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A/N: I wished to thank all the folks who have reveiwed my writtings. It definately lets me know how well I am doing. If you have an idea or comment feel free to let me know.



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

~...~ = parletongue

'...' = thought





CHAPTER 22





“What in the world happened to him? This child has been beaten, and severely. His tailbone is shattered. Heavens! I demand to know what happened!” Poppy was furious.



“Poppy, I know you wish to help but I cannot discuss that with you. Rest assured that it will never happen again.” Norische stated. A calm fury was smoldering behind his eyes.



“You realize this bordered on abuse! His bones are shattered! Do you know the force that is needed to do that?” She screeched.



“I am well aware of the force needed, and as I stated it will never, I repeat never happen again.” Norische stated calmly. [Chris I want you to come to the infirmary immediately.]



[Of course.] Chris responded.



Draco looked so miserable lying there with his butt exposed to the world. Thankfully, Poppy had given him a pain-relieving potion and had started working on removing the fragments of bone from his butt.



“Draco, I have called Chris and as soon as he gets here I am going to go have a talk with someone. Don’t worry it won’t take long and I will be back. Now did you want me to bring you something to eat or drink when I come back?” Norische asked trying to sound as calm as possible.



“If you wouldn’t mind. But please don’t be gone long….” Draco whispered.



“I wont luv, I just need to take care of something.” Norische kissed him on the forehead and brushed back the hair from Draco’s eyes. Chris rushed into the infirmary just as Norische stepped back from Draco.



“Good you’re here. I want you to watch over Draco, I am going to go take care of a couple of things. I think once I get there I will open our link so don’t be too surprised if you get a huge wave of emotions, I will do my best to keep it down but I can’t guarantee anything. It all depends on what is going to happen.” Norische kissed Chris and rubbed Draco’s shoulder one more time before he left.





Norische walked into the suite quietly and closed the door. Even though he was over four months pregnant he walked with long purposeful strides up to stand across from Pari. Norische focused his thoughts and opened his mind to his mates; once he was assured of their link he began.



“Pari, I wish to speak with you.” Norische stated calmly.



“Nori, do you realize how disrespectful you are being right this moment. I was having a conversation with Mrs. Weasley and you interrupted. Where are your manners?” Pari was rather frustrated with Norische’s evident lack of respect.



“My manners are quite in check Minde Cladire, or else you would be escorted from this property by the hair of your head.” Norische kept his tone quiet and precise.



“How dare you! You will not disrespect me in such a manner!” Fury was rising up inside of Pari.



Severus came over and stood beside his son. “Norische what did Poppy say?”



Norische ignored his father, never taking his eyes off of Pari. “You have your choice Minde Cladire, we will either speak in the privacy of my room or here and now, but we will speak, and you will listen.”



“I am going no where with you, how dare you be so disrespectful. Have I taught you nothing?” Pari shrieked.



“Since you do not wish to do this privately then we shall speak here, I do hope however that you remember you were given that option. Yes, you have taught me a great many things, one of the things you taught me was that I should never allow anyone to harm my mates.” Norische continued. “Minde Cladire tonight you did just that. You shattered Draco’s tailbone. Do you realize the force necessary to cause that extent of damage? I thought that maybe you had chipped it or cracked it, after all it is a fragile bone and he is a human. But no, you shattered it. The medi-which is having to remove the shards of his bones from him as we speak.” Everyone in the room gasped, even Pari.



“She is going to give him a potion to re-grow the bones that have been destroyed. But do you realize that the damage you caused, he may be permanently injured. He may not be allowed to ride a broom, he is a seeker on his team and he may be banned from ever playing again. He may not be able to bear children; do you know what that will do to him? We wont know if he can function sexually for at least four weeks, even with magic he is going to be in severe pain for weeks because of this. Madam Pomfrey is demanding he stay in the infirmary for at least three days. And is threatening to file charges of abuse!” Norische knew he was riding the guilt train but he desperately wanted Pari to understand the extent of damage she had done.



Pari looked at Norische with regret and true concern. “I am sorry Norische, I didn’t realize….”



