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: I am sorry this site wont let me respond to the reviews or your questions. I have seen alot of people who take up page after page of their chapters to respond to reviews and it has always frustrated me when I am reading so I wont do it myself. However, if you have a question...I can respond through the yahoo group that I set up so feel free to ask anything you wish. 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 36



Severus slowly made his way back down to the dinning area where the rest were still gathered. As he looked into the faces of his family and friends Severus realized they had all been affected by Harry’s words, by the shock and reality of it all.



Severus walked up behind Remus who was sitting back in his chair although he still had his arm around Sirius who had taken up residency in Severus’ abandon chair. Seeing Severus approach, Sirius rose to move but Severus placed a gentle hand on the man’s shoulder and held him in his place. He knew the emotions that were flooding Black right now, and he knew that Remus was Black’s closest friend… and right now he desperately needed a friend. With a nod of thanks Sirius sat back into the chair and waited for Severus to speak.



“What those boys just revealed to us took a lot of courage. Harry has been hiding the abuse and the pain for so long. I can only imagine the strength that it took to tell us all now.” Severus began, his voice low and deep, heavy with emotion.



“I am not sure if there was more that Norische wished to state, but I feel that it is a good thing that they retired for now. It has been a very trying day for him, for them all. However, I do feel that we should continue the conversation… I will make arrangements to have our discussion put into a pensive so that the boys can see what we are going to speak about.”



“The first thing that we need to address is why we are here. For those of you who may not realize the events of the past several days…let me explain.” Severus began… “Several days ago Hogsmeade was attacked by death eaters. Draco, Chris and Norische were in Honeydukes when the attack began, upon hearing the explosion at Gibtree’s Magical Gadgets and Gizmos; Norische went out side to see what was going on. Death eaters had blown up Gibtree’s and were attacking people everywhere. Norische knew that Harry had come into Hogsmeade with Hermione so without honestly thinking about the consequences he went outside to see if he could find them. Apparently Harry and Hermione were hiding behind some crates that were across the street, once Norische spotted the two of them he immediately went over to where they were in an attempt to protect them. Unfortunately, one of the death eaters spotted Harry at the same time that Norische did and began attacking, using a wide variety of curses… most of them dark. Once he reached them, Norische surrounded Harry and Hermione with his wings; at which point several of the death eaters began firing curses at them. After a couple of minutes Chris and Draco managed to make their way over to where Norische, Harry and Hermione were crouched down.”



Severus paused for a moment and took a deep breath then continued. “By this point Norische was in quite a bit of pain from the curses that had hit his wings. Although his wings do protect him from quite a few different curses, the curses that they were using were beginning to take their toll. Norische ordered Chris to stay with Draco, Harry and Hermione, then turned to the death eaters and began attacking. From what he described, at this point he was what he referred to as ‘vamped out’. From my understanding he was in a Vampyric rage. His perception is somewhat lacking from that moment on. When Professor Dumbledore, Remus and myself apparated to Hogsmeade the battle was practically finished. Norische was standing in the center of the street, there were bodies scattered around him. It took less that ten minutes to take care of the remaining death eaters. From the reports that Albus received over fifty of Voldemort’s people were either killed, captured, or just disappeared. Norische single handedly took out over thirty experienced death eaters. Bellatrix Lestrange, Rondulphus Lestrange, Regulus Lestrange, Peter Pettigrew, Nott, Zabini, Goyle, Audry, Alecto, Amycus, Gibbon, Jugson, McNair, Marilin, Shanty, Hacnkey, and Craxe have been mentioned by both the Dark Lord and the Ministry.”



Remus spoke up at this point. “Minister Fudge found out about what had happened and the degree of damage that Norische was able to do to the Dark Lord’s most experienced death eaters, and he decided that Norische would make a most useful asset to the Ministry of Magic in the war against the Dark Lord. When Severus and I refused to force Norische to become the Ministry’s newest weapon and latest pansy, Fudge declared that he was going to be charging Norische with twenty three counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.”



Molly and Arthur gasped at this, but continued to listen intently.



