Make Love, Not War

Part 16

“This is one fucked up dream.” Draco Malfoy mumbled as he waked towards the Gryffindor part of the school, working hard to quell the compulsion to scream for answers.

The nimble blonde had never imagined there would be a day when he would willingly walk into the Gryffindor tower but then he had never imagined having Harry Potter as one of his housemates either. The only obvious conclusion waat iat it was all a screwed up dream or possibly a result of poisoning on the orders of the insane Voldemort.

Draco had freely admitted to himself and his best friend Blaise that he wanted power but that didn’t mean he was going to follow some insane obviously suicidal wizard. It was obvious the Dark Lord had lost his mind since the wizard had actually given Harry Potter his wand back during one of their fights. Even he knew that in a fight to the death you didn’t give your oppone wea weapon, you incapacitated them while you had the chance. If Voldemort had done that to a Slytherin, the idiot would be dead by now but apparently, Harry had been infected by the noble, moronic attitude of the Gryffindors or possibly Dumbledore.

Humming the latest Weird Sisters song loudly, Draco shared an amused grin with his best friend before the Blaise started whistling the same tune. As Draco had planned it caught the attention of the students lining the hallways. stu students stared perplexed at the sight of the two enemies Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy walking companionably side by side.

Beside him, Harry couldn’t help but worry as he walked towards the Gryffindor tower. He didn’t know how his friends were going to treat him now it had been revealed that he was in the wrong house. He had suspected as much for years. Now all he had to do was try to get Dumbledore to let him be resorted. Now the Gryffindors knew he was a Slytherin at heart his life was over, he knew his friends hated all Slytherins simply because of their house.

The only exception was Neville who had been openly dating both Blaise Zabini and Terry Boot for the last three months. Neville was treated like dirt by his own housemates, having been tripped nd bnd banged into over fifty times since his relationship started. Neville had taken it upon himself to learn a number of healing charms for his own safety. No one knew that Harry had known about the relationship between the trio, but had kept secret for months even creating an illusion of Neville in the dorm so no one would know his friend was sleeping in the Slytherin dungeon.

Harry was still shocked at Blaise’s promise to help him if he needed it saying he now owed Harry a wizard’s debt that duty demanded be paid. All Harry had asked for was for Blaise to make sure Neville was h; Ha; Harry knew personally how fleeting happiness could be.

While the six walked down the hall, four of them in wary confusion Justin tried to slow down the visions assaulting his . He. He had to make sense of everything before it tore him to pieces. There was no way he could tell Harry or Draco what was going to happen to them but he knew it was for the best. With a quick glance at his lover Justin grinned happily, looking forward to spending time with Richard away from everyone.

“We’re here. Keep quiet until we’ve explained the situation.” Justin said sparing a look at the four obviously worried students before knocking on the door.

Opening the door Nikias beamed at his brothers, “Hey boys.”

“These are the two you need, Nik.” Justin explained with a brief look at Draco and Harry.

“Great! Come on in!” Nikias joyously exclaimed as he moved back to let the six walk inside his room.

“Please sit down and then we can explain everything,” Methos instructed from his seat next to the chessboard.

The living room was decorated in the somewhat stylish black and white style. The walls were all painted a bright white that made the room appear large. All the seating was made from luscious black leather while the three tables were glass topped with silver legs. All the guests stared at the centre of the room were there was a large table on which sat two swords, guns and a number of daggers.

Justin sat down on the black leather sofa sitting against the back wall of the room and reached up to pull Richard down next to him. He watched impatiently as Draco at down on the other sofa with Blaise joining him with an unconcerned shrug. Harry and Hermonie took the two unoccupied chairs close to the door.

Justin said seriously, “Harry and Hermonie are in the wrong houses. Harry should be in Slytherin while Hermonie should be in Ravenclaw. The Sorting Hat told Dumbledore but he ignored it. Some other people in the sixth year are in the wrong house. We need to figure out a way to get the whole of the sixth year resorted very soon so we can leave and get the other two we need.”

Methos said calmly, “We can arrange for a resorting. All we need is five teachers, one of whom must be a Head of House to request a resorting. Since we are classed as, teachers the four of Sev and us should be enough. The Sorting Hat must announce in the Great Hall that a Re-Sorting is needed.”

“What did Justin mean when he said we were the two you needed?” Draco asked with feigned disinterest.

Nikias said in a bored tone, “Thousands of years ago I was an Olympian God. I died and returned to the world as an Immortal with the task of finding six people needed to take over the Godhoods of six Gods who will die in the Twilight. The Fates gave a select few the knowledge of this prophesised quest. One of them is an old friend called Iolaus, who told me where to find the first two. The two in question are Justin and Richard, two Immortals. All we know is that the six people are all of impure blood, meaning they are either demonic, Immortal or magical in nature.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“You and Harry are the next two we need. The six people in question are made up of three couples. Justin and Richard are one; you Draco are half of the second couple. Harry is half of the last couple.”

