Emerald and silver

CHAPTER 12

The next few months went by quickly for Harry. His days were filled with training and mastering his new skills. He was better at performing wandless magic then most were using their wands. He learned that he no longer had a need to utter the words to perform a spell all he needed to do was think what he intended and it was achieved. He learned curses, hexes, and ways to deflect them. He learned shing ing and protection, he pretty much learned every type of light or dark magic he could get his hands on. He had found in a short amount of time that he retained the knowledge of every book he devoured; something like a photographic memory, but simply inherent because of his magic abilities. Everything he learned came with ease, he did not even need to read some books, the knowledge seemed to have been there all along; he was simply reminded himself it was there.

Also in that short amount of time between the end of summer and the beginning of December, Harry became Voldemort’s chief advisor. Voldemort found Harry to be an excellent strategist, and used him to help plan his attacks. Harry had yet to personally lea par participate in any of the attacks as he was still in training. However he was informed that would change with the New Year as Voldemort felt he was more than ready. The Emerald Dragon mostly worked with those from the inner circle and the Dark Lord himself; everyone was duly impressed. Yet no one had realized that the causalities were minimal on both sides; they were too elated with their constant stream of successes. Currently the majority of Harry’s plans involved shows of their power, focusing on acquiring powerful magical artifacts and weapons. Also because of the time involved in the strategy and planning, there was more scouting done then actual attacks. It probably appeared to The Order of the Phoenix that the Dark Lord and his forces were laying low.

Harry spent his alone time absorbing new information and working out in his training room. It had become something of a morning ritual for him, making his physical body stronger and helping him to sharpen his mind. Though he became much stronger his body shape did not really alter. He was still tall and lithe, giving him the advantage of being stronthanthan he looked.
Harry further developed some other new skills, like reading peoples thoughts and emotions and controlling people with the use of the Impervious curse. There really was not a curse that he had not mastered. Voldemort was aware of most of these skills but Harry kept quite a few of his talents hidden. In secret he had mastered two new animungus forms, an emerald green viper snake and a majestic black raven.
Dobby turned out to be one of Harry’s more intelligent decisions; he was like a little spy for him letting him know the goings on of the house. Dobby had also taught him some powerful disarming spells that even Voldemort knew nothing about. The Emerald Dragon spent time one on one with several followers belonging to the inner circle, each one teaching him their specialty. From Mcnair he learned wards, and from those that belonged to an ancient pureblood family he learned their specific branches of magic. No one questioned his lineage. Everyone assumed being as powerful as he was he could only have come from an untainted line or parentage.
Dobby was useful for many other reasons as well. Harry sent him on many errands. One such errand was to acquire a new pet. Harry requested Dobby find him an emerald green viper tree snake; one from the wild so it would have no previous masters. When Dobby returned with the snake, Harry named her Isis after the Egyptian goddess. She also became not only a protective entity for Emerald Dragon, but also a symbol of his status and an informant. Though Isis spoke with Voldemort, she remained faithful only to her master. She also provided good cover for when Harry wanted to sneak around himself in his viper animungus form. Harry was often seen at meetings with Isis wrapped around his neck, similar to a torque necklace. Speaking parsletongue in front of the Dark Lords followers was one more way to assert his superiority and dominance over them.

Chapter 13

With December almost at a close, there were plans for a formal social gathering for Christmas at Malfoy Manor. Included in the gathering would be the Death Eaters, their spouses, and children who intended to be initiated as Jr. Death Eaters. Harry surmised that most of children attending would be Slytherins, he was curious to see if there would be children from any of the other Hogwarts houses. The month of December was seen to herald more accomplishments from the Emerald Dragon. He was now able to cloak his appearance similar to the disillusionment charm but far more advanced. Instead of just being chameleon-like in appearance, he could actually become part of what he touched. Mostly he stuck to blending into the walls. He also learned how to apparate and make port keys, among many other useful things.

