The Lone Cry of a Forgotten Soul

Title: The Lone Cry of a Forgotten Soul

Description: Years after the end of the war and it’s like “Who’s Harry Potter?” Forced to relive past traumas in his forgotten existence Harry seems to draw further away from life when certain blonds try to pry their way back into his world. R&R please! M/M, OC (sorta), Slash

Category Harry Potter books

Subcategory: Harry/Draco

Rating: R (may be NC-17 at some points)

Just so you know Harry Potter and all recognizable names and places and drinks and whatever belong to J.K. Rowling and I therefore own everything else. ::sniffle:: I want DRACO!! He’s mine… mine I tell you! He belongs to me!! Harry and all else is hers but Draco is mine!!

Man in white coat #2: “I can’t believe they’d actually do that.” ::shudders::
Me: “Do what?”
Man in white coat #2: “Those guards were gonna harass me, Miss Squirrel. All because I can’t find you.”
Me: “Oh, okay then. Keep up the good work.”
Man in white coat #2: “Thanks Miss Squirrel. You are the first person to compliment me you know.”
Me: Well, you deserve it.” ::pats #2 on the head:: “Well, I hafta go hide now okay?”
Man in white coat #2: “Okay Miss Squirrel. And I gotta go find you.”
*both wave and go off in different directions*

A/N: Hehe. No I didn’t fall off the planet. ::snicker:: #2 is so much fun like that. Hehe. Whelp, chapter eight is now yours for reading. And since no one told me if they want a little story-thing with our – and by our I of course mean mine – favorite men in white coats I am gonna see where they take me and see what happens when I get there. Enjoy and don’t forget to review!!

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-chapter eight-

“Draco! Hold on!! You know, my tail is really attached to the rest of my body! I know that may come as a – YIPE – shock to you… Draco!!” Eien shrieked and howled the entire trip back to the house.

“I am such a fool!” Draco slammed the door open, threw Eien in the entrance then stepped in himself, slamming the door closed behind him. With a frustrated sigh he carded his slender fingers through his hair. “How could I possibly think he would remember me!? YARGH!” He stormed past the tiny dragon who sat embracing his tail against the wall.

“You know, he was just raped. For crying out loud if you were just raped and some wizard you didn’t recognize was healing you while you were out cold I’m sure you would have been just as shocked.” Eien crawled into the lounge and jumped onto the coffee table, his tail wrapping around his body as he settled on the glass top. “I mean, we didn’t even stick around to see if he recognized you! He could have ya know!”

“Bullshit Eien. He grew up and got over my petty love. Gods Eien! How could I have been so stupid to think that after eight years he’d remember me? Fuck that, how could I think that after eight years he’d not only remember me but he’d still want me!?” Draco paced back and forth behind the Italian-style chaise lounge. “I’m a bloody farkin’ fool Eien. A fool…” his pacing slowed and he collapsed to the floor. “No wonder he snapped at me all those times. I would snap at me too.”

Eien fluttered off the table and crawled towards the man he had been able to call his friend for eight years. Granted, he was a fragile man, but to the dragon that made him an even more valuable friend. “C’mon Draco, don’t be so hard on yourself. We can still… Draco?!” Eien lifted his head to follow Draco out of the room.

“You can go out if you’d like Eien. I think I’ve had too much excitement for one day. Besides, I’ve got ideas filtering through my head about a new set of poems. I’m sure you could go to Alexia for a few hours.” Draco slipped into his bedroom and closed the door quietly.

“I just might have to; especially since the last time you called her Alexia you had just met her. And that was years ago my sad friend,” Eien whispered to the door. He morphed into the figure of a man similar to Draco in height and stature and sighed. “I’ll be back later Draco. Please don’t do anything stupid.” He apparated into the alley near Alexia’s apartment and brushed himself off. He stepped up to the front door of the complex and buzzed Alexia’s room.

“Yes?” Alexia’s voice crackled through the intercom.

“It’s Eien, can I come in please? Don’t worry; I won’t do anything to cause a problem.” Eien spoke softly, his voice melodic and mystifying at the same time.

“Be right there.” Alexia replied, and then spun to face Harry. “I’ll be right back; someone’s at the door.” She smiled as Harry dismissed her with a distracted wave of his hand. He was apparently enjoying Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Alexia giggled as she let herself out of the apartment and made her way to the door. This was one guest she had to let in herself.

Outside of the door Eien waited, his ebony hair braiding itself so it fell to the small of his back. His blue eyes glittered sadly against the bronzed hue of his skin. A plain white tee-shirt and well-worn jeans covered his finely toned body and sandals protected the soles of his feet. He spun to face Alexia as the door opened.

“Holy shit Eien!?” she paused, having never seen him this way. She regained her bearings and stepped aside when he nodded slowly. “Does Drake know you’re here?” she muttered.

