emotions were not even slightly normal at that point.” Norische pointed out.



Severus asked. “Norische, if you have this bad of a time with it why do you do it at all?”



Norische sniffed. “Because I love them, and I want to give them something that no one will ever take from me again. I want them to know how much I love and trust them. And I can’t let my past control my relationship with my mates.”



Severus nodded, somehow understanding what his son was saying.



“I think I am going to go smoke, I will be back in a little while…don’t worry I’m fine.” Norische hugged his father then his dad, and stood up and walked out the door heading towards the courtyard.



As he left the suite the door to his bedroom opened just a bit. It was Chris. As soon as he saw that Norische had left, he quietly walked over to Severus and Remus, who were now sitting on the couch holding each other.



“Is he ok?” Chris whispered, apparently not wanting to wake up Draco.



Remus jumped a little not having realized that Chris was there. Severus spoke up. “ He’s going to be fine.”



Chris sighed. “Good, I wasn’t sure how bad it would be this time, since everything that has been going on and all.”



Remus looked at Chris. “You knew…. I mean you know about this.”



“Yeah, Pari told me about his grandfather a long time ago, and the first time we made love he broke down… I thought it was because he was so happy so I let it go. But it happened again when he bottomed on my birthday. So, I put two and two together and figured it had to be something to do with his grandfather. I don’t push it, because I figure if he wanted to tell me he would.”



“If you knew this was affecting him like this why do you allow him to continue?” Severus asked in a low tone.



“I can’t fight his demons for him, I can only be there to hold him and love him. If I told him not too then he would think even less of himself, and be even more ashamed of what happened than he already is. Every time he does it I know how it makes him feel, but I am not going to hurt him even more by refusing the gift he wants to give me. I know how much it hurts him, and that is what makes it even more precious to me. I know the courage it takes for him to do that, and I love him all the more because he is willing to do that for me….even if it hurts him to do it.” Chris’ eyes filled with tears.



Chris tilted his head to the side and listened intently for a moment. Then went over to the door to the bedroom and opened it up. “Draco… how long have you been awake?”



Draco walked into the room tears falling slowly down his cheeks. “A while. Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you let me hurt him like that?”



Chris pulled Draco to him. “Shhh, I know. I didn’t tell you because it wasn’t my place to tell you, and I allowed it because he wanted it. He wanted to give something of himself and I am not going to hurt him by telling him he can’t. He loves us, and he is willing to anything for us…just remember that. Don’t let him know you know though, it would crush him.”



Chris held Draco for a moment, then whispered. “He’s coming back, so dry those tears or else get back to bed.” Draco sniffed and hurriedly brushed away his tears.



Norische opened the door and stopped when he saw Chris and Draco arm in arm. “What are you two doing up?” He asked cautiously.



“Well I got up when I noticed you were not in bed, and Remus said you went outside to smoke. Then I must have woke up Draco when I got out of bed so he came out here looking for you too.” Chris explained.



Draco let go of Chris and bounded over to Norische wrapping his arms around him, with a big grin on his face. [Gods I had the most wonderful dream, please come back to bed… I need you to shag me so bad….please…] Draco had his mischievous little boy face on…with his evil grin. Norische noticed that Draco was rubbing a growing erection against his thigh and smiled. “Please…”



“Well I guess I can’t refuse can I, since it is your birthday and all.”



“Nope. My birthday, my present. Come on.” Draco turned and started dragging Norische into their bedroom. Norische laughed and waived good night to Remus and Severus.



Chris leaned down and whispered to the two of them “The boy is learning.” Chris then turned and sashayed back into the bedroom closing the door behind him.



*****



It was almost two o’clock when Remus softly knocked on the bedroom door, “Come In.” Norische called out.



Remus opened the door and found Norische laying the bed with a pair of black jeans on but nothing else, Chris and Draco were nowhere in sight but the shower running that could be heard through the open door of the bathroom indicated where the boys were.



“How are you doing today?”



“Better, tired but better.” Norische laughed.



Draco called from the bathroom. “Nori, can you have Sev mix up something for my ass, I think I am going to need it.”



“Sure luv, by the way Remus is here.” Norische responded laughing.



“Crap!” could be heard from the bathroom followed by giggles and laughter.



Remus shook his head and laughed. “I will ask Severus what he has available.”



Norische grinned and shrugged. Then moving rather slowly himself, he got out of bed and started to get dressed, moaning every now and then when his jeans rubbed just slightly the wrong way. “I think I am going to have to invest in some underwear or else some silk pants…. These jeans are murder.”



Chuckling. “Why don’t you do a healing spell, that should take care of most of the problem.” Remus suggested.



“I did use a healing spell, how do you think I made it through five hours of non-stop sex. Gods Draco has a wild imagination.” He mumbled.



“I don’t want to know,” Remus laughed as he turned and headed back into the living room.