Finally the night of the Christmas celebration at Malfoy Manor arrived and Harry could be found finishing his last minute preparations in front of the mirror in his room. He wore a new, full-length, fitted black-leather cloak open in the front and falling just below his knees. Underneath he wore a pair of black-leather, tight-fitting dress pants, conforming to the muscle underneath, leaving little to the imagination. His shirt was an emerald green silk, fitted and tailored, accentuating his eyes. It was adorned with gold buttons of which he left the top three buttons undone. His black dragon-hide boots completed the ensemble. Harry examined his hair in the mirror. It was no longer unruly, but silky, black, and had soft, loose short curls, the kind of hair you just want to touch and run your hands through. With one last glance in the mirror, he flashed his reflection a seductive smile and headed down stairs.

The Emerald Dragon had finished getting ready early and waited in the entrance hall for Voldemort. With Voldemort confiding in Harry more frequently the two had become quite close. The Dark Lord left a lot of the decision-making and planning up to Harry so he could prove himself, which he had done in spades. While waiting, he sat reminiscing over a recent discussion between himself and Voldemort.
*Flashback*
They had been discussing the upcoming gathering when Voldemort suggested that Harry needed to start thinking about looking for a wife; he indicated arrangements could be made for Harry to meet a variety of eligible women. Harry then confessed that he was not really interested in women and he preferred the company of men. He admitted that he found most women’s’ company to be insufferable, did not think they could make worthwhile companions and he was also much more physically attracted to men. Voldemort confessed that he himself was bisexual and understood and somewhat agreed with Harry’s opinion. He told Harry he would look into worthwhile male companions and make arrangements to set up some meetings. Voldemort never once said anything about himself being a match as Harry had mentioned on an earlier occasion he saw Voldemort as a father figure something he had never had growing up. Though they never really shared the types of emotions shared between a father and son, Harry benefited mostly from the guidance he received. Voldemort hinted that the Christmas celebration would be a good opportunity for Harry to meet an array of eligible and worthy young men.
*End Flashback*

Voldemort finally entered the room in which Harry patiently waited in and commented that he was pleased with Harry’s appearance. He said it was important for him to stand out at gatherings such as this to signify his position. The two gentlemen walked out of the mansion and onto the grounds, apparating to Malfoy Manor. When they arrived, they made their way inside where people bowed and greeted them as they went. Once inside, Lucius, who intred hed his wife Narsissa to the Emerald Dragon, greeted the two. Harry greeted her quite formally by kissing the back of her hand.
Harry then inquired, “Where is the young Master Malfoy of whom I have heard so much about Lucius?”
“I’m certain he’ll be down shortly. He takes more tin fin front of the mirror than his beautiful mother,” drawled Lucius.
They all laughed at the joke as Lucius signaled to a servant to bring some drinks over to his guests. When the servant approached Harry overheard Lucius whisper in the mans ear, “See to it that Draco is finished and comes down now.”
Within minutes Harry spotted Draco descending the stairs. Harry discreetly eyed him up and down as the young blonde approached, while continuing his chat with Lucius.

‘Damn he looks good,’ Harry thought to himself as he silently continued to observe Draco. The light from the setting sun was streaming in through the windows near the vaulted cathedral ceiling, shinning a path directly down on the grand staircase and leaving a fiery glow to land on the enticing blonde. His hair was slicked back to perfection just as Harry remembered it from school, though now it was slightly longer. He wore enchanting midnight blue robes with silver trim and a silver dragon clasp. With the clasp being the only thing holding the robe closed, you could see the matching fitted trousers and white silk tailored shirt that hugged his lithe but tone frame. Since Harry had shot up six inches in height and Draco had only grown an addition two inches since last year, the Emerald Dragon now stood five inches taller than the sexy Slytherin.

