Work Text:
''I can’t take this anymore!’’ Ron hurled at her, his face flushed with anger, “You pretended to know everything but you’re leading us to a certain demise.”
“Don’t say things like that, please Ron listen to…”Hermione pleaded with him while tears poured down her face, but his narrowed eyes remained locked with hers.
A storm was pounding outside yet Harlyn didn’t hear a thing bar the thumping of her heart.
She had been discussing their next course of action with Hermione and searching for possible locations of the sword of Gryffindor, when Ron started spewing nonsense. She suspected an eruption for the past days, however she never predicted the hurtful words that left his lips.
She was aware that they were three wanted teenagers in the middle of nowhere whose only achievement was not, yet, to be dead, but he was with them from the start.
‘’Go home then.” Her voice came cold and unyielding and she couldn’t find it in herself to care anymore.
“Harlyn!” Hemione cried.
“Maybe I should!’’ Ron shouted as he took a threatening step toward her. She did not back away. Her blood boiled with rage and she fought the urge to blast him with her wand.
Since they started the journey, she was feeling restless like she was on the verge of something life-changing.
Her prior convictions were disintegrating every passing day and she started to question every bit of information she was told.
Her faith in Dumbledore died altogether. She had started suspecting him since he failed to secure Sirius’ freedom despite knowing the truth. Things got worse after her godfather died.
Even her link with her friends was not as tight as it was before. Going through their past interactions, she deduced that Ron was a lazy, attention-seeker prat while Hermione was a know-it-all tyrannical witch who liked to force her opinions down others' throats.
This last clash underpinned her new beliefs.
“Why are you still here?” Harlyn asked again, weary and annoyed and in a desperate need of a reprieve.
“Of course you wouldn’t care either way! You are the almighty Harlyn Potter who doesn’t give a rat’s arse about what happens to us! You don’t bother yourself about others, but why should you with your family safely out of the way…”
“Ron!” Hermione gasped before the tent lapsed into silence.
‘’I have no family. My parents and Sirius are dead.” Harlyn hissed, the words leaving her lips like poisoned daggers.
“And mine could go the same way!” Yelled Ron.
Not able to take his verbal abuse anymore, Harlyn flicked her wand and raised it:”Go now. Go back to your family and pretend you’ve never met a girl called Harlyn Potter.” Harlyn bellowed, red sparks living the tip of her faithful wand.
“Harlyn, please! We can…” Hermione was sobbing now, but Harlyn felt nothing.
The moment she turned to look at her, Ron cleared his wand out and lunged at her. Hermione leapt in the middle and tried to stop the upcoming fight. However, she was so slow.
Harlyn’s shield was already up, expanded between her and the other members of the Golden Trio. Ron and Hermione were forced backward by a few steps due to the spell’s strength.
Harlyn felt a corrosive hatred toward the two cowards facing her. She knew beforehand that Hermione would always choose Ron, so she said in a clear voice.‘’Leave the Horcrux before you make yourselves scarce.’’
Ron wrenched the chain from over his head and cast the locket into a nearby chair. He turned to Hermione after:’’What are you waiting for?”
Hermione looked anguished as her head swiveled between her and Ron.
‘’Harlyn please…” She extended her arm, trying to reach her arm but the shield impeded her.
Harlyn stood tall and silent for a moment before she shook her head:”That’s enough Hermione, you can leave.”
Hermione started sobbing and Ron dragged her away.
Harlyn discerned the moment they crossed the wards and sighed. She went outside, the raging storm echoing her inner thoughts. Her sopping hair plastered to her pale face but she felt removed from everything.
Feeling dazed, she looked into the overwhelming darkness looking for nonexistent answers.
Harlyn had seldom known a moment of peace since she learned about the Wizarding World, but that moment rivaled all the troubles she went through. She had always been abandoned and overlooked, never nurtured or cherished. Getting to know Ron and Hermione, she frolicked with the hope that she might have friends like Dudley and the rest of her peers.
Dumbledore’s clear interest and his kind nature nursed the budding hope. He was the grandfather she never had, a mellow and warm hero who seemed keen to guide her and see to her safety.
Her dreams were shattered when she started learning hidden bits of her history and everything fitted into place when she heard the Prophecy from his deceiving lips.
She was but a sacrificial lamb, a means to an end.
She was the price he agreed to pay for the Greater Good.
Harlyn closed her eyes and let the cold wind wash away her melancholy. She couldn’t waste time on such trivial thoughts. It seemed Fate decided that she was meant for a lonely existence and no mortal, no matter how swift and crafty he was, managed to flee the Deity’s verdict.
Harlyn lifted the tent’s flap and stopped as her eyes caught sight of the locket. She growled and picked it up, placing it around her neck.
She shuddered as the Dark artifact touched her skin but took a deep breath and delved deeper into the warm room. She dragged Hermione’s blankets off the ground and climbed into her own bed.
Harlyn stared up at the dark canvas as she pondered on what to do next. Despite Hermione dismissing her hypotheses, she was sure that there was a Horcrux buried deep in Hogwarts while another resided in Gringotts. No one understood Voldemort like she did. It was like they shared a mental link, memories and information and sometimes, preferences.
Harlyn sat up abruptly as the last thought hit her…
A mental link…
She could swear that she heard the locket’s chuckles as she started shivering like an autumn leaf.
But before she could do a thing, a loud bang made her clutch her wand tightly.
Did the fools come back?
Her eyes widened as they beheld a twitching body lying on the floor.
