Visions of an Empath

Chapter 22

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harry turn that particular colour,” said Ron, trying to break the stilted silence that had descended upon everyone with Harry’s abrupt departure from the table.

“Idiot,” muttered Lucius as he sneered at the redhead and left the table to follow Harry.

Hermione scowled at her tactless boyfriend and smacked him on the arm. “You should be more considerate, Ron. Harry’s suffering from morning sickness now.”

“Of course, your loathsome table manners probably didn’t help matters any,” said Draco snidely. “Watching you eat turned my stomach, as well. Don’t you know you’re supposed to actually chew your food before you force it down your gullet? And chewing with your mouth closed would also be beneficial to anyone misfortunate enough to have to eat at the same table.”

“Indeed,” said Severus softly. He stood up and left the table without another word. He had no doubt that Lucius and Harry would finish their meal in the bedroom.

Hermione sighed and pushed her plate away. The lively atmosphere from earlier was completely gone, and she had lost her appetite. “I’m not all that hungry, anyway. I’ll be in the library if you need me for anything.”

As Hermione stalked out of the room, Ron hurriedly shovelled the rest of the food on his plate into his mouth and chased after her. He didn’t want to spend any more time with Malfoy than he absolutely had to. He may tolerate the git for Harry’s sake, but that did not mean he had to like it.

“Ah, blessed peace. I can finally enjoy my meal in comfort,” said Draco smugly.

Luna looked at him with faraway eyes. “Enjoy it while you can for peace will soon be shattered on the morrow. The Frost and Darkness will face the Snake Lord to protect the Lightning Bearer. However, they will need the arrow-tailed dragon to succeed for he is Master of the Death Stick. The Ending is near, but new Life shall be breathed unto the deserving.” Luna smiled dreamily and hummed softly under her breath.

Draco stared at her in shock. That sounded suspiciously like a prophecy, cryptic as it was. Frost was most likely his father since he was a Frost Drake, and Severus was probably Darkness since he was the darkest of dark creatures. The Snake Lord was obviously the Dark Lord. The Lightning Bearer, though, gave him pause. Harry was an Earth Drake animagus. Draco gasped in realisation. The child was a Lightning Drake, and therefore, Harry was the Lightning Bearer. And, of course, Draco was the arrow-tailed dragon since he was a wyvern animagus. What was the Death Stick, though, and how had he become its master?

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Draco rubbed his aching temples. “You’re a bloody Seer, aren’t you? No wonder Potter keeps you around. You’re his early warning system against the Dark Lord.”

“I am Harry’s friend,” said Luna with uncharacteristic coldness. “And unlike you, Harry doesn’t choose his friends based on what they can do for him. Besides, I’m not a Seer. Seers have visions of the future, and I don’t See anything. I do, however, have another gift. I have the ability to hear truths whispered in the wind.”

Draco felt thoroughly chastened. He actually hadn’t meant to say that to Luna. He’d just been overwhelmed by the idea that he would be a pivotal player in the battle against the Dark Lord. Besides, he knew good and well ‘Saint Potter’ would never befriend someone for such petty reasons.

“I apologise,” said Draco softly. “Now I know how Harry felt when he learned that he was the one who had to defeat the Dark Lord. It’s not an easy thing to accept.”

“No, it isn’t,” Luna agreed. “So what will you decide?”

Draco huffed irritably. “What’s to decide? If my being there will help them win this battle, then I’ll be there. It’s as simple as that.”

Luna smiled proudly at Draco. “Your Wrackspurt infestation is finally gone. I was wondering if you would ever realise they were there and do something about them. Without them to cloud your judgement, making friends should be a lot easier.” Draco stared at her in confusion, but Luna just stood waltzed out the door.

Draco shook his head in bemusement. “How does Potter understand a single word that comes out of that girl’s mouth. What the hell are Wrackspurts, anyway?” Luna was an oddity he would never understand. Of course, given her ability, it was no wonder she was so damn spacey all the time. She was too busy listening to voices only she could hear to care about what was going on around her.

***

Harry stumbled to the bathroom and fell to his knees in front of the toilet. Morning sickness had hit with a vengeance, and he didn’t like it one bit. He wretched miserably until his stomach was completely empty.

Flushing the toilet and shakily standing, Harry washed his tear-stained face and brushed his teeth. He sighed and turned on the shower, allowing the water to warm before he climbed in. The hot water felt wonderful against his clammy skin, making the sickness from earlier a distant memory.

Harry hummed softly as washed the shampoo out of his hair. He picked up the soap and reached for the flannel only to touch bare skin instead. He opened his eyes and saw Severus standing in front of him with his hand outstretched, waiting for Harry to hand him the soap. Harry smile and placed the soap in the vampire’s hand, watching the other man lather the flannel between long, slender hands.

“Turn around.”