After fully descending the stairs, Draco gracefully glided over to stand in position beside Lucius.
“Emerald Dragon, this is my son, Draco,” Lucius drawled.
They reached out and grasped each other’s hands in a firm handshake.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Draco. Your father always has such high praise for you.” Harry said smoothly, releasing Draco from the handshake but not before stroking his fingers gently a crossee ote other boys palm as he withdrew his hand.
‘Father said he was powerful but I had no idea. The mere power I feel emanating from his presence is 10 times what I feel from dark wizards like my father. Not to mention the jolt from the contact of our hands,’ Draco thought.
“I’m honored to meet you as well,” Draco drawled, eyeing him appraisingly.
“I’ve just received the signal that dinner is ready. If you will join me in the dinning room,” Lucius drawled, as he proceeded to lead the way. Lucius led his honored guests to the head of the table seating Voldemort at the head, with the Emerald dragon on the right and himself on the left of the Dark Lord. Leaving the servants to lead the rest of their guests to their seats. All those from the inner circle were seated also his his center table with their wives and children beside them. The only none inner circle member at this table was Snape, who was seated next to Draco. ‘I wonder what the significance of that is?’ Harry pondered then remembered some rumor from school that Snape was Draco’s Godfather.
There were several other banquet-sized tables situated on either side of the main table accommodating the rest of Voldemorts followers, their wives and children. Lucius stood, made a toast, and then the food appeared much like it did at Hogwarts, and everyone began to enjoy their meal. During the meal, Harry observed several times that Draco’s eyes were on him, almost as if he were being studied, which after contemplating, he thought he probably was.
Chapter 14

After dinner the Emerald Dragon was bombarded with all of the Death Eaters wanting to introduce their children, hoping to gain his favor. Harry had guessed correctly all of the future Jr. Death Eaters belonged to Slytherin house. Those that didn’t attended Durmstrang, known for teaching the Dark Arts to its’ students. Lucius and Draco came to engage him once more in conversation. Draco looked his typical cocky arrogant self, the look somehow suited him. Before Lucius could take over the conversation the Emerald Dragon spoke up and said, “Draco, Lucius has informed me you are to be brought into the fold during the summer holidays.” Harry thought he saw Draco flinch at the mention of his initiation.
“Yes, I am to join and have my celebration at the beginning of break,” Draco drawled.
“Draco, would you be so kind as to give me a tour of the manor. I don’t think I can handle much more of this barrage of introductions and the endless idle prattle. I need I break from the crowd and the noise.”
After Lucius nodded his consent, Draco led the way out of the crowded banquet hall. Draco led Harry through the lower part of the house, stopping to show him the library and some other points of interest. The two mostly discussed the things Draco was learning at school. They eventually found their way out onto the grounds of the manor and sat on the lower terrace sharing a large marble bench.

