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 26





Norische went to Professor Vector and asked if Hermione was right, and got some help on a couple of other questions about the matrixes. When Friday came Norische was thrilled he got a perfect score on his test. Norische sent Hermione a beautiful bouquet of white roses for all her help, and thanked Draco and Chris in a much more personal manner. Although Severus did get upset since the boys forgot to put up a silencing charm before hand, Norische just shrugged and grabbed Draco and Chris and headed back into their room laughing.



Norische was so thrilled with his score on his Arithmancy test he wanted to celebrate, and since this was a Hogsmeade weekend that is exactly what he planned on doing. Hermione and Harry insisted that they take Norische, Draco, and Chris out to dinner at the Three Broomsticks, since this was the first time since Norische and Draco’s bonding that they had a Hogsmeade weekend. So, everyone was excited about going out.



Hogsmeade was definitely more crowded than normal, but after all, it was the first time for the students to get out and have some fun since school started. Norische wanted to go into Honeydukes and check it out. He didn’t have a huge sweet tooth like Draco but Norische did have a real craving for buttermints and bloodpops right now and it was driving him nuts.



Norische tilted his head slightly thinking. It was almost two weeks past Chris’ normal season start date, and then Norische realized that Draco had never gone into season either. I should probably take them both to see Madam Pomfrey tomorrow. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that I am already breeding? Chris walked up and placed his hand on Norische’s arm. “Everything alright? You had that far away look in your eyes.”



“Yeah, I just realized that neither you or Draco had gone into season yet, and even though you have only had two seasons, they have both been around the same time. I thought maybe it was because of the fact that I am breeding, but I think we need to have both of you go to the medi-witch tomorrow and find out.” Norische answered.



“With everything that has been going on I hadn’t really had the time to notice but your right. Can’t we just say it is a godsend and forget about it?” Chris stated as they walked inside Honeydukes.



“Nope, remember what happens when you ignore things like this…they tend to build up and explode.” Norische explained. Chris mumbled his opinions softly to himself but Norische couldn’t understand what exactly he said so he dropped it.



Norische spent about twenty minutes picking out a variety of things, he even picked up a few sweets for Draco and his father and dad…although he didn’t see his father eating too much sweet he did notice that Remus had a definite chocolate fetish… Norische thought as he softly chuckled to himself.



BANG!!!



Outside a huge explosion shook the windows of the store, the sound of shattering glass and the screams of several people echoed through the streets of Hogsmeade. Norische tossed his purchases to Draco and rushed out the door, into the street.



Smoke was billowing from the store two doors down from Dervish and Banges, flames were shooting out the display window and people were running in every direction. Suddenly Norische heard the distinctive crack of several individuals apparating nearby. Those same black robed figures that tried to grab him in New Orleans suddenly popped up on the streets of Hogsmeade.



Norische looked around to see if he could spot the Gryffindors anywhere. There! Down by Madam Ladue’s Ink Emporium by the Post Office, Norische spotted Harry, and Hermione. Damn they were on the other side of the street with at least three of the robed assholes between them. Quickly Norische shimmered and stealthed then made his way over to where Harry was, dodging curses and hexes as he went. As soon as he was within a few feet of Harry he stopped and un-stealthed.



Hermione shrieked as Norische suddenly appeared beside them. “Sorry, are you two ok?” Norische quickly asked.



Harry was shocked to see Norische but was more focused on the death eaters that were about ten feet in front of them.



“Stupify!” Harry fired at the closest death eater.



As soon as the others heard his voice, they began a barrage of curses, firing them all directly at Harry. Before Harry could react he was suddenly surrounded by darkness. “What the….”



Norische’s wings encompassed both Harry and Hermione. Over and over again the curses hit, Harry could see the flashes of light as they struck Norische’s wings. A cutting curse hit and Norische screamed out in agony, as he felt his wings being torn apart. Hermione was crying, knowing the pain that Norische must be feeling, and Harry was struggling to get free… but Norische would not pull back his wings, no matter the amount of pain he was in.



