Harry Potter and the Daoine Sìth

This fiction is beta'd by smirking_muse

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Six

Harry led Draco down some winding stairs. Near the bottom, Harry turned to Draco and grasped both his hands. “Do you trust me, Draco?” he asked. The tall blond nodded his head. “Then close your eyes, and don't open them until I say so,” Harry commanded excitedly. Harry let go of Draco's hands to take hold of his elbow and led him carefully the rest of the way down.

Draco sensed when they had left the enclosure of the tunnel. His nose was immediately struck with the sweet smell of flowers and the slightly acrid smell of minerals. The warmth that radiated around him was steamy, like a hot-house used to winter over delicate plants. Harry had directed him carefully down what he could only surmise was a stone-laid path. They then stopped, and Harry let go of his elbow. Draco sensed Harry moving to stand directly in front of him. Then he heard the faery whisper, “Open your eyes, Draco.”

As he did, he gasped. All around them were flowers, blue-bells and lilies, roses and lavenders, chamomiles and daisies and blooms he could not immediately identify. He smelled the fresh scent of mint and rosemary nearby and turned his head to see large clumps of herbs mingled with the lush meadow grass, all surrounding a deep pool with water that was so clear you could see the stones beneath it. In the distance, a separate and raised steaming pool lay surrounded by huge boulders. The heated water spilled over the edge into the cooler pool below, casting a fine mist of heated air outward along with the ripples of disturbed water.

Draco could hear frogs croaking near the water’s edge and dragonflies buzzing along the top of the pools as they alighted upon lily-pads before flitting off again. The entire sight before him was something out of an enchanted tale told to children before they went to sleep at night. Draco was enraptured.

He glanced down at Harry. The dark-haired boy was watching him anxiously, and Draco realised he was looking for his reaction. “It's amazing, Harry,” he said truthfully. Harry smiled as he reached out and grasped Draco's hand once again, leading him toward the water's edge.

“Do you swim, Draco?” he asked. “The water's quite warm.”

“Swim? Now? You can't be serious, Potter,” Draco said incredulously.

Harry glanced back at him. “Why not?” he questioned slightly hurt.

“I do not have my swim trunks,” Draco said haughtily.

An odd expression came over the faery's face then. “Swim trunks?” Harry whispered. His brow furrowed for a moment before his face spit with a smile. “Oh, I remember!” he exclaimed. “Dudley had a pair of those when he took swim lessons at the local pool.” Harry merely glanced mischievously at Draco before he reached for the waistband of his trousers and slipped out of them, giving Draco a spectacular view of the dark-haired boy's arse. “We don't need them,” he said, looking at Draco over his shoulder. Harry tossed the trousers on the bank and slipped into the water.

Draco's mouth had suddenly gone very dry, and he licked his lips.

“Are you coming in?” Harry asked as he swam out towards the middle of the pool.