“No you didn’t. You knew he was human and that he much more fragile than Chris or myself. You knew that he had never been disciplined in such a manner. You knew that his bone structure is more delicate, more fragile than Chris or mine. You knew that he was screaming in pain. These things you knew…but you apparently chose to over look them or ignore them, I am not sure which.” Norische adjusted his stance to a more defensive pose.



Remus noticed the change and immediately came up to him on the side opposite Severus. “I will tell you one thing right now Minde Cladire, you are never, I repeat never to touch Draco or Chris again. If you so much as raise your hand to them, I will break all ties with you and my clan. I will never allow my mate to be treated like this again. If for any reason there is a need for discipline… you will inform me, I will deal with it. By abusing my mate you have shattered the trust I put in you to do me no harm.”



Norische waited a moment and when Pari said nothing, he turned to his father. “I will be with my mate in the infirmary.” Then he turned to Mrs. Weasley. “I apologize for this display Ma’lady, I would very much like to have your help with the shopping for the babies, so just let father know when would be appropriate after three days time. Hopefully, Draco will be able to accompany us. We will see how much pain he is in at that time.”



Molly nodded. “Of course, and please if we can help feel free to ask, Fred and George have become quite fond of you and Chris, even Draco now that they have been able to see him without all the masks and facades.”



“Thank you Ma’lady. The kindness you have shown myself and my family is greatly appreciated.” Then turning to Harry, Hermione, Blaise and the Twins. “Would you guys mind very much coming to the infirmary with me, there are a couple of things I would like to talk to you all about and I really would appreciate it.” Each one nodded and stood ready to follow him. “Let me get Draco something from the kitchen real quick then we shall leave.” Norische disappeared through the kitchen door and returned a few moments later with a basket in hand.



“Norische.” Pari whispered. “Please accept my most sincere apologies, and tell Draco I am very sorry. I tend to be an old fool and not pay attention to the obvious. I give you my word I will never again raise my hand to either of your mates, and I hope that in time I can rebuild the trust you had in me.” Tears fell silently as she spoke. But Norische’s only response was to nod in her direction then he turned and walked out the door.



As Harry followed Norische down the hallway to the infirmary, he put his arm around his friend’s shoulder. Norische stopped, and simply stood there. “ You have no idea how hard that was to do. Pari has been the only mother I have had since I was three, what am I going to do without her?”



“You haven’t lost her, it’s just your relationship has changed.” Harry tried to assure Norische.



“No, she wont forgive me for the way I behaved today. I shamed her in front of another Minde Cladire and my father and Dad. She will never forgive me.” Norische whispered and started walking slowly down the hall. Blaise and Hermione and the twins looked at each other, trying to figure out what they could say to get their friend to cheer up, but none of them could think of anything.



******



Draco was lying there on his stomach covered from the wasted down by a sheet. Both he and Chris had heard the whole thing. In some ways Draco was so proud of Norische for defending him like that, in other ways he felt horrible at the fact that he may have cost Norische his ‘mother’.



As soon as they walked in Draco looked over and smiled, but jumped when he saw Hermione, he grabbed the bedding and tried to quickly cover himself…apologizing the whole time.



Norische rushed over to his bed. “No, no…luv it’s ok… don’t fret so, relax. Remember Hermione wants to be treated just like we do Harry or Blaise. I am glad to see however that your reflexes towards a lady have greatly improved.” Norische smiled a heart felt smile and bent down to kiss his mate. “You are such a good boy.”



Draco smiled real big, then the smile faded and he looked like he would cry.



“What is it luv, what’s wrong? Are you in pain?” Norische immediately got worried.



“I’m not a good boy, look at all the trouble I caused.” Draco whispered.



“Draco the only trouble you caused was not fixing your shirt before you answered the door. Nothing else that has resulted from that has been your fault, and since you apparently learned your lesson…judging from your reaction when we came in the room. I would say all is forgiven.” Norische smiled and tried to reassure his mate.



“But you are in trouble because of me. Pari will hate you and it is my fault.” Draco cried.