“Nori!” Chris was suddenly next to them, Draco was close behind.



Norische raised his head and stared at his mate with glowing red eyes. “Ceas ei, Meesha a aveo o omori cineva!” Norische growled low to Chris. Norische released Harry and Hermione and disappeared in a whirling mist. Immediately Chris’ wings encompassed Draco, Hermione and Harry, before Harry could take the opportunity to move.



“Oh fuck he has gone total vamp on us!” Chris whispered to Draco.



“What did he say?” Draco asked.



“ ‘Watch them, I’ve got something to kill.’ Then he misted away.” Chris could feel Harry struggling to get away. “Harry I know you want to help but right now you will just be a distraction to him, and may cause him to get hurt. Let him be, he can take care of himself.”



Harry reluctantly stopped his struggling and calmed, listening to the sounds of battle outside the dark boundaries he found himself hidden in. Scream after scream erupted right outside of where they stood.



“Stupify!”



“Stupify!”



“Stupefacio!”



“Expelliarmus!”



“Stupify!”



Over and over again curses were cast, but this time by voices that Harry recognized. Then suddenly all was quiet. Slowly Chris lowered his wings, allowing Harry to see out again.



As the smoke and magic cleared Harry could see a solitary figure standing in the middle of it all. Norische, blood dripping from his wings as well as dozens of cuts and wounds across his body, standing there with the head of a death eater clasped in his hand. Norische looked around at all the bodies, then tilted his head back and roared a mighty scream, throwing his wings back in full display.



Severus looked through the smoke and saw his son, covered in blood… both his own and that of his opponents. The sound of Norische’s wail made his father’s blood run cold.



*****



“How many have they found so far?” Professor McGonagall asked.



Severus sighed. “So far nineteen death eaters stunned or injured and taken into custody, and 23 confirmed dead.”



“Dear Merlin…. How is Norische?” Minerva gasped.



“Recovering, slowly… Thankfully my grandson’s were not harmed but he spent the very last of his energy protecting them.” Severus looked over at Dumbledore.



Dumbledore nodded. “Your son is very strong Severus. He will be fine. I am just extremely glad that he was there that day, I doubt very seriously that anyone else could have done what he did.”



McGonagall nodded. “Oh Severus you might let Harry know when you go back to the infirmary that one of the bodies they found was that of Peter Pettigrew, so the Ministry has completely cleared Sirius of all charges… he should be happy to hear that.”



“I am sure he shall. Harry has not left my son’s side since he was brought in. Except for necessities of course. He has slept in one of the beds in the infirmary, just as Draco and Chris have been doing… and the three of them have been taking their meals there as well.” Severus stated. “Poppy said he could probably go back to the suite tomorrow, if he promised to take it easy.”



“That is good to hear. If there is anything we can do for you or your son, let us know.” Dumbledore sighed.



*****



It had been three days since the attack on Hogsmeade, Norische had received several rather serious cuts and curse related injuries but thankfully he had his mates to distract him. Sure that Norische would be released today, Chris and Harry had gone down to the suite to get Norische a change of clothes, and make sure everything was straightened up and ready for his return.



Norische adored the feeling of utter decadence of having Draco brush his hair for him. Sitting in the middle of the hospital bed with Draco’s legs wrapped around him, Norische leaned back into Draco’s arms and almost purred with contentment, closing his eyes as his mate slowly ran the brush through his ebony lox. He was so lost in the sensation he didn’t even notice when Madam Pomfrey walked up, forcing her to clear her throat to get his attention.



“Ah hem.”



Norische jumped and opened his eyes to see the medi-witch standing along side his bed with her hands on her hips.



“Good morning Madam Pomfrey. Have you decided to send me home yet?” Norische purred, then cleared his throat as he realized how sensuous he had sounded. Shivering a little as he pulled away from Draco and his attentions.