Hell yes! Draco said internally as he rushed to strip his own clothes to join the naked boy in the water.

~~~~~~

Severus followed Carlin down a winding stair case. They were searching for the two boys as it was time to leave the Bárd. The house-elves had packed Harry and Carlin's trunks and personal items, and they were piled in the main hall awaiting departure. The unicorns would be arriving shortly. The only thing left to do was to gather the missing youths.

Snape was carrying robes for Harry that Carlin had handed him before they set out on their search. The Queen had donned her own travelling clothes, and he had to admit she looked stunning in them. She wore a simple, deep rust-red flowing dress under a navy blue crushed-velvet cloak, which hid her wings quite effectively. Her long locks flowed freely behind her, and the deep, rich colours contrasted with her pale skin. Carlin was a vision to behold.

So intently was he studying Carlin that he had not yet realised that they had come to the end of the stairwell and were now entering a large open space. It was not until the warmth and the smell of the vegetation awoke his senses that he realised they had entered the glen. He found himself spinning in place, attempting to see all that surrounded them. The glen was a Potion master's dream. There were herbs and grasses of every sort, as well as flowers and plants that were difficult to find.

A boisterous laugh interrupted his mental cataloguing of plants, and his eyes turned toward the large pool of water. There he saw Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter frolicking in the water. Had he not been in close contact with the boys over the past twenty-four hours, he would have believed he was hallucinating. As he and Carlin approached the edge of the pool, Carlin called out to the boys, “Harry, Draco, it is almost time to leave!”

Both boys turned at the sound of their names, and Severus was very surprised to see Draco blush profusely and pull Harry in front of himself. Of course, that was when Severus’s eyes focused on the pile of clothing sitting on the bank.

“Draco Malfoy!” he shouted. “Please do not tell me you are gambolling about in the nude!”

Draco blushed even more as the two boys approached the adults. Snape noted that Draco was careful to keep Harry positioned in front of himself. Obviously, he did not wish to expose himself to Carlin.

“Hush, Severus,” Carlin chastised, “The Sìth have none of your prudish notions.” Harry was smiling as he clamoured out of the water, completely at ease with himself. Carlin waved her hand, and two large, soft towels appeared. She wrapped one around her son and held the other out so that Draco could climb out of the pool while preserving his modesty. Severus snorted at the young man.

“Perhaps the next time you feel the urge to disrobe in public, you will think twice, Mister Malfoy,” he groused. Carlin shot him a scathing look as she snatched the boys’ clothes from his hands. He quickly shut his mouth, though he harrumphed indignantly.

Harry was smiling happily as the Queen helped dry him and then began to hand him his garments. Draco, however, had slipped into his own clothes quite quickly and then went to stand by Snape. It was not lost on the older man that the young blond's eyes were locked on the dark-haired faery's increasingly less exposed skin. Severus found himself rolling his eyes in annoyance.

After Harry finished dressing, the group made their way back to the main meeting room, finally ready to leave. It was nearing one in the afternoon by Snape's estimation. He supposed that they would arrive back at Hogwarts somewhere near dinner time, just in time for their ‘entrance.’ Though he had never ridden on a unicorn, he imagined that they would travel much faster through the Forbidden Forest and that what had taken Draco and him nearly two days would take the magical beasts substantially less time.

~~~~~~

Draco was an accomplished equestrian, having grown up in the pureblood tradition where riding lessons were a must. Malfoy manor had some of the finest stables around, and he had been riding since he was a small boy. He had never ridden a unicorn before nor ridden bare-back. The experience was incredible. The unicorns moved through the forest swiftly and easily along paths that he was sure no wizard had ever travelled or for that matter could even see.

They followed the trail in single file; Snape led on a large stallion. Two young unicorns walked alongside the lead unicorn, Draco assumed they were a family, with Snape's mount being the leader – all the other unicorns were female, except one of the foals. Draco was behind Aberforth, and Carlin was in front of the old wizard. Harry was behind Draco, and two unicorns brought up the rear, carrying Harry and Carlin's belongings. Unfortunately, the single file formation did not allow for easy conversation, so they rode in silence.

Draco supposed that Harry would be too nervous to converse much anyway. Though he himself always turned into a virtual chatterbox when he was on edge, and the silence was killing him. Fortunately, the ride was only a few hours long, and he had been fascinated by the trail. If he and Snape had known of this trail, it would have only taken them a day to reach the Camhanaich Bárd. The trail, he surmised, was hidden from humans by unicorn magic. He wondered if other creatures wandered the trails and if he would see them. He had only seen a centaur once and that was from a distance. It would have been fascinating to see one close up. Professor Hagrid had been trying for two years to get the centaurs to participate in a Care of Magical Creatures’ lesson, but they had proven to be very stubborn, and Draco had heard that they were insulted to be referred to as ‘creatures.’

Draco glanced back at the faery. Harry was looking pensive and worried, yet oh so very fetching. Draco had to admit that the travelling clothes Carlin had helped Harry into were ingenious. The trousers were plain and black but looked as though they were made of a soft wool material. The shirt was brilliant. It was made from a silky pale grey material that shimmered slightly. There was a slit in the back to allow Harry's wings to fly freely, and it buttoned up the front. The deep purple velvet cloak looked spectacular on the dark-haired faery, and the colour brought out the green in Harry's eyes, while hiding his wings quite effectively. Yes, Harry looked quite fetching indeed!

Draco found his thoughts flitting from one bizarre subject to the next; in fact, he was so bored with the lack of conversation that he began to mentally review his last Transfiguration essay. Thankfully, their group was finally emerging from the Forbidden Forest and onto the lush green lawn of Hogwarts.

Draco heard Harry's sharp intake of breath behind him as the other boy caught his first glimpse of Hogwarts after four years. He looked over his shoulder and gave Harry an encouraging smile.

“It hasn't changed at all,” Harry whispered.