Norische grabbed his shirt and started pulling it on, following Remus. “I am going to run out and catch a smoke, could you see what father might be able to come up with for those two.”



Remus nodded and chuckled as he headed back towards their bedroom. “Sev is just going to love this.”



*****



Norische walked slowly out to the courtyard, he didn’t even bother to button his maroon silk shirt that he had slipped on. As soon as he hit the courtyard, he lit up his cigarette. There were a few students in the courtyard area today but not so many to make him want to forgo the cigarette and go back inside. Standing there enjoying the first puff on his clove, Norische closed his eyes and let the cool breeze dance around him.



Norische leaned up against the archway and enjoyed the moment. He could hear girls whispering maybe twenty feet away, and tilted his head just right so he could hear them better.



“Merlin, look at those muscles, and how decadent with his shirt open and everything. Wow, he is so hot.”



“Did you know he is Professor Snape’s son.”



“No really! Wow, all that sex appeal and power too.”



“You better chill out, from what Riza told me, he has a boyfriend.”



“Blast, what a waste.”



Norische chuckled and thought it wasn’t a waste at all, just used for much better things than gossiping, emotional, girls. Then Norische went over to one of the benches and laid down slowly, making sure that his jeans didn’t cause any more damage than they already were. Taking another puff on his cigarette a blast of wind caught his shirt and laid his chest bare, but Norische didn’t care the breeze felt good on his bare skin, so he just closed his eyes and relaxed.



As the moments passed, Norische heard familiar voices and opened his eyed to look that direction. It was Harry and Hermione heading his way. Norische moaned but quickly sat up and flicked his cigarette away, standing up he started to button his shirt as quickly as possible.



“Sorry Hermione,” Norische apologized as they walked up.



Hermione smiled and blushed then stated “It’s ok, it looked like you were enjoying the breeze.”



“Yeah, its really a nice day.” Norische said as he finished buttoning and started tucking his shirt in, groaning as he did so.



“You ok?” Harry asked concerned.



“Yeah, I’m fine… it’s Draco’s birthday.” He looked over at Harry and gave him a half grin.



Harry blushed and knew what he meant but Hermione was not quite sure. But when she saw that Harry blushed she knew it had something to do with sex, and blushed as well.



“Get away from him Hermione!” Ron’s voice thundered across the courtyard as he started toward them.



“Don’t you dare tell me what to do Ronald Weasley!” Hermione was embarrassed and infuriated.



“Go away Ron your going to get in trouble.” Harry warned.



“I’m not talking to him, I am talking to Hermione, and I can talk to her if a blasted well want to.” Ron’s voice kept getting louder



“Ron, why don’t you go, you are upsetting Hermione and causing a scene.” Norische calmly stated.



“Don’t you dare speak to me you bloody freak, sitting out here half naked in front of my girlfriend. Your just plain disgusting.” Ron said with venom in his voice.



“You being naked, now that is disgusting, but me…that is a beauty to behold.” With that Norische ripped his silk shirt off, popping the buttons and literally shredding the shirt it self. “Does this bother you Weasley? Maybe its because you like guys better than you like girls, and are just afraid to admit it.”



“Why you filthy…” Ron started swung his arm but missed.



“By the way, I was half naked when I came out here but I fixed my shirt properly when I heard Hermione coming over this way…you know why, respect. I covered up out of respect for her, she is my friend and what she sees in a pathetic excuse for a male like yourself I have no idea.” Norische knew he was taunting Ron but he was sick and tired of seeing his friends treated like that.



“Pathetic excuse…. Fuck you! …” Ron swung again, and again he came in contact with only air.



“Fuck Me? You’d love too. Yeah pathetic, I bet you haven’t even given her a real kiss. She is a very special lady and deserves to be treated as such. How can something as pathetic as you even get close to what she needs or deserves.” Norische was circling Ron as a predator does its pray. The muscles on his chest and arms simply glistened with sweat as the fury rose inside him.



Several students had already run off to get help.



“You have no clue what she needs. How dare you even talk about her.” Ron



“I happen to have two very satisfied mates, so I think I know what a mate needs and what they deserve. I just spent the last five hours shagging my mates Ron, what’s the best you can do… a ten minute snog, or have you even managed to work up to that yet. You still stroking it under the sheets at night like a little boy or do you even know how to use it at all.” Norische egged him on, still walking around Ron, moving, pacing non-stop.



Ron swung again, and to his frustration, once again he hit nothing. “Ron, stop this, this is insane.” Hermione yelled. Before Harry or Norische could react, Ron swung and hit Hermione hard, knocking her to the ground unconscious. Harry caught Hermione before she could hit the ground, staring at her limp body. Screams from all around echoed through the crowd of students that were quickly gathering.



Ron’s twin brothers Fred and George ran into the courtyard just in time to see their little brother punch Hermione. They screamed out his name simultaneously but he didn’t hear them.