It was…
She shook her head twice, her mouth agape at the sight of a head full of silver-blond locks.
The intruder moaned as he raised his head with great effort. His misty grey eyes inspected his surrounding, before they noticed her. He seemed thunderstruck as he gasped:’’Potter?’’
Harlyn didn’t know if she wanted to weep or to chuckle, however she couldn’t stop herself from muttering:’’Bloody Hell…”
┈♔◦☓◦☙◦♔◦☙◦☓◦♔┈
With one last anguished look, Severus Snape hurried out of the room stealthily. Draco sank into his armchair and held his head between his shaking hands.
He couldn’t take this hell of a life anymore. Every day was a hurdle, a trial that tested his endurance and his sanity.
He hated his father with passion; he was the one who brought this evil on them by following the Mad Lord then welcoming him to the Malfoy Ancestral Manor.
But most of all, Draco hated himself. He hated his cowardice and his uselessness. He knew that all this was coming; nevertheless, he acquiesced to his father’s demands and helped the Death Eaters invade Hogwarts.
He even contributed to Dumbledore’s demise despite the fact that his wand wasn’t the one to deliver the Killing Curse.
“Draco.” His mother’s voice interrupted his reverie. He swallowed thickly and tried to compose himself. Narcissa’s blue eyes narrowed and Draco accepted his failure.
“Mother.”
‘’Your father summoned you. I reckon he’s going to trust you with another mission.”
Draco was too incredulous to speak. He had it with his father and the lengths he had to go to in order to satisfy him.
He was in the process of losing himself steadily while striving to please the greedy man. He endeavored pain and ridicule. He went against his own convictions. His opinions had always been ignored and trampled by his sneers while he worked himself to the bone and then more.
Awash in boatloads of resentment, Draco shook his head decisively:”I can’t.”
He felt the involuntary tightening of his mother’s fingers as they clutched his shoulder:’’Son, I know what you’re going through, but we’re almost there. The Dark Lord managed to repress all forms of resistance, the Ministry is already in his grasp. What remains now is Hogwarts.”
Draco scoffed:’’What remains is Hogwarts?”
Narcissa tilted her head seeming startled by his unprecedented breach of manners. He sorely raised his voice in her presence or contradicted her words.
But Draco had it with his family. Even though he was certain that she meant well, that she aspired to save him, he begrudged his mother her cowardice, her unconditional support of his father. She wasn’t the woman he remembered from his childhood; she was a shell of her former self.
“Draco, you have to stay safe.” Narcissa insisted in a strong voice and he shook his head exasperatedly.
“I will never be safe as long as Father follows this path.” His voice reverberated with conviction as he added:”And I’m weary, I can’t stick to his side anymore. I’m losing myself Mother.”
Narcissa’s smile was sad and compassionate as she caressed his cheek lovingly:”I understand. Rest assured that I’ll always stay on your side, no matter what you choose next. Just be careful.”
Draco put his hand over hers and closed his eyes:”I will.”
Their tender moment was heckled as the door was opened with a bang.
“Draco, I summoned you. Where have you been?” Lucius Malfoy sneered and Narcissa stiffened.
“I was talking to Mother.” Draco answered nonchalantly.
“Your mother?” Lucius’ lips twisted with disgust as he his cold irises danced between the two of them:”You're a disappointment. My Lord deemed you worthy of another chance and you’re wasting your time weeping in your mother’s skirts?”
“I won’t do it.’’ Draco spoke with a creed of acceptance and determination he wasn’t aware he possessed.
“What?” Bellowed Lucius but he was past the need to please his father.
He stood calmly and repeated:”I’m not following your orders anymore. I’m tired, I’m done. I feel the strain in my body and in my magical core. I’m going against everything I was taught. I’m not cut for this life.’’
Lucius Malfoy was motionless for a heartbeat, before he flicked his wad and warned:’’Draco. We barely managed to win Master’s forgiveness after your failure in Hogwarts. Are you sure you want to fight me on this? It’s not the time for your absurd rebellion.”
Any little bit of hope Draco harbored secretly in his heart diminished as he heard his father’s derogatory words.
His opinions, his freedom, his life meant nothing to him.
He closed his eyes tightly and yielded for the first time in his life. He couldn’t take the burden of being his father’s son anymore. Lucius’ next words fell on deaf ears for Draco was praying silently.
The curse hit him true and he dropped to the floor twitching and biting his lips to muffle his cries. He heard his mother’s sobs and Lucius’ tone which conveyed his intention to teach him a lesson but he didn’t care.
‘I need a safe haven, I need to leave.’ Were the words he kept repeating in his head like a lifeline. The pain intensified but he ploughed on, repeating the words like a mantra.
The last thing he heard was his mother’s gasp before a familiar tug announced the upcoming apparition.
His body crashed against unforgiving ground and Draco couldn’t stifle his groan. His muscles tremored uncontrollably and he used the last of his strength to hoist his body up.
His eyes widened as they locked up with familiar emerald green orbs.
Of course it was Potter, the bane of his life.
Draco gathered what little dignity he still got and rose slowly, ignoring the wand leveled at his heart.
“How did you get here?” Potter gritted as she moved forward quietly and rather cautiously.
Draco couldn’t blame her. He was as startled as her by the burst of accidental magic that guided him to this inconceivable location.
“Would you believe me if I said I’m clueless. I was at home, in the midst of a fi…an argument and the last thing I remember is…” Draco took a deep breath and battled with himself to find the next words.
