Emerald and silver

Chapter 15


When Draco woke up the next morning, he felt somewhat confused. He knew he didn’t like Pansy, but he had always chalked it up to her being just so repulsive. He had slept with other girls but now that he thought about it, most of those occasions were for the sole purpose of getting back at Pansy for her frequent trysts. Was he really even attracted to those girls? It usually ended up being any decent looking girl that happened to be handy and as soon as he had finished with them, he kicked them out of his bed and, out of his room, not even speaking to them afterwards. He never slept with the same girl twice. But that didn’t mean he was attracted to guys…did it? Not that there was anything wrong with same sex relationships, it was very common in the wizarding world. He had just never considered the matter for himself. Not that he was left with a choice in the matter, his parents having chosen his partner for an arranged marriage before he could even talk. He lay in bed for another hour with a flood of thoughts and emotions whirling around in his head before he decided to get up and check on the potion still simmering in his lab.

That evening the Emerald Dragon and Voldemort along with a few select others from the inner circle apparated back to Malfoy Manor at 5pm. After being joined by the younger and senior Malfoy the group descended to the dungeons, just outside the room that held the three vampires.
“Gentlemen, after a bit of research last night, I’ve found that once we administer the potion it will take approximately 30 minutes to take effect. Because of the blood lust, they will need to feed immediately after the potion has achieved the desired results. I recommend a cow or another form of large livestock. By giving the three vampires an animal to feed off of after the cure, they will crave animal blood instead of human blood thus making them easier to handle,” the Emerald Dragon drawled. Looking around the room his eyes narrowed menacingly at two people he particularly loathed. Replacing that look with a smirk he snapped, “Nott and Lestrange, go find a cow. You have 20 minutes.” Harry especially despised that Lestrange woman and the look on her face right now made him enjoy his position of power even more. The two Death Eaters bowed and went to the apparating chamber in the dungeons. Voldemort said nothing, allowing Harry to take the lead and direct the proceedings. Though he kept on a mask of indifference, he was highly amused by Harry’s antics.
“Wormtail, you will administer the potion,” Harry snapped.
Draco handed over the vial containing the potion to Wormtail and returned to his position beside the Emerald Dragon.
“Good Lord. Someone please help the man. These vampires are chained and helpless and he’s still wetting himself!” Harry sneered. Harry heard Draco chuckle and hide it with a cough. Green and gold orbs looked over capturing the silver eyes of the blond in his gaze and smirked. Mcnair and Lucius went into the cell, pushed Wormtail aside, grabbed the vial from the rat, and administered the potion without hesitation. Fifteen minutes later Nott and Lestrange reappeared, pulling a large bovine behind them. Harry looked over and saw Lestrange making horrendous faces and looking down at her shoe.
“What seems to be the problem Lestrange? Oh I see. You stepped in it this time, haven’t you? Well please don’t make the rest of us suffer. Go and clean yourself up,” Harry said dryly.
Draco could barley contain himself and tried to snigger silently. Thirty minutes after the potion had been administered, Harry had released the wrist and ankle restraints with a wave of his hand the three vampires were left with only waist restraints, allowing them to reach the cow to feed but not leave the cell. With in minutes the bloodsuckers had completely drained the cow and sat back on their haunches satisfied, eyeing Harry warily. The Emerald Dragon pulled over a chair and sat down and began negotiations with them. Twenty minutes later he led them from the cell with a satisfied smirk on his face.
“They owe us a debt for curing them and said they would join us when we are ready. They also agreed to recruit as many other of their kind as possible. They’ll be checking in with me from time to time to see when and what we’ll need from them. The trio also agreed to let me mark them. Lord Voldemort, your wand if I may?” H dra drawled.
Voldemort handed Harry his wand and watched as the powerful young wizard marked the three vampires each with a simple serpent tattoo.
“Nott, Mcnair, Lestrange, escort these three back to the edge of the forest,” Harry commanded as he handed Voldemort back his wand. After the three had left with the vampires in tow, Harry turned back to Voldemort and said, “The serpent signals them when their presence is requested and leads them directly to me. It also allows me to track their whereabouts.”
The Dark Lord nodded his approval.
“Looks like my work here is done. Oh yes, I don’t want to leave my mess behind,” he smirked. The Emerald Dragon walked back into the cell and with a wave of his hand he incinerated the remains of the carcass. On his way out, he turned back to Draco and said, “Excellent job on the potion, Draco. I hope to work with you again in the future. Sooner rather than later.” Harry flashed another dazzling smile that only the blonde from his vantage point could see. Harry turned to face the elder Malfoy.
“Lucius, as always, it’s been a pleasure,” Harry drawled.
With that he turned, headed to the apparation chamber, and disappeared to Riddle Mansion. While Voldemort stayed and enjoyed dinner at the Manor.