“He knows I’m out and that I’ll be back later. He’s a bit miserable and locked himself in his bedroom with the computer. He’ll probably be drunk and passed out on the floor when I get back or he might have cried to sleep after blasting the room apart. Like I said, I think today was a bit much for him.” Eien explained his voice soft and enchanting though laced with concern and worry.

“Why? Was it because of this afternoon with Harry?” Alexia asked as they walked in step towards her apartment. “I mean, he seemed alright, a bit put off right before he left but needless to say he seemed fine.”

“That’s part of it. That man, the one he helped earlier, is Harry Potter, yes?” At Alexia’s nod Eien continued. “We got back to the house and he verbally thrashed himself about how after all these years how could he think Harry would remember him or want him or even care. Combine that with finding out this morning that his father was murdered a few days ago. He…”

“Oh my goodness! His father? Murdered?” Alexia gasped, covering her mouth with a delicate hand. “Why didn’t he say something? Oh my goodness. He must be a wreck!”

“To say the least. I have only seen him cry a few times, once when I first met him, a second time last night, and twice today. He’s an emotionally fragile man, ever since the end of the war. Though, based on his actions today I could safely assume that his confidence in himself had slowly started to diminish sometime before the war itself. His mother was a control freak, his father couldn’t help him, and Harry, well, Harry was always there for him. Draco was saying that Harry always snapped at him for stupid things he had done.” Eien pushed a strand of hair behind his ear and turned to face Alexia as they reached the door.

“Mind you, Harry’s here. I don’t think he’ll recognize you this way so…” Alexia began as she opened the door.

“That’s the whole reason I came like this. One, it’s easier to walk around in and two, it’s less likely I’ll be recognized as a human than as dragon. Wouldn’t you agree elf princess?” Eien questioned, his eyes still dancing with tears and his voice, however enchanting it was in his human form, was laced heavily with sadness.

“Who’s here Alexia?” Harry was in the kitchen grabbing a glass of water and wearing nothing but a pair of jeans and a smile.

“A friend. Harry this is…” Alexia stumbled, unsure if she should introduce Eien as himself.

“I’m Mackie.” Eien filled in. “We met a few months ago so the terms ‘friend’ is a loose definition of the bond. It’s nice to meet you, Harry.” Eien held out a hand, the snake tattoo on his wrist slithering round and onto the back of his hand. “Don’t mind him, he’s harmless.” Eien smiled softly when Harry’s eyes widened.

“I… wow. Mind if I get a better look?” Harry asked in awe as he reached out to shake Eien’s hand.

“Not at all.” Eien mentally urged the snake onto the palm of his hand and then flipped his hand over so Harry could see the snake. Little known fact was that because Eien was technically a dragon, the tattoo wasn’t your average wizarding tattoo. With a small smile the tattoo rose off his palm and hissed at Harry from its new position on its tail. “He sometimes bites but it’s only a minor poison, nothing to fret. Unless you aren’t up to date on snake venoms, then I might suggest a hint of caution.” Eien informed as Harry leaned closer to the highly animated snake on Eien’s hand.

“What kind of snake is it? Or is it just an average snake design, like the one on the Hogwarts Slytherin flag?” Harry asked as his curiosity and interest were consumed by the serpent as it swayed in front of him.

“He’s just a symbolic representation of a cobra. Normally it can’t be seen but he was a bit anxious I guess. You wouldn’t happen to speak Parseltongue would you?” Eien asked, catching the glint in Harry’s eyes. He noted that glint and realized that he should probably drop all magical talk less he think about Draco. And thinking about Draco left him feeling depressed. Even more so because Draco couldn’t see joy in Harry’s eyes at the sight of the serpent tattoo. “Forget it.” He closed his hand and willed the snake to remain hidden and immobile on his wrist. Sometimes he really despised his abilities.

Harry stood up quickly, confusion evident on his face. “I can actually, but, how did you know? Did I say something without realizing it?” Harry asked, gauging Eien’s expression – which remained a closed book for the betterment of all in the room – for a hint of why he was suddenly hiding the tattoo.

“No, no. You didn’t. I just…” he flicked a glance at Alexia, who had inched away to sit on the vacated couch. “Don’t worry about it. You just reminded me of someone I know who knows someone who can.” He cocked his head to the right and smiled a rather stupid smile before facing Alexia completely. “Well, I didn’t mean to intrude on movie night or so it would seem so I guess I’ll be heading out now.” Eien said stiffly. No wonder Draco was so distraught, once Harry relaxed enough he was quite a charming man.