His history with Potter wasn’t a stellar one. He still had the scars marring his chest to attest to that. But, for some strange reason, his magic deemed her his safe haven.
He never hated her, far from it, but he abhorred how she ignored him. From the moment they crossed paths, a flame of dislike was ignited. But Draco wasn’t ignorant; he discerned the undertones of interest and attraction he harbored for the infuriating witch.
He would take anything but Harlyn Potter overlooking him. Even lying in his own blood, losing his life force, the worry he heard in her voice as she called for him was a dear memory he would never let go of.
As the the tip of her wand almost pocked his throat, Draco gave up.
He raised his hands and offered:’’I mean no harm Potter. I had to leave and I can help. I can take a vow to attest to my good intentions.”
Not for the first time that day, a feeling of unreality crept through him. He was more than a little amazed by what he was doing. Step by step, he was departing from his old life with no possibility of return. This was nothing like the mad exploits of Hogwarts; it was a serious decision with unalterable consequences.
The strange thing was that he felt no regret whatsoever, he felt at peace for the first time ever.
It was the choice he should’ve taken long ago.
Thankfully, it seemed he wasn’t too late for Potter pierced him with unyielding eyes before she spoke:’’You’re the last one I should trust Malfoy, yet as of late, I’ve been going over my choices and past decisions. You were brought here tonight for a reason and if my previous trials taught me a thing, it’s to trust in my instincts. I’ll take your Unbreakable Vow if you want to remain by my side, if you refuse; it will be your memories of this night that I’ll be extracting.”
Leave it to Potter to threaten him even when he was finally relenting.
Draco swallowed, knowing that he had no choice if he wanted to start anew, far away from his father and the cursed life he was saddled with.
“I agree.”
Potter looked startled for a moment then her brows furrowed:”But we need a bonding agent and we can’t exactly call for volunteers.”
Draco looked around for the know-it-all and the weasel. He knew they were there somewhere and wasn’t really anticipating meeting them.
In a bid to hide his discomfort, he scoffed:’’Why Potter, I believe you have two sickeningly trustworthy minions.”
He expected a rebuke, but Potter’s face closed off before she admitted:’’I am by myself here. Ron and Hermione left.”
Left? Draco battled his disbelief.
Potter seemed to ponder on the matter before she asked:”Can house elves fulfill the requirements?’’
Draco huffed:’’You mean my house Elf you took as your own? Yes Dobby can stand for a bonding agent.”
Potter’s smirk was rather vicious as she purred:’’Oh Draco, thank you for reminding me. I was thinking about calling for Kreacher, but I’m certain that Dobby must be worried. It’s time to call for my real friends. Kreacher! Dobby!”
A moment later, the two mismatched house elves popped in and struggled to hug Potter simultaneously.
The name Kreacher rang a bell and Draco paled as he remembered Bella boasting about using the Black elf to kill her cousin.
He wasn’t sure if Potter was aware but it seemed his quiet alerted her. Like always, she read him with ease and provided even before being asked:’’I know Draco. Kreacher wasn’t acting as himself and I forgave him, he’s my responsibility now, a crucial part of Sirius’ legacy and mine.”
“You mean…” He gasped, his eyes glued to the glowering ancient elf.
Harlyn tilted her head and said cooly:”Weren’t you aware? Sirius left everything to me.”
Draco wasn’t sure if he wanted to kiss the girl or strangle her:’’You’re the new Lady Black…Can you tell me why you are staying in this hideous tent then?”
Harlyn seemed startled by his incredulous tone:’’The Death Eaters located the house and we had to flee. It’s thanks to your Aunt Bella of course.”
Draco winced:’’Potter, Harlyn, you’re not the only one who hates Bella. She’s definitely unhinged. As for the Ancestral House, weren’t you taught that as the Lady you can control the wards? I bet you didn’t, otherwise no Death Eater would’ve been able to set a foot inside a Black property. Their wards are known to be nasty.”
He couldn’t stifle his smug grin as Harlyn blushed faintly.
Dobby tugged on his robes and he looked down at his previous personal elf:’’Is Master Draco going to help the great Mistress Harlyn Potter? Dobby knows that Master Draco is a good wizard.”
Draco sighed.
What had become of his life? Conspiring with Potters and crazy House elves and putting himself in danger?
Yet, one look at her sparkling eyes and smiling lips reassured him that he did the right thing.
There was something about Potter that made him always fight for composure, knowing he was destined to fail.
So, to hide his discomfort, he sent her a sardonic glance:’’What are you waiting for? I’m freezing here. Let’s head to the Black Ancestral House and start working at once.”
Harlyn rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath:’’Insufferable prat.”
┈♔◦☓◦☙◦♔◦☙◦☓◦♔┈
If Harlyn Potter had been told that she would spend days with Malfoy confined to a gloomy house that oozed Dark magic and discussing strategies and hypotheses that might end a raging war, she would’ve laughed or cursed the bringer of such blasphemies.
Draco Malfoy’s haughty manners hid his intelligence and resourcefulness. In the few days they spent together, after he took the vow, she told him everything and they managed to locate the rest of the Horcruxes. His vast knowledge of Wizarding Culture helped set the plans to acquire Voldemort’s treasures.
“We still need the sword of Gryffindor.’’ Harlyn sighed and Draco hesitated for a moment.
“Harlyn, you know that with the vow I’ll never be able to lie to you. I think we’d better send a word to Severus. I believe he knows its whereabouts.” Draco’s smile was trained as he waited for her decision.