“Have you thought about going to the hospital wing? Have you just escaped from St Mungo’s?” Blaise commented wryly.

Draco said in an awed whisper, “I think they’re telling the truth. It is too fantastical for it not to be the truth, Blaise. Who would make up something like that?”

“Of course we are telling the truth. We have far more important things to do than play jokes on schoolchildren.” Nikias said scornfully while glaring at Blaise who simply glared back.

“I think I’ll wait until you have a dose of Veritaserum.” Harry said sceptically.

Nikias nodded understandingly, “If that’s what you want. I don’t suppose any of you have some hanging around? I have some but I think you would like some that you have made yourself.”

“Actually, I have some.” Hermonie admitted causing Harry to stare at his friend in amazement having never expected such behaviour from his friend.

“Go and get it then come back here.” Methos instructed grinning when the girl eagerly ran out the door.
*******
“Here you go. Are you both going to take it?”

Nikias gave an unconcerned shrug, “If it will make you believe us then of course we will.”

“It will help.” Harry said honestly as Hermonie gave the vial to Nikias.

Nikias swallowed two drops before passing the potion to his lover who followed suit. Turning together the pair focused their attention on the sceptical Harry Potter and waited to find out exactly what he needed to know.

“What are your names?” Hermonie asked looking the pair in the eyes.

Nikias said softly, “My name is Nikias. Millennia ago I was known as Strife God of Mischief.”

“My true name is Methos, the Horseman of Death. Although right now I am using the name Adam Pierson.”

“The potion’s working.” Richard interjected with a glare at the Gryffindor pair knowing Methos would never reveal title as Death to a room full of people they didn’t know anything about.

“Where are we, Nikias?”

“We are in Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry, Harry. We are in the Staff Section of Gryffindor in our rooms.”

Hermonie nodded saying, “Are the two of you in charge of collecting six people for a prophecy?”

“Yes we are. It is part of the Twilight prophecy.”

Wanting to get it all over with Harry asked, “Who are the six people you need to collect?”

“I only know the identity of four.” Methos said before rattling off the names, “Justin, Richard, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.”

“Do you know anything about the identity of the other two, Nikias?” Blaise asked perceptively having noticed the wording of Methos’ response.

Nikias admitted, “The pair are in Sunnydale, California. One has blonde hair and the other is a brunette.”

“I think that’s enough questions. How long until the potion wears off?”

Draco said quickly, “Seeing they only took a small dose only another thirty minutes. We should go and see Professor Snape. He’ll be in his rooms now.”

“That soulikelike a good idea.” Richard said with a quick look at his brothers, hoping they could keep quiet. He didn’t want the pair to blurt out something they might later regret.
*******
Opening the door Snape sneered, “What an interesting group (!) Please come in, I have to know what has Mr Potter working with Slytherins.”

As the group walked into the room Nikias said, “They are both needed for the prophecy. We’ll be taking them with us when we leave, Sev. Apparently the Sorting Hat needs to resort a lot of the sixth year students, they are in the wrong house but Dumbledore refused to fix the problem.”

“Who told you this and how did they know?”

Nikias gave a brief grin answering, “Justin saw it in a vision. Harry and Hermonie are amongst those who need resorting. Harry is actually a Slytherin and Hermonie is a Ravenclaw. Will you call for a Resorting Ceremony with the four of us?”

“I trust both of you with my life so if you feel it is needed, I will.” Snape answered honestly not noticing the way his students’ eyes widened.

“Thanks Sev, I’m sorry for intruding on your free time especially with this kind of problem. What are we going to do with Dumbledore?”

Snape shrugged answering, “He is a man and is capable of making mistakes. There may be a good reason for him doing what he has done. We will find out when we ask for a sorting. Do you want to ask now or wait until tomorrow morning?”

Methos said thoughtfully. “We should do it now and get it over with. I plan to leave here on Friday since we’ve found Harry and Draco right away.”

“What if we don’t want to leave?” Harry said angrily unhappy that these strangers had taken control of his life.

Methos said seriously, “There is no reason why you shouldn’t come with us. We can teach you anything you will miss here and we won’t let either of you be hurt. You will learn exactly how to stop Voldemort if you come with us and you will get some powerful allies.”

“There’s no way I can leave, Lucius wouldn’t let me.” Draco said anxiously knowing it was true.