“Don’t leave!” Harry put a hand out and grabbed Eien’s arm. “Please, don’t leave yet. Why don’t you join us? We were watching Lord of the Rings. The first one! It’s really interesting and granted I’ve seen it like five thousand times already since it came out… Oh please! Alexia, make him stay!!” Harry pouted, but that glint of joy was still in his green eyes, making them look almost like they used to.

“I can’t make him stay if he doesn’t want to Harry. But if Mackie said he didn’t want to intrude…” Alexia started.

“But he’s not! I didn’t put the second disc in yet and it’s only about halfway through the movie.” Harry whined to Alexia, who merely looked at Eien with concern. The dragon obviously did not want to be there anymore. “Oh please Mackie! It’s really a great movie. I’m sure you love it. There’s magic and wizards and elves and dwarves and elves and hobbits! Did I mention magic? Come on and stay a bit.” Harry bounced with glee, obviously ignoring the sadness lurking beneath the surface in Eien.

“I’m terribly sorry Harry; perhaps another time. The extended version of the Fellowship was really exciting. I left someone at home and they weren’t really all that well. I feel terrible leaving him home alone when he’s upset like this. But really, it was a pleasure to meet you properly Harry. I do hope we meet again.” Eien waved off any further arguments and nodded to Alexia.

“Why don’t you bring him here? I’m sure a movie might cheer him up a bit. Especially this one. It’s a really, REALLY good one.” Harry insisted while gently tugging on Eien’s shirt sleeve.

“I’m sorry Harry. Really, I am. But I don’t think tonight is a good night for him. He’s had a rough day and really needs to rest a bit.” He raised a hand again and placed it gently on Harry’s mouth, effectively silencing him. “Really Harry, not tonight.” Eien glared at Harry until Harry nodded and lowered his gaze.

“Tell him I hope things shape up. I know how it feels to lock oneself in a room and not want to see or be seen by anyone. You’re a good friend though, giving him some time to himself before going back to check on him. I hope he knows how good a friend you are.” He smiled softly and looked at Alexia. “Kinda like Alexia. I seriously don’t know what I would do half the time without her to pick up the pieces.”

“I will.” Eien nodded and moved to open the door. Halfway out he turned his head slightly so his voice would carry over his shoulder. “I’m glad to see you’re looking much better. Those cuts and bruises healed quite nicely.” He closed the door and simply apparated back to the sitting room of Draco’s house.

Harry spun around to question Eien, and opened the door to find no trace of the man. “How did he know about the cuts and bruises? They can’t be seen can they?” Harry accused Alexia.

“Except for the few on your chest and back dear, no, they can’t be seen. I really don’t know how he knew dear. Come, sit back down. I already changed the discs.” Alexia said smoothly, patting the couch cushion next to her.

Harry sniffed once then made his way to the couch and situated himself quite comfortably with his head resting on Alexia’s lap. “I do hope things brighten up for his friend. I wonder what happened to make him do that though. Do you know what happened?” Harry glanced up through the fringe that was his hair.

“No dear, I don’t, but I hope things brighten up as well.” She pressed ‘Play’ on the remote and glanced down at Harry. The charms Draco had cast did wonders on both body and mind. After leaving the apartment Harry had loosened up physically and was talking rather animatedly. Perhaps the charms had negative side-effects for the caster or Draco had altered them to include calming and cheering spells. Whatever it was, Alexia was content to see Harry so peaceful. “If only Draco could see this,” she murmured.

“Who?” Harry flicked his gaze upwards. “Who should see what?” he asked again.

“Nothing; watch the movie,” she commanded gently, turning her gaze on the screen as well. Harry kept his eyes trained on the elf for a moment longer before watching another elf on the screen. He decided the one he was currently keeping company was better looking and much nicer.

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Eien slowly made his way to the bedroom door, which was still closed. Still in human form he knocked softly, in case Draco was sleeping, before opening the door.

“Can you turn the lights off out there Eien?” Draco whispered from behind the blue-ish glow his computer emanated. “I actually want you to hear this when you come in.” He sounded a bit drowsy, not quite drunk but as if he took something to drown out the conflicting emotions in his head. Or he had cried to himself as he let those emotions control him; which wouldn’t be such a terrible thing because he tended to write better when he let his emotions overrule his mind. As long as he didn’t hurt himself Eien didn’t mind.

“Of course.” Eien closed the door and set about turning off the lights and locking the doors and windows. Draco was very paranoid about that. Everything needed to be locked, physically and magically. And a dragons’ spells were a bit more complex than any dark lords’ could be. After making sure everything was as it should be Eien went back to the bedroom, opening and closing the door as softly as possible. He walked around the bed and sat quietly on the edge closest to where Draco was sitting at the computer.

“You’re in human form. Did you have fun?” Draco sounded worse than he did a few minutes ago. He turned around to look at the body Eien and taken temporary residence in. Needless to say, he found it quite attractive… as he always did.

