Title: A flower's magic

Summary: Translated from Umbre77's. Captured by Voldemort, Harry has no other choice than accepting defeat. But Draco Malfoy, for his part, doesn't want to die! Even if it means changing the past to save himself! Eventually Slash

PS: This takes place before the Deathly Hallows

Translator's Note: Hello everyone! It's been so long, like… Heesh, yeah definitely not counting. Well, this is a new chapter.

I'm also thankful for everyone for following this story, even though it's clearly not updated regularly. I'll try, but… hey, last year before getting my degree, so I cram everything I can.

Just quick reminders, the first few paragraphs in italics were previously translated (end of chapters) as a way to get you guys interested. Since it's been so long since I updates, I was wondering if you guys would like a summary of what happened before or if reading previous chapters is better for everyone. Review your opinions please.

I love reviews, so don't be shy and express whatever you may think about the chap.

And for now… Onwards laddies!

oOo

Chapter 16: Small Steps

Anger was not permitted - and especially not humour. They just had to stay focused. Give their all, without hesitation - be fully involved. Each movement was essential. This wasn't a simple duel; it was a fight for life. Their lives, the lives of their comrades, and the family they were trying to save.

Yet at the time, neither of them managed to remain stable. It was impossible to ignore the desperate cries of Mrs Wyatt, the explosion and the collapse of a wall ravaged by flames. There was no light tonight other than the fire and the Dark Mark, a pale green reflection illuminating them. Not to mention the bright and intermittent rays of spells.

"Ash, put yourself in reinforcements!"

Harry unconsciously obeyed Draco's orders. There were fifteen men in front of them and they were only four. Draco had called for reinforcements, but they weren't coming. They still had some difficulties with communications. Besides, Moody was still in the hospital for the loss of his eye. Lucius had an unavoidable meeting at the Ministry. Narcissa was probably unreachable because of all the protective spells placed on the Manor. As for Albus, he could not leave Hogwarts without taking some measures. Perhaps, the Potters...

Meanwhile, they were sweating in the sweltering heat of the flaming Wyatt house. The mother continued to scream with each casted spell. Couldn't she just shut up and protect herself and her children? No, she had to clutch the bloody and half burned corpse of her husband while bellowing. Harry understood it. In the same situation... No, he knew he would not react well. He would've already tried to kill all the people related to the death of the person he loved. But he could understand that a Muggle couldn't do the same. It didn't stop him from wanting to yell at her to shut up. Her little girl was shaking in the back as her brother stared at the struggle with fascination. For a three years old boy, the deadly dance of crossing spells must look like fireworks.

A little further away, Draco swore, sending a number of different spells. Dobby had given them reliable information, but a little late. They'd arrived to a smoking house and an upper floor already up in flames. The mother had been tortured with a Cruciatus and the children were seconds away from death. They had managed to reverse the situation and draw the Wyatts away from their attackers but they weren't in the clear yet. Far from it!

"Merlin, where are the bloody reinforcements? "

He wondered the same. Caradoc seemed in big trouble. This wasn't the time to lose their DADA Professor! Especially since it usually came later in the school year.

Painfully, Draco went up to the front and ordered Harry to go as reinforcements, at the back. He saw that he was struggling. It had been a long month of fighting to thwart Voldemort's plans. Sometimes they saved families... and sometimes they were too late. This time it was very close.

An explosion at the back startled him and he sighed in relief at seeing Eugene Potter, along with Sarah Bones, Arthur Weasley and Gideon Prewett. Seven against fifteen… It was still unbalanced, but they had better odds. Seeing the reinforcements arrive, the Death Eaters retreated. It was understandable and reasonable. Draco and Harry had already made a name for themselves in the enemy ranks. In a lopsided fight but numerically reasonable, they could crush them. They were therefore a great asset for the Order and Voldemort understood this. The Death Eaters had been ordered to corner them specifically. Perhaps it was a test from the Dark Lord? It was quite possible, but they were desperate.

As soon as the Death Eaters were gone, Fabian took things in hand. He ordered everyone to extinguish the fire. Caradoc was sent to St. Mungo's with the Wyatts. Then he turned to them. It was always the same. Harry sighed and dropped to the ground, signalling that Draco do the job. The latter nodded and raised his wand in the sky. Immediately, the Dark Mark vanished and Draco dropped to the ground next to his partner. They were silent for a long moment.

"They really don't spare us", finally said the former Slytherin. "I feel that with every meeting, they have more numbers. How is it possible when we've had… how many arrested?"

"Only ten", Harry replied, wearily. "Of the forty arrested, only ten had enough consistent evidence to be sent to Azkaban ... Bloody justice!"

He tore angrily a handful of grass.