Nikias said honestly, “He’ll let you come with us. I’ll write and inform him of exactly who we are. I will tell him that we are going to teach you in the Dark Arts. Lucius knows how powerful we are and he knows we can make you very powerful. He wants power and by allowing you to come with us, he can get closer to the power he craves. Draco, he will not cause any problems.”

“Let’s go to eat then. Its time for us to call for a resorting. Are you okay with all this Justin and Richard?”

Richard nodded at Nikias, “Yeah, we’re just looking forward to going back home to be completely honest.”

“I just want to spend some time alone with Rich,” Justin admitted blushing slightly at Draco’s eye roll. He couldn’t help it if the only thing he wanted was to hold Richard secure in the knowledge that his boyfriend was going to be with him forever.

“I know how you feel babe.” Richard said softly before capturing his lover’s lips and kissing the man passionately.

Coughing loudly to get their attention Hnie nie blushed as she said, “We should go for tea now before we miss it. The rules are fairly strict about everyone attending meals unless they are excused by their head of house or for medical reasons.”

“Sorry about that we just got caught up in the moment.” Richard said keeping tight hold of Justin knowing just how easily embarrassed the brunette was with public displays of affection.

“Don’t worry about it boys, just enjoy being together.” Nikias said seriously glaring at the others to stop them saying anything. He knew how important it was to cherish the time you got to spend with your lover even Immortals had to live with the knowledge that their loved one could die, admittedly the risk was considerably less than that of a mortal but it still existed.
*******
Harry ate in silence ignoring the questioning looks from his friends and the glares from Seamus and Dean. He knew they felt betrayed by Harry’s acceptance that he could be a Slytherin at heart but Harry couldn’t change the way he felt. He hadn’t changed but he knew many of his friends would become enemies once he was resorted into Gryffindor.

Feeling Hermonie squeeze his hand tightly in support, Harry turned to look at the girl smiling as confidently as possible. He wasn’t going to let his fears show, he believed Justin had only wanted to help and he knew there was nothing he could do to change his fate. He stared in awed terror as Professor Snape stood and looked around the Great Hall stopping to focus on the four new teachers before nodding seriously.

“Headmaster Dumbledore, I respectfully request a resorting of the Sixth Years. The Sorting Hat and my own research has indicated that a resorting is needed.”

“I see. I will consent to a resorting providing your request is supported by four other teachers. Do you have four teachers willing to support a resorting?”

“We support a resorting.” Nikias and Methos said together causing everyone to look at the couple that had stood along with Justin and Richard.

“I saw in a vision that a resorting is needed.” Justin explained on feeling the head teacher looking at him.

Richard smiled at his lover saying, “I trust in my lover’s visions and believe a resorting is needed.”

“So be it. Professor McGonagall, would you please fetch the sorting hat?” Dumbledore said seriously causing the students watching to gasp in awe that they were actually going to see a resorting.

McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on a stool in the middle of the room before saying, “One by one I shall call your name. When your name is called go to the centre of the room, please place the Sorting Hat on, and wait for the Hat to deliver a verdict.”

The sixth years nodded as one each worried about the possibility of having to join a new house and make new friends. Everyone watched expectantly as Hannah Abbott walked to the Sorting Hat only to be told she belonged in her current house.

Terry Boot smiled in satisfaction as he sat on the stool waiting to be told where he belonged. He had a few ideas himself but he wanted to see if the Sorting Hat agreed.

“SLYTHERIN!” The Sorting Hat announced quickly taking only a minute to choose the correct House.

Terry smiled happily as he walked over to the Slytherin table, sitting next to his boyfriend proudly. He was were he wanted to be, he hoped the other resorted students would be as happy in their new Houses as he was.

Harry watched in shock as Sarah Caldwell a quiet Slytherin was resorted into Ravenclaw. The next to be resorted was Tracey Davis who was taken from Slytherin and placed in Gryffindor. The girl did not look very happy with her new house but Harry wondered what kind of reception she was going to get from her new housemates. He knew how much the Gryffindors hated Slytherins.

Hermonie walked to the stool confidently already knowing were she was going to be placed since Justin had told her earlier. She comforted herself with the knowledge that at least Ravenclaw was friendly with both Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Snape looked on in fear as Neville Longbottom put on the Sorting Hat, for the first time in decades he prayed. He didn’t want Longbottom in his house; it was bad enough that Harry Potter was going to be placed in Slytherin.

“I see you have discovered that you do not belong in Gryffindor. I am pleased to see you have found true love though. Now you are ready for your true house,” Sor Sorting Hat said to Neville calling out to the room, “SLYTHERIN!”

Neville grinned happily as he ran over to the Slytherin table where he was passionately kissed by both his lovers. He smiled at his fellow Slytherins who murmured congratulations before turning back to the watch the drama unfold.

