Paradise Found

**Well here it is – the final chapter, though it is really two chapters in one. I decided to give you the rest of the fiction since I made you wait so long.

My original intention was to have this story finished before Book 7 came out. Oops! Didn’t work out that way. My life is a lot busier than it used to be.

Thanks to all of you who have written me and encouraged me with your praise.

But I’ll save any further babbling for the end – so sit back and enjoy!!



Paradise Found Again


Dumbledore looked at the closed door of the library, thinking about Harry’s strange behavior. He turned around, finding Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy still there, watching him from a small settee.

“Something is not right here,” Dumbledore said, almost to himself.

“Of course,” Narcissa replied. “It’s been quite an eventful evening.”

Dumbledore looked carefully at Lucius. “I don’t suppose you’d tell me if you knew more, Lucius.”

Lucius smiled slightly. “I assure you, being knocked unconscious by vampires was not part of my evening plans.”

“But… are there plans?” Dumbledore tried.

“Really, Dumbledore, you should know by now where my loyalties lie. If there were, do you really think I would tell you?” Lucius paused for a reply that never came. “As it so happens, I have not been privy to any plans other than the celebration of young Miss Weasley’s birthday.”

“So you say,” Dumbledore replied.

Lucius nodded, still smirking. “So I say.”

“Then,” Dumbledore sighed, “I shall check on the welfare of your son, since no one else seems very concerned about him at the moment.”

“Draco is a very capable wizard!” Narcissa exclaimed, insulted at the insinuation that she didn’t care.

“Yes, madam,” Dumbledore bowed, “I believe he is. But there are strange happenings afoot tonight.” And with those words, the old wizard turned and hurried down the hall, sensing that this night was far from over.

OOOOOOOOO

Draco felt his soul pushed aside into blackness, Mordred’s strength was undefeatable. Why? Why did he allow Mordred into his body again! This place, this void, was horrible. He felt shut in a dark room with no windows, no doors, no light at all.

Then he remembered – Blaise, Hermione, Marlston. Yes, that was it. He needed to protect Marlston for Hermione. She asked him to do this. And he would do anything for her, even this…

Gods! He hated it here. Where was he? Some small recess of his mind, waiting for Mordred to get rid of Snape? Snape! Snape was in Blaise’s body…

Oh, Gods! Draco stood in the dark void and shouted with all his might. He forgot one simple thing. Mordred would kill Blaise’s body.

“Mordred!” Draco shouted into the nothingness. “Don’t kill the body! Don’t kill Blaise!”

More regret filled his heart as he remembered that whenever Mordred took on a body, he also took back the Dark Power from whoever was currently carrying it. That meant Harry would be powerless. Draco fell to his knees, sobbing. Harry would be powerless against the vampires!

“What have I done?” Draco yelled.

OOOOOOO

Snape grabbed Ginny against the front of his body once more, his wand pointed at Mordred.

Mordred looked amused. He leaned his head backwards and let go a loud and raucous laugh.

Snape began backing away, pulling Ginny with him, his wand hand shaking. He decided to take advantage of Mordred’s inattention. “Avada Kedavra,” he yelled, flicking his wand at the laughing young man.

A green bolt of energy flew out of the wand. Mordred lifted his right hand and opened it, effortlessly catching the energy like a net.

Snape’s eyes opened wide with amazement as Mordred smirked at him, lifting his hand to his face and blowing a fine green dust off of his palm.

“Do you really think you can defeat the greatest Sorcerer of all times, the son of Merlin, with a magic stick?” Mordred taunted. “You think my father will reward you if you grant him freedom? You are a fool.”

Snape began backing away more frantically. “I only want to free myself. I want my body back.”

“Liar,” Mordred hissed. “I can feel my father’s essence, helping you, guiding you.”

The portraits along the wall watching in fascination, their heads turning from Mordred to Snape as each spoke. This was the best entertainment they had had for a very long time.

As Snape backed away, Mordred stepped closer.

Mordred’s eyes traveled down to Ginny’s obedient form. He smiled seductively, waving his hand. “Come to me, mon Cherie.”

Snape tried to grip her tighter but she slipped away as easily as if he were holding butter. Without his shield, Snape felt exposed. He turned and began running down the portrait gallery, towards the door that would lead to the maze. Perhaps he could lose Mordred there and make his way out again before Mordred found him.

He looked over his shoulder as he ran, relieved that Mordred seemed more interested in Ginny at the moment. The Weasley bint now had her arms around Mordred, kissing him full on the mouth.

Mordred was enjoying the hot little mouth of the witch in his arms. It had been so very long since he enjoyed such pleasures.

“Mordred!” a witch in a portrait warned. “He’s getting away! Leave that witch be.”

Mordred lifted his head, his eyes snapping to life. An unearthly glow emanated from him as he took a deep breath and blew towards the running back of Snape. The running wizard now found himself moving at an impossible speed, portraits were passing his side vision in a blur before he smashed with a painful crash against the back door, his head cracking against the solid wood, leaving a trail of blood as he slid down onto the floor.

Snape’s soul flew out Blaise’s body not wanting to endure anymore of the extreme pain of that impact. He looked down at the bloody young wizard lying on the floor and let out a frustrated howl. His plans were ruined!

A sucking sensation in the area of his chest, suddenly distracted him and Snape felt his control leaving as vortex opened behind him, pulling him with undefeatable strength. His soul screamed as it tumbled away.