“Snape?” The name left her lips like a curse.
“I know that you’ll never forgive him and I’m certain he knows too. But he swore to protect you.” Harlyn wandered to the fireplace inspecting the objects on the mantel.
If her past experience taught her a thing, it was to let go of her personal grudges and set her eyes on the final prize.
Nothing in her life was as it seemed. Her nemesis was her only help now while her supposed friends were gone.
“Alright, I’ll send Dobby with a message.”
Staring at the cackling, dancing flames Harlyn mused:’’We’re so close Draco. I can’t waste time looking for the sword. I want this nightmare to end.”
She was momentarily startled as he stood beside her, taking her hand gently in his:’’That’s what I want too. I sinned before, following Father like a brainless fool but no more. I’m looking forward to a better future. Thank you for giving me a chance.” His voice was extremely soft and Harlyn tightened her grip, giving him reassurance.
In the past days, they sought comfort in each other. She reckoned that they weren’t too different. Both were saddled with heavy expectations and forced to follow a predestined paths.
No matter their past rows, their talks showed her how much they understood each other, how much time they lost in their childish rivalry when they could’ve been friends, or maybe even something more…
✧❅✦❅✧
Harlyn lowered her hood as they strode toward Sharptooth’s office. Even under polyjuice, she wasn’t feeling safe. She stifled a snort as she looked at Draco's murky brown eyes and dull dark hair. He glared and tilted his nose up.
Finally, they reached the Black goblin office. They were ushered inside even before knocking.
“Lady Black, Heir Malfoy.” Sharptooth stood and Harlyn sighed. Leave it to goblins to be more attuned to magic than the so called superior wizards.
Draco nodded:”Sharptooth. I believe you received our message. Lady Black needs your help.”
“And I’ll provide it, for a price of course. Take a seat please.”
Harlyn sat and faced the goblin. Draco explained that as the new Lady Black, she had access to all Black members' vaults. She had absolute power over their possessions.
“I want an item from Bellatrix Black Lestrange's vault.”
Sharptooth seemed to mull over her strange request:“Is it related to the ongoing war Lady Black? We goblins might be Neutrals but I’d like to know.”
She exchanged a look with a stiff Draco, before she relented. She knew that it was pointless to argue with a purposeful goblin and Sharptooth’s beady eyes told her so.
Moreover, from what Draco explained, a goblin was oath-bound to serve the House he belonged to. He could never betray her trust.
“Yes it is. We are chasing a bunch of items that might end this war at once. They’re what kept Him invincible all these years.”
Sharptooth nodded, his mind seemingly miles away, and muttered:”I’ll be back Lady Black.”
“Well, that went better than predicted considering your limited experience with the nasty creatures.” Draco murmured.
Harlyn scoffed:”It went really well. We’ll get the cup and go back home after.”
She noticed the way he seemed dazed for a moment before he averted his gaze.
Was it something she said?
Sharptooth returned with the cup. He looked thunderous as he tossed it on his desk. “Lady Black, “ He hissed, “you didn’t confide in me the whole truth despite knowing that I’d never betray you.”
Draco’s eyes narrowed and his hand flew to hers, holding it with a harsh grip.
“What do you mean Sharptooth?” He snapped.
“I want the truth Heir Malfoy. This matter concerns us goblins too as we are a part of this world. I have my suspicions but I want to hear the confirmation. This Cup is no ordinary one, I feel the malicious magic it exudes.” The goblin’s voice was laced with steel.
Harlyn exchanged a glance with Draco and they yielded.
“I’m tracking His Horcruxes. Dumbledore suspected he created seven. We managed to destroy three. This Cup will be the fourth. We still have an Heirloom in Hogwarts, Nagini and the piece encased in his body.” She took an easy breath as she waited for Sharptooth to elaborate.
Utter silence descended on the room and the goblin seemed wrathful.
In any other circumstances, the sight might have amused her but her eyes widened as he stood abruptly and seethed:”I knew it! There was no other explanation to how he survived that eventful night. But I have to query, why do you seem in pain right now Lady Black? You’re awfully pale and I can sense your discomfort from the moment I came back with the Horcrux.” The last words were spilled with care, but they were not less impactful nevertheless.
Harlyn’s heart lurched with trepidation. She started harboring several thought since Dumbledore’s death, since they started the hunt and she spent long night gazing at the starts and reminiscing about her past.
Draco’s soft voice cut through her hazy mind:”You can tell him. They can help and we can’t afford to lose precious time when a goblin’s hand is extended.”
She felt the involuntary tightening of her throat, but worked to hide her inner struggle.
With a heavy heart, she voiced her experience with Voldemort and his Horcruxes.
There was no mistaking the gleam of interest in sharptooth’s eyes as he listened attentively.
Draco…was another story.
He left this seat and knelt at her side, taking her shaking hands in his. The more she said, the more his caresses became gentler. His palm coasted gently over the curve of her shoulders, lingering until her tremors lessened and she wanted to weep.
Who would’ve thought that he would be the one to offer her comfort when she needed it desperately, when she was so lonely?
“I see.” Sharptooth drawled, “I have to suggest a thorough examination of your scar Lady Black. My prior suspicions are backed by what you just revealed and I know that your scar is somehow related to the Prophecy. We can help.”
“We?” Draco demanded.
“Of course, Heir Malfoy. This matter exceeds my loyalty to House Black, Gringotts Director Lord Ragnok must be noticed at once.”
Draco paused to rub his brow and Harlyn nodded. She was tired and if this Ragnok could help, she was all for it.