Jane Matthews and Adrian Moon were both removed from Hufflepuff and placed in Gryffindor. The room watched as the couple screamed for joy on realising they would stay together.

“Harry Potter!” Professor McGonagall called out before giving the dark haired boy a reassuring smile. She was confident the boy wouldn’t be resorted since he displayed so many of the clearly Gryffindor traits.

The Sorting Hat said sadly inside Harry’s mind, “I see you have discovered the truth. I am sorry for not placing you where you belong but I only wanted you to be happy. However the time has come for me to correct my mistake.”

“SLYTHERIN!” The Sorting Hat called out proudly causing the Gryffindors to gasp in amazement.

Ron Weasley looked at his former best friend in disgust, it was obvious to him that Harry was no longer the boy he called friend. Perhaps Harry had never been his friend since the black haired boy had obviously been lying to him for years. There was no way he could be friends with a Slytherin, the whole house was evil. Harry had obviously joined with Voldemort, as his mother had feared.

Harry ignored the intense whispered speculation as he walked over to the Slytherin table, warily watching as Draco Malfoy stood. He stared into Malfoy’s eyes knowing this moment was going to determine the nature of their relationship for the rest of their lives.

“Welcome to Slytherin, Harry. Please take a seat next to me,” Draco said seriously while holding out his hand.

“Thank you for accepting me.” Harry said as he shook the offered hand before sitting down as gracefully as possible.

The remainder of the sixth year students went silently to the Sorting Hat but only one person was resorted. Dean Thomas was removed from Gryffindor and placed in Hufflepuff causing, the boy to look around in confusion. It was obvious Dean had never imagined leaving his friends or house.

“The resorting is complete. All students that have been resorted can be excused from dinner to take their belongings to their new house. Will one student from each house please show the new housemates to their new houses?”

Draco Malfoy stood up deciding it was best that he show the new Slytherins to their rooms. At the Gryffindor table Ron Weasley stood up not looking in Harry’s direction. Michael Corner from Hufflepuff stood silently, as did Isabel McDougal from Ravenclaw. All four looked at their head of house before leaving the room, their new housemates following in silence.
*******
“This is great!” Neville said excitedly overjoyed that he was now with both of his lovers; he hated having to spend so much time away from Terry and Blaise. At least the Slytherin housemates were more accepting of alternative sexualities, the Gryffindors had treated him like a pariah because he was gay.

Keeping one arm around the smaller man’s waist Terry nodded, “I know, babe. At least we won’t have to sneak around as we used to.s wes weird that the Sorting Hat placed both of us in Slytherin though. It saves me and Blaise from having to kill the Gryffindors I suppose.”

Once the group arrived at the Gryffindor tower Draco and Terry remained outside while the two former Gryffindors collected their belongings. As they waited the pair warily looked around knowing the Gryffindors would be very angry now they had lost two of their number.

Terry asked hesitantly, “Can Neville and I room with Blaise, Draco?”

“I assumed you would be. Don’t worry I’m sure everyone will like both of you. Harry’s the one who might have problems.” Draco replied confidently. It was rare for the Slytherins to accept outsiders but both Terry and Neville were accepted since the first day the pair had walked into the Slytherin common room and had made a sincere effort to become friends with the Slytherins.

“We’re ready to go.” Harry said causing the pair to look over where he and Neville stood waiting.

Draco looked them over for a few seconds before saying, “Okay, we’ll put everything in the rooms and then you three will have to see Professor Snape. He’ll go through the rules of Slytherin. After you’ve met him we will introduce you to the Slytherin house formally.”

“That sounds good.” Terry said as he wrapped his arm around his boyfriend leading the way towards the dungeons in silence.
*******
“Welcome to Slytherin House, Harry, Neville and Terry. There are a few rules Slytherins have followed for years that I expect you to follow. The most important is that we do not have arguments amongst ourselves were anyone else can hear. Slytherins do not put each other down in public; we have to present a united front. I teach a special duelling and defence class only for the members of my house. It is voluntary but I think it would be a good idea for you to join. Since you are in my house I expect all of you to be good at potions, to that end I’ve appointed a student teacher for you all. Blaise and Pansy will teach Neville and Terry, Draco will be teaching Harry.”

“When do you want us to start our classes?” Terry asked taking control of the situation since his lover was extremely nervous around the teacher.

“The next class is next Tuesday at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. I know the rest of our house will help you prepare.” Snape answered thoughtfully with a brief look at Harry who he knew wouldn’t be there for the extra lessons but then if Nikias’ guesses were correct Harry would be a God once the prophecy was completed and as such would no longer need lessons in magic.