Mordred smiled, satisfied with the result. His eyes flicked down to the warm flesh of witch in his arms. He turned her suddenly, pressing her against a wall, causing the portraits in the vicinity to gasp. Lift the skirt of her gown, he kissed her deeply, pressing against her.

“Stop!” a voice echoed through the gallery.

Mordred did not release Ginny, but turned his head at the intruder.

Albus Dumbledore walked quickly towards them. “What is the meaning of this?” He stopped short when he noticed the unearthly look in Draco’s eyes. Glancing quickly up to Mordred’s portrait, and finding it empty, he solved the question in his mind.

Dumbledore adjusted his stance.

“Mordred, I presume?” he asked.

“Get out, White Wizard,” Mordred ordered. “Can you not see that I am busy?”

Dumbledore could see a body lying on the floor in the distance. “What has happened?”

Mordred remember the old wizard from the last time he took this body over. He was a friend of the current Lady Marlston. He also knew about his father. “He tried to free him again. So I took care of it. Now get out and let me enjoy this woman.”

“That woman is the best friend of Hermione Marlston. She would not be pleased if her friend were taken in this manner. And… you are also using the body of Lady Marlston’s lover. It would distress her even more to find that Draco’s body had sexual relations with another woman.”

Mordred laughed, but he slowed released Ginny. Turning to face Dumbledore he said, “You take all the fun away from being human again, old man.” He turned Ginny towards Albus and gave her a gentle push. “Take her then. Women should not be wandering around unprotected.”

Mordred watched as Dumbledore gently took Ginny to his side, looking for any injury. “You are crafty,” Mordred stated. “You know I would not risk the unhappiness of Lady Marlston. Too much depends on her.”

Mordred waved his hand and Ginny came out from under the Imperious Curse. She wobbled on her feet a bit before looking wide eyed at Dumbledore. Tears filled her eyes before she hurried off towards the body at the end of the hall. She remembered everything, everything that had happened and it was so hard not to be able to control her own actions, so frustrating!

“Blaise,” she sobbed as she ran.

“Blaise Zabini?” Dumbledore asked, shocked. “He was trying to get to Merlin?”

“No, the one who took over his body tried,” Mordred answered. “I must leave. The other wants his body back. He is shouting at me from within.”

With a last grin, Draco’s body collapsed onto the floor. Albus watched as Mordred’s black essence rose and swirled out of young Lord Malfoy and shot straight into the empty portrait above, reforming into the real physique of Mordred. “There, all is well again,” Mordred announced.

“We shall see about that,” Dumbledore answered. He bent down, checking for Draco’s pulse. It seemed he was only in a faint at the moment. So Albus stood and hurried off after Ginny.

As he approached, the scene did not look promising. Blood was smeared on the door and the floor. Ginny was on her knees, weeping at Blaise’s side.

“It was Snape,” Ginny cried. “He took over Blaise’s body. He put the curse on me…”

“Yes,” Dumbledore interrupted. He had figured out quite a bit of that already. “Let us see to this young man.” Albus took out his wand and a yellow beam came from its tip. Whispering a few words, Dumbledore scanned Blaise’s body.

Ginny watched his face carefully, tears still falling down her cheeks.

“Good news, Miss Weasley,” Albus said. “It appears he is still alive. He has a very strong will to live. Run and get Poppy Pomfrey from the ballroom. She has a few patients to attend to.”

OOOOOO

It was still dark as the early morning hours approached. Hermione sat on the edge of her bed, stroking the silken blond strands on Draco’s forehead as he began to regain consciousness.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze soft until he realized who was there beside him. Happiness flooded his features. “You are all right,” he stated, lifting a hand to caress her cheek.

Hermione smiled lovingly at him. “I’m recovered. And you? How are you feeling?”

“Strange, but unharmed… I think,” Draco replied. “I let Mordred into my body again. It was Snape…”

“Shhhh…” Hermione replied, a finger placed softly over his lips. “Dumbledore filled me in already. Thank you, my love. Thank you for defending Marlston.”

Draco’s hand dropped over hers as he held her hand pressed against his face. A single tear fell from the corner of his eye. “Mordred killed Blaise,” he whispered, hoarsely.

Hermione shook her head. “Oh, no, he didn’t. He’s alive.”

Draco looked surprised, but hopeful. “Alive? Gods! I felt everything. I felt the power of Mordred directed at Blaise.”

“He’ll be all right, Draco,” she promised. “He’s being tended to at this moment.”

Then Draco sprang to a sitting position, another thought pressing into his mind.

“Harry! Where is Harry? The vampires…” he panicked.

“Harry caught them,” she assured, gently pushing him back down towards the pillow.

Shrieks, screaming and sounds of excited voices could be suddenly heard coming from outside, causing Draco to sit quickly back up. “What is happening?”

“It’s the execution of the vampires,” Hermione replied. “Harry decreed they will die at dawn.”

Draco swung his legs over the side of the bed, swaying a bit in dizziness as he stood. There was nothing on the Earth that would keep him from witnessing the death of those vampires – nothing. His blood began pumping with excitement as he made his way toward the double doors leading out to the balcony of their bedroom.

Hermione stood up from the bed, a slight smile on her face as she watched him pull open the doors with both arms, flinging them hard against the walls. She turned her head and nodded once toward the creature standing in the shadows of the room.