“No, if she cannot forgive me, then it is her fault. I showed her all the respect I possibly could, and I did offer to speak to her in the other room. So if she wishes to hate me because of the fact that I stood up for my mates, then so be it.” Norische leaned over and kissed Draco. “Now you need to eat something, I fed from you tonight and you need to replenish your strength. I brought you some sandwiches and some fruit and more butter beer so tell me what you want first.”



“Apple.” Draco gave him a half smile and looked at him with all the love he felt inside himself. Then started munching on the apple that Norische handed him.



After Draco was fed and comfortable, Norische turned to Harry, Hermione, Blaise, Fred, George and Chris. “I know that you guys are probably wondering why I wanted you to come down here.” They looked at each other then nodded. Chris pulled up a chair next to Draco and preceded to hand him food from the basket as he asked for it, smiling and pampering his bruised mate. The rest sat down on the bed next to Draco’s and waited.



Norische started. “In the past month each of you have contributed of yourself to save my life, and I want to thank you for that. Without you my life, the lives of my babies and consequently the lives of my mates would be no longer. To honor the sacrifices that you have made I would like each and every one of you to become part of my house. As the Stapan Camin, ah Master of my House, I have the right to extend my name and my house to any that I feel will honor such an act, and bring honor to my home and my name. I would like very much to extend to you five a place within my house.”



Harry looked at Norische with huge eyes. “What exactly does that mean?”



“It means that you would be part of one of the oldest houses in the Vampyric nation and the founding house for the Chica clan. You would literally have a room reserved in my home in the lands, which I will undoubtedly be going back to for a while after I graduate. You will have the complete protection of my house and my clan and if at anytime you needed a place to stay or you had any need, you would have a safe haven. I will arrange for each of you to have an orb to my house that will allow you to go directly to your quarters. In fact if you wanted to you could orb in there each night and stay there instead of staying here at Hogwarts.”



Fred and George looked at each other then Fred spoke first. “You mean we would be able to go back and forth like that?”



“Of course. I have a grand house. My grandfather’s mansion that you all have seen was a summer cottage that was part of the original properties. I have stables, wonderful gardens, even a quidditch pitch, the library alone rivals that of Hogwarts and there are actually classrooms on the property for the tutoring of any children. The place is absolutely wonderful, but it seems so empty when I am there by myself, it is far too big for me to live there, even with Chris and Draco it would seem almost lonely.” Norische described their new home.



Harry, Blaise, Fred and George all exclaimed at once… “You have your own quidditch pitch?”



Hermione’s eyes were glowing. “A library bigger than Hogwarts?”



“Yes, and if you want to bring individuals there you may. Just remember you are responsible for anyone you bring. Oh and Fred, George I am afraid I must ask that you never tell Ron where our home is, I would not want him to show up there without an invitation. Harry if you want you can set up a room for Sirius… I have no problem with him staying there as well. The same goes for the rest of you, if you want to set up a guest quarters for you family that is fine.” Norische offered



“I think Mum would go nuts being treated like royalty all the time, but to visit might be nice.” George stated.



“I think my parents would love to see it, but they are too attached to the muggle world to live there all the time.” Hermione added.



“I never want my parents to know where it is….” Blaise said sadly.



“Well then, as soon as Draco is healed and able to travel we will all go see your new home. I had actually planned on taking Draco to see it in January and Chris has already been there. I actually want to get some things to set up the nursery in my suite so this will be great timing. I need to look over the rooms and see what all is needed. We will probably go there first and then go to London that way we can get an inventory of what all we need. I honestly have been thinking about spending my weekends there, if dad and father don’t need me to work on classes that is…until the final stage of my pregnancy. It is much safer there and to be quite honest more comfortable.





After a great deal of time talking about what arrangements needed to be made, and what options they had Hermione, Harry, Blaise, Fred and George headed back down to the suite. Everyone wishing Draco their best and making sure he was ok before they left. Blaise said he would be back later after dinner and he volunteered to get Draco’s homework for a few more days.