Nikias had confided that he believed the six people he was supposed to gather would become gods taking over the Godhood of those Gods who had died in the Twilight. The Immortal had said it was inevitable that some of his family would be dead it was just a matter of who. Methos had theorised that the Gods who died would be the one no one believed in or of who represented facets of human nature that people no longer felt.

“Now I want you all to go to the common room where Draco will introduce you to the house and organise your room assignments.” Snape said seriously with a pointed look at the front door.

“We’ll see you later, Sir.” Neville said respectfully as he walked out of the room heading to the Slytherin Common Room in a daze his boyfriend next to him while Harry walked slowly behind them.

Harry was busy thinking about the possibility of having to cope with being essentially forever bonded to some person he didn’t even know. What if he hated whoever his match was? He couldn’t help but envy Justin and Richard who had obviously been involved before they discovered they were part of a prophecy. The couple had it easy compared to him and Draco, who had no idea who or even what type of creature they were bonded to eternally. It could be some sort of demon and they had no choice from what Nikias had said.
*******
Draco impatiently waited outside the common room for the three teens knowing their talk with Snape should be over since Snape had a meeting with his lover who just happened to be Draco’s mother, Narcissa. Since the age of four, Draco had known his real father was Severus Snape and that his mother was having an affair with the teacher. His mother had told him not to reveal the truth of his parentage and he had remained silent. Lucius still believed himself to be Draco’s father and if Lucius found out, he would kill Draco, Narcissa, and Severus.

Since both Lucius and Severus were both, demonic in nature the elder Malfoy hadn’t discovered the true nature of Draco’s parentage. Draco had a spell on him from the time of his birth to disguise him until he reached the age of seventeen, which would happen in two weeks, as he was one of the oldest in his school year.

At dawn on his seventeenth birthday Draco would assume his true appearance, his father had said the changes would be his hair colour changing to black, his face becoming angular, and his build becoming wirier. Draco had decided that since he wasn’t going to be in Hogwarts when the changes hit he would have to tell Nikias, Methos, Justin, Richard and Harry the truth about his parentage so they didn’t freak when he changed. He would ask them all to meet him at seven the following morning giving them plenty of time to talk.

Draco looked up at the sound of footsteps approaching and relaxed on recognising the footfalls of Harry. He was never going to tell anyone that he actually recognised the dark haired boy’s footsteps but then he would also never reveal that he had beefatufatuated with Harry for six months during the previous school year. It wasn’t too surprising since the blonde had essentially been in heat for six months; it was inherited from his Veela mother. During his heat period, he had focused entirely on one person, Harry Potter. Unlike most Veelas, he had been able to control himself to the extent that he did not actually seduce Harry. Draco had not wanted to take advantage of the boy knowing Harry wouldn’t be able to resist as very few people had the ability to resist the mating heat of a Veela.

Draco smiled softly at the three, “Welcome back guys. Come inside and I’ll give you a brief introduction to the house before escorting you all to your rooms.”

Draco muttered the password before walking into the common room feeling the anxious group close behind him. As he had instructed the rest of the house was waiting in the common room for his speech. He was the unofficial leader of the house with Blaise and Pansy his second in commands. The room fell silent as the four walked to the middle of the room.

“Fellow Slytherins, we discovered today that a small number of people in the sixth year were placed in the wrong house by the Sorting Hat. Today that grave injustice was rectified when three true Slytherins were placed in the house they truly belong in, Slytherin! Our three new Slytherins are Harry James Potter, Neville Longbottom, and Terry Boot. I expect all of you to welcome them warmly. If you cause these three any problems then you will automatically face myself in a duel. Do any of you have questions?”

“I have one, how did the Sorting Hat make the mistake in the first place?” Graham Pritchard questioned suspiciously having been told the Hat could not be spelled.

Draco answered honestly, “Those placed in the wrong house were either done so because they already had friends in that house, because they refused to open themselves up or because the Sorting Hat was working on the information of Dumbledore. Harry was placed in Gryffindor because he argued with the Hat refusing to be placed in Slytherin because he had friends in Gryffindor. Neville fought the Hat meaning it couldn’t get an accurate read on him and Terry already had friends in his old house.”

“Myself, Draco and Snape will vouch for all three of them! On another topic we have to expect a cold attitude from Gryffindor and a possible attack.”

