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.



A/N2: Ok folks, I set up a yahoo group for my writing. Primarily it is to give me a place that I can post my stories to, and hopefully get some useful feedback on chapters before they are posted elsewhere on the net. By the way there is a picture of Norische on the group... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Of_Pens_and_Ponders/?yguid=104171974







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

~...~ = parseltongue

\'...\' = thought







CHAPTER 24





December 21st came quickly for everyone at Hogwarts, many students that would have other wise gone home for the hols stayed to attend the Yule Ball. The Yule Ball was absolutely beautiful. The Great Hall was decorated in glistening silvers and brilliant white, and everyone was dressed to the hilt. Norische was wearing his new set of formals, although they had been especially designed to hide his growing belly Norische still felt a little self-conscious about his appearance right now, even though he was not that big Norische definitely noticed the difference. Because of the twins Norische was forced to do a glamour spell to hide his rather protruding belly. Looking at himself in the mirror one more time, Norische had to admit that he looked damn good in a tux.



Norische walked arm in arm with both Chris and Draco as they entered the Great Hall. Everyone in the Hall stopped and stared, personally Norische loved it, but it did make Chris a little apprehensive, and it made Draco very protective…anyone that even looked cross at them received a wicked Malfoy glare and a low growl.



Norische loved to dance so he made a point of his first dance was actually with Hermione, since it was a waltz and of course she was a lady… who looked absolutely gorgeous this evening. Harry and Hermione had come together, apparently most students thought that since Ron was gone that the two of them would get together. Neither Harry nor Hermione bothered to squash the rumors. Harry was dressed to kill tonight, as well…in his formal robes, with black trousers and vest. Hermione had on a gorgeous sapphire blue taffeta gown. It’s straps hung low off her shoulders and the cleavage was quite apparent, even at her young age.



Norische couldn’t help but tease Hermione as they whirled around on the floor. He leaned in and whispered something in her ear that had her turning bright red and giggling. Harry was watching the two of them smiling and knew he just had to ask.



“Hey Nori, what did you say to ‘Mione that got her blushing like that.” Harry whispered as Norische escorted Hermione off the dance floor.



“Nice view….” Norische smiled and grabbed Draco for the next dance.



The dance had been going on for about an hour or so when the lead singer stated they had a special request for a dance and apologized but they needed to clear the dance floor for one special couple. Everyone grumbled but left the dance floor, the music started slow and low… Norische turned to Chris and bowed then extended his hand to him. Chris blushed then placed his hand in Norische’s and allowed Norische to escort him onto the center of the dance floor. The song began to take over, it only took a moment for Chris to recognize the song, it was ‘Fire’, one of his favorites. Norische left Chris in the center of the floor and walked over to Draco and took off his cloak, jacket, vest, shirt and tie. Leaving Norische wearing nothing but his black dress pants and his black dragon skin boots, Draco grinned at his sexy mate, licking his lips as Norische handed him his shirt.



As Norische calmly walked back onto the dance floor to stand by Chris who had taken off his cape and jacket and tossed them to Hermione, whispers and gasps echoed throughout the room. The music started to get louder as the lead singer saw the two touch hands. The song started and Chris and Norische started moving sensuously to the music, to say the least it was an arousing experience for anyone watching, after all it was two pranic vamps. What got everyone’s attention is when the song stated, “when we kiss, ooo fire”, Norische flicked his wrist and a ring of fire was formed around the dancing couple. Norische kept his movements slow and sensual, Chris responded by mirroring the erotic nature of the dance… but even he was surprised when the fire wrapped around them. It only took a moment for him to adjust as he realized that Norische was in complete control of the fire. Ever time the song repeated the word fire, the fire surrounding them would leap and get stronger, everyone could see the light glow of sweat on Norische’s body reflecting the dancing flames that surrounded the couple. Both Norische and Chris had rather evident bulges in the front of their trousers as their hips ground together to the heavy beat of the music. Chris lost himself in the rhythm; leaning towards Norische he gently ghosted his tongue across Norische’s neck and chest, gently flicking a nipple as he passed by it. Bending his knees he continued his torturous travels further down Norische’s body, when he reached Norische’s slowly grinding hips he opened his mouth and let his teeth graze against his mate’s cloth covered manhood, then rose once again to match his movements with Norische’s. As the song ended Norische extinguished the flames with a gentle swish of his wrist, and reached to pull Chris close to him. The entire Great Hall erupted in cheers and clapping, woof calls and cat calls were coming from every direction.