Once everyone had left, Norische pulled up a chair and sat down next to Draco’s bed. Chris had given Draco most of the food that Norische had brought for him and sat munching on some grapes as he had listened to the discussion a few moments ago.



“How are you doing luv?” Norische asked Draco.



Draco yawned. “Sore, but sleepy. Poppy gave me a pain potion but my butt still hurts. You know she asked me after you left if you had beat me… I told her no and that you never raised a hand to me, but I am not sure if she believed me or not.”



“It’s ok, she will probably write up a report and if she does then I will explain everything to Dumbledore and if he wants to do something then he can speak to Pari.” Norische assured Draco.



*****



Severus and Remus came up later that night to check on Draco and make sure he was ok. Remus informed Norische that Pari had left shortly after Norische had, but she had called later and asked how Draco was doing. Neither Severus nor Remus knew exactly how to handle the situation so they were polite and respectful but didn’t go out of their way either. Norische explained that she probably didn’t realize how hard she was spanking since she was used to Chris and Norische and that she probably cause the damage the with the first couple of swats. Then thinking it was just Draco’s fear that was making him yell so much, she probably didn’t truly realize how much she had actually hurt him. So Norische told them to just treat her as they always would, it was a mistake…nothing more. Although the mistake had cost Draco dearly, and Norische was never going to let it happen again…she was still his godmother and he still loved her.



*****



Norische was spoon-feeding Draco a rather decadent chocolate moose when he had a silver cobra tap him on the shoulder. Norische looked at the item then followed it up a long black cane to a rather leering man; interesting enough the family resemblance could not be denied.



“I suggest you move away from my son.” Lucius sneered.



“Father?” Draco looked over to the platinum blonde haired man.



“Draco, get your things we are leaving here.” Lucius ordered



Norische chuckled and spooned up another helping of the delicious dessert. [Sit there and be good, you have almost finished your moose, do you want some tea or something else to drink?]



[Chai Tea, sounds really good right now, but if not can I have some hot cocoa?] Draco smiled mischievously at Norische.



[You and your chocolate, yes luv you may have what ever you wish. I think I have some Chai tea in the suites.] Norische smiled as he gave the spoon of sweet chocolate to his mate.



[Don’t leave me! Not with him here!] Draco begged



[Of course not….Chris, Chris are you busy?]



[Not really Nori, what’s up?] Chris asked



[Can you bring Draco some Chai tea, and sugar.?]



[Sure, give me a few…] responded Chris



[Father, Dad…just to let you know Draco’s dad is in the infirmary insisting that Draco go with him.]



{DAMN! We will be right there.} Severus’ voice came through loud and clear.



“Did you not hear me boy! I said get up, I am taking you home!” Lucius demanded.



“Actually, he did indeed hear you and he promptly ignored you.” Norische smiled not bothering to even look at Draco’s father.



“How dare you! Who the Hell do you think you are?!” Lucius voice raised with each word.



Norische smiled, he had been waiting for this. Norische handed Draco the bowl and spoon so he could finish his moose by himself, then stood up and turned to face Lucius slowly.



“I am Norische De LeNoir Snape, son of Professor Severus Snape, Stapan Camin of Shadowhaven, of the Clan Chica within the Vampyre Nation. Alpha to Chris LaCroix, and Draco Malfoy.” Norische bowed slightly then turned to sit back down. Turning to Draco. “Are you going to let me have any of that or are you going to eat it all.” Smiling at Draco.



Draco pulled the chocolate moose to him and gave Norische a rather boyish grin. “Mine!”



“Getting back at me for the cheese cake the other day, huh…” Norische smiled and continued to ignore Lucius.



“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?” Lucius yelled.



Norische waved his hand towards Lucius. “Didn’t ask.”



Norische’s indifference to him, made Lucius furious. Lucius grabbed his cane and began to pull the wand carefully hidden within it, out.



“LUCIUS!!” Severus yelled, as he and Remus rushed into the medi-ward. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Severus warned in a low and threatening tone.



“This insolent needs to be taught a lesson!” Lucius snarled.