Remus continued. “When Severus, Pari, Kain and I spoke with Professor Dumbledore he stated that there was nothing he could do to help Norische. We suggested that Norische was merely acting in self defense but Dumbledore stated that Norische and his mates were safe within Honeydukes at the time of the attack and that Norische had willingly and consciously left that safety and intentionally put himself in the line of fire, hence it could not be considered self defense. We also mentioned that he was defending Harry and Hermione at the time that he was attacked and subsequently lost control. Dumbledore stated that since the law only allowed leniency for a Vampyre loosing control during acts of self preservation or during the protection of a mate, that Norische unfortunately was not protected by the law and he had no choice but to allow Fudge to take Norische as soon as he was able to travel.”



“How can he be so blind! Norische was protecting Harry!” Bill shouted.



“Yeah and my Hermione too! What was he thinking!” Ron growled, Hermione quickly leaned over and whispered something in his ear that caused the boy to blush and nod, Ron looked around at everyone to see if they caught his slip. Yeah he thought of Hermione as his, but he didn’t honestly need his brothers teasing him about it right now.



“I can honestly say that I cannot fathom what the headmaster is thinking or why he is willing to allow such atrocities to occur. I know that I will not allow him to manipulate myself or my family from this day forward. Prior to Harry’s disclosure I had thought perchance that Albus had done this for some noble cause. Knowing that Remus and I would never allow the boys to be used by the Ministry or imprisoned. That by not standing beside our decision that he knew we would be forced to take action.” Severus shook his head wearily. “But now, now I am not sure.”



As an elf came through and refilled the teapots and poured more tea for those that required it, the room sat in somewhat strained silence. Lista sat out several trays of delectable sweets, pastries and chocolates of all forms and prepared fruits, some that were quite familiar, others were rather odd but still delicious.



“What about the other Slytherins?” Blaise asked as he popped another chocolate covered strawberry into his mouth.



Severus looked down the table quirking an eyebrow at the young man. “What do you mean Mr. Zabini?”



“Well… as you know, after the attack several of the sixth and seventh year Slytherins received letters from their family stating that they were to make arrangements to come home for a visit, that a friend of the family would be in the area and was anxious to meet them. We all knew that the ‘friend of the family’ was the Dark Lord, and that when it said he was anxious to meet us meant that he was making plans to give us the dark mark and initiate us into his ranks.” Blaise paused for a moment to stare at the half eaten strawberry, suddenly loosing his appetite he placed the luscious berry on his plate and continued. “When I went to Dumbledore with some of the letters he just read them and shook his head. He said that unfortunately he couldn’t do anything to help. Since the letters didn’t come right out and state anything about the Dark Lord, or any illegal activity that he could not interfere. He actually stated that perhaps I was over reacting or that I had misinterpreted what the letters said. I told him that my father was sitting in a cell waiting for trial as a Death Eater and I am pretty sure that he had spoken to the Dark Lord prior to his incarceration about making me take the dark mark. He stated that if he didn’t have solid proof that the students were in jeopardy that there was nothing he could do.” Blaise huffed in disgust at the headmaster’s words.



“That’s not true!” Hermione shrieked. “The bi-laws of Hogwarts clearly state that if for any reason the Headmaster or Headmistress believes a student’s well being is in question or there is a perceived threat that it is the responsibility of the Headmaster/Headmistress to take it upon themselves to restrict said student’s activities accordingly and notify the appropriate authorities. Even if the Headmaster doesn’t think the threat is real, once notified of a perceived threat that it is his responsibility to notify the Ministry and the Board of Governors and allow them to make the decision as to the appropriate steps to take.” Hermione took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself then continued. “By not notifying the Ministry and the Board of Governors the Headmaster knowingly and willingly placed a student’s life in danger, which is an offence that warrants dismissal and formal charges to be pressed.”



Ron took it upon himself to interpret Hermione’s statement. “So in other words what Dumbledore should have done is say ‘no student could leave the grounds of Hogwarts’ and sent the letters and stuff to the Ministry. And that since he didn’t…he can get canned?”



Arthur nodded. “While I can’t quote the bi-laws of Hogwarts like Hermione can, I do know that one. Albus has used it on occasion when a student had an abusive situation at home and it was his duty to step in and protect the student.”



“Then why didn’t he step in when Harry was getting beat up by his Uncle?” Fred demanded.