Bugger bowed to his mistress, snapping his fingers a moment before he disappeared.

Then Hermione stepped out onto the balcony, coming to a stop when she reached Draco who leaned against the railing, hungrily watching the proceedings. Looking to the right, she also noticed that the crowds from the ballroom were streaming out the glass doors onto the grounds to watch as well. This was not a spectacle one saw every day, though she suspected there would be some who had no stomach for an execution and would stay indoors.

No one, however, could ignore the shrieks and mad screaming of the vampire woman as she was dragged outdoors in chains, pulled by a group of Harry’s followers holding burning torches. Her ball gown hung in shreds and some areas of her skin and scalp had been burned black. The torture inflicted upon her by her captures was clearly evident. Some of the spectators from the ballroom held their hands over their mouths in shock and disgust. Yet others smiled wickedly.

Two tall metal poles had been erected in the garden and the torch bearers pulled the vampiress to one of them, wrapping her dangling chains further around her battered body.

Hermione observed Draco carefully, noting the intense look upon his features and the strength with which he was gripping the rail in front of him.

Then the male vampire was led out into the garden, a completely opposite spectacle as he seemed unharmed and unresisting. He walked calmly in his chains between his captures, accepting of his fate. Many wondered why this vampire was not harmed thus far.

Draco’s mouth lifted in a feral snarl. “Baranov!” He was disgusted with himself for not seeing the signs earlier. Why hadn’t he noticed anything strange about the Count when he came to Malfoy Manor that night? But vampires could be a slippery breed. After a good feed, they could appear completely human.

“Wasn’t there three?” Draco asked, his eyes not leaving his enemy.

Hermione stood close to him, her body pressed against the back of his arm, warming him. “The Count’s sister was innocent. And she is still human.”

Draco’s eyes scanned the crowd. “Where is Harry?”

OOOOOO

Bugger appeared next to the Dark Lord in a private parlor. “Lord Malfoy watches from the balcony, Master.”

“Very good,” Harry replied. “Then let’s begin.”

OOOOOO

Lord Potter stood before the two bound vampires as the crowd quieted for his words.

He looked at the faces of those watching, his blazing green eyes flickering upwards to the balcony on which his two lovers stood. He could feel Draco’s lust and excitement and it pleased him immensely.

“For your crimes against Lady Marlston, you will die with the rising sun,” Harry announced. The vampiress screamed and cursed at him while the Count merely gazed stoically. Harry ignored Sybilla and focused for a moment on Demetrius, their eyes connecting, before he turned his back and stepped towards a group of his followers.

Dawn was approaching quickly and the crowd from the ballroom shuffled around nervously, whispering to one another. Everyone knew that sunlight would destroy vampires and it would be a very painful way for them to die.

From his high vantage point, Draco could see the sun coming from behind the hills. He gripped the rails tighter with anticipation. “Watch, love, they will suffer for what they did to you,” he said, following the progress of the sun’s rising with his eyes, his heart racing with the excitement of the moment. Vengeance was truly sweet.

Hermione put her arm around him, kissing the bared skin of his shoulder where his black silk robe had slipped away. She could feel the blood pulsing through his veins, his adrenaline running high. She loved him like this, intense, passionate. She had missed him completely while he had been away and knew she would need her fill of him for quite some time to come in order to make up for it.

The sex was bound to be amazing, judging by the way Draco was practically salivating over Harry’s show of power.

When the first rays of the sun struck the pair of vampires, the screams of Sybilla became almost deafening. Her skin was sizzling with fresh burns and an evil black smoke began to fill the air above her.

The spectators with more delicate sensibilities turned around and some left the garden altogether, retreating back indoors to escape the scene.

Most were fascinated with what they were witnessing, eyes opened wide and hearts pounding.

Harry looked up at Draco and Hermione again, satisfied with what he saw.

The screaming ceased and everyone waited as the black smoke cleared from the area. All were interested in seeing what the remains would be. Where Sybilla once hung, was a charred black bundle, pieces of ash breaking off and floating away in the light morning breeze.

But that drew their attentions for only a moment as everyone stood in amazement at the sight that now met their eyes. The smoke had now cleared and still chained, whole and unblemished, was Count Demetrius Baranov, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he stared teary eyed at the sun.

The crowd began chattering loudly, wondering how a vampire could exist in the sun. There were only two people present who didn’t seem surprised at all.

Harry stepped forward, holding up his hand to silence the crowd. Everyone grew still, staring at the Dark Lord, waiting for an explanation of this event. Harry opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a loud shout.

“NO!”

Everyone’s head turned towards the interruption. Draco Malfoy stood on the balcony above, his face contorted with anger.

“NO!” he shouted again. “He must die too! Kill him, Harry! Take off his head!”

Bugger, who was standing beside Harry, looked up at his Master in concern. What would he do now?

Harry glanced down quickly at Bugger and then cleared his throat.

“It appears,” Harry began, “that Count Baranov is no longer a vampire. It stands to reason that the power of Marlston blood has cured him of his affliction.”

There were gasps of surprise coming from all sides of him, but Harry was only concerned with Draco’s reaction.

Hermione wrapped her fingers around Draco’s arm and urged, “Let us consider this turn o f events further. We can decide on Count Baranov’s fate after breakfast.” She tried tugging his arm and moving him back into the bedroom.