Norische laughed and stuck his finger into Draco’s desert getting a large sample of it’s sweet goodness then put it in his mouth, completely ignoring Lucius.



Draco pulled his bowl away and with a pouty face said. “Mine!” Causing Norische to laugh even more then attempt to get another finger full. Which cause Draco to start laughing, attempting to horde his precious chocolate. The two of them didn’t appear to give a damn about the other individuals in the room.



“If my son need’s to be taught a lesson, I doubt you are the one to teach him.” Severus stated calmly as he walked up to stand beside Norische.



Norische looked over his shoulder as if he had just noticed his father. “ Oh hi father, do you know how much longer Chris is going to be with the tea?”



Severus started to say something and just as Chris came in the room. “ About 20 seconds, how about that for timing?” Chris laughed. Chris also ignored Lucius and took his tray with a fresh pot of Chai tea and all the necessities over to the bedside table and sat it down.



Norische grinned. “Great! You brought a whole pot, after I asked you to bring Draco some I got to thinking that it sounded pretty good. Thanks luv.”



“No problem, that is why I brought cups for us all. It smelled heavenly while I was brewing it. Do you want sugar Draco?” Chris smiled at Draco as he poured him a cup of tea.



“Yes please, three.” Draco grinned and graciously thanked Chris as he accepted the cup. Chris then made himself and Norische a cup as well, then handed Norische his cup.



“Mmm, this does smell good. Thank you.” Norische began to sip the spice tea. Thinking quickly Norische did a rather complex glamour and protective spell over his stomach just in case. Draco and Chris noticed immediately, Chris nodded silently and Draco had a worried look on his face.



[It is just a precaution luv, nothing more. Now drink your tea.] Norische whispered.



“What were you saying about lessons father? I already finished the report you assigned us for Friday, did you assign something else I need to work on?” Norische asked innocently.

Severus looked at his son with a smirk, knowing exactly what Norische was doing.



“No Norische there has been nothing else assigned.”



Norische nodded then turned his back to his father, dad, and Lucius. “Have you two finished your report?” Norische asked Draco and Chris.



Both boys shook their heads. Chris looked a little embarrassed but Draco piped up and said… “But I have an excuse I have had my butt in here for two days.”



Norische laughed. “The condition of your butt not withstanding, you have to make sure you get your work finished. Chris can you head back to the room and get my report and the references I used, they should all be together on my desk and pick up Draco’s bag too. If you want bring your work back down here as well and we can work on it together.” Chris nodded and smiled.



“Be right back.” With that, Chris walked out of the infirmary.



Lucius watched as Chris walked past him, apparently ignoring the older Malfoy. “Severus, I was informed that my son was viciously attacked and abused. I demand to know exactly what is going on here and what has happened to my son!” Lucius’ voice rose with each word.



Draco was beginning to look worried, and getting a little stressed. Seeing his mate upset annoyed Norische and he wanted to stop it immediately. Norische reached up and brushed a loose stand of hair from Draco’s forehead, then leaned over and gently kissed his lips.



“WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!!” Lucius screamed.



Norische kissed Draco one more time then stood and turned toward Lucius. “Sir, I ask that you keep your voice down, you are distressing my mate.” Then Norische turned his back to Lucius and asked Draco if he was ready for another cup of tea.



“WHAT!! YOUR MATE?” Lucius was getting red with anger now. Severus walked slowly to his son’s side and took a defensive stance beside Norische, crossing his arms across his chest. Remus walked over to the other side of the hospital bed and did practically the same thing although he placed his hands behind his back, conveniently enough wand in hand already.



Norische turned back around to face Lucius. “Yes, my mate. Is there anything else I can help you with tonight Mr. Malfoy? If not please leave, you are distressing my mate.” This time Norische did not turn around but continued to face Lucius, staring him right in the eyes.



“My son is not your mate! He is engaged to be married to Pansy Parkinson, and will be married to her on his seventeenth birthday!” Lucius roared.