The moment Norische saw Ron’s hand make contact with Hermione’s face; Norische hit him full across the chest. In that split second, Norische transformed into the huge black wolf and leapt at Ron. They went tumbling for a few feet, but when they stopped rolling Ron was lying underneath the wolf, and the wolf had Ron’s neck in this jaws.



Professor McGonagall was the first to make it out to the courtyard and she saw from a distance Ron hit Hermione and Norische change then attack Ron. She came flying around the corner with her robes billowing behind her and raced over to the wolf and Ron. Yelling for Norische to let him go. Remus, and Severus made it out to the courtyard just a moment later, although the first thing they could see was Norische about to rip Ron’s throat out and Hermione laying on the ground unconscious.



“Fred! George!” Harry yelled out. The two brothers ran over to Harry, he had them pick up Hermione and lay her on a bench and watch her while he ran over to Norische.



Remus saw Norische with his jaws locked around Ron’s neck and slowly crouched down and made his way over to his son. “Norische you can’t do this, don’t let what ever Ron has done ruin your whole school career.” Remus stopped a few feet away as Norische began to snarl and bristle up. “Norische please, listen to my voice, you need to calm down… you need to change back and let us take care of this.” Even with his calm tone, only the sound of his voice made it through the animal fury that was raging inside of Norische right now.



Harry watched quietly waiting. But Norische didn’t let go. So, Harry decided to try something different. “Whizzer! Let go of that… and get over here. Hermione needs you more than that thing does.” Harry walked right up to Whizzer and swatted him on the butt. “Whizzer get that nasty thing out of your mouth, Merlin only knows when the last time it bathed was.” Whizzer looked up at Harry and his eyes began to sparkle. Then with a distinct “Ppfftt” sound Whizzer spit out Ron, and wagged his tail as he went up to Harry. “Go check on Hermione, she looks like could do with a kiss or two, doggy style.” Whizzer barked and ran over to the still unconscious Hermione, and began to lick her face with gusto. Soon her shrieks and laughter could be heard through out the courtyard. “Ok, ok Whizzer that’s enough I think she’s going to be fine.” Harry laughed and wrapped his arms around the black wolf, who started licking Harry in response. Having Sirius as a godfather definitely helped with this situation.



Remus was checking Ron for injuries and found none. Apparently even in his wolf state Norische had a great deal of self control, not even one puncture wound, although there were very distinct impressions where each of the wolf’s teeth had made contact with skin but none had broken the skin. Remus was helping Ron up, when Fred let go of Hermione and walked over to Ron. Just as Ron looked up, Fred’s fist hit him square in the jaw just as hard as he could. Ron looked up at Fred from the ground rubbing his jaw.



Fred pointed at Ron and said “You stay down there until Mum and Dad come get you, and don’t you dare think of getting up.”



“Professor Lupin, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall. We saw the whole thing, Ron was being a jerk, he started the argument and Hermione tried to calm him down. He tried hitting Norische three times but missed; when Hermione told him to quit, he hit her. Then Norische jumped him and knocked him down. Norische never raised a hand to him or did anything to provoke this whole thing.” The last part wasn’t quite true, but just words don’t count…as far as Fred was concerned.



It was Professor McGonagall that spoke first. “Well Mr. Weasley it looks like you are going to have plenty of time to consider your actions. Since you are already on probation for cursing an unarmed student, you will undoubtedly be expelled. Contrary to your brother’s instructions you will get up and come with me to Professor Dumbledore’s office immediately.” With that she reached down and grabbed Ron by the shirt and drug him behind her all the way.



Remus suddenly remembered Hermione and raced over to her. “Hermione are you ok?” Hermione had a pretty bad bruise going and it looked like she might end up with one hell of a shiner. “We need to get you to the infirmary, to have that looked at.”



Hermione was still laughing at Whizzer’s antics but nodded. Before she could stand up the wolf transformed back into his human form…. “Oh no you don’t... He hit you pretty hard there. This time your traveling first class.” Norische picked Hermione up gently and turned to Harry. “Lead the way.”





Madam Pomfrey quickly decided that there was no damage to her eye or to any of Hermione’s teeth but the jaw was defiantly bruised badly. So, with a simple spell and a pain potion she was good to go. Before they left Norische pulled Madam Pomfrey to the side and whispered something to her, at first she looked a little shocked, but Norische grinned and shrugged…she just shook her head and walked out of the room. She came back with a small jar and handed it to Norische, and apparently gave him a good talking too.



“Ah, I will be right back guys.” Norische yelled to Harry and Hermione. Then he disappeared around the corner to the loo. A few minutes later, he came out looking a little more comfortable.



Harry gave him a look that was full of questions. Norische grinned and simply said. “Friction burns.”



Hermione looked at him confused. “Huh?”



Norische cleared his throat, “Ah… Draco’s birthday.” Norische blushed.