Harry shivered slightly as Severus’ deep, dark voice rolled over him and quickly turned around. Severus gently washed Harry’s back and shoulders before trailing the cloth slowly down the curves of Harry’s arse. Harry gasped at the soft caress, but Severus was already moving on. Long arms reached around him, sweeping the flannel across his chest and underarms and coming to rest on his belly.

“How’s the little one this morning? Any more sickness?”

“Bright and early this morning,” said Harry ruefully. “I feel fine now, though.”

Severus sighed softly and nuzzled his face in Harry’s neck. “Are you sure you want to do this today? I could go alone to...”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Severus Snape,” said Harry irritably. “It’s not just about Remus, Sev. Tom Riddle needs to be stopped, and we’re the only ones who can do it. No one is safe until he’s gone.”

“I just want you and the baby to be safe, Harry,” murmured Severus.

“I know, love, but it will all be over soon,” sighed Harry. His pleasant shower was quickly turning depressing, and that was not how he wanted to start the day. He could think of far more pleasant ways to pass the time. Grinning impishly, he turned his head and kissed Severus’ cheek. “Severus, I’m naked and wet here. Do you really...” His voice trailed off into a garbled moan as Severus took the hint and wrapped a hand around the teen’s hard cock.

Severus smirked at the sound and licked the shell of Harry’s ear. “Is this what you want, Harry?” he purred, pumping the teen’s shaft in his fist.

“I... always knew... you were... smart, Severus,” gasped Harry, thrusting his hips helplessly with every stroke of Severus’ hand.

Severus abruptly released Harry, ignoring the teen’s disappointed moan. Gripping the teen’s hips in a strong grip, Severus pressed his lips to the nape of Harry’s neck, where the scales along his back started.

Harry hissed in dazed pleasure and arched his back, shuddering helplessly as Severus kissed and licked his way down the length of his spine. By the time the vampire was at the end of the trail of scales, Harry was on the verge of climax, every touch almost like a direct jolt to his cock.

“Severus, please,” he moaned softly.

Severus ignored his mates needy whimper and knelt down behind the teen. Spreading open Harry’s arse cheeks, he swiped his tongue across the teen’s tight hole. Harry keened loudly and pushed back against Severus’ wicked tongue, reaching down to stroke himself to completion.

“No,” growled Severus, grabbing Harry’s hand and pinning it behind the teen’s back. “You’ll come from my touch alone.” With that promise, he burrowed his tongue back in Harry’s arse.

Harry panted in sheer lust. Merlin, Severus was sexy when was aggressive like this. Harry finally couldn’t take it anymore, though, and he growled in frustration. “Dammit, Severus! Fuck me already!”

Severus smirked and gracefully got to his feet. He nipped Harry’s earlobe and purred, “You want me to fuck you?”

“Yes!” Harry hissed demandingly.

“As you wish,” said Severus. He placed his cock at Harry’s entrance and pressed steadily inside.

Harry hissed at the burn as Severus pushed slowly inside of him. He clenched helplessly around the shaft invading his body, making Severus hiss in pleasure. The vampire finally stilled and allowed Harry a moment to adjust.

When Harry’s tight, unrelenting grip around him finally loosened, Severus drew back and thrust in sharply, hitting Harry’s prostate and wringing a strangled scream from Harry’s throat. Harry could only scream and moan as Severus ploughed into him, held immobile by the vampire’s grip on his right arm and forced to use his other arm to brace himself for every forceful thrust. Severus suddenly released Harry’s arm and grabbed the teen’s thigh, hooking the younger brunet’s leg over his arm, allowing for deeper penetration.

Six deep thrusts later, and Harry screamed his release, shuddering helplessly in Severus’ arms. Feeling Harry’s arse clench around him, Severus growled and bit into the teen’s neck as he finally reached his own climax. Harry’s blood was even sweeter now that he was pregnant, and Severus never wanted to let go. Unfortunately, though, he had to, and he reluctantly withdrew from Harry’s body, catching the teen in his arms when Harry’s knees buckled weakly.

“You broke me, Severus,” murmured Harry ruefully. “My legs don’t seem to work anymore.”

Severus smirked down at Harry as he carried the teen into the bedroom. “That’s a shame, Harry. I guess since your legs don’t work, you’ll have to stay here while Lucius and I take care of things at Hogwarts.”

Harry smiled wryly. “You’re Gryffindor side is showing, Sev. Stubborn until the very end.”

Severus almost dropped Harry at that comment, and he scowled down at the grinning teen. “I should drop you for that insult.”

“But you won’t,” said Harry teasingly. He gently rubbed his slightly rounded belly and arched an eyebrow at Severus. “Now will you?”

Severus unceremoniously dropped Harry onto the bed and turned away to get dressed. Harry just snickered and climbed off the bed to do the same.