They were ushered to Ragnok’s office where Draco took pity on her and repeated everything she said earlier.
“This might explain Dumbledore’s obsession with controlling you. We tried to contact you about your Potter inheritance and he hindered our efforts. Even after Lord Black’s sad demise, he refused to let you hear his will. Let’s take a look at the scar, we have the best curse breakers in our bank.”
“Harlyn…” Draco murmured and she quivered with her conflicting emotions.
Her cold fingers sought his pale cheek as she smiled mirthlessly:”It’s alright. I suspected the truth for a while.”
┈♔◦☓◦☙◦♔◦☙◦☓◦♔┈
Draco almost broke off as he felt his entire composure come loose. His mask sagged downward from the weight of the truths Harlyn revealed.
Anxiety whipped through him as he listened attentively. He knew most of what she was telling the goblins, yet the weight of her words was still cumbersome.
He couldn’t even imagine what she was going through. He despised his past-self more that moment, mourning the precious opportunities he ruined mocking and going against this stupendous witch when he could’ve used his energy to befriend her, to get closer and understand the strange fascination he had with her since they met.
He knew he was bewitched, utterly and definitely gone for her. His past follies with Pansy and Astoria were but puerile attempts at stealing her attention, and maybe, making her jealous.
“You don’t have to do this. We can always find another way.” He said, his insides as tight as his fists.
Harlyn’s eyes gentled and she pulled him against her, one of her small palms sliding over his stiff back.
The hug felt like a goodbye he was not ready to accept but his protests were never voiced as Ragnok stood and opened a secret door leading to their salvation or to their doom.
✧❅✦❅✧
The ancient goblin held Harlyn’s head between her wrinkled hands and kept chanting in her native language.
He noticed Harlyn’s pained expression but kept quiet knowing what was at stake.
At last, the goblin sighed:’’A tiny piece of Him latched on her soul due to the butchered ritual. We can get rid of it if you want.”
“How?” Draco snapped.
The goblin shook her head:’’There is only two ways to destroy a Horcrux: Basilisk Venom or the Killing Curse.”
“No!” He bellowed.
“Draco…” Harlyn’s eyes beseeched him to remain calm.
“But…”
“I know. You were there when I destroyed the Locket Draco so you’re familiar with the way it goes. I’ll use the Sword.” He heard her resolve and knew that there was nothing he could do.
Potter was as reckless as they came and he should’ve known.
His eyes pierced the frowning goblin:’’Will she be fine?”
“Lady Potter Black has Basilisk venom and Phoenix tears in her blood which helped in shrinking the soul shard miraculously. A small cut with the venom imbibed sword is all what she needs.”
Draco gulped as he headed to where Harlyn was laying waiting.
He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered imparting his greatest secret:”Stay safe. You have to survive and come back to me. I lost so much time needling you when I could’ve done this.” It was all what he was prepared to admit at the moment, all he was willing to give.
Her eyes widened but he didn’t give her time before he leaned closer and teased a peck on her pale lips, urging her without words to respond.
He needed reassurance before he let her take this gamble, he needed to remind her that she was cherished and…loved.
Her nails dug into his upper arms and she gave herself over into his care. A deep ache began to spread like fiendfyre through his heart then further until it became excruciatingly overwhelming.
Draco understood then and there that he could never let go of her, she was it for him.
The goblin cleared her throat and he stood slowly. Harlyn seemed dazed and he was sure that his expression mirrored hers.
‘’It’s time.’’ The goblin intervened and Harlyn closed her eyes and raised her hand.
The sword of Gryffindor appeared a moment later in her palm and she handed it softly to the bewildered goblin.
‘’It’s Goblins’ Silver, made by our own.”
“And it will always answer the call of a true Gryffindor. It’s ours now.” Harlyn retorted and he snorted.
Even while facing a great danger, her sassy lips never stopped throwing daring comebacks.
His amusement faded as the goblin aimed the sword’s tip at the famous scar.
He averted his gaze and clenched his eyes closed. Her screams slew him and his nails dug into his palm as he waited for her ordeal to be over.
✧❅✦❅✧
“This place is filthy.” Draco grimaced as he followed a bewildered Neville Longbottom and an amused Harlyn.
“I'm sorry it’s not up to your standards Malfoy.” Longbottom grunted.
He knew his past with the wizard left nothing to be desired but he intended to do better. Thankfully Harlyn interjected before Longbottom cursed him when Aberforth Dumbledore called through the painting.
It had been a week since Harlyn survived the Basilisk venom and destroyed another Horcrux. He spent seven days caring for her and making sure that she was doing well.
She regained her strength and they knew it was time to end this nightmare.
She sent letters with Kreacher and Dobby to all the trustworthy Order members telling them about the plan. They knew that the final battle had to take place in Hogwarts, where everything started.
While guarding a feverish Harlyn, Draco re-examined the trinkets Dumbledore left for the Golden Trio. Weasel took his Deluminator with him. Granger however, forgot about her book in her haste to follow her flame.
Of course he knew of the book. His mother used to read it to him when he was young.
The tale of the three brothers hadn’t left his thoughts for days and Harlyn, like always, noticed. When he explained his dilemma she rummaged in her pocket an produced a clock.
He kept glaring at the offending piece as she elucidated its nature. It was the same Cloak that helped her sneak at night unnoticed and partake in all the crazy adventures that put her life in danger.
He expounded his suspicion and they came to the conclusion that the Clock was in sooth her ancestor, Ignotus Peverell’s legacy.