“Actually yes, from what I can tell you are doing well enough to go home. But… I want you to stay in bed and rest for a few days. I don’t want to see you back here young man, at least not until your next appointment.” Poppy gently reprimanded.



“I am afraid that is not going to be possible at this time Poppy, Madam can you give us some privacy please.” Dumbledore stated as he walked up to the bed, in a huff Poppy turned and headed into her office. “Norische, I am sorry…but the Ministry has heard of your…experience in Hogsmeade and wishes to speak with you.”



A thousand questions and possibilities began rushing through Norische’s head at once. Was he in trouble for what happened? Was he going to be sent to Azkaban? Were they going to demand that he receive the kiss? With each thought Norische could feel his heart pounding in his ears.



[Father, Dad…help!!!]



[Norische! What’s wrong? Where are you?] Severus’ voice came through mind speak, he could hear the absolute fear in his son’s voice.



[Infirmary. Dumbledore’s here, trying to take me to the Ministry…father I’m scared!!]



[We will be there in a minute! Don’t go anywhere! Apparate out of there if you need too!] Remus responded.



“He isn’t going anywhere… you can’t make him!” Draco dropped the brush he had in his hand onto the bed and wrapped his arms protectively around Norische. He could feel Norische trembling against his chest, and hear the thoughts racing through his head.



“The Minister is not taking no for an answer. He is demanding Norische’s presence. Unfortunately my hands are tied in this matter.” Dumbledore sighed; the twinkle in his eyes was fading fast as he watched the young man turn and bury his face in Draco’s neck.



“Nori!” Remus called out as he raced alongside of Severus, both of them running as quickly as they could up to the bed.



Norische pulled away from Draco and quickly jumped off the bed seeking Remus’ strong arms. “Don’t let him take me…don’t let them send me to Azkaban…” Norische began sobbing, not really knowing if it really was fear or just his uncontrollable hormones again.



Remus’ arms quickly wrapped around Norische, then Severus’ arms wrapped protectively around them both. Both of them could feel Norische’s trembling uncontrollably.



“No one is taking you anywhere Norische!” Severus growled low, glaring at Dumbledore with such ferocity that the Headmaster’s eyes got large and he took a step back. Never had he seen such undeniable fury in his old friend’s eyes.



Chris and Harry raced into the infirmary. “I’ve called Pari, she’s on her way…she said don’t do anything until she gets here!” Chris panted. Apparently Draco had called for Chris at the same time that Norische had cried out for his father. Chris was carrying the amber orb they used to contact Pari as he came running up to the Draco and Norische. Draco jumped off the bed and went to stand next to Chris, unsure of exactly what to do but he was glad that Chris was there now.



The orb began to glow and vibrate, so Chris quickly laid it down on the floor making sure that Pari would have more than enough clearance to come through. As the glow from the orb spread, it was apparent that two not one individual were coming through.



Draco watched closely, blinking several times as the light faded. Pari was dressed in a midnight blue gown, with brilliant silver adornments…Draco couldn’t help but gasp at how regal she appeared. To make matters more confusing, beside Pari was a man that Draco had never seen. The man looked a lot like Pari really; he had her same jet-black hair and ebony eyes. He was quite a bit taller than Pari though, perhaps six foot three or four…he looked just a little taller than Severus from what Draco could tell. The man was dressed in black velvet pants, which fit close to his legs. He had on a black poet shirt and a sapphire blue waistcoat, with a black cape trimmed in silver. Draco couldn’t help but shiver at the power exhibited just by his mere presence.



As soon as he saw the man beside Pari, Chris gasped and fell to his knees bowing his head. Draco was a little taken back by Chris’ actions but immediately followed suit and fell to the ground beside him.



[Who is that man Chris?] Draco whispered to Chris.



[Dear gods Draco, that is his Majesty, Kain of Shadowhaven, the Lord King of the Vampyre Nation.] Chris answered. Draco could here the respect and awe that was in Chris’ voice.



[Sweet Salazar! Ah…what do I do? You never told me about protocol for meeting someone like him?] Draco tried to hide the trembling in his voice.