Norische bowed to the lead singer and smiled, then grabbed Chris’ hand and quickly pulled him over to where Draco was standing. Hermione came over and gave Chris his things; even she was flushed with excitement from watching the dance. Norische was putting on his shirt when the mass of students that were in total awe of his dance separated to allow his father and dad through. Severus had his arms across his chest with a typical Snape glare on his face.



“Ooops…” Norische whispered, seeing his father’s expression.



Snape strode over and stood immediately in front of Norische, watching as he finished getting dressed. “Exactly what did you think you were doing?” Snape growled.



“What?” Norische looked so innocent.



“Don’t you dare…. I have half the student body about to tear the clothes off the other half, and those that are remaining are in such shock that they are babbling like idiots.” Snape exclaimed.



“I…ah…. well…. Ah… pranic vamp…” Norische tried to explain but did a very poor job of it, so he just shrugged and gave his father his best little boy grin.



This only made matters worse. Snape reached over and grabbed Norische by his cloak, which was now safely in place, and began to drag his son out of the Great Hall toward the dungeons.



“Father…hey…come on…the dance isn’t …hey…!!” Norische didn’t want to leave so early but apparently, he didn’t have much choice, as he found himself being drug down the long hallway.



******



Norische found himself under dorm arrest for a week for his escapade in the Great Hall, but it was worth it. Every one of the Slytherins came up and told him how much they loved the show, he had a couple of them want to know if he was able to date…he even had one marriage proposal, which brought about a scowl on Chris’ face.



Christmas morning Chris, Norische and Draco had quickly made their way over to Severus’ suite with their presents. When they got there they found Pari, Remus and Severus putting the final touches on a table full of refreshments.



At first it was a little awkward between Pari and Norische, but after a few minutes Pari went over to Norische and pulled him close to her.



“You have no idea how proud I am of you Nori.” Pari stated.



“Huh.” Norische was so confused right now it wasn’t even funny, although the expression on his face was actually quite amusing.



“You were willing to give up everything to protect your mates. I know how incredibly hard that was for you, how much it hurt you to face me like that. But you were willing to face me and even to challenge me just to ensure the safety and well-being of your mates. That day Norische you earned my never ending respect. You proved to me you truly understand what it means to be a first mate, to be an alpha.” Pari said as she hugged Norische.



Norische didn’t know what to do or what to say so he decided just to hug Pari and thank her. All was forgiven and he had his ‘mother’ back. This was the best Christmas present she could have ever given him. Everyone laughed when Norische claimed his tears were simply over active hormones, Chris and Draco both hugged Pari and thanked her for loving them so much, and for making Norische so happy.



After a few minutes of hugging and crying someone shouted. “Presents, where do we put presents.” It was Harry, Hermione and Blaise, they couldn’t help but smile when they walked into the room and saw Pari and Norische hugging.



“Presents? That’s my department.” Draco grinned and ran over to fetch the colorful packages that they all carried. “Come on in, there are refreshments over there. Feel free to help yourselves.” Draco said as he placed the packages underneath the tree.



“Hey there, stop that.” Norische laughingly reprimanded Draco as he shook one of the presents with his name on it, trying to figure out what was inside.



Draco put the package down but let his lip pooch out just a little, he was like a little boy, and he loved Christmas. Who was he kidding he loved presents.



