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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry tilted his head at the compliment. As they reached the exit of the stadium they both paused. For a moment they stayed in the shadows of the exit looking out at the crowded and loud camp. Half were celebrating their teams win and the other half was just partying for the hell of it.
"I see you got the collar removed." Lucius finally said softly.
Harry saw the man's eyes linger on his bare neck were the collar once sat. Harry reached up and felt his throat.
"Yes." He said. "I did."
"And you are sure you do not want the services of my solicitor?"
"…No." Harry shook his head. "The man who put it on me was ignorant of how much damage it could and did do. He did it with my best interests I believe."
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Lucius quoted dryly.
"…Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." Harry returned softly.
"I do not believe I have heard that before." Lucius said idly. "And are you implying that you should just forget the wrongs done to you and forgive the man who committed them?"
"It was a muggle author who said it. And no, I'm not implying I should forgive and forget. I'm saying he meant no harm by it and it was a mistake. It is much easier on myself to forget the mistake then have it brought up and dragged out. I shall confront him on it at another date, but for now, I am enjoying the present."
Lucius sighed. Then he held out a hand. Harry took it and the man gave a firm shake.
"I will trust you on this then. For now, I must return to my family."
"And I to mine." Harry smiled.
Lucius paused at the soft smile. Slowly he kissed Harry's hand.
"I should hope you will become an ally and friend of mine Harry."
Harry blushed slightly at the kiss but smiled.
"It seems that hope is becoming much more of a possibility the more I come to understand you Malfoy."
Lucius smiled and then gently let his hand drop before turning and vanishing into the crowd. Harry watched him go before heading for his own camp.
.-.
"Whooo!" Fred grinned widely spinning in a circle.
Harry laughed as the dizzy boy crashed into his twin brother and dragged Ron down with them resulting in a quick tussle. Percy, who sat beside Harry, made an odd expression that on the outside showed disapproval but the sparkle in his eye said longing.
"You could join in if you wanted Percy." Harry said softly.
Percy jerked startled. Then he shook his head.
"It is not befitting of someone my age, or even theirs." He sniffed.
"Live life to its fullest." Harry responded.
Percy just shook his head.
"What book are you reading?" Harry asked seeing he wanted to drop the subject.
"A Guide to the Ministry Of Magic." He said proudly. "I have been given a job there."
"Congratulations."
Percy stilled and looked away. Harry could read the message as plain as day though. No one else had congratulated him.
"You'll do well." Harry continued. "You've got the drive and a good head on your shoulders."
"Thank you." Percy said softly.
Harry pulled a piece of paper over to him and wrote out his cafe's address.
"Stop by there one day." He smiled. "It's a small café that has very good tea. You could even sit there and do paperwork."
Percy examined the address then slipped the paper in his robes.
"Thank you." He repeated.
Harry just offered a smile and stood.
"I think I'll be turning in for the night now." He announced loudly.
'Boo's came from the twins while Ginny gave an odd frown. Arthur nodded with a smile and Percy bid him goodnight. Ron and Hermione gave him soft smiles. Harry headed for his tent and stepped in. Xi-Wong followed and headed for the cot set up in the living room. Harry yawned tiredly and quickly brushed his teeth and changed into some plain black sleeping pants and a white t-shirt. He turned the lamp off and made sure Xi-Wong was fine before moving into his own room.
He practically collapsed on his bed, exhausted from the day's activities. He smothered his face into his pillow and breathed deeply, letting himself relax into the soft mattress. Before he could find sleep though a rustle of cloth signified his door opening. Silence dominated for a moment before his blankets were lifted and a body slid into bed with him. Strong arms circled his waist and pulled him into a strong chest.
Harry buried his face in Valentine's night shirt and smiled softly at the comfort.
"You worried me terribly for a while there poppet." The vampire whispered softly. "I have grown attached to you."
Harry smiled and found consciousness start becoming quite elusive when surrounded by warmth and the familiar presence of Valentine.
.-.
Harry woke to Valentine shifting next to him. He opened his eyes blearily and gazed up confused at the heavily frowning vampire. At that moment Xi-Wong slid into the room. He took a bare second to frown at Valentine then met both their eyes.
"We have a problem."
Harry had his clothes on and his bag over his shoulder in record time. Valentine followed as he sprinted from the tent.
"What's happened?!" He yelled at Arthur Weasely who was running from his tent, the group following him.
"We don't know!" He returned, panicked.
The two eldest Weasely boys, who had arrived late, ran off into the crowd now running about to find out what was going on. Then there was a scream.
"Death Eaters!"
Harry had never seen anyone pale as fast as Arthur Weasely.
"To the forest kids." He said in a strained calm tone.
Harry wiped a summoning tag from his bag and flared it up gaining attention from the Weasely family. A huge clan of Hell Hounds appeared, growling at the smell of blood in the distance and the sound of screaming. They looked to his order though.
"One to each Weasely member." He barked his order. "You will protect them with your lives. Follow any of their orders unless it is directly against protecting them. Go!"
They quickly realized who the 'Weasely' family was and split up to stand by their sides, two hurrying off after the other two Weasely Boys. Everyone was smarty enough not ask questions at the moment. The last three hounds whined their question.
"Protect Dudley and Harold and Hermione." He said pointing to the three.
"Too the forest?" Harold asked calmly.
"Yes. Please watch over Dudley."
Harold nodded and dragged the scared boy off, leading the Weasely children with him.
"Xi-Wong." Harry barked turning to the man. "Protect the Weaselys'!"
He didn't hesitate at the order and was gone in a flash after the Redheads. Harry paused another second to pull out a tag. This time he wrote one instruction in the rune circle. Warrior. He pumped his magic into it and in a soundless bang a tall willowy woman appeared. She had thick blonde hair and feral brown eyes. Purple markings swirled over all visible skin. She wore an outfit made of spotted fur that was tight but modest. She gazed at him questioningly and confused, a long knife made of white bone in her hand.
Loving the story so far? There's a whole world of magic and mystery waiting for you with over 85+ chapters still to come! By supporting my Patreon.
You not only get early access to new chapters but also exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special perks just for fans like you.
Join us on this enchanted journey and help shape the future of the tale. Your support makes all the difference—discover more and become part of the adventure today!
http//patreon.com/BLAKE025
(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~