They went over the Elder Wand's history and concluded that it was seen last in Dumbledore’s possession.
As for the stone, it was the easiest.
Being taught wizarding genealogy since young age, Draco knew that the extinct Gaunts were Slytherin’s last Heirs. Salazar Slytherin was Cadmus Peverell’s most stellar descendant so the Lordship ring Dumbledore destroyed contained the legendary stone.
Their eyes flew to the snitch and Harlyn shook her head:“I won’t use it. Not now at least.”
“But..” He tried.“
No. I’m trying to build the future. I won’t be held back by my past. Please Draco.” Absorbed in the variations of her expression from longing to pain to hope to trepidation, Draco pressed his thumb gently to her cheek and kissed her forehead:’’I’ll be there when you’re ready. Take all the time you need.”
“We’re here’’ Neville’s voice cleared his mind and he stiffened. He wasn’t anticipating a confrontation with brash Gryffindors but for Harlyn, he would manage somehow.
Neville pushed the small door open and climbed through. They heard him call out to unseen people:“We have guests.”
Draco made to take a step forward but Harlyn held his arm:’’Don’t worry, everything will turn out like we want. We worked hard for this moment so wipe out that disturbed look on your face and give me back your Malfoy haughty sneers. I admit I missed them.” She teased and he snorted.
As he did, her soothing hands curved around his neck. His breath caught as her lashes lowered and he gripped her waist tightly:”Harlyn…”
Like always, he was overwhelmed by her as she rose to her tiptoes and fastened her mouth over his. They kissed voraciously, ravishing each other’s mouth, tangled in a storm of sensations.
Indecent kisses that would make his mother protest wandered to her throat and every bit of uncovered skin he managed to reach and it wasn’t enough, not even close.
The loss of control was something powerful and frightening, yet he couldn’t regret a thing. It was as if he was always meant to be there, held lovingly between her arms and relishing in the warmth that was Harlyn Potter Black.
A wheezing sound was the wakeup call they needed to return to reality.
Neville Longbottom looked green and Draco couldn’t help himself. He winked.
“Harly…” He croaked.
“I know Neville. Draco and I are together now. He helped me a lot in the past weeks and when we talked, we came to an understanding.”
She smirked as she looked at him:”You know what they say about pulling a girl’s pigtails? Poor Draco here was starved for my attention.”
Draco felt as if he’d been hit by lightning when Neville roared with laughter.
As they emerged into the room behind the passage, there were several screams and yells. That, until they noticed Harlyn’s companion.
Many wands rose at once but Harlyn bellowed:’’Wait!”
It took her ten minutes to brush over some truths, leaving the crucial parts a secret. The students gathered in the room were placated, even begrudgingly, and he sighed.
He didn’t fancy any tussles before the real fight started.
“Be careful Malfoy. Harlyn may trust you but I don’t, not yet. One wrong move and you become fair game.” Neville muttered under his breath and he glared at the brute.
“I don’t need your warnings Longbottom. I chose this path with the intention of walking by her side till the very end. So you’d better concentrate on your task.”
Harlyn asked the students to leave the room and he knew it was time to look for the Diadem. Neville and Luna Lovegood waited with them.
As a group of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws left to alert McGonagall and Flitwick, Harlyn close her eyes and muttered under her breath.
He gasped as they entered a moment later. The room brought back bad memories he was working so hard to forget. They started looking for a tiara or a diadem and Lovegood called for them.
She pointed a finger at a pockmarked stone warlock wearing a dusty old wig and what looked like an ancient, discolored tiara.
“Can I destroy it Harlyn?’’ Lovegood asked, her eerily eyes glued to the tiara.
His heart skidded to a halt as Harlyn handed over the sword. The peculiar blond witch seemed ecstatic as she stretched out her hand and threw the item down.
With a force he wasn’t aware she possessed, she swung the sword and they winced as an ear-splitting scream came from the sullied heirloom.
‘’It’s done.’’ Lovegood looked unbothered by what just transpired.
Harlyn cleared her throat, took the offered sword and handed it to Longbottom:’’Neville, I’ll be busy with Voldemort. Your only task is to behead Nagini. You must not fail my friend, our fate lies in your hands.’’
Longbottom glanced in surprise and with an adamant expression, he took it almost reverently:‘’I won’t let you down, I swear.”
Harlyn nodded and he took her hand:’’It’s time, we must leave.”
“Be careful.” Neville offered, before he ushered Lovegood out.
Draco and Harlyn took refuge under the Cloak as they headed toward their next destination.
┈♔◦☓◦☙◦♔◦☙◦☓◦♔┈
Harlyn looked at Dumbledore’s intact grave.
Everything went back to normal after she took the Elder Wand. Seeing his still body hurt. It reminded her of the man she used to love and respect above all, the man who stabbed her in the back.
She gripped the Elder Wand tight and swore that she would never trust so easily again. She wasn’t that stupid girl anymore.
“Disarm me.” Draco asked softly.
“What?”
He rolled his beautiful eyes:”We went over this Potter. I’m the rightful owner of the wand. I was the one who disarmed its last owner so you have to disarm me. Unless…” He drawled lazily.
Harlyn stiffened, knowing his games:”Unless what?”
He closed in and slid his arms around her. With a half-hearted protest she pushed at his chest but he was impossible to budge.
“Unless you don’t have enough confidence to manage the Death Stick.” She faltered as his words caressed her ear and without a second thought, she pushed with all her might, flicked her wand and hissed:’Expelliarmus.'