“Yeah, if the law was on his side, how could he let Harry get hurt like that?” George echoes his brother’s concerns.



Immediately everyone at the table began talking at once, Severus squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger in an attempt to remain calm but it was not working. Finally the commotion was getting on his nerves so he shouted above the many voices… “Enough!” The room quickly became silent. “I know we all have many more questions than we do answers right now, but we can’t let our emotions over rule logic and facts at this point. We must focus people.”



“Agreed.” Remus stated. “Are there any more things that Dumbledore has done that might seem questionable?”



*****



Harry sighed deeply as he curled into Norische’s arms. Never in his life had he ever felt so secure, so safe. The events of the evening slowly came back into focus as the sleep induced fog cleared away. He couldn’t believe they all knew now. They knew about the abuse, the neglect, the…other. Would he ever be able to look them in the eyes again? Would they all hate him? Harry’s had so many questions, painful questions? He didn’t want to think about it, he just wanted to lose himself in the warmth and security he felt right this moment.



Unfortunately, his euphoria was short lived. Harry felt something odd. Something was poking him in his stomach; something was in bed with them. Harry jerked upright with a start.



“What’s the matter?” Norische asked, startled awake by Harry’s quick movement.



“What was that?” Harry gasped as he looked around the bed to find out what was poking him.



“What was what?” Draco groaned, awakened by the activity of the other occupants of the bed.



“Something was poking me…in the stomach.” Harry moved some of the covers around to see if he could find what ever it was.



“Poking you…huh?” Draco was confused and sleepy, frustrated about being woke up.



“I’m sorry Harry…” Norische chuckled and placed a hand on his belly. “It was the babies. They have a tendency to be awake when I wish to sleep. Or at least one of them is awake. I can’t tell if it is one of them or both.” Norische groaned as someone decided to push on his bladder without warning. “Blast….” Throwing the covers back, Norische got up and rushed to the loo.



Harry watched as Norische took off to the loo, then looked over to Draco who was slowly rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Does that happen often?”



“Yeah, in the last month or so mainly though. It was really weird to wake up when they are moving a lot. Usually he sleeps on his back with me on his left and Chris on his right side, so it isn’t too bad. But lately he has been having problems sleeping on his back, so we usually let him get comfortable however he can and then get in bed around him.” Draco yawned, curling back into the warm chest that was pressed against his back.



“Draco….shush… ‘m sleepin’” Chris grumbled as he tightened his arms around his bedmate.



“Sorry, the babies woke up Harry.” Draco whispered.



“Babies!” Chris was immediately awake. “What’s wrong? Where’s Nori?!?”



“Calm down…” Draco chuckled, turning his head to where he could kiss Chris. “Nori is in the loo, and he’s fine. The babies were awake and they were kicking Harry so he woke up. He was scared that something was in the bed with us, but it was just the babies moving around.”



Chris kissed Draco deeply. “Oh… ok.” Immediately calming after Draco explained.



Draco chuckled at Chris’ reaction. Even though neither one of them had ever been a father before, Draco seemed to be handling Norische’s pregnancy a lot better than Chris. He was always over protective and worried a lot. Sometimes Draco felt guilty about not worrying so much, but then he realized that it wasn’t that he loved Nori or the babies any less than Chris did, it was just that he reacted differently.



Every since they had found out about the pregnancy Draco had been reading every book on male pregnancy that he could get his hands on. He even read some on female pregnancy and how to care for the babies after they got there. He did not like not knowing something, and he had no intention of being unprepared when his son arrived or if Norische needed him.



So far Norische’s pregnancy had been pretty good. Well except for the moodiness but that was understandable. From what Poppy had said, as well as all those books, for all intent and purposes Norische was in hormone hell right now. His body was producing hormones to be able to carry the babies that it honestly didn’t know what to do with. Poppy had said that around the sixth or seventh month that his body would get used to the hormones and they wouldn’t cause such horrible mood swings. Draco didn’t want to say anything but he was desperately looking forward to that time. He was so used to Norische being the strong one, the one that could handle anything, and the one that was never hurt or afraid…that seeing him so…well…fragile, was disturbing.