After Blaise had finished speaking Draco nodded, “That’s right so all of those in the third year or below are not allowed to go anywhere unless you are in a group of three. I don’t trust the Gryffindors not to attack so I am running an extra defence class. It will be taught by the sixth years. Just remember that if you are going to break rules or fight with someone, do not get caught. Have a backup plan and an alibi ready just in case. If you are caught take the punishment quietly and do not implicate anyone else. I want all of you to listen to the rumours and report them back. Blaise, Daphne, and Millicent are in charge of communication so tell them right away. Pansy, Gregory, and Vincent are in charge of tactics like normal so tell them if you hear about any attacks. I am in charge of potions and healing with Helen as my second. Adrian if you have any visions, write the in your journal and tell me ASAP. That is it for now, dismissed.”

Harry could only gape at the blonde in confusion, never having imagined Draco essentially ran a war committee of Slytherins in case something could go wrong. It was rather scary and he wondered what sort of home life the Slytherins had that meant they could accept this as normal. Was it possible that the Slytherins had lives as miserable at home as he?

His tone making it clear that it was an order Draco said, “Harry, Neville, Terry and Blaise all come with me please as we sort out the room arrangements.”
********
“Take a seat and I’ll explain the rooming plans.” Draco said to the four as they sat in the boys dorm that was empty apart from the five of them.

Once everyone was comfortable Draco seriously explained, “I assumed the three lovebirds would be rooming together so I’ve arranged for you to have the bedroom Snape had installed for himself in here. It is bigger than all the other private rooms so it should be perfect for you. All you have to do is take it the current password is Raven, change the password when you get there.”

“Drake, thank you for doing this. You’ll never know how much it means to me,” Blaise said seriously as he kissed the side of his best friend’s face, grinning when both of his lovers copied him.

“Come on, loves. Its time to sort out our room.” Terry said while standing. He waited for Neville and Blaise to do the same and wrapped an arm around both of their shoulders.

Draco and Harry both watched slightly jealous as the threesome walked out of the room so obviously in love with one another. The watchers wondered if they would feel the same about their supposed destined mates.

“Harry, you are going to be sharing a room with me. Once we are in the fifth year all Slytherins are moved into new rooms that they have to share with someone. Now I was sharing with Blaise but since he has his own room, you will be rooming with me. I don’t know if Snape told you but we also have a rule about sexuality. People can sleep with whomever they like in our house. Normally at least half of the Slytherins in each turn out to be gay or bisexual. Multiple partner relationships are very common here so don’t be shocked if you hear or see a group of people together.”

“That’s fine with me. I really don’t care who people sleep with me.” Harry admitted shocked at how accepting the Slytherins were since homophobia seemed to be common in the wizarding world.

“Great, now I have something to ask you. Could you please meet me at Professor Snape’s room tomorrow morning at seven? I have a few things that you, Nikias, Methos, Justin and Richard need to know before we leave for California.”

“Of course. You aren’t ill are you?” Harry asked nervously, not liking the blonde’s tone. It was as if Draco was almost afraid of telling whatever it was that he needed to reveal.

Draco chuckled answering, “No, but what I have to tell you is very important and must be kept secret. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what it is.”

“Okay. So can you show me to our room?” Harry said changing the subject in case it made the blonde uncomfortable. The last thing he wanted was for the Slytherin leader to hate him, he had just seen the power and respect the blonde commanded.

With a small nod Draco lead the way to the room stopping on the way to say hello to a few of the younger Slytherins who still looked decidedly uncomfortable with Harry’s presence. He knew it would take some time for everyone to get used to the formryffryffindor Golden Boy but he wasn’t going to let anyone abuse a fellow Slytherin while he was the leader of their house. Reaching the room the blonde whispered the password before walking inside and sitting on his bed, turning to watch Harry’s expression when he saw the room.

The room was decorated in the Slytherin colours of green and silver but there were a number of pictures on the walls depicting famous historical wizarding monuments and sites of famous battles. On the west wall there was a large bookcase that was completely full, Harry had never seen so many books together outside of a library. Harry estimated the number of books to be around four hundred, he wondered how Draco found the time to read all of those books and still get top marks in most of his subjects. The middle of the room was dominated by a large round oak table on, which sat a vase of yellow roses and two black books book titled “1000 Deadly Potions and Their Antidotes” and “Healing Potions and Magic Throughout Time.”

Harry looked at the books slightly worried about what it said about his roommate. He wondered if it meant Draco had murderous tendencies or if it meant that the older teen was merely looking for ways to help other people since the both books could be considered beneficial.

Reaching into his pocket Harry took out the reduced size suitcases and placed them on the floor. Taking his wand from his pocket the black haired teen pointed at his suitcases saying, “Engorgio!”

He watched in satisfaction as his belongings returned to their normal size. He looked at Draco to find out where he was supposed to put everything smiling when the blonde instantly started talking. It was as if Draco was reading his mind!

Draco walked over to the table saying, “You can have the wardrobe and drawers on the south side. If that’s not enough room let me know and you can have the third wardrobe. Right now I’m just using it for storage since I can’t get all my books on the shelves.”