Hermione blushed and then just noticed. “Oh how cute…” pointing to the little bats hanging from Norische nipple rings.



Norische crossed his arms over his chest. “Crap! I’m sorry Hermione, I forgot.” Suddenly looking very uncomfortable.



[Guys, I need a shirt down in the infirmary ASAP.]



[Infirmary! What happened? Are you ok?] Draco sounded panicked.



[I’m ok but I need a shirt, now hurry!]



[On our way.] Chris called out.



“It’s ok Norische, can I see them again?” Hermione asked. Norische walked up close to where she was and lowered his arms, letting her see his tight, well-muscled chest, and tiny erect nipples. Hermione seemed fascinated with the tiny silver jewelry. “Can I touch them?”



Norische took a step back and tried to cover his chest again, “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” Just then, Chris and Draco came running around the corner of the infirmary. Draco was the first to spot Norische and yelled to Chris who almost ran right past the ward. The two rushed over to his side, breathing heavily. Chris quickly handed him the t-shirt he brought for him. “Thanks” Norische turned his back to Hermione and pulled the shirt over his head. Once he had his t-shirt in place and tucked in, he turned back around to face her.



“So are you going to tell us what happened now?” Draco was confused with Hermione being the one on the bed instead of his mate.



“Ron went ballistic, he started a fight and he kept trying to hit me but he never managed to get a hit off. Then Hermione tried to stop him he punched her in the jaw, hard enough to knock her out. I transformed into my wolf, and kept him down until Harry made me let him go. McGonagall took him to Dumbledore’s office; I think he is going to be expelled. Then I brought Hermione here and called to get a shirt.”



“Bloody Hell, Hermione are you ok?” Draco sounded seriously concerned. Draco stepped over to the bed and took Hermione’s hand. To say the least Hermione was shocked at this. Harry just smiled and put his hand on Draco’s shoulder.



“She will be fine Draco, nothing broken, just bruised. Oh by the way Happy Birthday.” Harry winked at Draco knowingly.



Draco blushed and looked away. “By the way Draco, that reminds me…did father have anything that helped…if not I got some stuff from Madam Pomfrey that worked great.” Norische asked.



Draco let go of Hermione and moved back over to Norische and punched him on the arm before wrapping his arms around him and burying his head in the crook of his mate’s neck. Draco mumbled something that only Norische could hear. “You have got to be joking. I may not be as sore as I was, but that doesn’t do a thing about my hips or back, they are still hurting. Good gods, I’ve created a monster.” Norische laughed and slipped his hand under Draco’s chin, and raised it to meet his kiss. Draco lifted his arms and wrapped them around Norische’s neck and kissed him deeply and lovingly.



“Ah good, it seems we found everyone together.” Dumbledore’s voice echoed through the halls of the infirmary; two red headed adults whom Norische assumed were Ron’s parents, the twins, Ron, Professor Snape, Professor Lupin and Professor McGonagall, followed him.



Draco moved over to where Hermione was sitting when he saw Ron with them. Hermione looked at him and wondered if he was actually attempting to protect her… to her surprise that is what it looked like. “What’s he doing here?” Draco asked nodding at Ron.



“Mr. Weasley is here to apologize, and to say goodbye.” Dumbledore looked at Draco over his glasses and couldn’t help but notice that Draco was holding Hermione’s hand as if to comfort her.



Molly came over to Hermione and reached up and hugged her. “I am so sorry dear, I am so ashamed of him…. He will never, ever hurt you again.” She stated and started crying.



Arthur saw Norische and walked up to him. “I assume you are the young man that Ron tried to hit?”



Norische nodded. “Yes Sir, I am. My name is Norische De LeNoir Snape Sir, I am sorry that we meet under such circumstances.”



“Understandably, and my name is Arthur Weasley. From what Fred and George told me, Ron attacked you unprovoked and that you didn’t have even your wand to protect yourself? Is that true?” Arthur asked.



“Yes Sir. Ron saw that I was talking to Hermione…. I must say that when he first saw me, I didn’t have my shirt buttoned or properly tucked so I can understand his anger… I mean it was improper to speak to a lady looking like that. But as soon as I heard her voice, I stood up and fixed my shirt. Unfortunately, Ron was already upset.” Norische explained. “Ron made some rather inappropriate comments about my state of dress and I responded. I am sorry Sir, I probably said some things that just made matters worse but the way he was screaming at Hermione just wasn’t right and I got mad.”



Arthur nodded but kept listening. “He made some rather disgusting remarks about me having male mates, my sexuality and our sexual activities. I responded. Then Hermione tried to get him to calm down and he hit her…he hit her so hard it knocked her out. Harry managed to catch her before she fell but she was already out. Then I morphed and hit him dead on in the chest, knocking him down. I just held him there until the Professors came.”



“Yes you’re an animagus, and you transformed into a wolf, is that correct?” Arthur asked.



“Yes Sir.” Norische explained.