[That’s because I never dreamed we would ever have the privilege to be in his presence. Ah… don’t move. Don’t say anything unless he asks you something, and then just answer as quickly and respectfully as you can. Don’t look him in the eyes no matter what you do… it is a sure sign of disrespect. Ah… gods, I can’t think straight… ah… oh…don’t touch him, unless he initiates contact. Oh if he asks a general question, let Nori answer it, if he can’t let me answer it, you should only speak up if he ask you something directly. Gods this is so unreal….] Chris couldn’t believe he was in the same room as the King, he felt his heart pounding in his ears and tried to focus on not passing out right then.



“Severus, what is going on here? What does this cretin want of my godson?” Pari was pissed and wasn’t about to waste words or pleasantries in a false attempt to be polite.



Severus pulled away slightly from Remus and Norische, enough to see that Pari had brought a stranger with her. As he watched the stranger with guarded scrutiny, Severus answered. “The Headmaster wishes to turn my son over to the Ministry of Magic…” Severus stated as he attempted to calm his anger and speak in a more appropriate tone.



[Sir… father, just so you will know…the man with Pari is His Royal Majesty, Kain of Shadowhaven, the King of the Vampyre Nation.] Chris quickly whispered to Severus and Remus.



At first Severus didn’t know what to do, he had heard of Kain of Shadowhaven in his escapades as a spy. Not wishing to offend Pari or the King, Severus knelt down on one knee and bowed his head. “Your Majesty….”



“Rise. Tell me why one of my own is being handed over to your Ministry?” Kain’s voice was smooth and calm, although there was an edge of authority about it that could not be denied.



Severus rose to stand next to Remus and Norische once again. “I am afraid Your Majesty that I have just arrived here, and I have not been given the specifics of the demands. Perhaps the Headmaster could explain this to us all…” Severus turned to glare at Dumbledore.



“Severus, I do not wish to hand Norische over to the Ministry, but Minister Fudge is demanding his presence. I am afraid I do not have the authority to refuse him.” Albus shook his head sadly.



Kain walked over to stand next to Remus and Norische, watching as Norische sobbed harder at Dumbledore’s words. “Fear not, young one. No one will take you from your family.” Kain laid his hand on Norische’s shoulder.



Norische felt the touch of another and looked up, his eyes got huge as he recognized who it was. Suddenly his knees felt weak, Norische felt himself sliding down to the ground…his own body unwilling to support him at this point.



Remus gasped and wrapped his arms around Norische’s waist. “Severus help me, he’s going to pass out!”



Quickly Severus reached down and lifted Norische up and placed him on the hospital bed, then quickly instructed Remus to go get Poppy.



“Norische…son… are you all right?” Severus brushed a loose lock of hair to the side.



Norische didn’t answer, he found he couldn’t… no matter how much he wanted to speak no words seem to be coming out.



“Kain move out of the way, Nori needs me…” Pari rushed to Norische’s side pushing Kain out of her way as she moved to stand beside her godson.



“Nori, calm down…come on… breath. Don’t let Kain’s presents upset you, come on Nori… calm down.” Pari patted Norische’s hand, trying to get his attention.



[Did Pari just shove the King out of her way?”] Chris whispered to Draco, not wishing to raise his eyes so he could see for himself.



[I don’t know, I wasn’t looking. But it sounds like she did. Do you think Nori is alright, he isn’t answering?] Draco whispered back.



[I don’t know, I hope so. I know how he feels though…even if he said I could get up, I don’t think I could…] Chris answered.



Poppy came rushing into the room, pushing aside Severus and Dumbledore and began to quickly run several diagnostics on Norische. “Young man, what did I tell you about getting overly excited and upsetting yourself?” Poppy chastised Norische, totally oblivious of the other individuals in the room. “Severus go get him a calming drought, his heart is beating way too fast.”