Norische went over and sat down on the sofa, this was the best Christmas ever. For so long Christmas had been a lonely time, a time to avoid and even hide from; but this year Norische was so happy. He had his father and dad, he had Draco and Chris, and of course Pari. He had many new friends, Harry, Hermione, Blaise, and of course he had the entire Weasley family.



Norische turned toward the doorway when he heard someone knocking. “You want me to get that Dad?” Norische asked.



“I’ll get it.” Harry volunteered as he raced to the door grinning. When he opened the door the entire Weasley herd came into the room. Norische stood as soon as he saw Mrs. Weasley.



“Sit down boy before I swat you. No formal behaviors this night or I will be very upset with you, this day is for us all.” Molly laughed and moved aside revealing Ron standing with his head bowed standing behind her.



At first Norische was very apprehensive but waited to react, trusting the Minde Cladire’s judgment. “As you wish. Please come in, we have refreshments, please help yourself.”



Ron stepped forward before anyone could say anything. “Norische, I came today to say I am sorry. I disrespected you and your family, I know I don’t honestly deserve it but I ask for your forgiveness. It took loosing everything that meant anything to me, everything I have always held precious to me to understand just how lucky I was and how stupid I had been. I had no right to judge you, I had no right to judge anyone.” Ron stated loud enough for everyone to hear.



“Ron, I accept your apology. I too had to lose everything to understand what was truly precious to me. You are welcome here, please join us.” Norische smiled.



Harry had been furious when he first saw Ron with the rest of the Weasleys but after he heard Ron’s words he couldn’t be happier. He had missed his best friend and he was sure that Hermione had missed Ron as well, although he wasn’t sure how the two of them were going to be but he was willing to give the hard headed jerk another shot if Norische was.



“Thank you.” Ron stated quietly. Then he turned toward Hermione and walked slowly over to her. As soon as he was within a few feet he did what no one would have ever expected, Ron got down on his knees before her. “ Hermione, you have no idea how much I have hated myself for what I did. I love you. I always have. I guess I was jealous. Norische was so refined, a gentleman and all. He was intelligent and good-looking; I guess I was afraid that I would lose you to him. I knew he was gay but I guess I was too afraid of loosing you, I knew he was everything you have always wanted, everything you deserve, and I was just…well, you deserved better.” Ron’s voice began to crack as his words came pouring out. “I know I will never deserve your love, I can only hope that I can become your friend again.” Ron finished as tears began to fall down his cheek.



Hermione had put her hand over her mouth trying to hide her quivering chin as soon as Ron had knelt down. By the time he said ‘I love you’ she was already in tears, as the last of his words were spoken Hermione couldn’t stand it any longer, she fell to her knees beside Ron and wrapped her arms around him.



“You stupid, stubborn ass. I have missed you so much.” Hermione sobbed.



Molly was in tears. Ron had come to the Burrows about a week ago; he had been so nervous that he wouldn’t be accepted back into his family that at first he couldn’t speak. After several minutes of hugging and crying he managed to regain his voice and explain that he had never known what it was like to be lonely and that he had never known so much pain. It took several hours for Ron to explain all that he had been through and but by the time he had finished he was literally begging to be allowed to come back home. As much of a problem as the boy was, he was still her son, so Molly agreed to give him another chance. Since then, Arthur had set up several interviews for Ron at the Ministry for low-level jobs and they had arranged for Ron to continue his education thru independent study. With any luck at all, he would be able to finish and get his diploma with everyone else. Right now Ron was working in the mail department at the Ministry, taking care of and cleaning up after owls. But if everything worked out right he would work his way up to messenger and maybe once he got his diploma he could move up to assistant, and save up the money to go to Auror training, at least that was his goal.



Everyone in the room could literally feel the love and joy in the room. Ron and Hermione chose to sit together on one of the couches that Chris had conjured, talking quietly between themselves.



The twins were deep in conversation with Harry, talking about their idea of opening up their own prank/joke shop, Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. They already had several things they had invented like Canary Creams, Extendable Ears, Skiving Snackboxes, a wide variety of quills, fake wands and all kinds of amazing fireworks. They even had a place picked out, a small store at Number 93 Diagon Alley, it even had a loft for them to use for an apartment.