Molly looked over at Arthur, and then said. “I am so sorry dear for what Ron has done, please don’t assume that this is the way he was raised or that his behavior is acceptable in any manner. Who you choose as mates is none of his business nor does he have any right to treat you with such disrespect.” Molly patted Hermione on the hand once again and walked over to Norische.



Norische immediately lowered his head, looked at the ground and clasped his hand together in front of him. Noticing Norische’s movements Chris immediately did the same thing. Harry took the hint.



“Mrs. Weasley may I introduce Norische De LeNoir Snape and his mate Rashira LaCroix, or Chris.” Harry introduced them.



“Well it is nice to meet you young man, I just wish we didn’t have to meet like this.” Molly was evidentially flustered at the boys’ behavior.



Norische bowed slightly and extended his hands out palms up. “Mas es emerit.” He whispered.



Molly was truly confused now. “Ah Mrs. Weasley he said ‘I am honored.’ It’s Vampyric.” Harry explained.



Hermione chimed in. “Both Norische and Chris are exhibiting what they call formal manners. In their culture, the mother is the head of the house, and so they are honoring you as the head of your house. They wont speak or raise their heads or even look up until you tell them too.”



Molly looked totally flustered now. “My goodness such manners, well yes, yes of course boys you may lookup and please feel free to speak. Oh my goodness…”



Dumbledore just stood over to the side and watched the young man, the twinkle in his eyes just glowing.



Norische straightened up with a nod of thanks; Chris kept his line of sight low, no higher than Molly’s knees, and moved a more appropriate distance away from Norische.



“Thank you, Ma’lady. I must apologize for my mate’s inappropriate behavior he has yet to be trained in proper manner in which to greet a Minde Cladire.” Norische kept his voice low and did not look Mrs. Weasley in the eyes.



“A Minde Cladire?” Arthur asked.



“Yes Sir, a Grand Lady.” Norische explained.



“Oh my,” Molly flushed at being called a Grand Lady. “Your mate seems to have impeccable manners as yourself, there is no need to apologize.” Glancing over at Chris.



“Forgive me Ma’lady, I was speaking of my second mate.” Norische extended his hand towards Draco, who immediately came over to his side and assumed the same position that Chris was in.



“Draco Malfoy is your mate?” Her voiced raised.



“I am sorry Ma’lady, has his presence offended you?” Norische asked, those around him could tell the worry in his voice.



“No. No he hasn’t offended me… I am just surprised. I have known Mr. Malfoy for a long time and well I hadn’t heard he had found a mate.” Molly looked at Draco, as if she were seeing him for the first time today.



“My apologies Ma’lady, we have told no one outside the school except members of my house. We have only been bonded for a very short time.”



[Nori, should I apologize or something. This is so strange. I don’t know what you expect me to do.] Draco said, the stress was clear in his voice.



“Ma’lady, Draco wishes to speak with you, if he may?” Norische asked, pleased that Draco took the initiative and didn’t get offended or defensive about this. Norische pushed through a gentle warm feeling though their link letting Draco know that he was proud of him.



“Well, yes that would be fine, I guess.” Molly looked at Arthur who had been smiling through all of this.



Draco raised his head slightly but didn’t look up, just as he had seen Norische do. “My apologies Ma’lady,” He decided to use the same title that Norische was using. “I am afraid that my ignorance of tradition and protocol may have in some manner offended you or brought shame on your house or the house of my mate. I am greatly ashamed that I have behaved in such a manner in the presence of a Minde Cladire, and ask that you forgive me…it was not my intention to disrespect your position, or your house.” Draco finished softly. Then bowed his head again and waited.



[Excellent, I am so proud of you! You did wonderful…. Pari would be proud of the way you have behaved here.] Norische immediately let Draco know that he had done very well.



[Thanks, I was just winging it…but you are going to have to teach me about this protocol stuff… I don’t want to embarrass you or anyone and I would prefer not having to apologize.]



[Not a problem, Chris is well trained and will be happy to help, for now what ever Chris does, just follow.]



“Well, Mr. Malfoy…. Apparently finding a mate has been a great improvement for you. Your manners are just wonderful. And apology accepted.” Molly was still in shock but she looked over at Draco, just shook her head and smiled.



“Thank you Ma’lady. You patience is appreciated.” Norische stated.



“I would honestly love to meet your mother young man, anyone that can bestow such manners on today’s youth should be congratulated.” Molly smiled.



Norische bowed his head slightly. “My apologies Ma’lady, my mother has passed. However if you wish, I can make arrangements for you to meet with the Minde Cladire of my House, her name is Lady Parinitra of Shadowhaven. I am sure that she would be honored to meet you.”



“I am sorry dear, about your mother, but I would love to meet the head of your house.”



Norische beamed with pride. “Thank you Ma’lady, please simply let either myself or one of my mates know when would be a convenient time and I will make all the arrangements.”