Severus turned and quickly fetched the appropriate potion from the storage cabinet at the other end of the room. Handing the vial to the medi-witch Severus explained the shock of Dumbledore’s intentions and then the appearance of Kain.



“Well neither of you are taking this young man anywhere. Albus, I don’t care who at the Ministry is demanding what, Mr. Snape is going absolutely nowhere. Right this moment if he doesn’t calm down he may very well miscarriage. Drink this young man.” Madam Pomfrey pressed the vial to Norische’s lips. Hearing Poppy’s words Norische immediately followed her instructions.



“All of you, out…Mr. Malfoy, Mr. LaCroix get off that floor and get over here. Mr. Snape and these babies need your presence.” Poppy didn’t care if the man on the other side of the bed was the Emperor of China, she wasn’t about to lose those two little one’s.



Neither Chris or Draco hesitated for a moment; both were immediately by Norische’s side. King or no King, their son’s were in danger as was their mate.



“Draco, crawl over and lay down on his other side.” Chris ordered as he climbed onto the bed to lie down next to Norische, immediately wrapping his arms around his mate.



Draco kicked his shoes off and quickly crawled over Norische’s legs, then stretched out next to Norische. As soon as he laid down, Draco began to card his fingers through Norische’s hair, uttering soothing words to him.



Both Pari and Kain moved back a little from the bed to allow the boys to take care of their mate. Pari pulled out her wand and enlarged the bed, making it a little more comfortable for the boys.



Pari put her hands on hips and turned to Kain. “Kain, you big doofus. You have scared Nori half to death. You just had to touch him didn’t you… he is only a child you know, and a pregnant one at that. Oh…. You can be so infuriating…” Pari swatted Kain on the arm then turned back to Norische who had watched the whole exchange in total disbelief.



“Pari…did you just call Kain of Shadowhaven a ‘doofus’?” Norische whispered, totally not believing his godmother’s actions.



“Yes I did. I can call my brother anything I blasted well want too and right this moment that is what he is. Norische baby are you all right? He didn’t upset you too much did he?”



“No Ma’am. I guess I am still just a little shaken up. It’s ok.” Norische answered as he snuggled into Chris and Draco’s warm arms



“Very well. Nori dear, do you think you will be alright if Severus, Remus, Kain and I go speak with the Headmaster?” Pari placed her hand Norische’s forehead as if checking for a fever.



“Yes Ma’am. I’ll be fine.” Norische was still in shock that his majesty had actually touched him, him…. Wow…



“Ok hun, we’ll be back in a few minutes when we get all this nonsense settled.” Pari looked over to Chris and Draco. “Boys make sure he doesn’t get out of this bed, unless absolutely necessary and I don’t think he has fed today, his blood smells a little light.”



“Yes M’lady.” Draco stated glancing over to Kain; he assumed that formal manners would be best at this point.



“Of course, Minde Cladire, as you wish.” Chris responded. [You’re doing great Draco, you remembered to do formal. Excellent.]



Draco blushed slightly at the compliment, even though Chris had worked with him several times on manners and protocol as well as going over their clan history and ceremonies, Draco still felt unsure of himself when it came to which behavior was proper when. Chris’ basic rule of thumb was ‘if you are unsure, always fall back on formal behavior, no one can fault you for having manners that are too good’.



Leaning down to rub his cheek on Norische’s shoulder, Draco couldn’t help but think how much had changed in the last few months. He had gone from being the Slytherin sex god to wanting only one individual…well two really. He had gone from being primped to serve the Dark Lord by his father, to going to be a father himself. From being full of anger, envy, bigotry, and fear, to being full to overflowing with love, passion, pride, happiness, and an unbelievable peace of mind. Before he had always thought that he would never know what love truly meant, now he can’t imagine living a day without it.



Norische felt the emotions that were going through Draco and reached through their bond to wrap his mind in warmth and love. [I will always be here Draco, trust father and Pari, they wont let them take me away.] Norische whispered as he leaned over and placed a gentle, reassuring kiss on Draco’s cheek.