Draco shook his head and replied, “Hogwarts never changes, Harry.”

The unicorns made their way across the lawn toward the main entrance. In the distance, they heard Hagrid's booming voice calling for quiet. Draco cringed when he heard Pansy's voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard, calling his name. Both Harry and he turned to look in the direction of Hagrid's hut when Harry's name was distinctly shouted. There, standing amongst the students, were Granger and Weasley, holding hands, pale and white-faced as they recognised Harry Potter. Draco felt a spike of jealousy when Harry grinned and waved at the two Griffindors, but then Harry had turned back to Draco, smiling shyly, allaying any worries the blond may have had.

However, as the class became aware that Harry Potter was back, the students rushed as one toward the riders, spooking the unicorns. Draco had never been more thankful to see Headmaster Dumbledore than at that moment. The old wizard erected a barrier to prevent the crush of students from getting too close and to allow their party to dismount safely. Through the corner of his eye, he could see Granger and Weasley. He was secretly overjoyed that this time he had got there first. The busy-body Granger and her idiot of a boyfriend would not be coming between him and Harry this time.

Draco turned his attention to the dark-haired boy, watching as the Headmaster embraced the youth.

“Harry, I had hoped you would come back to us,” the old wizard said, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “My boy, I am so glad to see you.” Harry blushed but returned the man's hug.

“It's good to see you, sir,” Harry murmured.

Dumbledore drew his attention away from Harry and to the rest of the party. “Your Grace,” he said stiffly to Carlin as he bowed, kissing her hand.

“Albus,” Carlin nodded coldly at the old wizard.

“Aberforth!? Whatever are you doing here?” The Headmaster's brow creased as he recognised his brother.

Snape interrupted anything Aberforth was about to say by stating, “Perhaps we can discuss that, among other things, inside, Headmaster.”

Dumbledore nodded and agreed, “Yes, of course, Severus.” He was still frowning slightly until he set his eyes on Harry, where once again Albus smiled brightly, and his eyes twinkled madly. “Shall we adjourn to my office? Draco, your parents are desperate to see you,” he added, glancing over to where Draco was standing and gesturing the group inside. Draco grinned and then reached out to grasp Harry's hand, walking toward the main entrance. Both boys turned back to look at the crowd, and Draco smirked as he noticed Weasley and Granger's shocked expressions. The last half of the term would be very interesting, indeed!

~~~~~~

Hermione Granger was quite agitated as she sat in her last class of the day, Care of Magical Creatures, with her boyfriend, Ronald Weasley. They had seen a snow-white owl fly through the window of the Headmaster's office earlier and had immediately gone to Professor McGonagall's office. The Professor had not been there but had entered a few minutes later as Hermione and Ron had been arguing with one of the house-elves.

She and Ron had confronted their Head of House demanding to see the Headmaster. Professor McGonagall had, of course, refused, despite Hermione’s suspicions about the white owl and its owner. The professor had given them both a very odd look after their explanations, and she had merely brushed aside their concern and sent them off to their next class.

Hermione was positive that Professor McGonagall had been hiding something, and she was determined to discover what it was. She had told Ron that as soon as classes were finished, they would go looking for the Headmaster. But first, they had to sit through this last class.

Normally, Hermione would be fascinated with the fwoopers1 that Hagrid had procured for their lesson today, but she was too distracted to concentrate. The night Harry had disappeared replayed repeatedly in her mind. She had not wanted to leave Harry with that Malfoy prat; however, Hagrid had insisted that Harry had been far more able than either herself or Neville to handle Draco Malfoy. When Malfoy and Fang had rushed out of the wood without Harry and in a state of panic, she had felt her heart clench in fear. By the time they had found the clearing and discovered the dead unicorn and the horribly disfigured, two-faced Quirrell, her fears had been justified, and poor Harry had been gone. That had been almost four years ago, and she still had not forgiven herself for leaving Harry that night. Everyone had told her that it had not been her fault, but Hermione couldn't help her feelings of guilt. Ron had told her she had survivor's guilt, and perhaps he was correct. She just could not help wondering if she had stuck with Harry that night, perhaps he would still be with them, and Ron, Harry, and she would have become the best of friends. Hermione loved Ron and their relationship had bloomed into something unexpected, but there had always been something missing- some part of her that had been lost with Harry all those years ago.

Hermione was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not hear Ron's gasp beside her. It was not until the boy reached out and grasped her arm tightly that she looked up at the red-head. Ron was staring blankly off into the distance, his face so pale that his freckles stood out like beacons. She turned her head when she heard Hagrid’s deep voice.

“Don' move or yeh'll scare th' blighters off!”

Hermione and the entire class looked in the direction Ron and a few others were staring. From the dark, dense foliage of the Forbidden Forest, pure-white unicorns were emerging. The first were small and probably foals. First one, then two, and then a large fully-grown unicorn with a rider on its back came through the foliage. These were followed closely by four more riders on the white beasts and then by two unicorns with large packs on their backs! This was shocking to say the least, for unicorns were not known to allow anyone near them. As the riders approached the main entrance of Hogwarts, the students in Hagrid's class could see clearly that one of the riders was Professor Snape and another was unmistakeably Draco Malfoy!

Hermione heard Pansy Parkinson shout as she recognised Malfoy. Hagrid growled to tell the girl to be quiet. As the unicorns drew closer to Hagrid's hut, Hermione saw that one of the riders was a beautiful woman, another was an old, vaguely familiar-looking man, and the last- was a boy with fair skin and dark, messy hair.

“HARRY!” Hermione and Ron shouted at the same time. They stood as one, their hands tightly clasped. The dark-haired youth turned at the sound of his name, smiling he waved at the two.

As the entire class recognised that last rider, Professor Rubeus Hagrid lost control of the class and sheer pandemonium occurred as the students rushed forward.

The unicorns did not take kindly to the crowd and began to snort and to prance nervously. Luckily, the riders were far enough away and close enough to the main entrance of Hogwarts. Headmaster Dumbledore was striding down the steps holding his hand out.

“Stop!” he commanded, and a barrier appeared between the students and the unicorns. “You will frighten them,” he continued in his normal, kinder voice as the riders dismounted.

Hermione was desperate to get to her old friend, but the barrier would not let them pass, and she was unable to hear what was being said. Harry turned back toward the group solemnly; his smile had faded when the crowd had rushed forward. He looked over the crowd until his eyes found Hermione and Ron. He grinned again before turning to enter Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy's hand clutched in his own. Draco turned before he disappeared and smirked at them.

“What was that?” Ron demanded.

Hermione looked up into the tall boy's face, her own eyes narrowed and calculating.

“Why was Harry holding Malfoy's hand?!” Ron snarled angrily just as Pansy screeched, “Why was Draco holding Potter's hand?!”

Hermione didn't know, but she was going to find out.