"Please do not criticize my work, Mr Promise. "

Harry jumped and turned hatefully towards the voice. Barty Crouch Senior.

"You have finally made it", he said acidly. "It's strange that the Aurors always arrive when the battle is over!"

"What I find odd, Mr Promise, is that you throw yourself in battles against Death Eaters when you are obviously not an Auror."

"Someone had to save the Wyatts", intervened Eugene Potter. "If we hadn't been there, you would have found bodies! "

Barty clenched his teeth. If he was amused to belittle Promise and Manfred whenever he had the chance, he couldn't do the same with Eugene Potter and he knew it. He contented himself to head home.

"Where are they?" he asked, pointing to the charred remains.

"St Mungo", replied Fabian. "Mr Wyatt died. His wife was being tortured when we arrived. "

The man nodded.

"Well, gentlemen, you know the drill. I expect your payment by the end of the week. "

The Order members stopped themselves short of cursing him. Under the pretext that they were ordinary citizens, they had no right to 'do justice themselves'. It was the Aurors' job. Thus, every time they had the misfortune to cross the Aurors on a battlefield, they received a hefty fine.

"Shit", Draco swore and slammed the door of their apartment, a few hours later. "What right does that bastard have to behave this way? We're only helping!"

"It's always the same story", Harry replied. "The Order is not recognized as a group authorized by the Ministry, as it fears it would lose the good Wizarding people's confidence over us. We threaten the country's politics. I am beginning to believe that they see us as more threatening than Voldemort!"

"So what?" asked the blonde, annoyed. "Are we just supposed to stay behind?"

Harry nodded casually. He sighed, dropping on the sofa, holding his head in his hands.

"I'm tired", he said. "So very much…"

Draco did not answer. He was in the same state. He was tired, too. He had enough of the Ministry especially ... And Death Eaters who were hell-bent on fighting them.

"We wanted their attention, right?" He asked. "Well, we have it."

Harry nodded weakly. Yes, they had everyone's attention all right. No one spoke of them in the Gazette, for the Ministry prohibited it. But the wizards they had saved had spoken. The Order of the Phoenix was an open secret ... along with Ash Promise and Drake Manfred. Particularly because of the incredible battles they waged against the Death Eaters. Even school students knew, now. And it was not helping. On the contrary, whenever a student saw himself suddenly become an orphan, he considered them responsible.

"Why weren't you there? "

It was what a young 11-year-old student had asked, in the middle of the Great Hall, four days earlier. Draco remained stoic and silent. Harry had struggled to swallow back his tears. This question reminded him of too many bad memories to remain indifferent.

"You're okay?" Draco asked, sitting down next to him.

Harry just lean against him and his friend immediately took him in his arms.

"We saved at least three of them", he whispered. "Do not blame yourself for what happened to Mr Wyatt. It's not our fault if our information arrived late. It is not Dobby's fault either. You can't be omniscient, Harry."

The other man just sighed.

"Tell me that the Wyatts don't have children at Hogwarts yet."

Draco sighed in turn. He slightly pushed Harry out of the way and headed for a list of students. He looked once at W's.

"No", he said. "No Wyatt at Hogwarts yet."

Harry let out a relieved sigh. It was past midnight and he was tired. He dreamed only of his bed, but the smell of smoke permeated his hair and clothes. Without energy, he got up and headed for the bathroom.

"I'll take a shower", he said. "You should do the same. Tomorrow is Monday; we have to be up early. "

Draco nodded while watching him go. At this rate, he wondered if they would hold on, both of them.

oOo

Dear Fixe,

Ash and I were delighted to read that you're well. We envy you greatly the Sahara sun. Here, October is already well underway. Autumn has set in and it is growing cold. We must've got used to the lower temperatures, but we don't really notice because it keeps decreasing and we always shiver. Fortunately, warm clothes help us survive.

Regarding our mission, we are progressing. With our continued fights against the Death Eaters, we drew Voldemort's attention to us. Unfortunately, this is not really a good thing. Students look at us as if we are their saviours. Whenever something bad happens, we are designated as responsible. I bear with it. I know this is not our fault. But Ash's mood seems to darken by the day. I'm afraid he might sink into depression.

There are some positive points. Our sudden fame keeps bringing us students with requests for private lessons, evening or weekend. Ash even organizes small duel sessions to different groups of students wishing to become stronger, though he still gives private lessons to Severus.

The latter seems to open up gradually. With each consultation, he talks to me a little more. Lately, we talk mostly of the Gryffindors and their unjust behaviour. Severus doesn't understand why James Potter and his friends have designated him as a martyr in their first year. I also lack the understanding. Ash is responsible of the investigation. He believes that this has to do with James' infatuation for Lily, but I don't understand why.