“Look, I think your ideas are bloody brilliant. And as a son of the Marauders, I would love to help you guys get started. The money that I won from the Triwizard Tournament has never been touched, I want you two to have it.” Harry whispered.



“No way Harry! That’s yours.” Fred exclaimed, trying to keep his voice as quiet as possible.



“Yeah, that belongs to you. We’ve been saving up for a while, its ok.” George added.



“Guys, you two are like my brothers. I want to do this, please. For Cedric.” Harry pleaded. He had felt so horrible taking his share of the winnings he tried to refuse the money but since it was a Wizarding competition the money came to him anyway. Hermione had suggested giving it to charity if it made him feel so uncomfortable, but every time Harry had even thought about touching the money he would get sick to his stomach. This time it just felt right. Cedric and the twins had been friends and so this was the perfect answer of what to do with it.



George and Fred looked at each other, neither had the heart to argue with Harry now. He had pulled out his ace in the hole. Turning back to Harry they both nodded and reached over to hug him. After several more minutes of negotiations they decided to make Harry a silent partner in the business, it was the only way they would take his money. He would get free dibs on all new products; a percentage of the profit and his name would be put on all pattons right along with theirs. Harry argued that last bit, but Fred and George explained that part of the money he was giving them was going to be used for research and development and so he was as equally responsible for any new invention as they were. In the end Harry agreed simply because they wouldn’t take the money unless he did. The three of them made arrangements to meet at Gringotts the following Monday to make all the arrangements.



Norische was snuggled up on the couch in front of the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate and curled up with Draco and Chris on either side of him. The world was perfect, or it would be as soon as they could start opening presents.



Another knock at the door, Draco got up and went over to answer it, it was Sirius with an armload of boxes. Draco immediately took the gifts and directed Sirius over to the refreshments.



“Well since we are all here, does anyone want to start opening presents?” Norische yelled out. The responding cheers and affirmations from the younger individuals in the room made the older folks laugh and begrudgingly agree.



“Cool!” Ginny ran over and since she was the youngest she was elected to hand out presents, making sure everyone got one they all started opening their presents.



Norische handed Draco and Chris each a small box wrapped in silver sparkly paper. He also had a small box in his own hand but he waited for his mates to open their presents before he opened his.



“Nori they’re adorable!” Draco gasped when he saw the two little silver bats on rings, realizing they matched those that both Norische and Chris wore. He also gasped when he saw a little bar piercing with a tiny oval dangling from it; the oval had a beautifully detailed dragon etched on it. Draco knew that this piece matched the piercing that Norische had in his scrotum. Draco could handle the idea of getting his nipples pierced but the other, eeewww. Suddenly Draco felt just a little light headed.



Chris opened his box and found a small silver bar with an oval just like Norische’s with XOXO on it. “Oh Nori!” Chris leaned over and hugged his mate, he knew how much the piercing had meant to Norische and would be honored to share in its meaning.



Norische opened his little box and showed its contents to his mates. Inside was his original piercing with an added oval, one matching the dragon medallion that he had given to Draco. Draco then realized what it all meant, even thought the idea of being pierced THERE was a little nauseating, he too would be honored to share this with his mate.



“Hey, something I had always wondered about. Back when you guys first came to school you had a fight over the meaning of the XOXO on this. Tell me, what does it mean and why did you get upset.” Draco asked Norische.



“Back at Abbryes there were a couple of guys that were purebloods that didn’t exactly like the fact that I was a half blood and that Chris and I were together, so they started calling him names, insulting him. One thing they used to call him was ‘my hole’, meaning that all he was to me was an ass to fuck, that I couldn’t love him. When I got my piercing, they found out what it was they said that I had put the X to stand for Chris’ last name LaCroix or the Cross, and that the O was for the fact he was my hole, my whore. I almost removed the piercing, but Chris begged me not too. You see, the first X is for Chris’ first name, the first O stands for love ever lasting, the second X is for Chris’ last name LaCroix, and the last O stands for life eternal. Basically it means that for as long as I live I will love him with all my soul. But those cretins at school made it out to be something horrible.” Norische explained.