Chapter 16

New Years Eve arrived along with reports of betrayal within the ranks. Harry, while in his animungus snake form, had discovered a low ranking minion was tipping off the Order in an attempt to secure his job within the Ministry. The Order had been blackmailing him for information but that was entirely beside the point. It would not do to have Has pls plans disrupted this early in the game. Harry knew the identity of the betrayer to be Zabini Sr. and he was filtering his information to Snape. Harry was not yet ready to implicate Snape. After all, he still had a useful place in Harry’s future plans. Harry called a meeting of those followers he wished to accompany him to the Zabini Estate. This was to be his first active involvement aside from the planning. Included in the debriefing were Lucius, Mcnair, Nott, Crabbe Sr., Goyle Sr., and of course Snape, who had no clue as to why he was there.
“We have a betrayer in our ranks. It appears the side of the Light has found a weak link and is exploiting it. Instead of coming to us to handle the problem for him, he was only too eager to supply information. Severus reported everything to me and I have informed him of what information I wish him to feed to Dumbledore.” At this point the Emerald Dragookedoked at Snape daring him to say otherwise.
“Our traitor is Zabini. You will join me in what Zabini thinks is a social call to upgrade his status in the ranks. His greed has clearly clouded his judgment. We will bring Zabini, his wife, and son back here to be dealt with. I only want them stunned and subdued, for now!”
They all murmured their consent as Emerald Dragon stood and signaled everyone out of the room leaving only Snape and himself.
Snape turned to Harry and said, “Why are you covering for me?”
“Severus, I know you don’t understand right now but all will be made clear to you in the future. If, however, you betray me, I won’t hesitate to hunt you down and make you wish you were never born. I sincerely hope you are smart enough not to choose a side in this. Instead you should consider holding all your cards closely until all the hands are dealt. Go back to Hogwarts, Professor, you are needed there.”
“As you wish My Lord.”
Harry left the room and joined the others on the grounds, ready to apparate.

In no time at all, the group arrived back at Riddle Mansion plus three. They brought them all before Voldemort for sentencing.
The Dark Lord looked at Harry and asked, “Emerald Dragon, you discovered the traitor. How do you think we should deal with them?” Harry was very aware that this was a test.
“I am certain, after delving into Zabini’s mind, that the wife and son are innocent. I have wiped all memories of the wife’s mind. Nott apparate this woman to Australia and leave her. I believe Blaise should be given an opportunity to prove himself. After searching his mind, I have discovered his desire to serve us. In what capacity he should serve us has yet to be determined.”
Harry wahis his hand over the elder Zabini and put him under the Cruciatus curse. After five minutes of agonizing screams, Harry released him.
“Who from the Order approached you?”
“The Auror Moody,” he gasped still trying to catch his breath from the curse.
“Who else has he approached?”
“I don’t know,” he pleaded.
“You are weak and pathetic.”
Harry held his hand out towards Blaise and put him to sleep, then turned his hand towards the elder Zabini. A green light had shown forth from his hand delivering the fatal blow. When Zabini was lying lifeless on the floor, Harry waved his hand again and incinerated the body completely to ash so no evidence would remain. Dropping his hand to his side Harry turned to Lucius.
“We need to replace him with someone within the ranks at his job in the Ministry. Who would be the best candidate?”
Lucius suggested a few people.
“Lucius, I would like to meet with you next week to discuss the best way to gain controlling power in the Ministry. I believe your experience on the subject will be invaluable.”
After deciding when they would meet, Harry sent Lucius and the others away, leaving him with a sleeping Blaise and Voldemort. Harry directed two servants to carry Blaise to a guest room, knowing he would sleep until morning.
Harry looked at Voldemort and said, “We can not allow Blaise to return to Hogwarts. Dumbledore would only take advantage of the situation and manipulate him like he does with everyone else. However, I don’t think he is ready to become a Death Eater yet. That leaves us with two options. Make him a servant, which I believe would only cause him to resent us or…you could take him as a lover. I don’t think you or he would be opposed to the idea and it would serve to build his confidence keeping him loyal.”
“What about you? Do you not desire him? He is your same age and very appealing,” Voldemort commented.
“I have no desire for a temporary lover. I am more interested in a permanent companion.”
“Anyone I know?” said Voldemort thinking he knew exactly whom he had in mind.
“I’ll let you know when I’m sure.”
“You’ve done well tonight, Emerald Dragon.”
“Thank you Lord Voldemort. I think I shall retire now,” Harry said as he swept out of the room. Harry knew he had killed his relatives though he didn’t remember it. Tonight he had consciously killed a man, the thought weighed heavily on his conscious.

Chapter 17

The New Year came and went. Harry met with Lucius to plan the infiltration of the Ministry. It disturbed Harry to know that Fudge was so corrupt and sought power for himself. If left to his own devises, Fudge could easily turn into the next power wielding deranged mad man.
The Emerald Dragon continued to develop his power and increase his knowledge reading everything he could get his hands on. Things remained quiet on the Death Eater front for the time being as they spent all their efforts on the takeover of the Ministry.