Severus talks shyly about his mother. But he still avoids discussing his father. I begin to believe there is abuse on his part, but I do not know how to make him confess. He remains obstinate towards this issue. Any idea?

As for Regulus... He continues to remain closed to any attempt. He remains silent and the few times he speaks, it is only to ask me if he can go. I begin to think he can't be saved. I have never seen a boy with so much suppressed anger. Ash told me of the atmosphere in the Black family. It seems that their mother is a woman of character. She puts great pressure on her children, to make sure they do not shame her. She seems almost devoid of tenderness. I think Regulus feels abandoned. His father is a spineless coward who let his wife rule over him. So she scolds Regulus for varying reasons - and the only person who could have helped him fled the house at sixteen. I think Regulus feels hurt by his brother's fugue. Perhaps Sirius might be the key? I really do not know what to do with him.

We would like to come see you, but given the events, I do not think that is possible in the near future. Soon, Ash and I will go after the ring. We're waiting for the right time. For now, we have a fight almost every night. It is really exhausting! Without your training, I do not think we would have survived even one battle. We really owe you our lives!

I hope you stay well. Why not come and see us? Though considering the circumstances, it could be dangerous. Perhaps it is better that you quietly stay in the Sahara. How is your small garden? Have you finally managed to grow pumpkins? We will send you one if you wish.

Be well, Fixe.

Sincerely,

Drake Manfred

oOo

The bell rang throughout the office, startling Remus and Harry. Both looked at the wall clock.

"Already?" the student asked rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Seems so" Said Harry, sitting up.

Remus smiled, noting that Harry had also fallen asleep. The psychologist always allowed him to have a nap the day after the full moon. It was also a moment for him to rest. He had huge bags under his eyes.

"You look exhausted", Remus said. "Another battle yesterday? "

Harry nodded while stretching.

"And?" Remus asked. "Who won? "

Harry looked gloomily and the lycanthrope looked down. He did not know who was dead, but it was not a student's family member. None of them had been crying.

"Do they ever stop?" He asked, while slipping his cloak on.

"Apparently not", Harry said, opening the curtains. "I would like to believe that Voldemort is going to take a break. But I think I'd be more afraid if that was the case."

Remus looked at him questioningly and Harry grimly answered.

"It would foretell a major attack. I do not appreciate that."

The teenager strongly agreed.

"Anyway, thank you again for the nap. Until next week, Ash!"

Harry smiled when he heard that and waved him goodbye. The Hufflepuff student then entered and gave him a cheerful smile. He hated the joy of others… especially because he hadn't felt it in so long.

oOo

More silence. It was always the same. Draco was starting to get tired of it. Tired of watching Regulus Black pout. The boy was stubbornly silent. He watched him with a sort of trepidation mixed with contempt. But what did he want, exactly? What was he waiting for?

One thousandth sighs later he cracked.

"I'm tired, Regulus", he said, drawing the kid's attention. "What do you want in the end? What should I do for you to talk? Should I paint myself green? Jump on my head? Sing the national anthem of Pakistan in Japanese? What do you want? "

Regulus did not answer immediately. He let five minutes elapse first, which prodigiously annoyed Draco.

"I want you to stop seeing me", he said. "I want these ridiculous meetings to stop. I do not need it. I'm fine. You are totally useless to me. So I will wait for you to stop receiving me!"

In turn, Draco let slide a long silence. Then he spoke. Calmly. Even if he just wanted to suspend the brat by the ankles to smash his head into the ground every ten minutes. Well, okay, ten seconds!

"You do not need me, is it? You do not need to talk about the excessive behaviour of your mother or the lack of responsiveness of your father or the fact that your brother ran away? Perhaps not even this anger dwelling within you? What's funny is that I also find it in your brother. Oh, he hides it better than you. But he also has this rage inside of him. Ash told me that Sirius has this visceral hatred for his family. Every Monday, they talk. And you know what? Your brother is getting better. Why you would not do the same?"

"Because I'm not as pathetic coward!" Regulus replied angrily. "I am not remotely similar to my brother!"

"You talk about it like it's a good thing."

"It is! Sirius only ever makes mistakes! Since he was little, he made stupid jokes, casting spells when it is forbidden. Mother tried to discipline him, but it was useless. He wouldn't behave. He was a shame to our family! I'm glad he ran away. Mother disowned him. This way, he can't shame me anymore! "

Draco suppressed a laugh. Regulus' speech was the opposite of the expression in his eyes.

"You have learned your text", he said, provocative. "Your mother can be proud of you. "

Regulus almost groaned with rage.

"I do not say that so my mother can be proud of me, I mean it!"

"Liar", replied Draco.