~~~~~~

The group made their way up to the Headmaster's office without further incident as the last class of the day was still in session, and most of the students were otherwise occupied. As soon as they had entered the room, Draco's name was shouted, and the boy was enveloped in his mother's arms. Draco had not let go of Harry's hand, and the faery boy was dragged across the room as the worried mother began taking inventory of her son, making sure that he was safe and unharmed. Snape smirked as Lucius noticed the boys' clasped hands. Raising a challenging eyebrow at the erstwhile aristocrat, Snape could not help but be amused at Lucius' confusion.

Lucius recovered quickly though, and after making sure for himself that his son was in good condition and chastising the youth for his disobedience, he greeted the Queen. Bowing his head, he grasped Carlin's hand, “Your Highness, a hundred thousand welcomes, I do bid you.” Snape snorted, taking Carlin's hand before the blond aristocrat could kiss it or Carlin could respond. He manoeuvred the woman to a set of chairs, directing her to sit before he did.

The Headmaster gave Snape an odd look before saying, “Please, sit – sit and make yourselves comfortable. Tea should arrive shortly, as should Professor McGonagall.”

Narcissa insisted that Draco sit beside her. However, Draco did not want to let go of Harry's hand, and Harry was gripping Draco's hand far too tightly while looking forlornly at Carlin. Snape soon became irritated. Pulling out his wand he transfigured the chair next to Carlin's into a sofa and glared at the group. Harry immediately dragged the blond boy to the new piece of furniture, smiling at the Professor. He sat beside his mother with Draco in the middle and Narcissa beside him.

Professor McGonagall arrived precisely along with the tea as the Headmaster had suggested. She too greeted Harry warmly, with tears in her eyes and an embarrassing hug. Snape believed the two elderly Professors were making too much of a fuss over the boy. In his estimation, it was time to get down to business.