“I just went out for a walk. Can’t do that in some other forms now can I?” Eien looked at the carpet-covered floor. He figured the white plush wasn’t as clean as it could be.

“You went to Lexie’s didn’t you?” Draco asked softly, knowing that the dragon was lying through his teeth. “It’s alright; you don’t have to lie about it. How’s Harry?” Draco questioned, trying to get his companion to talk.

“The charms worked wonders. I’m glad you decided to alter them; he was energetic and smiling and… quite entranced with my tattoo.” He lowered his gaze to the cobra that had coiled on the back of his hand, its tail flicking back and forth slowly. “It is quite amazing to a wizard to see a dragons’ tattoo. You were amazed the first time you saw me in human form, too.” Eien stopped mumbling. “He’s doing much better. Said he hopes my friend comes by sometime and watches Lord of the Rings with him. He was quite upset that I wouldn’t bring you there tonight.”

“You told him!? Eien! How could you?” Draco screeched as he leapt from the chair and tackled Eien. “You told him it was me!?” Draco swung half-heartedly at the dragon, who changed back to a more comfortable form and slid out from beneath the upset man.

“No! For crying out loud Draco no! I told Lexie, yes, because she asked if you knew I was there and was concerned when I mentioned you knew I was out but had locked yourself in your room. She knows but Harry doesn’t. Draco, listen to me! Draco!!” Eien changed back into human form and scooped the thoroughly distraught man in his strong arms. “I didn’t tell him anything. I just said that I had to get back to my friend. I told him that I had left to give my depressed friend some time to himself and that I hated leaving him alone for too long. He understood Draco, he understood. He understood…” A crystallized tear slid down Eien’s cheek.

Draco had calmed down enough to hear the complete distress in the dragon’s voice. He clung to the strong arms that held him and only when the teardrop touched him did he realize how hard he was being on the only person who cared. “Oh Eien…”

“I’m sorry Draco, I should have stayed here. But I wanted to give you time to yourself and you know I can be a nuisance when you want alone time. So I went to Lexie’s and met Harry. I didn’t say anything about what happened earlier I swear. I’m sorry Draco, I’m so sorry.” The tears fell freely as he held Draco.

Draco shifted and slipped from the strong arms. Turning to face Eien he opened his to embrace the dragon, who was instantly in dragon form and had his head resting on Draco’s shoulder while the rest of his body was in Draco’s arms. “Shh, it’s okay. Shh, I didn’t mean it. It’s alright now, it’s okay.” After ten minutes of cooing and sniffling Draco stopped and Eien whimpered once. “You know, we make quite a pair. I’m emotionally fragile and you’re obsessively protective.”

Eien snickered, blowing puffs of airs across the back of Draco’s neck. “Yea, but it works out in the end doesn’t it?”

“I guess it does,” Draco replied. The two sighed heavily.

Eien craned his neck backwards so he could face Draco. “”What did you want me to hear?” He telepathically asked drained from the extensive magic he used in the little time frame that he had used it.

“Just a poem I wrote. Want to hear it now or in the morning?” Draco lowered Eien into his lap and gently stroked the vibrant blue scales along Eien’s neck.

“Now is fine if you want. The morning works just as well. I think…” Eien stretched from neck to tail before curling in on himself. “I think in the morning…” he yawned loudly.

Draco smiled and lifted the dragon off his lap and onto the part of the bed Eien had reign over. “The morning it is my friend.” He stroked the blue ball of scales a little longer before getting off the bed and stripping down to his boxers. He walked into the bathroom and started to brush his teeth as the phone rang. He ignored it and was leaving the bathroom as the answering machine picked up.

<> Draco snickered at the message; he really did love it. “Hey Drake, it’s Lex. I just wanted to let you know that Eien told me what happened this morning and I am sorry. I know you and your father haven’t kept in touch but it must have been hard all the same. Harry’s sleeping peacefully on my couch and the wounds have all healed nicely. No scarring. I umm… how about lunch tomorrow? If you want that is. Call me back tomorrow please; I want to make sure you’re okay. And Harry’s right; you do have a wonderful friend in Eien. Make sure he knows you care dear. Well, good night I guess. Sleep well.” The machine beeped the second she hung up.

“Thanks Lexie.” Draco whispered before crawling into bed. “G’night Eien,” he sent telepathically as he reached over to stroke the dragon once again.

Eien snaked out his tongue and flicked Draco’s hand. “Goodnight Draco,” Eien sent back.

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Author’s Note: I know, much awaited for and much length! I hope this sates you all for now. Please, do review and tell me what you thinks. And NO do NOT attack the squirrel… she is juggling multiple stories, lots of school work and crazy muse-betas who like to threaten her. SQUEAK! Well, catch y’all soon!!