***

Draco’s morning, on the other hand, wasn’t nearly as pleasant as Harry’s was. After a night of fitful sleep at best, he was up at dawn and searching the library for useful spells to use later that day. He needed to find a way to tag along with Harry without being caught. Of course, he could just tell Harry what Luna had told him. The brunet would probably be more than willing to help then.

Draco sighed and rubbed his burning eyes. He was so tired, but he knew he wouldn’t sleep worth a damn until this battle was over. It was a daunting feeling to realise that his presence was a necessity if they wanted a chance at winning the war.

Two hours later, Draco found a spell that would be extremely useful: a Scent Removal spell. It was mainly used by Aurors to track vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures. That spell would be essential if he wanted to remain undetected by his father or Severus. Even if he was completely hidden, they would be able to sniff him out otherwise.

Armed with this knew knowledge, Draco headed to breakfast. To his surprise, his father was the only at the table. “Where’s Harry and Severus?”

“In the shower,” said Lucius, sipping his tea.

Draco raised his eyebrows at that answer. “I’m surprised you’re here then.”

Lucius smiled wryly. “Severus needed the reassurance.”

“I thought you both had worked things out,” said Draco worriedly. “Is he upset that the baby isn’t his?” He certainly hoped that wasn’t the case. That would cause so many problems, and Harry and the baby would be the ones to suffer the most from it.

Lucius shook his head. “No, it’s nothing like that. Severus is just as excited about the baby as I am. It’s just...” He trailed off as Harry bounced cheerfully into the room. “Good morning, Harry.”

“Good morning, everyone,” chirped Harry, kissing Lucius briefly before sitting at the table. “I’m starving.”

“I’ll bet you are with that workout this morning,” said Lucius, smiling at his mate.

Draco grimaced. He so did not need to hear about Harry’s sex life. “I don’t want to hear it. Change the subject now.”

“Why so cranky, Draco? Didn’t you get enough sleep last night?” asked Harry, looking at Draco with real concern. The blond had dark circles under eyes and looked exhausted. “You didn’t have anymore nightmares, did you?”

“No, Harry. I just had a lot on my mind. I’ll be fine,” Draco reassured his friend.

Harry nodded in understanding. He’d spent many a sleepless night due to heavy thoughts. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Well, that couldn’t have given him a better chance, now could it. “Do you mind?” asked Draco with feigned nervousness.

Harry raised an eyebrow at the blond. For all that the other teen sounded nervous and hesitant, that certainly wasn’t the way he was feeling. However, there was a sense of urgency there that was curious, so Harry decided to play along.

“Sure. We can talk after breakfast. Why don’t we use Lucius’ study?” He smiled sweetly at Lucius. “That is all right, isn’t it?”

“It’s fine, Harry. Don’t take too long, though,” cautioned Lucius, staring at Harry meaningfully. They needed to depart soon.

Harry nodded and went back to his breakfast. He ate quickly and excused himself from the table, heading directly toward the study. As soon as the brunet left, Draco pushed his plate away and followed after him.

Harry watched Draco lock and silence the room with raised eyebrows. This should be interesting. “So what did you need to talk about?”

“I’m going with you to Hogwarts, and I need you’re help to do so,” said Draco bluntly.

Harry stared at Draco in surprise. How did he find out? Of course, as soon as the question crossed his mind, so did the answer. “Luna told you.”

Draco nodded his confirmation. “She said that I’m needed there because I’m the master of the Death Stick. Do you know what that is?”

“No, but if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say it was some kind of wand or staff,” said Harry thoughtfully.

Draco suddenly gasped in realisation. He knew he’d heard that name before! “Bloody hell! She’s talking about the Elder Wand. It’s one of the three Deathly Hallows. But how did I become it’s master?”

“I can’t answer that, Draco,” said Harry slowly. “But if Luna’s right, you will definitely need to come with us. You have a plan to do so, yes?”

“I found a spell to mask my scent, so you just need to Disillusion me once I’ve turned into my animagus form, and I’ll stow away underneath your cloak,” said Draco calmly.

Harry sighed softly. “I hope you know just what you’re getting into. I never would have involved you in this.”

“I know,” said Draco gently. “Sometimes, though, you just have to accept help when it’s offered. It’ll be all right.” He smiled and rested a hand on Harry’s belly. “You just concentrate on keeping my baby brother or sister safe.”

“Brother,” said Harry automatically.

“How do you know?” asked Draco curiously.

“It’s just the way he feels to me,” said Harry thoughtfully. “Besides, the baby’s a drake. The only type of drake that produces females is Earth Drakes, so the chances of a girl are actually very slim.”

“He’s a Lightning Drake,” murmured Draco. “Luna called you the Lightning Bearer.”

Harry smiled and whispered, “My little lightning child.” He received a contented hum from the baby in answer. He already loved this child so much, and he would protect his growing family with every fibre of his being. Voldemort was going down today. He just didn’t know it yet.