Finally, Albus began the long awaited conversation…

“Harry, my boy, it does these old eyes good to see you at last, safe and happy.” The boy blushed. Snape sneered.

“Headmaster, perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy should take Draco back to the Slytherin common room,” Minerva suggested. Draco appeared ready to protest, but his father was first to declare his indignation.

“Now see here, Professor McGonagall,” Lucius bristled, “I am a member of the Board as well as a Ministry of Magic representative. I believe I have every right and, as a matter of fact, a duty to hear where young Mister Potter has been!”

Snape rolled his eyes. This could quickly turn into a debacle of epic proportions, and it was best to get right to the facts.

“Headmaster, if I may,” he said balefully, “There is no need for Lucius to leave unless Gyre-Carlin or Harry wish it.” All eyes turned to the two faeries. Harry shifted closer to his mother, still holding Draco's hand firmly in his own.

Carlin merely glanced around the room, studying each of the new faces carefully before responding, “While I do not see a need for the Malfoys’ presence at this moment, I do believe Harry would be more comfortable if Draco were to remain.” That comment garnered quizzical looks from the two other Professors and the Malfoys. Carlin patted Harry's arm affectionately. “After all, he would be far outnumbered with only adults surrounding him,” she added in explanation. Harry nodded in agreement, Draco looked about smugly, and matters were settled for the rest of the room.

“Very well,” Dumbledore said. “Severus, perhaps you and the Queen could fill us all in on the details,” he stated, turning his attention to Snape.

Snape gave a long suffering sigh before speaking. “You have read my letter, Headmaster. It is as I told you. Draco and I encountered Harry with the Daoine Sìth. There is little more for me to add.” He looked to the woman sitting beside him, raising a dark brow.

Carlin smiled and shook her head at the dark man. “Severus, you can be incredibly obstinate,” she said, patting his knee affectionately before addressing the rest of the room. “Albus, I did read Severus' letter before he sent it. He did sum things up quite well. Harry found his way to the Camhanaich Bárd the night he defeated your Lord Voldemort. He was severely injured- close to death truthfully. My only hope to save Harry resulted in his becoming one of the Daoine Sìth.”

“Why did you hide the fact that Harry was in the Bárd that night?” Albus asked, peering over his spectacles icily. “I went to the Camhanaich Bárd looking for Harry, your Grace. I was told he was not there – and nor were you.”

“Please call me Carlin,” the faery queen said offhandedly. “All this, ‘your Grace and Highness,’ is grating on my nerves.” Snape could tell that Carlin was not intimidated by the Headmaster in the least. “You were told the truth, Albus,” she continued. “I had left that night with Harry for the Seelie Court, so neither of us was there when you arrived at the hawthorn tree.”

“And why was I not informed of that at the time?” Albus asked. His normally twinkling eyes became hard and cold as he looked at Gyre-Carlin. Severus shifted closer to the faery, suddenly feeling protective of her.

“And why should you have been?” she snapped back.

“Harry was a student at Hogwarts, and I was responsible for him,” the Headmaster said forcefully.

“We will be speaking privately about how responsible you have been for Harry, Albus Dumbledore!” Carlin nearly shouted. Snape and Harry both reached out and placed a comforting hand on Carlin's arms.

“Please don't fight,” Harry said quietly, and all eyes turned to the boy. “I'm back now, Professor, and my mother has taken very good care of me.” Albus' eyes shifted between Carlin and Harry.

“Mother?”

“Oh, sorry, Professor, er – yes, Gyre-Carlin sort of adopted me, I guess. It’s okay though; I think my mother and father would approve.”

“There is much that we should say privately, Headmaster,” Snape interrupted. “For now, it is enough to know that Carlin and the Sìth have cared for Harry these past four years. As I said in my letter, I believe that Carlin made the right choice in keeping Mister Potter with her, and as is evident, the boy is not merely a wizard any longer. I would imagine that it would have taken the child time to master his new powers.”

At this comment, Lucius looked carefully at Harry. “I do not see any ‘wings,' Severus?” he inquired.

Draco snickered at his father. “Oh, he has wings, father. Show them, Harry,” he encouraged, causing the faery to blush.

“You cannot see my wings either, Mr. Malfoy. Do you believe that I am not Sìth as well?” Carlin asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Wizards are truly foolish beings!” The queen stood then and unfastened her cloak, removing it to reveal her colourful wings neatly folded against her back. She held her hand out to Harry, who reluctantly let go of Draco, and standing, he too removed his travelling cloak to expose his delicate appendages.