Draco shook free of her grasp, outrage on his face. “He’s the one who almost killed you! This is an execution! He dies now!” Draco turned to look down at Harry again. Harry seemed hesitant.

Draco couldn’t believe this! Why were they all just standing there, doing nothing? Kill the fucker! It doesn’t matter if he was human again or not.

He growled with frustration and held up his hand. “Accio sword,” Draco called. A sword from a suit of armor in the hall came swiftly into his grip.

“Draco, please don’t be rash,” Hermione said, swinging her gaze to Harry in alarm.

Draco pushed past her and headed down the stairs of the balcony, the shiny metal of the sword gleaming in the early morning sunlight. All eyes were now turned toward him, anticipating the bloody beheading about to take place.

Hermione ran down the stairs behind him, coming to Harry’s side and looking from one to the other frantically.

Draco now stood before the Count, who gazed at him bravely.

“You die, Baranov,” he announced, raising the sword high in the air and at the ready to slice the tender throat of the handsome man before him.

A strong hand grasped his wrist, halting the execution.

“No!” Harry said, his magic adding extra strength to his iron grip.

Draco looked at Harry, eyes wide with disbelief and betrayal.

Harry held on firmly. “No, Draco. He’s suffered enough.”

Harry let Draco pull away from him as if burned, staring at him in outrage. “He’s suffered enough? He has suffered? What about Hermione?” Draco snapped. Draco hadn’t been there for the story of the demise of the Baranov family. He only knew what evil was wrought upon Hermione and he couldn’t understand why Harry would be so lenient.

To say he was angry was an understatement. Draco threw the sword to the ground and its loud clatter echoed through the garden, everyone there a silent witness.

Hermione stepped forward, cautiously. “Draco…” she whispered.

But he stepped backwards, holding up a hand to ward her off. “Don’t!” he snapped. His eyes met Harry’s one more time, conveying his anger and hurt. “Fuck off, Potter,” he muttered, turning around and stalking away through the garden, his fists clenched.

When Draco felt he was out of sight of all others, he began to run. He needed to get away, breath, calm down. Do anything! Anything except look at Harry! Fuck Harry, fuck him! Draco ran faster and faster, heading towards the river, uncaring of where he ended up.

OOOOOO

Hermione grasped Harry’s hand and said for his ears only, “It was not supposed to happen like this.”

Harry squeezed her hand and replied, “Give him a little time.”

Dumbledore pushed through the crowd of bystanders and now stood before them. “Hermione, it is good to see you well again.”

“Thank you, Professor,” she said, somewhat hesitant. Dumbledore was looking at them and at Count Baranov in an analytical manner which did not sit well with her. He moved before Count Baranov who was still tied to the pole. The Count returned his gaze but gave no emotion away.

Pulling a small mirror out of his robes, Dumbledore stood next to the Count and held it up. He could definitely see the Count’s image next to his.

“My, this is extraordinarily unheard of,” Dumbledore muttered. “Are you sure you were a full vampire, sir?”

“Positive,” Demetrius replied.

Dumbledore lifted an eyebrow in contemplation, looking from Harry and Hermione to Demetrius.

“Is there something going on here that perhaps you three know about?” Dumbledore asked, positive they were in on some scheme together. He was very interested how the vampire’s life was restored, but, most of all, he wanted to know why. Too many things about this night just didn’t add up.

Hermione looked at Harry and replied, “Perhaps.”

Harry sighed. “I suppose the jig is up,” he laughed. He turned to his group of followers. “Take Count Baranov and Professor Dumbledore to my private study.” Looking at the Professor he added, “All will be explained.”

Harry’s followers looked confused for a moment, but carried his orders out nonetheless.

Then Harry turned to the watching guests and announced, “An outgoing floo is now open for any who wish to return home in that manner. You may also use your portkeys if you brought them. Those wishing to apparate will need to take the carriage back to the village and into the circle of stones.”

Hermione then spoke. “Thank all of you for coming to Ginny’s Birthday Ball. We realize events took a strange turn, but I’d like to assure you that all is well. I am planning to explain the situation with the Baranovs in an upcoming article to be published in Mr. Lovegood’s Quibbler Magazine. She smiled at Mr. Lovegood who stood next to his daughter, Luna. Both had grateful smiles on their faces for the little plug she gave their publication.”

“Yes, thank all of you for coming. We hope this was a night to remember,” Harry added, nodding his head. The DarkWizards in the crowd bowed to their Lord.

OOOOOO

Draco had made it to the riverside, huffing with exhaustion and anger. He just couldn’t understand how Harry and Hermione could be so… forgiving! How could they not want to punish that vampire for what he did to Hermione?

And most of all, what the hell was he doing here by the river? Malfoys didn’t run from problems! Oh, no, Baranov was not getting away so easily. Draco smacked at a bush, hard, causing some fairies to flutter out and scold him.

He turned around, the manor house looming beyond the trees and the garden, resolve filling his chest. “I will have my revenge!” he snapped, striding back toward the house.

He was surprised to see the garden empty of people when he reached house. He carefully entered, looking about. Down the hall, he could see people readying themselves to leave, commotion as people said their goodbyes to one another. Draco didn’t want to be seen, however. He stealthily slid along the wall, deducing in his mind where Harry might have taken Baranov. But first, he decided to head for his room and retrieve his wand.