“You know I used to have a … friend who was excellent at verbal sparing. He was quite possibly the only one who could ever get under my skin. You remind me of him,” Harry drawled.
“I had a rival with whom I shared a similar relationship. Now that he’s not at school any longer, I feel like I have no real competition. There is no one who really challenges me,” Draco replied.
“What are your plans for the future Draco?”
“My father has arranged for my Initiation this summer. (He shuddered slightly at the thought) When I graduate from Hogwarts my parents have arranged for my marriage. Father has also mentioned arranging for a job within the ministry but has not specified what.”
“Whom are you supposed to marry?”
“Pansy Parkinson!” Draco spat. “She was here this evening, the one that had been hanging on my arm like a leech.”
“I take it you’re not happy with the arrangement then?”
“If it were not for the fact that she’s a complete whore and a harpy, I believe it would be at least tolerable. My parents believe her to be the best-suited match. She comes from a pureblood family with similar affiliations as ours.”
“Is there not someone else that would meet your parent’s standards who you would not find so repulsive? Or maybe someone you fancy from school?”
“These things are arranged when we are very young. Anyone with pureblood descent of which my parents would approve are already spoken for,” Draco said dejectedly. “As far as finding someone at school, my father has informed me on numerous occasions, that he does not care who I share my bed with but I am not allowed to be in any type of relationship with anyone other than Pansy. What about you, are you in an arrangement?”
“Lord Voldemort has requested that I start looking for an acceptable companion. He mentioned something about introducing me to those he thought would be suitable.”
Harry stood up abruptly and started walking briskly in the direction of the forest below the gardens. Draco followed wondering what got his attention and why he seemed so urgent. Harry stopped just on the edge of the woods and waited listening. Just as Draco opened his mouth to speak, the Emerald Dragon started speaking in parsletongue, to be answered by a loud hissing from a large python that was slithering out in front of them.
~“Whatsss going on in the foressst, why all the comotion?”~
~ “Theresss crazed animalsss on the loosssse.”~
~ “What kind of animalsss?”~
~ “Thessse are human animalsss, and they have the blood lussst.”~
As the last word left the snakes forked tongue, two vampires flew out of the forest straight towards Harry and Draco. Harry held up his hand and sent one of the two flying backwards crashing him into a tree with a powerful disabling charm. The second one was too quick for Harry and knocked him to the ground, pinning the wizard beneath him. Just as he was ready to sink his fangs into Harry’s neck, Draco snapped out of his daze, whipped out his wand and stunned the vampire. Before Harry could get up off of the ground, a third vampire came up behind Draco and pinned the blonde’s arms to his sides, ready to strike. Harry thrust out his hand, knocking the two apart, and sent the vampire back by about another twenty feet. Harry conjured some vines, causing them to wrap around the vampires, binding them.
“That won’t hold them for long. We need to get out of here. Put your arms around my neck,” Harry ordered.
As soon as Draco had his arms wrapped around Harry’s neck, he transformed into the Emerald Dragon, wrapped his arms around Draco’s waist and flew them back to the manor’s back entrance. He transformed back to his human form with his arms still tightly wrapped around the sexy blonde.
“Are you alright?” Harry breathed out.
Draco just nodded, still somewhat in shock. Harry slowly let go of him and stepped back before touching the inside of his arm. Immediately Death Eaters poured out of the house and surrounded the two.
Harry yelled out orders, “Down on the edge of the forest. Three Vampires attacked us. They are bound but it won’t hold them for long. Subdue them, bring them back alive, and make sure you watch out for each other.oldeoldemort looked over at Harry, but before he could say anything, Harry said, “I’m fine. Lucius, you should be proud of your son. If it were not for some quick thinking on his part, I might have been bitten. Not that a little bite would have killed me but I believe these particular vampires are diseased. The python I was talking to said something about being crazed and in blood lust.”
Draco looked at Harry and said, “I believe there is a potion to cure this disease. I recall reading about it in a book in our library.”
“I’ve heard you’re an adept at potions, I’ll leave you in charge to make this potion for me. Any idea how long it takes to brew?”
“If I remember correctly it takes approximately twelve hours, and I’m positive I have all of the ingredients.” “Good, have it ready by tomorrow evening. I want to be present when it’s administered.”
Just then the search party came back with its captives.
“Lucius, you don’t mind if I sequester your dungeons for our captives,” Harry stated not really asking permission.
“By all means, Emerald Dragon. What ever I can do to assist,” Lucius drawled.
“Take them down to the dungeons. Make sure they are secure, and do try not to get yourselves bitten,” Harry said dryly. Not wanting to answer more questions he added, “I think I’ve had enough for one evening. Lucius, your home is magnificent. I look forward to visiting again.” He then looked over at Draco, positive that no one else could see his face and flashed a quick smile. “Until tomorrow, Draco.” With that he turned and apparated leaving everyone staring at the spot he had just vacated. Voldemort went back inside leaving Lucius and Draco in the garden.
“Well it seems that you have been favored by the Emerald Dragon my son. Best not disappoint him and get started on that potion,” Lucius drawled, putting an arm around Draco’s shoulder and leading him back into the house.

Draco went to the library, found the necessary book and headed to his potions lab. He found that once he put all the ingredients in the cauldron, in the specified order all that was left to do was to let it simmer over a low flame for twelve hours. It would be ready at 2pm tomorrow afternoon. Draco went up to his room and fell into bed exhausted. His last thoughts as he passed over into sleep were of the man and the Dragon that had held him tightly in his arms.