There were several gasps as the two fae stood before the group of wizards. Narcissa actually reached out to touch one of Harry's wings before she caught herself. Draco giggled with amusement as he did touch Harry, causing the diaphanous wing to tremble slightly.

“They’re beautiful, mother, aren't they?” Draco said.

“Draco, stop!” Harry hissed indignantly. “You know those are sensitive!”

“Yes, I do,” Draco replied lecherously.

“Draco Malfoy! Show some decorum, you fatuous child!” Snape snarled. “Enough of this foolishness! Sit down!” Snape stood and pulled Carlin protectively back toward her chair. “I would expect better of you Lucius,” he growled nastily, glaring daggers at his oldest friend.

For several moments, everyone stared at the Potion's master dumfounded, before Aberforth spoke, “Snape is right. We've got better things ter talk about, haven't we?”

Albus glared at his brother, but reluctantly agreed, “Indeed, Aberforth. I, for one, am curious as to how long you've known Harry was alive and well.”

“Since the beginning,” Aberforth stated simply.

“I asked Aberforth to tutor Harry,” Carlin said before Albus could reply. “He is an old friend, and I wanted Harry to learn about the wizarding world. He graciously accepted the task.”

Albus glowered at his brother and questioned, “Have I underestimated you, Aberforth?”

“Always have, Albus. But that's our own personal issue now, ain't it?”

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention. “If I may, exactly how far along is Harry in his studies?” she asked.

Snape, still seething from the earlier display, sneered unpleasantly, “That remains to be seen. He has shown some aptitude, but I would suggest that he be tested thoroughly before being reintegrated with the student populace.”

Harry furrowed his brow angrily at Snape. The man was satisfied that at least someone else was as irritated as he was.

“Test away, Snape. I told you earlier the boy could pass NEWTs,” Aberforth said proudly. “Boy’s a natural, he is, learns right quick an' has a keen mind, he does.”

Albus looked doubtfully at his brother. “I suggest we administer the same tests we would for a transfer student and see where exactly young Harry is,” he said, though his voice was tinged with uncertainty. Carlin smiled mischievously at the group, and Snape knew that she was confident that Harry would pass without doubt. He, however, was not so confident in Aberforth Dumbledore's teaching abilities, despite Harry's earlier display of knowledge.

“I agree with the Headmaster. Harry can take your examinations, and if he passes, what then?” Carlin asked.

“Well, then he would rejoin his fellows, if that is what he wants,” Albus replied. “Now, it is getting close to dinnertime, and perhaps we can continue this conversation later.” The Headmaster stood. “For now, I suggest we let Harry get settled in Gryffindor Tower and Carlin in the guest rooms that we have prepared…”

“NO!” Harry shouted, and then flushed with embarrassment.

“Whatever do you mean, Harry?” McGonagall asked.

Harry scooted closer to Carlin, grasping her arm. “I – I don't want to, I mean, I want to stay with my mother,” he stammered nervously.

Dumbledore looked at the skittish boy, confused. “But, what of your friends, Harry?”

“With all due respect, Headmaster, Harry has not seen anyone from Hogwarts for four years. He is not the same person he was back then. It is ridiculous to assume that he would be comfortable being thrust back in among strangers,” Draco responded. Harry's eyes locked with the blond boy's. Draco merely placed his arm around the faery's shoulders in a gesture of comfort. Harry immediately reacted by snuggling close to Draco. Lucius and Narcissa looked on with growing trepidation. They obviously could see that something serious was happening between the boys.

Snape shook his head, inwardly rolling his eyes yet again. However, he had to agree with the young Slytherin's assessment of the situation. Dumbledore was being foolish to believe that Harry would be able to step back into his old life as if the past four years had never happened. “I agree with Draco, Albus. I believe it would be best if Harry were to stay with Carlin.”

Harry smiled at Severus happily.

“And where exactly will that be, Severus?” Carlin faced Snape with a raised brow.

“We have prepared rooms for your use, Carlin,” Albus appraised benignly.

“I think not!” Carlin objected, never taking her eyes from Snape. “If you think for one second, Severus Snape, that I will be parted from my mate, you had better think again!”

“MATE?!” Lucius, Albus and Minerva exclaimed together.

“Yes, Severus is my mate, and I will not be separated from him.” Snape cringed and squirmed uncomfortably as those words sunk in.