He smiled to himself. If Baranov was alone, he was a dead man.

When he entered his room, he noticed Bugger standing in the middle of it. “Bugger? You’re no longer hurt?”

“I am better now, Master,” he replied. “Is there anything I can do for you, Master?”

Draco walked to the table with his wand on it. He also looked in the mirror, straightening out his robe and hair. “Tell me, where is Count Baranov at the moment?” Draco asked, trying to sound casual.

Bugger eyed him suspiciously, watching the wand that was being concealed within Lord Malfoy’s robe. “He is in Lord Potter’s private study.”

Draco’s eyes shifted in the mirror to look at Bugger. “Thank you. That will be all.”

“Yes, Master,” the goblin/elf bowed, apparating away with a clap of his hands.

Draco headed downstairs, again careful not to be seen. He ducked inside the thankfully empty parlor and made his way to the alternate entrance of Harry’s study. He could hear voices on the other side of the door. Disappointed that the Count wasn’t alone, he nevertheless pressed his ear against the wood.

Dumbledore’s voice was the first he heard.

“I suppose Count Baranov’s recovery had to do with the magic in your blood.”

“Yes, Professor,” Hermione replied. “We weren’t positive it would work. I had only read about it in a journal written by one of my ancestors back in 1487.”

“Wasn’t that the time of the Vampire Wars?” Dumbledore inquired.

“Yes, indeed,” she replied. “The war between vampire and wizard was at its peak. A Marlston was attacked and drained of blood. When revenge was sought, the vampire was found. But he was no longer a vampire. He had become completely human again. This unexpected event led my ancestor to conclude that our blood had life restoring properties.”

“Most fascinating,” Dumbledore muttered. “I suppose Marlston blood could be used as an elixir in many situations? Yet, Marlstons still die. They are not immortal.”

“We age and die, as everyone does. Marlstons were not meant to live forever, only to live a long life in which to be healthy guardians and produce more Marlstons, of course. But, the journal cautions against letting the restorative properties be known outside of our family. Our bodies are not to be used as an apothecary for everyone’s ailments.”

“Of course not, my dear,” Dumbledore replied. “I shall not speak of this to anyone. Though there were many witnesses to the event this morning, I’m sure we can cast doubts on any further inquiries.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said.

“However,” he continued, “I am curious as to why you allowed your life to be risked for such an experiment? Count Baranov drained much of your blood – you were very close to death.”

Draco’s heart pounded in his chest as he listened. She allowed it? It was planned? Now he heard Harry’s voice answering.

“Professor,” Harry began, “Count Baranov came to me two months ago. He had sworn his loyalty then and asked me for help. The vampire woman, Sybilla, had killed his parents after months of torture. She had terrorized their family in every way possible. She had made Demetrius into a vampire and threatened to do the same to Katrina if they didn’t carry on the ruse that Sybilla was their mother. She recklessly spent their family fortune. And when the coffers were dry, she turned her sights on Marlston, whose riches are well publicized.”

“But why risk your life for a stranger?” Dumbledore asked.

Draco clenched his fists behind the door, thinking, “Yes, why?”

“I felt for him,” Hermione replied. “When he came to us, I had already the knowledge from my ancestor’s journal. I couldn’t stop thinking that perhaps I could help him. I felt bad for him and his sister. Harry didn’t want me to risk it. But I’m very stubborn when I want to be. We planned everything carefully. We had all the ingredients for the blood restorative ready. And, I had taken a potion beforehand that would make me appear worse than I was. Sybilla had to believe that Demetrius drained me almost completely. We did not count on the reaction of the house, however.”

“The voices I heard in the library? You weren’t really unconscious?”

“No, Professor. Neither was Bugger. Demetrius made it appear that he harmed Bugger so that Sybilla would not kill him to get him out of the way,” she admitted.

Dumbledore laughed. “I suppose his temporary possession is what tipped me off in the first place. It was quite funny, now that I think of it.”

Draco didn’t think it was funny at all! Why hadn’t he been let in on this little scheme? They had no idea how worried he had been for her. How could they be so insensitive? Did they think it was funny too?

“I am forever in your debt, my Lady and Lord,” Demetrius said.

“One more question,” Dumbledore inquired. “Why stage a grand event such as this ball in order to carry out the scheme? Why put others at risk and the safety of Marlston as well?”

“There are many reasons for that,” Harry replied. “We were trying to come up with a way that would not tip off Sybilla’s suspicions and be able to get all three of them here together. Demetrius feared for Katrina’s life and knew only my magic could protect her if something went wrong. And another reason is that Hermione really did want to make a special day for Ginny.”

“Anything else?” Dumbledore wondered.

“Yes, but that’s a completely personal reason,” Harry replied. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Professor, we have some matters to discuss with Demetrius.”

Draco listened as Dumbledore said his farewells and he heard the opposite door shut. He grasped his wand, wondering if he should just burst in. But his head was cautioning him to wait a bit longer. Perhaps when the Count left the study…

“Thank you for all you have done,” Demetrius said. “The old wizard was right. It was too much to ask of you. Yet, you have given me back my life and my sister’s life as well. I’m still amazed at all the ways I feel right now. It is hard for me to put in words, for there are no words adequate for the depth of gratitude I’m feeling at this moment.”