“I don’t think I’ll need another wardrobe but thanks for the offer.” Harry replied before starting to organise his clothes, books, and supplies.

Sitting down Draco contented himself with catching up on his reading wanting to be prepared in case the quest he was suddenly involved urneurned out to be dangerous. He wasn’t going to let anyone suffer because he hadn’t practised his healing magic but since he had been the resident Slytherin Healer since he was fourteen Draco was confident he had mastered the common healing spells.

While he was working, the blonde mentally contacted his father, /Dad, can you ask Nikias and Methos to go to your room tomorrow morning at seven. Since they like you, they might agree easier than if I ask them./

Severus Snape answered quickly, /Of course. I take it you are going to ask Justin and Richard yourself?/

/I will go and see them in about an hour once I’ve finished my reading./ Draco replied before closing the mental connection.
********
Richard was lying on the sofa with his arm around his beautiful brunette lover as he tried to figure out just what was making him feel so on edge. He didn’t know why but he had a feeling that something was going to happen soon and whatever it was would be bad. He just hoped whatever it was wouldn’t hurt Justin.

Justin purred slightly at the feel of the well-known hands running through his hair. He could happily spend forever like this, the two of them so in sync with each other that they even breathed together. Justin knew he would have to speak to his brothers about what kind of troubles they could face in Sunnydale.

What was worrying Justin the most was the chance of Draco and Harry having to marry some creature they hated. They could be forced to marry an abusive bastard and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Justin knew he was lucky because he had been in love with Richard before the prophecy, he didn’t know how he would have reacted had he been in the boys’ position.

It was entirely possible that the pair would instantly fall in love with their chosen mates once they met them as Justin had fallen for Richard. He had known from the instant they met that Richard was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. Of course, it had been a lot more difficult to actually gather the courage to approach the blonde. He thanked whatever deities looked after terrified, lovesick teens that he had made that move though.

Justin admitted, “I feel sorry for them. Harry and Draco’s whole lives have been changed without warning and they are losing everything they knew. Imagine how they must feel knowing they are going to be with someone they don’t even know for the rest of their lives.”

Richard nodded in understanding saying softly, “I know at least we loved each other before all the prophecy craziness started. Draco and Harry will have to be forever bonded, married whatever you want to call it with people they’ve never even seen. Their chosen mates could be some grotesque, human-devouring demon.”

“Yeah but their mates could also be the nicest people in the world. We should be there for them; it’s a scary situation to be in. Remember how scared we were at first when we found each other?”

Smiling fondly at the memories the brunette’s words called to mind Richard said, “I remember but we didn’t have anyone to speak to. I think it made us closer though because we only had each other to talk with about our fears.”

“There is that, love. Do you feel like taking a walk around the grounds?” Justin stood up stretching slightly before grinning down at his lover who stilstill lying down.

Reaching out a hand for Justin to pull him up the blonde drawled, “Sure. Remind me to ask Methos and Nik about this Sunnydale we are going to. I’m not going somewhere that could hurt you without knowing about it.”

As they were about to walk out of the room there was a loud knock causing the pair to look at each other. With a sigh, Richard walked over to the answer the door while the other man took a seat figuring they may be a while.

“Oh hi, Draco. Is everything okay?” Richard said concerned when he saw the nervousness in the young blonde wizard’s eyes.

“Can I come in?” Draco asked hesitantly not wanting to interrupt at a special moment.

Richard nodded and moved back saying, “Come in and take a seat. Do you want a drink or anything?”

Draco sat on the armchair turning to face the pair as he answered, “I’m fine thanks. I was wondering if you would meet me at Professor Snape’s room tomorrow morning at seven? I need to talk about a few things before we leave.”

Richard looked at his partner seeing the man nod he answered, “Of course will be there. How are you feeling about the prophecy?”

Draco answered bluntly, “I’m kind of scared about it to be perfectly honest. I don’t want to get married and knowing my look, I would end up with some abusive asshole. There isn’t anything I can do about it is there?”

Justin said sadly, “Not really from what my brothers have said none of us have a choice, it’s the reason we exist in the first place. It could be worse though, at least you know there’s no chance of having to marry Voldemort.”

“There is that I suppose. How long have you been together?”

Justin squeezed his lover’s hand tenderly answering, “Nine months ever since I kissed Rich one day when we were studying together. We’ve gone througlot lot but I wouldn’t change anything. It has made us closer than we ever imagined being, we feel as if we are one.”

Draco drawled dejectedly, “It must be nice to have that. I’m going back to my room now, I’ve got a lot to study.”

“We’ll see you later.” Justin said while his love echoed his words saying goodbye.