“Wow, I can see why you got pissed when he said that the O represented him.” Draco whispered.



“Yeah, it has always been a touchy subject with me since they started. It is something that is very special to me and Chris and they twisted it to…” Norische didn’t get to finish his sentence; Chris placed a gentle finger on his mate’s lips.



“Ssshh, don’t let those people interfere in our day. This is our day, don’t let them destroy the happiness that we have right now.” Chris smiled gently.



“Your right, they don’t matter in our world. They will never know the love that I have within me, nor the love I have with the two of you.” Norische kissed Chris’ finger. “Now how about getting me some more hot cocoa?”



As the rest of the presents were opened, there was laughing, crying, hugs and teasing until the wee hours of the morning. Norische received several presents for the babies, which made him feel warm all over. He held up each gift in front of his stomach so the twins could see them. After Norische opened the box from Remus and Severus containing dozens of magical children’s books and a even a few story books that could be read to the twins or they could read when they got older, Norische gasped and grabbed his stomach his eyes got huge.



“What’s the matter!” Remus gasped.



“Norische are you all right?” Severus rushed over to his son’s side.



Norische quickly grabbed his father’s hand and placed it on his belly. “They kicked! They actually kicked! Father feel this!”



Severus’ eyes got huge and he began to laugh. “Remus come here!” Severus grabbed Remus’ hand and placed it beside his own, “Our grandson’s like their presents.” Severus could feel the tears welling up in his eyes and he didn’t even try to hide them.



“The babies kicked. Oh Merlin! Let me feel!” Draco moved over close to Norische and placed his hand just above Remus’ “Chris! Get over here, our son’s are moving!” Draco shouted across the room.



“WHAT!” Chris dropped the cup of hot chocolate and rushed over to Norische’s side. “Sweet Kain…” He whispered as he laid his hand next to Draco’s. “Oh Nori, this is so wonderful. The first time they ever kicked where we could feel them. Oh babies you have given your daddies the best Christmas present we could ever have gotten.” Chris leaned into Draco, tears streaming down his cheeks.



“The babies moved? Did someone say the babies moved?” Pari gasped as she came out of the kitchen. Quickly she handed the tray of biscuits she was carrying over to Sirius and rushed over to Norische. “Nori, can you feel them?” Pari asked.



“Here put your hand right here.” Norische grabbed her hand and placed it right on top of his stomach. “They are both moving, and kicking. One is low on my left side the other is here.”



Soon everyone in the room took their turn at feeling the babies, who seemed to absolutely love the attention. The girls giggled and gasped as the little feet thumped against their hands. Ron and Hermione placed their hands on Norische’s belly together, as soon as they felt the tiny thump under their fingers they both began to cry, hugging each other and whispering in each other’s ear. The twins knew for sure that the babies were going to be beaters as soon as they felt the babies kicking. Even though Fred and George put their hands on opposite sides of Norische’s stomach they both felt the babies kick their hands at the same time, apparently each baby picked a twin and smacked the hand closest to them. Molly and Author were just glowing with pride, and love at their adopted grandbabies. Sirius had to open up the present he got the twins and showed it to them himself, a set of matching Dancer III brooms. Tiny first brooms for toddlers, specially charmed for height and speed and with cushion charms incase the child falls off. The babies got so excited Norische actually had to reprimand them. Then he felt a little foolish, sitting there telling his stomach to behave itself. But it did the trick the babies started to calm down immediately. This brought a whole new round of laughter and comments from everyone.



As the last of the presents were opened Norische yawned and leaned against Chris, pulling Draco close to his other side. The boys actually fell asleep for a while, until Remus woke them up and ushered them to bed. Saying a final goodnight to everyone the three went off to bed.