“I’m very please that it worked. I wasn’t quite sure it would. That journal was quite old,” Hermione replied. “I’m amazed myself. I think perhaps I’ll take a closer look at what other properties my blood may hold.”

“Does Katrina know? Did she watch? I’d like to speak with her.”

“She is not awake,” Harry said.

“I’m anxious to tell her the good news. It was hard not letting her know the plan, but I knew Sybilla would be able to read her thoughts easily. I can’t wait to start our lives over again. We have a lot of work to do to restore the Baranov Estates.”

Draco noticed a definite pause in the conversation before Hermione spoke.

“I’m afraid Katrina will have to be our guest for a little while longer.”

“What?! Is she hurt?” Demetrius asked, worried.

“She is fine,” Hermione replied. “Harry has put her into an enchanted sleep. She can only awake on his command.”

“Then awaken her!”

“I’m sorry, Count Baranov,” Hermione replied. “But your veins are full of Marlston blood. Who knows what uses that could be put to? I don’t feel comfortable having my blood running around without me. You may be a target for others as well. Harry and I have discussed this. We realize you have much to do now that you are free of Sybilla. But until your body replaces my blood with your own, we will keep Katrina in her sleep as insurance that you will be most cautious at this time.”

“Again my sister is held hostage!”

“She will not feel time passing. When she awakens, it will be as if she took a short nap,” Harry said. “Return to us in a month and we will do a blood test. If your own blood has regenerated enough, you will have your sister back.”

“A month!”

“That is my final word,” Harry stated, authoritatively.

The conversation was over. Draco could feel the Count’s frustration during the pause. He could almost see his teeth clenched as he ground out, “Yes, my Lord.” It made Draco happy, proud that Harry was such a powerful man.

When the other door slammed, Draco took a deep breath, Putting his hand on the knob, he opened the door before him. Harry and Hermione turned their heads toward him, a bit startled he was there.

“Draco?” Hermione began, wondering at his placid expression.

“You heard?” Harry asked, but already seeing into Draco’s eyes that he had.

“How could you do this? Do you realize how deeply worried I was for you?” Draco asked her, intensely. “Was this some big joke to you? Ha, ha, let’s make Draco think I was dying,” he mocked.

Hermione shook her head. “No, it wasn’t like that at all!”

He swung his angry gaze at Harry. “And you! You let that blood sucker almost kill her. What if Sybilla was the one to suck her, snap her neck? Did you think about that possibility?”

“We had planned that part carefully. Demetrius knew he’d be the one…” Harry answered but was cut off.

“And Snape!” Draco fumed. “What about him? Do you realize how horrid it is to have Mordred in me? Do you realize what it takes out of me?”

“That wasn’t planned,” Hermione said, urgently. “We never counted on Snape causing trouble. You really did save Marlston!”

“Why did you do this for him? Why did you risk all for the Count?” Draco said, almost shouting. “Just answer me why?”

Hermione looked at Harry and then back to Draco. “We didn’t do this for the Count, well, not completely. We did it for you.”

“For me?” Draco barked a cynical laugh. He rolled his eyes. “How was this all for me?”

“We thought…,” she began, hesitatingly; “we thought you were losing interest in us and that is why you left for so long. We thought maybe you were bored with us. Now that the war had ended, perhaps… there was not enough going on to keep you entertained.”

Draco stood staring at them incredulously. “So you cooked up this whole drama because you thought I was bored?”

Harry stepped next to Hermione to present a united front. “I knew you liked it whenever I did the Dark Lord thing. I thought solving Count Baranov’s problem in front of you would get you interested again,” Harry admitted.

Draco turned his back on them, running a hand through his hair. Many different, conflicting emotions went through his mind. He was angry, yet he was also humbled that they would go so far for him.

Hermione looked worriedly at Harry when Draco turned his back, her fingers twisting together. What was going through his mind? She couldn’t see his face.

“We’re… sorry,” she whispered. “Please…”

Draco shut his eyes. Didn’t they realize how deeply he loved them? Did they really think he was leaving them for good?

“You know,” he began, still facing away, “all you had to do was get rid of Weasley and I would have come home.” He turned around to face them. “This whole thing was overkill. I never had plans to leave you forever. That never was a consideration. You two are my world.”

Harry and Hermione looked please with these words, smiling slightly they began to move toward Draco.

But Draco held up his hand, stopping them. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not mad at you. It was cruel to make me believe you were that close to death. Could you not have told me the plan with the Baranovs?”

“I wanted you feel the passion, the emotion involved,” Harry replied.

Draco shook his head. “You just don’t get it, do you?”

“Shut up,” Harry ordered.

Startled, Draco obeyed for only a moment. “What did you say to me?”

“You heard me,” Harry said, stepping toward him, his Dark Lord countenance taking over. Draco’s eyes opened wide has Harry raised his hand, sending Draco crashing to the wall behind him. “I’ve had enough talk. We are taking back what is ours. And you… belong to us.” Harry pressed himself against Draco’s body, his breath fanning the blonde’s ear. “This body is ours.” Harry moved his hand over the front of Draco’s trousers, feeling the rush of air from his mouth. “This cock… is ours.” He ran his tongue over the shell of Draco’s ear. When Draco whimpered with need, he placed his lips at the corner of his mouth. “These lips are ours,” Harry breathed, pressing his mouth full onto Draco’s.