His wand flew into her waiting hand and he shook his head:’’This is more like it. Is our life going to be a continuous dare?”
A tide of longing rolled up her body as he heard his unsaid promise. His whispers drew up the feeling shaping it with delicate dreams and aspirations, the kind she wanted to have soon.
She knew she wanted that future desperately, as much as he did.
She made no move to resist as he held her hand, the one clutching his wand.
‘’We’re almost there Harlyn, let’s do it.” As he spoke, he stared down at her, his gaze fond and worried.
A flash of sympathy assailed her as she remembered what he might face tonight. Her hands came to rest on the warm surface of his chest, where she knew her curse left its mark.
‘’Together.’’ She reassured him and he nodded, hearing her silent pledge.
✧❅✦❅✧
Thunderous noises announced the arrival of the Dark forces. Harlyn looked at the gathered members of the Order of the Phoenix, at the students that opted to stay and fight, at her professors, the centaurs and the Forbidden Forest's creatures that joined them.
“Potter.” Kingsley smiled.
“Everything is going according to plan. All what we need is to wipe them off tonight.” Harlyn stated and enjoyed the assembled members’ shoked faces.
“Harlyn…” She groaned inwardly as she heard Hermione’s voice.
“Not now.” She tried but her former friend was not known for her subtlety.
‘’But..Malfoy?”
She heard Draco’s muttered curse. It took them fifteen minutes to explain his innocence and his contribution to her mission to the Light forces and no way was she ready to do that again just to satisfy Hermione.
“Draco Malfoy is the wizard who helped me carry on my mission, the one who believed in me and shared my burden. He’s standing at his rightful place, by my side.”
She felt Draco’s satisfaction as his fingers trailed to hers, linking them together.
Hermione paled and ducked her head, while Ron’s face flashed with rage.
“Let’s do our job. We had enough talking for today.” Kingsley’s orders made them scatter and take their positions.
“I’m sorry.’’ She heard Hermione's whisper and shook her head.
“So am I, but it’s too late. Farewell Hermione.”
✧❅✦❅✧
Harlyn leaned against the wall and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. She took a glance at the Great Hall and a sad smile adorned her lips. Her beautiful home was ruined but they could rebuild it later. They sight of the lifeless Death Eaters scattered around filled her with immense satisfaction.
These people were criminals, murderers, they did not deserve a second chance.
There was no sign of Neville or Luna and she knew they were after Nagini.
Voldemort was still at the back, watching from afar while his minions sacrificed themselves.
She learned that Snape was no more, it seemed his cover was blown when he saved Draco from Bella’s curse.
At least he earned a respectful death.
Her heart almost failed her as she searched for a head of platinum blond locks and stumbled at the sight of Narcissa and Draco facing a thunderous Lucius Malfoy.
She knew that a bloody fight was about to start and she had faith in Draco.
She heard a distraught screech and couldn’t hide her smirk when her eyes beheld the sight of Nagini’s head dangling from Luna’s fingers.
Yells of shock started before they were stifled at once as Voldemort advanced, finally facing her.
“We meet again Tom, only this time I won’t let you escape like the coward you are.” Her voice carried like a trumpet call in the surrounding silence.
“You are one to talk Potter. You are always hiding behind your friends and fans’ backs.” Red eyes surveyed her as the monster hissed.
“I need no shield today Tom, something I reckon you’re in a desperate need of. Did you know that you can’t be brought back? Your precious treasures are no more. Neville and Luna destroyed the last one. You’re mortal now, less than mortal. You’re an anomaly, a monster.” She said simply, still moving sideways in perfect sync with Voldemort. In that moment, no face existed but his.
“You lie!” Screamed Voldemort looking petrified at the mere thought.
“I never lie unlike you. You lied, stole and killed. You’re nothing but a thief and a criminal.”
“You dare…”
“Of course I do. Fate chose me for a reason and tonight, I’ll deliver your wayward soul to my best friend, Death.”
When the last words left her lips, Harlyn flicked the Elder Wand and Bellowed:’Avada Kedavra!’
An action Voldemort mirrored, but his yew wand was no match for the Death Stick in the hands of the rightful owner.
Dark flames erupted where the two spells collided and Harlyn’s spell forced its way to Voldemort’s chest.
He fell backward, arms splayed, the slit pupils of the scarlet eyes rolling upward. Tom Riddle hit the floor with a mundane finality, he was dead.
Harlyn stood staring down at her enemy’s shell. They were so alike, two orphans with great potential, raised by awful people. But while he embraced darkness, she chose the light.
After a suspended moment of shock, a tumult of shouting and screaming broke out. Thousands of arms tried to wrap around her, to touch her, to thank her.
She nodded at Remus and Tonks, accepted her friends’ thanks but her eyes sought only one person.
Someone put his arm around her shoulders and hauled her up against his side.
"You’re late," she muttered as she snuggled up against him and Draco chuckled.
“You’re unbelievable, unbelievably enchanting Potter, but I won’t have you any other way.”
Harlyn scoffed as she nuzzled his neck:’’You’re one to talk.”
His mouth took possession of hers then, ending their conversation. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck ignoring the whistles and the shouts. Draco nudged her mouth open by applying subtle pressure on her chin, and when she'd done as he wanted, his tongue swept inside.
The kiss quickly got out of control as his mouth slanted over hers with hard insistence.
They couldn't get enough of each other.