“While all of this formality has been truly refreshing, please lets just relax and talk about what happened here today.”



“As you wish, Ma’lady.” Norische smiled.



He then turned to Chris and whispered something to him. Chris nodded and left the area. Draco looked at Norische to try and figure out what he should be doing. So, Norische went over to him. “It’s ok, she requested informal so you can just be yourself. Now don’t think that you can be disrespectful or act too familiar towards me in her presence but you can just be yourself. So if you want to go back over and stay with Hermione you can or you can stay here by me.”



About that time, Chris came back into the room levitating a rather comfortable looking chair behind him. When he got close, Chris looked at Norische who nodded. “Ma’lady, would you like a seat.” Chris still kept his eyes down but he spoke directly to Molly, which was a little better.



“Well that is just wonderful, thank you yes.” Molly smiled and showed Chris where to place the chair for her. “And please Chris call me Molly or Mrs. Weasley.”



Chris looked at Norische totally shocked. Norische walked over and explained. “I am sorry…ah… Mrs. Weasley, but for Chris to address you in such a familiar manner would be viewed as highly disrespectful. Although if that is what you wish, he may.” Chris’ eyes got as huge and he blushed.



“Well I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, how about Ma’am instead. Would that be better dear?” Molly looked at Chris, who nodded slowly…still looking at Norische



Norische chuckled at Chris’ lack of comfort. “I’m sorry Ma’am but Chris has never met a Grand Lady who wishes to be on such familiar terms with him… he doesn’t quite know what to do.”



“Grand Lady, my goodness… I am just Molly Weasley, no more no less.” Molly said as she sat down on the comfortable seat.



“Ma’am if it wouldn’t be considered too inappropriate …” Norische knelt on one knee beside her chair. “You are the Lady of a grand house. From my understanding, you have six gorgeous sons, and one very beautiful daughter…although I have only been privileged to meet the youngest four. Your lineage goes back to some of the Wizarding founders within this area and your heritage is rich with both heroes and heroines within their own right. It would be unimaginable to think of you as less than a Grand Lady and treat you accordingly.”



Molly reached over and brushed aside a loose lock of hair from Norische’s eyes. “Well I have five excellent sons and one wonderful daughter… and I have Ron. Speaking of which, Ronald Weasley…isn’t there something you need to be doing?”



Ron slumped his shoulders and walked over to Hermione. Who immediately squeezed Draco’s hand, since as soon as Norische said it was ok Draco had come back over to Hermione and stood by her. Seeing Draco hold Hermione’s hand Ron almost lost it, but he tried to keep calm.



“Ah.. I wanted to say I’m sorry.” Ron mumbled. Draco rolled his eyes at the pathetic excuse for an apology.



Unfortunately, Ron saw him. “Just who the bloody hell you think you are? First clamoring all over my Mum and now groping my girlfriend, you think that just because you are a faggot like him that it gives you the right to paw her!” Ron began yelling.



Before Draco could say anything [Draco! No! Let go of Hermione’s hand and come over and stand by me, let Nori handle this…it is a matter of honor now… and you need to come here.] Begrudgingly, Draco squeezed Hermione’s hand and then let go and walked over to Chris. Chris immediately took Draco’s hand and held on…



Norische stood and walked over to Ron, then took up a defensive stance in front of him. “Mr. Weasley… my mate has never clamored over your mother nor treated her with anything but respect. Nor has he acted in a disrespectful manner toward Hermione, which I must say is no longer your girlfriend considering you put her in the infirmary. Also, he has never been nor will ever be a faggot. I have over looked your insults to me, and your blatant disrespect for me. But I refuse to stand idly by and allow you to insult my mates.” Norische’s tone was low and deliberate.



Molly stood up and walked over right between them. “And I refuse to allow you to disgrace my family again.” With that, she hauled off and back handed Ron just as hard as she could. Knocking him to the floor.” Fred, George and Harry were immediately by her side just waiting for their little brother to try something.



“From this moment on Ron you are no longer welcome at the burrows, and while I can’t do anything about you contacting your older brothers you will not be allowed to contact Fred, George, Harry or Ginny. I will arrange to have a room set up for you at the Leaky Cauldron for one month, and I will send your things there. After that, you are on your own.” Molly looked down at her son, who was watching her in disbelief.



Ron slowly got up, careful not to make any sudden moves. Professor McGonagall stepped up at that point. “Mr. Weasley come with me. I will stay with you while you pack your belonging… and I will escort you off school property, after that you will be restricted from returning here at any time. Am I perfectly clear?”



Ron nodded. What was he going to do? He couldn’t go home? He couldn’t stay? He couldn’t finish his schooling to be able to get a good job? What was he going to do? The full force of his actions were finally hitting Ron.



After he left, Dumbledore came over to stand by Molly and Arthur. “I am most sorry for the way things have turned out here, I truly wish they could have been different. Arthur, Molly.” With a sad sigh, the Headmaster left the infirmary.