Draco moaned as the kiss deepened and grew frantic. His once limp arms now lifted around Harry, grasping the dark hair and pulling him even closer. Draco wanted to devour him, suck every last inch of Harry’s tongue into his mouth. Their erections rubbed deliciously together through their clothing and Draco began pumping his hips against Harry.

Gods! He loved this. He loved when Harry was strong, dominant, and powerful. The kisses were drugging him into forgetful bliss. He was supposed to be angry about something… wasn’t he? What… what was it? Fuck it.

Hermione cleared her throat behind Harry and Harry reluctantly stopped the kiss, breathing hard with lust. They both looked at Hermione who was standing in the middle of the room completely naked, her gown pooled at her feet. “I hope you’re planning on sharing him, Harry,” she said, huskily. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt him deep inside of me.”

“And it’s been too long since I’ve been deep inside of him,” Harry replied, his eyes burning with desire.

Draco’s pulse, as well as a lower part of his anatomy, was throbbing in response. He lay his head back against the wall and hoarsely replied, “Yes, inside you, inside me… oh, please, yes!”

Hermione came close as Harry opened up a space between him and Draco. Draco immediately licked his lips as he devoured her luscious body with eyes. He placed one hand over her breast, toying with the peaking nipple.

“We will always be together – forever,” she whispered.

“Forever,” Draco repeated, breathily.

“Give her what she wants,” Harry ordered, stepping slightly back and pushing them together.

“Mmmmm,” Draco moaned, his arms going about her waist and pulling her beautiful curves against him as her lips met his. He loosened his hold momentarily as Harry had stepped behind him, pulling his robes and shirt off and discarding them carelessly.

He continued deepening his kiss with Hermione, his hands traveling down to her arse and holding the globes in his palms, pressing her sensitive flesh against his hard cock. He felt Harry behind him, strong hands reaching around his chest, gliding over his abs as the mouth of the Dark Lord roamed the back of his neck. The nimble fingers finally reached his trousers, unfastening them with ease and pulling the rest of his garments off his hips and onto the floor.

Now Draco could feel Hermione’s hot, smooth skin directly against his own and he groaned with delight. Hermione purred in return, one leg curling around his as her wet pussy slid on top of his leg.

Harry’s hands slid down to Draco’s cock and Harry’s breath quickened at the velvet feel of it. “Suck it,” Harry ordered, hoarsely.

Hermione broke the kiss and looked down at Harry’s hand on Draco’s cock. She smiled saucily, her tongue darting out to her top lip. “Mmmmm,” she replied. She raised her hands to the top of Draco’s chest, dragging her fingernails deliciously down his sexy torso, falling to her knees in the process.

Draco shut his eyes, Harry holding him from behind as he groaned. “Yes, love, yes!” His hips jutted out toward her when she took him into her mouth, licking, sucking and kissing all she could. Harry’s hand began moving at the base of his cock, milking him for her. Draco moved his hips with the rhythm, his head back against Harry’s shoulder, drunk with pleasure.

“Gods!” he moaned. “So good… make me come, love…” Harry’s mouth was attached to his shoulder, kissing, licking, sucking. Draco knew he’d have a mark there. But he didn’t care. He was with his lovers. They wanted him and that was all that mattered.

Hermione’s tongue found his slit and she toyed with it, tasting his salty arousal. Running her fingernails over his calves as she continued taking him deeply, she could feel him tensing and knew he was close. “Come in my mouth,” she encouraged, remembering how he always liked to hear her talk dirty.

“Yes!” Draco exclaimed, his body shaking, yet tense, as he came. “Ah… Gods!”

“Mmmmm,” she hummed on him as she swallowed. When she had cleaned every last drop, she stood and shared a kiss with Harry over Draco’s shoulder.

“Yum,” Harry said, afterwards, licking his lips.

Hermione backed away from them, grinning mischievously. She sat on the sofa which Harry immediately transfigured into a bed, making her yelp in surprised delight. Scooting back on the bed, her eyes still on Draco she leaned back on her hands, bringing her knees up and spreading her legs.

Draco was still breathing hard from his orgasm, watching her as Harry’s hand once again covered his cock. Harry muttered a few words and Draco became instantly hard again. “You’re not finished yet,” Harry laughed huskily into his ear.

They watched as Hermione’s hand slid over her wet clit, dipping into her channel and massaging her sensitive flesh. “I need you,” she said, looking into Draco’s eyes.

“Go to her,” Harry urged, not letting go of Draco and walking him towards the bed.

Draco didn’t need anyone to tell him what to do in this matter. He knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted to be buried to the hilt in her. He wanted to lose himself in the bliss of fucking – fucking like there was no tomorrow.

He reached the bed, crawling sexily towards the gap between her legs. He dipped his head down, taking a long, luxurious lick from her anus to the tip of her clit, before diving in on her, feasting on her delicious offering. Hermione threw her head back, her long hair cascading behind her. “Draco!” she jerked, the pleasure almost too much.

Harry was behind Draco, his fingers reaching for his balls and his anus. He bent down and swiped at Draco’s rosebud with his tongue, causing the blonde to groan against Hermione’s flesh. “Gods, Harry!” Harry attacked it with new vigor, tongue fucking the hole he was soon to fuck in another way.

When Draco felt Harry doing a lubricating spell, he knew exactly what he wanted. “I want you both at the same time,” Draco ground out.