In February, Harry wrote a letter to Draco. The gorgeous blonde was at breakfast when he received it. The Slytherin stared at the seal before he finally realized whom it could be from. The wax was emerald green instead of the traditional blood red and the insignia was a dragon. Draco immediately stuffed it in his breast pocket to read away from prying eyes. Quickly finishing his breakfast he stood and strolled out of the Great hall, signaling his henchmen to stay behind. After returning to his room in the dungeons, the blond cast a locking charm on the door, pulled the letter from his pocket and began to read.

***
Draco,
I have given some thought to the matter concerning your prearrangement due to conclude upon your graduation. I believe I have found a solution to your dilemma that would leave you free to decide your own future plans. Let me know if this interests you. This is a matter best left between concerned friends.
~E.D.~
***
When Draco had finished reading the letter it incinerated itself. After thinking about what he had read, he was definitely intrigued. Implications in the letter also meant that no one would know no matter what he decided. The question that remained now was how he should reply; it seemed like an answer to a prayer. It took the entire day for the blonde to foate ate his response. His decision had been made the moment he had read the letter, the offer of help. That night he sat up after everyone was asleep to compose his reply.

***
E.D.
Your offer of a solution to my dilemma is, for me, a light in the darkness. I have had many privileges in my life, the privilege of choosing my own future never being one of them. I am interested to heaur sur solution of a matter left between friends.
~Draco~
***

Draco’s reply found its way to Harry the next morning. After reading the reply, with a smirk on his face, Harry walked over to the book he had been reading on potions. Finding the page he had marked, he copied the ingredients, the directions, and the cause and effect that the potion would have. Placing the parchment into a box he also included everything from the list of required ingredients. After sealing the box he composed a second letter.


The following day Draco received another letter with the emerald wax seal along with a small package. He stuffed the letter and package into his robes, hoping no one would notice among the flurry of owl postings. Not bothering to finish his meal, he sought the privacy of his room, eager to find out the contents of the package. After performing the locking charm, he set the package down on his bed and opened the letter first.

***
Draco,
After reading the enclosure in the box, I am sure you will obtain a clearer picture of the solution I have devised to your dilemma. I am confident you will have no problem with your performance. Your talent in the area of potions, I am sure, will one day surpass that of your esteemed potions master, Professor Snape, if it does not already. Following through, if that is your decision, will need to be done quickly as the ingredients will not last. You only need to administer the potion in a drink before one of her next liaisons. You have a 24-48 hour window for the potion’s effectiveness. I only hope said liaison is with a pureblood so her parents do not disown her. But once you have made your bed you are left to lie in your own creation. I wish nothing more than to be able to share a private toast celebrating your newfound freedom when I see you during the summer holidays.
~E
**
***

Once again the letter turned to ash and he turned his attention to the contents in the box. It was brilliant; he would brew the potion tonight and give it to Pansy Parkinson this weekend. After all, it was a Hogsmeade weekend; she would be sealing her own fate. She would become pregnant and the potion insured that there would be no way for her to abort it. The potion causes the womb to seal itself after conception until the day of delivery. She would be far enough along by summer break to inform his father of her shameful predicament, breaking the agreement between their two families. His father would not accept a bastard child to become the next Malfoy heir.

The devious blonde Slytherin brewed the potion in secret that night and held onto it until he could conveniently pour it into Pansy’s pumpkin juice. The perfect opportunity arose Friday at dinner. She had already begun bragging about her current conquest for that weekend in Hogsmeade. He would know by Sunday if she had consummated the fling because of her nasty habit of taunting him with her flings to his face.

Draco was able to confirm that his plan was successful a month later when he awoke one morning and found Pansy in the common room looking green. After Pansy informed her fiancée that she had been becoming sick every morning for a week, he feigned concern and insisted on escorting her to the infirmary. ‘Her skin matches our house colors,’ he chuckled to himself. He patiently waited for Madame Pomfrey to drop the bomb of Pansy’s untimely demise.
“You are one month pregnant, my dear. I will need to inform your parents and those of the father immediately,” the nurse informed her.
Draco looked at Pansy with disgust on his face and sneered. “It is most definitely not mine, and I will not claim otherwise. I recommend a paternity test as even Pansy probably does not know who the father is.”
With that said, he swept out of the room to the sounds of Pansy’s wails. He informed his head of house, and Godfather Professor Snape, of Pansy’s predicament.
“I shall inform your parents, Draco. No doubt your father will want to cancel your betrothal.”
“Thank you sir. I’d appreciate that.”
Draco went back to his room to finally pen a note of thanks to his coconspirator.

***
E.D.,
I look forward to sharing the offered toast in celebration of my recently newfound freedom.
~Draco~
***

Draco had stopped having liaisons of his own the day he had brewed the potion. He no longer felt the need of retaliation and he definitely did not want to be sharing the same fate as the father of Pansy’s child. Revenge is a dish best served cold.