In a way Draco loved being able to be there for Norische, to be the strong one. But it was confusing too; he could never be as strong as Norische, or even Chris for that matter. He had spent his whole life doing exactly what his father ordered him to do, doing things that he didn’t want to do, in a futile attempt to make Lucius proud of him. Draco laid there quietly in Chris’ arms, his mind wandered to Lucius when Norische came back in the room.



“I hate being pregnant!” Norische huffed as he walked over to the bed.



Harry looked at Norische confused. “What’s the problem?”



Norische lifted up the covers and crawled back into the bed as he grumbled. “Well someone is always kicking me from the inside while I am trying to sleep. One of them thinks it is a cool game to see if they can kick my bladder hard enough to make me wet myself. And I can’t see my feet, so I have to sit down to pee and then getting back up is no picnic.”



As Norische snuggled down next to Harry drawing on the warmth and comfort he found there, Harry couldn’t help but chuckle. “You think this is funny, wait till you get pregnant… we’ll see if you think it is funny then.” Norische scoffed.



“Me…pregnant? But I can’t get pregnant. I’m human.” Harry’s eyes got huge at the suggestion.



Chris groaned and joined in the conversation since sleep didn’t seem like a true possibility at this point. “Harry, not only can Vamps and Veela get pregnant but they can impregnate their mates at well…even if their mate is a human.” Chris yawned and pulled Draco close to him.



“Yeah, the only difference between us and you, after we bond is that Vampyre and Veela have breeding cycles so they can only get pregnant at certain times. Wizards on the other hand don’t have cycles so they can get pregnant at anytime.” Draco gave Harry his best evil Slytherin smirk.



“EEEwwww” Harry shuttered at the thought. “I have always wanted a big family, I just never thought that I would be the one having the babies.” Harry began to look a little pale so Norische chuckled and pulled him over so that his head was resting on Norische’s shoulder.



“That isn’t something you will have to worry about for quite a while I think. Since you are human there are a lot of contraceptive potions and spells that will work for you. Being Vampyric there are only two potions that I know of, and honestly neither work well if the individual is at the peak of his or her cycle. Veela aren’t quite as bad but almost, I think there is one potion that will work except during Lucmosk.”



Draco lifted his head to look around Harry. “Lucmosk?”



“Yeah, a Veela cycles twice a year. Each time for five days, the third day is when he or she is most fertile, that day is called Lucmosk. They produce a pheromone that is extremely potent, practically driving their mate wild with lust. Normally from sundown on the second day to sunrise on the fourth day it is pretty much one continuous breeding.” Norische explained.



“Wow…36 hours of constant sex. Hey! I was raw after eight hours, how am I suppose to go 36 hours and not end up doing permanent damage to myself?” Draco gasped. While the idea of having another sexual marathon like they had on his birthday was inviting, the idea of almost two days of continuous sex was a little much.



“Correction…” Chris interjected. “We were all raw after that night.” Chuckling softly to himself.



“You will be putting out a lot of hormones and pheromones that will allow you to go the distance without being too bad off.” Norische responded. “It will be ok. We will have Pari pick up some of that gel that she got Chris and I a while back and it will take care of it. I mean Chris and I went at it for two weeks, fifteen to twenty times a day. I hurt in places I didn’t know could hurt. It was defiantly not easy, but we made it through and he didn’t get pregnant.”



“I thought you said that it was really hard for a Vamp not to get pregnant while they are in season?” Harry asked puzzled.



“It is. And for a while we thought he actually was pregnant, but thankfully it was a false alarm. He was just way too young to get pregnant. Normally the first two cycles a vamp has the body is not yet fully matured. So even thought they have all the right bits to get pregnant it is like they aren’t turned on yet. It is possible, don’t get me wrong…but during the first two cycles it is harder to get pregnant than during any other cycle. During those first two cycles there is like a forty percent chance that a vamp can get pregnant, I think.”



“That sounds about right. At least from what I can remember from Pari.” Chris thought out loud.



“Crap!” Norische growled.



All three of the other bedmates immediately looked over to Norische worriedly. “What’s wrong?” They asked in union.



“I have to pee again.” Norische grumbled as he threw back the covers; glaring at his chuckling mates over his shoulder as he made his way to the loo.