Lucius Malfoy burst out laughing, a full rolling belly laugh. Both Carlin and Snape bristled with outrage. How dare he laugh! Moreover, what was so amusing? Severus wondered bitterly.

Narcissa, however, smacked her husband’s arm, hard, and successfully shut the man up. “Lucius Malfoy, get control of yourself!” she chastised angrily. “You are being an insufferable, boorish cad! Now, stop this nonsense immediately.” The elegant blond stood and approached the angry couple. “Congratulations,” she said sweetly, leaning down to kiss Snape's cheek. “I am happy for you, dear friend.” She turned to Carlin and offered her hand. Carlin accepted it. “Congratulations,” Narcissa said again, “I wish you both joy.”

“Thank you,” Snape said softly.

“Well, I guess I shall notify the elves to prepare your rooms for company, Severus,” Albus said, and his eyes twinkled like mad. Snape groaned. It appeared that he would be sharing his quarters with two faeries for the foreseeable future.

Albus glanced around the room. “I believe we shall be having guests for dinner as well. I shall have extra places set at the head table. Aberforth, you will, of course, be staying, and I should like a word with you before we head down to dinner.” Aberforth smiled like a loon. Snape was truly beginning to believe that the Headmaster's brother was a complete nutter.

“'Course, Albus. A brotherly chat would be in order, I think.”

Severus stood, wanting desperately to get out of the office before any further revelations were made. He offered his arm to the Queen, who had also stood. Harry reluctantly followed before pausing and looking to the dark-haired professor earnestly.

“Are your rooms close to the Slytherins’?” he asked, glancing at Draco.

Snape snorted and led the group from the Headmaster's office without answering.

~~~~~~

Hermione and Ron had been waiting outside the Headmaster's office before being shooed out of the corridor by Professor Vector. The two were now sitting in the common room with the rest of the Gryffindors. Everyone was on pins and needles, desperate for any information about the return of Harry Potter.

Hermione had felt that she and Ron should have been included in the group meeting in the Headmaster's office. After all, she and Ron had been Harry's friends. If anyone should have been included, it should have been them and NOT that Malfoy brat. She was beyond indignant that the Slytherin prince was with Harry! It wasn't fair! Harry was a Gryffindor, and she was a prefect! Well, all right, so was Malfoy, but Hermione was the Gryffindor prefect. It should be she, and not Draco stupid Malfoy, in that meeting.

Ron was sitting beside her on the cushy sofa in front of the fireplace, chewing on his thumb nail. It was a nasty habit that she had tried to break the boy of to no avail. Whenever Ron was nervous, he gnawed off all his fingernails, right to the quick. This only added to her irritation.

Ron had told her that he was sure that Harry would be back in Gryffindor tower within the hour. That had been two hours ago. She didn't know how much more waiting she could take! At the very least, Professor McGonagall should have come to the common room and addressed the Gryffindors. After all, Harry was a Gryffindor! They had a right to know what was going on. Honestly! She was often annoyed with the Professors treating her as though she were a child. Really, she was tied for top her class, a prefect, and a shoe-in for Head Girl in two years! Hadn't she proven herself enough? Well, this would simply not do. Dinner was in twenty minutes, and she would find out what had happened to Harry - no one could stop her!

Stupid Malfoy!

Ron, meanwhile, did not understand why Hermione was so anxious. Yes, they had all seen Harry Potter, but what was the big deal? Soon enough, Harry was sure to come through the portrait of the fat lady, and they would get all their answers. Hermione just needed to relax.

Ron wanted to know what all that hand-holding with bloody Malfoy was! Who held hands with a boy? Furthermore, why would Harry even want to touch that wanker anyway? Maybe Harry just forgot that they hated Malfoy- on principal. He just needed to remind Harry that Slytherins were scum, and you don't touch scum, unless it's to punch them in the nose. Only in that case was it alright to touch the slimy snakes.

It was nearly dinner time. He wondered what was keeping Harry. Oh, well. Maybe they'd have bangers and mash for dinner tonight. Yeah, that would be good and spotted dick for afters with some of that yellow sauce and treacle…


~~~~~~~~~~~~


1 Fwooper is an African bird with brightly-colored feathers. A fwooper's song will drive the listener insane, so each bird must be sold with a Silencing Charm on it. Referenced from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, by JK Rowling.