“Yes his is indeed my mate. The bonding has been done formally with the complete permission and support of the Council of Elders and the consummation of the bonding was witnessed by two individuals as is the tradition. Since that is now clarified then you may safely assume that Draco will not be marrying Miss Parkinson at any future date.” Norische stated in a calm even tone.



“Draco’s marriage was arranged every since he was born, he will carry out his obligations to his family and he will marry Pansy Parkinson!” Lucius insisted.



“That is quite impossible Sir. Since our bonding nullifies any previous obligations or contracts that have been arranged by you or your family. Now once again if you have nothing further to say, please leave.” Norische explained. Draco had been for the most part hiding behind Norische’s broad shoulders trying to avoid looking directly at his father, but he could feel himself beginning to tremble. Norische could feel Draco shaking, so he decided to put an end to it.



“Sir, I have given you ample time to leave, I have been polite and I believe very patient. I will ask this only one more time, then you will be removed from here with or without your consent. Leave now, you are distressing my mate!” Norische growled his final warning.



Severus reached into his cloak sleeve and quietly removed his wand, as Remus tightened his grip on his own wand behind his back.



Lucius grabbed the silver tip of his cane and started to pull his wand out of its sheath. Norische moved quickly and grabbed his wrist, and then the two of them disappeared. Draco screamed as he watched his mate vanish. Severus and Remus had their wands out and at the ready in the blink of an eye but it didn’t matter, Norische and Lucius were gone. Chris who was just walking into the ward dropped the book bags he was carrying and raced to Draco’s side when he heard him scream.



“Draco, it’s ok Norische just apparated your father away from here. He will be right back.” Chris tried to assure him.



Severus grabbed Chris’ arm. “What do you mean? How do you know?”



“It’s ok father, we were talking when Lucius went nuts. Nori said “Oh crap, gotta go!” Then he apparated… so he should be back in a few minutes…he is ok, I am still kinda linked to him… not talking mind you but I can feel what he is feeling, and he isn’t in pain or anything so he is fine.” Chris could see the concern in Severus eyes.



Just then, Norische reappeared with a loud pop. As soon as he was back, Norische ran over to the sink and began vomiting. Remus and Severus ran over to his side, both checking him for injuries but found none. It took a few moments for his stomach to calm; finally, Norische nodded and accepted the damp cloth from Remus to wipe his face. “Remind me not to apparate twice within such a short time again, gods it didn’t used to effect me like that.”



“What the Hell just happened!” Severus demanded.



Norische turned to his father with a smirk. “I told him that if he didn’t leave I would escort him off the property, which I did. I escorted him back to Malfoy Manor to be exact.” Norische thanked his dad for the cloth and then went over to see how Draco was doing. Draco immediately wrapped his arms around Norische, almost in tears with worry.



“Its ok luv, I’m fine….it’s just really rough on me to apparate this late in the pregnancy. Apparating out of here wasn’t so bad but doing it twice so close to each other was a little much. That’s why I got sick hon, nothing more.” Norische explained.



“So you apparated Lucius to the Manor grounds?” Severus asked.



“No, to his study. He was a little shocked but I explained that his pathetic wards would not keep him safe if he ever harmed or upset Draco again. I think he got my point.” Norische said with a smirk.



Draco looked at him with huge eyes. “But that is impossible, even Voldemort can’t apparate through those barriers, some of them have been present for centuries.”



“How was that possible Norische?” Remus asked.



“Well like spells, potions, and curses… for a ward to be effective against a Vampyre it must be species specific and since most individuals never think of that then I don’t have a problem with them. Even the ones that are blood wards, they are focused on allowing a specific individual in, not on keeping a specific individual out, hence it is just a matter of locating the proper area I wanted to go to in the Manor by scanning his memories, and then a little inter-apparition manipulation and I’m in.” Norische explained.



“Chris can you get me some more tea, my mouth taste really nasty right now and I need something to calm my stomach too.” Norische asked Chris, Norische kissed Draco just for reassurance then sat down next to him.



Severus looked at Remus and they were both thinking the same thing. They needed to tell Dumbledore about this.