The delicious kiss was over when they heard a horrified gasp:”Draco! I hope you have honorable intentions towards Lady Potter Black.” Narcissa’s narrowed eyes danced between the two and it took her a moment to gather her wits before she blushed profusely.
“Merlin’s Mercy...” Draco muttered under his breath.
Neville clapped his back and snickered:’’I think I like your mother little Dray, such a splendid lady.”
Laughter erupted around and Harlyn caught the wink Narcissa tossed her way.
┈♔◦☓◦☙◦♔◦☙◦☓◦♔┈
Epilogue
Draco murmured rough-soft endearments between kisses, while Harlyn clung to him. Her sweet little tongue stroked against his and took his sanity away, and the sensation shot down to his groin.
Staggering slightly, he reached down to the edge of the table to steady himself. Bloody Hell. He had to stop now, or he wouldn’t be able to stop at all. His mother would kill him if he touched her intimately before the wedding ceremony.
Taking his mouth from hers, he let out a shuddering sigh, and another, laboring to bring his desire under control. It didn’t help that Harlyn was stringing flower-like kisses along the taut line of his jaw, infusing fresh sensations into his blood.
“Love, we have to stop. You have to go back to your room.” He said and felt her cheek curve against his.
“Afraid Dray?”
He huffed:’’My dear future wife, you invited all the remaining Blacks plus your overprotective friends to our wedding. Of course I have to be careful.” He adjusted his ceremonial lavish robes, his Lord ring glinting in the light, and lifted a sardonic blond brow.
It had been a year since they won.
Slowly but steadily, everything went back to normal.
They spent the summer rebuilding the school and enrolled for the Eight year.
Draco took the Lord Malfoy mantle intent on erasing the damage his father had done. His fiancée followed suit and he understood why.
Harlyn was tired of people telling her what to do, it was time for her to take her rightful place and decide.
She was the Lady of the Potter-Black Clan as she opted to merge the two families.
“Sirius and my father were brothers, it’s only fair.” She said explaining her reasoning.
With the help of the goblins, she redecorated the Black Ancestral House.
She arranged monthly meetings with the remaining Blacks, listening to their needs and propositions.
Aunt Andy and Tonks regained their lost family name, while his mother informed him that she wanted to dispense with her late husband name.
Narcissa Malfoy made her lose herself, it killed the Narcissa Black she used to be. Draco agreed and his mother seldom left Harlyn’s side. She became her mentor, her advisor and sort-of a mother figure.
He reconnected with some of his friends, mainly the Neutrals. Blaise and Theo had a good laugh when they heard his story.
“Of course your magic would take you to her. You are obsessed my friend.” The Italian teased but he hadn’t contradicted his words.
Harlyn would always be his only choice...
Ending the kiss with a groan, Draco rested his forehead against hers:”It’s almost time. Mother and Aunt Andy will kill me, please leave.”
He filled his lungs with air and exhaled slowly striving to to ignore Harlyn’s pink face and slightly puffy lips. Her stark white wedding robes were gorgeous, and he knew that what lied beneath was even better. He tried valiantly to clear his thoughts. He couldn’t embarrass himself in his wedding ceremony.
“Draco, it's time.” He froze as his mother knocked.
Harlyn winked before she apparated soundlessly.
“Yes Mother, I’m ready.” A dry chuckle escaped him.
His life took an abrupt the turn the day he decided it was time to find himself and lose the shackles his father forced on him.
He shook his head and opened the door. His mother’s blue eyes scrutinized his robes and she nodded with satisfaction.
She linked their arms as she led him to the altar.
Harlyn wanted the ceremony to be held in Godric’s Hallow and he couldn’t refuse her a thing. the Tonks and Remus were invited with Nevile and his fiancée Luna Lovegood. Draco exchanged smiles with Blaise and Theo. There were other members of the former DA, he recognized Finnigan, Thomas, Macmillan, Bones…
His eyes hurt as they beheld a swath of bright red hair, at least the Weasel wasn’t invited. Harlyn cut him for good after their last fight.
Kingsley, the new Minister, was standing at the end of the altar. He was to preside the ceremony.
Draco waited perfectly straight-faced while his heartbeat was another story.
A chorus of gasps came from the guests as the doors opened and Harlyn strode inside escorted by three ghosts.
She told him how much she wished her parents and Sirius were there to share her most important day but he never imagined that she would use the Stone now of all times.
Having learned a great deal of her unpredictable actions, he knew he shouldn’t be surprised, yet he was.
James Potter’s ghostly eyes glinted as they locked with his and he shuddered.
“James.” The beautiful ghost that resembled Harlyn chided.
‘’I know Lily, but it’s my duty as her father to remind him that if he doesn’t make my daughter happy, I’ll haunt his dreams for all eternity.”
Sirius Black chuckled:”That you do Prongs. I hate blonds, Malfoys in particular, but my Pup seems to like you. However, don’t forget that we’ll be always watching you. If you take a single wrong step you’ll regret it. Never trifle with a mad Black, I’m sure Narcissa instilled the wisdom of these words in you my dear cousin.”
“She did, you don’t have to worry. Harlyn is my everything, I’ll never hurt her.’’ Draco gulped.
Harlyn’s soft palm steered his face to her direction and he smiled.
He knew that he was on the verge of a mad adventure filled with mind-blowing surprises, heart-stopping news, and endless dares and challenges.
But he wasn’t worried, Harlyn Potter Black Malfoy was his choice, the one his heart, his magic and his soul wanted for years.
To stay by her side was all what he wanted.