Molly went back to the comfortable chair that Chris had brought for her, and sat down. She couldn’t help it she put her head in her hands and began to cry. Both Fred and George quietly walked over their mother and knelt down wrapping their arms around her to comfort her. Arthur moved over and placed his hand on Molly’s shoulder…hating to see her cry.



Draco rushed back over to Hermione to see if she was ok. After several minutes of assuring him, Hermione smiled and thanked him with a kiss on his forehead. “Draco, you have definitely changed, and I am so happy for you. Happy Birthday.” Harry reached up and patted him on the shoulder, nodding.



Norische walked over to Chris and wrapped his arm around him. Chris leaned into the embrace and nuzzled against Norische’s chest, feeling totally helpless as the Minde Cladire wept.



After a few minutes, Molly quit crying and the twins were not nearly as upset so Remus suggested that they retire to the dinning hall since dinner was going to be served in a few minutes anyway. Everyone nodded and Draco and Harry helped Hermione off the hospital bed and kept a keen eye on her to make sure she was ok.



When they reached the dinning hall Chris, Norische and Draco set up a separate table for Molly and Arthur and it had enough space for all of them. After everyone sat down Norische went to Molly and asked her permission for he and his mates to eat with them. Of course Molly was thrilled. “Of course dear, sit down…” Norische smiled and took a seat just down from Molly next to Harry, and Chris and Draco sat down accordingly.



It didn’t take long for dinner to be served. Draco started to grab for a plate as soon as the food appeared but Chris stopped him. [Wait! The Minde Cladire must give us permission first. Even though it isn’t her house she is still the most senior female and we have to wait.] Draco put his hands down in his lap and waited.



Molly watched the boys for a moment and then asked. “What’s the matter dears, aren’t you hungry?” Norische responded. “Yes Ma’am but we did not know if we had your permission to eat.” Molly laughed and waived her hand at Norische. “Eat, eat…again with the formal manners.”



Draco smiled at Chris who nodded then both boys grabbed their plates and started picking foods they liked. Norische waited until his mates had gotten what they wanted and then started to fill his own plate.



Hermione spoke up. “I’m curious Norische, I think I understand why you waited for Mrs. Weasley to give you permission to eat, but why did you wait on Chris and Draco?”



Norische smiled as he took a bite of roast beef. “They are my mates and I am alpha, it is my place to make sure they have what they need before I take what I want. That is the way it is with everything. They get to shower first, they get to eat first, they get to go to sleep first…it’s all tradition. I make sure they are taken care of before I worry about myself.”



“He can’t do that all of the time though, it gets him in trouble.” Chris stated.



“What do you mean dear?” Molly asked curious now.



“The last time he allowed himself to get sick because he was thinking of others first, he got in real trouble Ma’am.” Chris said, trying not to give too much information, while still answering her questions. Embarrassed that he had brought it up in the first place.



“What in the world did you do Norische?” Molly asked.



Norische gave Chris a stern look but answered. “When Draco and I had first bonded, I went to far… I stretched the bond, and I got ill.”



“What would make you do that?”



“I was outside and I scented something unfamiliar to me, I was in my wolf form so I tracked it. I came across Harry and his godfather, I mistakenly thought that Padfoot was going to attack Harry so I attacked Padfoot.” Norische explained.



“And you got in trouble for that?” Molly asked.



“No Ma’am. I got in trouble for stretching the bond and making myself ill.” Norische clarified.



There was a moment of silence, and Norische had sighed thinking that the questions had stopped. Unfortunately, they hadn’t.



Hermione looked at him curiously. “You said you got in trouble, what happened?”



“I am sorry Hermione, I don’t think that would be an appropriate topic to discuss with you and Ginny present.” Norische hoped that would calm the curiosity he felt radiating from Hermione.



“Nonsense, what could possibly be inappropriate about that.” Molly was getting a little tired of these proper manners. “Answer her question young man.”



Norische turned slightly red but nodded, not wishing to offend the Minde Cladire. “The Minde Cladire of my house, Pari, disciplined me.” Hermione still had a blank look on her face. “ Es straşnic.” Still she didn’t understand, and the evasive nature of his answers was frustrating her.



“Well that would explains a lot to me, especially if I knew Vampyric, which I don’t.” Hermione fumed.



“You are right, that was disrespectful and evasive of me, I apologize. What I said was that she gave me a spanking.” Norische bowed his head and concentrated on his salad quite intently.



“A spanking, at your age? How horrible.” Hermione whispered. “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you… I just never thought it would be something like that.”



“It’s ok. You have to realize that I am only sixteen years old, and Pari is over eight thousand years old. She pretty well has it down pat as to what works and what doesn’t. Believe me if you get ‘talked’ to by Pari you will remember it for a few days to say the least…at least your arse will remember it, even if you happen to forget.”