Hermione pulled on his hair, urging him to move up her body. “Yes, I need you, Draco. Fuck me. Fuck me hard.” His mouth moved up her belly as he dragged his tongue all the way up to her breasts, spending a few moments nipping at her beautiful mounds.

Then he looked into her eyes as he slid home- where he belonged. “I love you,” Draco said. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too,” she replied, already slipping into the bliss of having his throbbing, hot cock stretching her inside. She moved her hips a little, ready to feel more.

Draco got the hint and began moving, building up to deep thrusts as Harry worked his lubricated fingers into his anus. Hermione pulled her legs back more and Draco thrust harder and faster. When he felt himself close to orgasm, he slowed a bit, not want to come before her. “Harry,” he rasped. “Get your sexy prick inside of me.”

“My pleasure,” Harry growled, pulling his fingers from Draco’s ready hole. He held his cock in place, rubbing some of his precum over Draco’s anus. “I’m going to fuck you good.”

Harry bent further over him, his tongue traveling over Draco’s spine as he pressed inside the gorgeous blonde. “Fuck,” Harry growled. “So tight…”

Draco ground his teeth together, his body adjusting to the completely full feeling of being stretched. It had definitely been too long. When Harry began moving, the momentum pushed him further into Hermione and they began a delicious rhythm together.

“Oh, yes!” Hermione wriggled beneath him, her fingers clawing at Harry’s biceps, helping to pull him further into Draco.

“Ah…,” Draco moaned. “So good… so fucking good…” He turned his head backwards, his lips seeking Harry’s.

Hermione groaned with delight as she watched them kissing. She could never get tired of the hotness of it. It was enough to make her come. In fact, she could feel the tingles spreading down her legs and up to her breasts as she watched and was pounded into the mattress by the force of two men fucking on top of her. “Oh, my… yes!” she gasped.

Draco and Harry stopped kissing to watch her face as she orgasmed. It was always their favorite sight of all during sex. The tenseness of her face and then… the total complete look of satisfaction and satiation, the soft smile that would grace her face – a picture of happiness.

Draco pulled out of her when she was finished as Harry was getting to his knees, tugging Draco with him, not wanting to break their connection. Draco knew he was about to get the fucking of his life.

Hermione licked her lips lazily, enjoying the show.

Harry pulled Draco up to his hands and knees, shoving into him hard. Draco gasped, sweat dripping down his forehead. “Yes, Harry, fuck me.”

“You’ll never leave us again,” Harry said, pounding relentlessly into the sexy arse in front of him.

“Never,” Draco blurted, almost beyond the ability to speak.

“Ah… uhng…” Draco moaned. Harry pulled back on his hips over and over, hitting his sweet spot inside. “Fuck!” Draco cried, his cock beginning to spurt his second orgasm of the morning.

“Ours, all ours,” Harry groaned, shooting his cum, marking his territory inside of Draco. He held onto Draco, buried to the hilt as they both came, shaking and groaning.

Then Harry pulled out and flopped down on the bed, pulling Draco with him next to Hermione. Hermione smiled, turning her body towards Draco, sandwiching him in. Draco was still breathing hard as he kiss her lightly, grinning at her in return.

This was the real magic in their lives – what they had together.

“That was brilliant,” he whispered, exhausted.

“Harry, I think our little brat prince is here to stay,” Hermione said.

Draco’s eyes flew open. “What did you call me?”

She grinned at him, teasingly. “It was your father’s name for you. While you were away, he told Harry you were running around like a spoiled brat prince, thinking you could do anything you want because of your relationship to Harry and I.”

“That smarmy bastard. How dare he speak of me that way!” Draco replied, but truly unable to be upset after such great sex.

“But it’s true,” Harry teased. “You are a brat prince. But you are OUR brat prince.”

Draco looked at Harry, feigning insult. “Fuck you, Harry.”

“Anytime… brat.”

OOOOO

A/N Wow! I actually completed another fiction. It really does feel good. I know many people would like it to continue to their seventh year at Hogwarts, but I don’t think I’d be able to give you quick updates on such an undertaking. Look how long it took me to give you 9 chapters!

I must admit that there are a few ideas in my head for one shots and mini fictions. The whole Marlston legacy keeps growing in my mind and I’d love to reveal more about its mysterious past. I do love the idea of Mordred taking over Draco and while I was writing that scene in this fiction, a whole plot bunny came to me regarding the life of Mordred and the first Marlston triad. I even have a background worked out for Those-That-Dwell-Below.

Bugger is another fun character for me to write and I’ve been toying with an idea of revealing more about how he came to be and a closer look at his true personality.

So what did you think of Paradise Found? I hope you enjoyed it. Did you guess that it was all a set up? I tried to give a few hints and clues along the way. I wanted to show that Harry and Hermione could have a very Slytherin side to them at times.

The storyline with Katrina… (giggle). O.k. I must admit that I LOVED Sleeping Beauty and the idea of putting her in an enchanted sleep in a Dark Lord’s lair was just too hard to resist. I would of done the whole ‘true love’s first kiss’ thing too if it wasn’t so corny and done already. Besides, I hadn’t really developed a romantic storyline for Katrina, so it wouldn’t have fit.

Please let me hear your thoughts on this story. I know many of you were waiting for some triad smut – I hope it met your expectations.

Thank you for being such loyal readers!

~Petalsoft