Draco nodded at the pair as he walked out the room working hard to bury his jealously of the pair. He had never loved someone as much as Justin and Richard appeared to love each other but he wanted that. He wanted someone that would love everything about him and accept his secrets without hating him. He didn’t think there was any chance of finding it seeing how his future was an arranged marriage and he didn’t think he could love someone without being friends with them first. He wondered what his chosen mate would think of it, would whoever it was hate him for ruing their life? It wasn’t as if he actually wanted this, he was quite happy with his life the way it was. He was going to move in with his father on his seventeenth birthday, he hadn’t spent much time at Snape Manor but he the time he had spent there was full of joy and laughter unlike the Malfoy Manor he had lived in for years.
*******
“I want to thank you all for coming. I’m sorry for making you all wake so early but I didn’t want anyone to overhear what I have to tell you.” Draco said as he looked around the room at assorted bleary-eyed people.

Methos and Nikias were sitting together on the sofa wide-awake while next to them sat the younger immortal couple who were looking decidedly half asleep. Harry was looking at Draco nervously wondering what was so important and hoping Draco was okay. Snape was sitting in a black chair calmly drinking a cup of mint tea.

Draco sighed saying, “To make a long story short my appearance has been changed by the strongest form of magic blood magic. My mother did the spell when I was merely days old to protect herself and me from Lucius. My mother knew once he discovered that he was not my father he would kill all of us.”

“Who is your father?” Harry asked suspiciously wondering why Snape, Nikias, and Methos didn’t look shocked at this announcement.

Draco smiled softly saying, “My father is Severus Snape, and at dawn on my seventeenth birthday in two weeks time my appearance will change. My hair will turn black, my build will change, and my eyes skin will become a darker shade. I felt it was the best thing to tell you all so that you don’t panic when I suddenly change.”

Harry’s mouth fell open in amazement. How on Earth had Snape managed to keep his son a secret? He wondered what Lucius Malfoy was going to do now when he discovered the truth, would he kill Draco, Snape and Draco’s mother.

“What are you going to do after your seventeenth birthday, Draco?” Harry asked seriously concerned that the older teen hadn’t thought it through.

Draco said honestly, “My mother is leaving Lucius in a week. She will stay in the Snape Manor and appeal for divorce at the same time. Once the divorce is final, my father will marry my mother and I will join them in Snape Manor once I have finished this stupid quest. I will formally inform everyone of my true paternity as they will know right away that Lucius is not my father.”

“Thank you for telling us.” Harry said honestly while wondering how no one had detected the magic on Draco.

“Its nothing. So what is this Sunnydale like?” Draco said looking at his father and the Immortals.

Methos said thoughtfully, “Sunnydale is a Hellmouth meaning that there is a large demonic population. We will probably encounter a number of demons and the Hellmouth can sometimes cause headaches in wizards. Immortals are in particular danger on a Hellmouth because there are plenty of demons that would happily tear the head from an Immortal to get the Quickening from them. So we will have to be extra careful, I think there will be any major problems though. There’s a Slayer in Sunnydale who keeps the demonic population under control on the whole.”

“What is a Slayer?”

Nikias smirked, “Sorry Justin, I should have explained. The Slayer is a girl who has supernatural strength, speed, and stamina. She has been given these abilities because she has been chosen to fight vampires, the Demons, and the Forces of Darkness. There is only one Slayer at a time, well there used to be, but after the Slayer called Buffy Summers died for a few minutes, another Slayer was called. Her name was Kendra and after she died another girl was called. Her name is Faith, she’s still alive but is currently in prison repaying for her crimes. She murdered someone but then she was more in touch with the darker elements of Sla Slayer calling. Each Slayer has both darkness and light inside her, but she must keep these in balance to do her duty correctly and live.”

“Do you think we’ll see her?” Harry asked wanting to meet someone who knew what it was like to feel the weight of the world on you, knowing that the survival of all the people you cared about depended on you.

Seeing the worry and excitement on their faces Methos admitted, “Probably because she will sense our power. She will know right away that we are all different because she can feel supernatural power. It helps her locate potential threats.”

“As long as she doesn’t attack us, I don’t really care about her.” Richard said with a shrug knowing that he would kill anyone who attacked his partner.

“I don’t think there’s any chance of her attacking. Now I suggest we all go back to our rooms and relax for a while before breakfast. We’ll be in Sunnydale soon enough.” Methos said standing feeling his husband so the same next to him. With a smile at the others the pair left soon followed by everyone else making Snape happy, as he hated having to be polite so early in the morning. He wasn’t awake until he had eaten breakfast, something the other teachers had learnt the hard way.

End Part 16