“Eight thousand years old. My goodness, I forget you are Vampyric.” Hermione was shocked.



“Yes, and being the Minde Cladire of my house it is her duty to ensure that I do not bring dishonor to my house, or my name.” Norische explained further. “The night before I did not feed when I should have, and hence allowed myself to get ill. Pari warned me that by not taking care of myself I was indeed putting my mates at risks and hence bringing shame to my house. The next day when I went too far and stretched the bonds, I again made myself ill as a consequence of my own actions. So Pari took it upon herself to punish me as she felt appropriate.”



Fred and George looked at each other, but said nothing. Hermione looked thoughtful but thankfully didn’t ask any more questions. It was actually Ginny that made the next comment. “But a spanking… your too old to get spanked, even I don’t get spanked any more.”



Norische groaned, as he was positive that everyone heard her high-pitched voice. He just closed his eyes and bowed his head, keeping silent.



“Ginny, that was rude… you have embarrassed Norische… you apologize or you will find that you aren’t too old to get spanked young lady.” Molly was shocked at her daughter’s behavior.



“I’m sorry.” Ginny mumbled.



“It’s ok.” Keeping his head down. “I realize it’s hard for your kind to understand many of our traditions and ways. To be quite honest, Pari will probably continue to spank me or my mates when necessary until I am perhaps sixteen maybe eighteen hundred years old. Then she will hopefully find some other means.” Norische explained.



Hermione looked shocked. “Your mates?”



Norische looked over at Chris. “ I believe this one is directed to you luv.”



Chris blushed beet red. But considering he was the one who started the whole conversation, he nodded. “Yes Hermione, Pari has the right as Minde Cladire of my mate’s house to discipline both myself and Draco if she feels that Norische is unable or unavailable to do it.”



“So has she spanked you?” Ginny asked.



Chris was sure he couldn’t turn any redder but apparently, he could. “Yes Miss, twice. Once for poor manners and once because I was being lazy and allowed my grades to falter.”



“So has this Pari spanked you Draco?” Ginny asked.



Draco tried to take a drink at the same time Ginny asked her question and everything went down the wrong way. Chris was slapping Draco on the back trying to keep him from choking. Norische was laughing at the two of them, then suddenly he got a little pale.



“My apologies Minde Cladire, I find I must excuse myself.” Norische whispered. Chris started to get up but Norische shook his head. “You stay here with Draco and eat, I will be right back.” With that Norische got up and quickly headed out the door.



Harry had noticed the fact that he had gotten slightly paler just moments before, so he decided to follow Norische and make sure everything was all right. Harry got up and ran after Norische, he made it to the entry of the dinning hall, when he saw Norische run into the boy’s bathroom. Of course Harry followed.



Harry pushed open the door to the bathroom, and heard Norische throwing up inside. Harry waited for Norische to come out of the stall and watched as he went over to the sink. Norische bent down and cupped his hands under the running water and washed his mouth out then splashed water on his face. Then he folded his arms on the sink and pressed his head down on them.



“Are you ok Nori?” Harry asked. Norische shook his head.



“Is there any thing I can do?” Harry asked.



Norische looked up at Harry, then stood up and turned to him. “I don’t know, but maybe. Would you be willing to go to the healer with me tomorrow? I have an idea what is wrong but I don’t want to say anything until I know for sure, and if I ask anyone else then they are going to get all concerned and stressed out when it may be nothing.”



Harry looked puzzled. “What do you think is wrong?”



“I would really rather not say… at least not yet. Please you just have to trust me on this one.” Norische looked desperate so Harry conceded. “What time do you want to go?”



“Thanks Harry,” Norische smiled. “We should probably go around 8am. If that is ok with you?”



“That’s fine, we should probably get back into the dinning hall before someone comes looking for us.” Harry suggested.



“Yeah”



Norische and Harry headed back into the dinning hall and sat back down. Chris immediately looked at him concerned. “It was nothing luv, I just got a little sick… I guess it was all the emotions from tonight. I just needed a breath of fresh air. Everything is fine now.” Chris knew he was being told this so he wouldn’t get upset, but it didn’t stop him from worrying.



*****



After dinner, Norische excused himself stating he had to get some studying done for his potions class on Monday, and he headed back up to the Slytherin Dorm. When Norische got up to his room he sat down on their big bed and took out his books. Making notes here and there on different part of potions he wanted to clarify for the other students and parts he needed to talk to his father about. At some point Norische fell asleep, still holding on to the potions book he was reviewing. Chris walked into the room and smiled. Then gently took the book from Norische’s hands, and laid down beside him. Draco came in from the shower and spotted Norische sleeping. Chris put his finger to his lips and indicated that Draco should be quiet. Draco smiled at the peaceful look on Norische’s face and dropped his robe, then climbed in bed on the other side. Within minutes, all three were fast asleep.