"It's the truth! Sirius is only a moron! A coward!"

"A coward?"

"Yes, a coward! Because he fled, like that! He did not even try. He did not even-"

"Tried what?" Draco asked, fascinated to see the usually silent student speak.

"Tried to oppose her. He just gave up. He preferred to flee. He didn't even try to help me!"

Draco let the silence settle, while Regulus was shaking from head to toe with emotions he was trying to contain. After a moment, he spoke again.

"Your brother tried", he said.

"No, he didn't!" Regulus cut off. "He just ... He left! The moment he came to Hogwarts, he was rid of me, under the pretext that I was in Slytherin. It was the enemy House, so I became the enemy too. I needed him! But from the moment the Hat yelled out my house, he disowned me! He left me alone to face ... to face ... to face them!"

Draco frowned. Them?

"Are you talking about your friends?"

"No!" Snapped Regulus.

But Draco heard yes immediately. He straightened slightly in his seat.

"Regulus, are your classmates - in any way - abusive with you?"

"NO!"

The boy seemed outraged to even hear such an allusion.

"I was never abused by anyone. It's just... They ignore me. "

Draco raised an eyebrow. Then he realized.

"Inevitably", he said. "Your brother and his gang spend their time making jokes on Slytherins. And as they could not take revenge directly on them, you have paid the price instead, is not it? "

Regulus turned away. Anger was still present in his eyes, but there was also turmoil. Draco was almost jubilant to have finally cracked him.

"The first year, only" finally said Regulus. "During my first year, the other Slytherins kept on humiliating and belittling me. I tried to ask Sirius to stop his jokes or help me ... but he attacked me instead!"

Draco remained silent. There were tears in Regulus' eyes as he spoke.

"He ... he just kept bullying everyone and even went after me. The others stopped harassing me, but they started ignoring me instead. They just decided to put me in a corner and not talk to me. Nothing! They never address me!"

This time, Draco inhaled deeply.

"But there must be students who speak to you in the common room, right? You don't just spend your life in silence? "

Regulus nodded. He did. He just remained silent as the stone all the time. Ignored by Slytherin, rejected by Gryffindor for being a member of a rival house.

"And the others? Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw? "

Regulus shrugged.

"Some Ravenclaws talk to me... But they're not friends. It's just school talk."

Draco rubbed his head as he heard Regulus' admission. No wonder he was so angry. How could he stand such isolation? Continuous, at that. Not to mention his family put him under a constant pressure to honour 'the name'. He was a perfect prey for Voldemort.

"You were wrong, Regulus", he said. "More than any student, you need to see me. "

The boy stared at him, with explosive anger in his eyes, although shining tears diminished it.

"Make no mistake", said Draco. "If I say you need me, it's because you need a friend."

"Oh please, don't feed me that. The nice shrink who offers his friendship to the poor helpless kid!"

"I'm not nice", continued Draco. "And I'm not doing this out of pity. Also, I never said it was me who would become your friend. Although I would have nothing against it."

Regulus looked at him quizzically.

"And who, then?" He said, annoyed.

Draco smiled slightly.

"Do you like duels?" He asked.

Regulus looked like at him as if he was mentally deficient. What progress, really!

oOo

"You look dead tired!"

Harry smiled at James. He really enjoyed the outspokenness of his father. With Sirius, he was one of the few students on familiar terms with him. Remus and some others called him by his first name, but informality was impossible for them. James wasn't bothered at all.

"Another battle? "

Harry nodded. Another week and it felt like he had done the same: fight, again and again.

"I pray every night for a break", Harry told him. "But the other bastard is not motivated to leave us alone. "

James smiled.

"And how are my parents? You saw them?"

"They are doing well", Harry replied. "Your mother is worried about you because of how strange it is that she hasn't received a letter from the Headmaster or McGonagall explaining how you blew up an entire floor. "

James laughed. Harry felt good watching him. Seeing laughing students always warmed his heart.

"How's Lily?" he asked, his father ceasing to laugh.

"She's concerned", he said, a wide smile. "Yesterday she asked me what Sirius and I were planning to be so quiet."

"And you answered?"

"That she should consult you for severe paranoia!"

Harry laughed in turn.

"How did she react? "

James shrugged.

"She just seemed sceptical. I think she's starting - maybe? - To appreciate me a little. Last night when we were eating, she sat next to me and… Well, it was okay. "

Harry nodded. He had noticed Lily approaching James, which was encouraging, for him, and for his 'patient'.

"Anyway, what are you doing next weekend?" James asked. "Duelling courses for students and Snive-uh-Snape?"

"No", Harry answered. "I'm on call for Hogsmeade. I have to watch out for the charming darlings as they gallop through the streets of the village. "

James had a wide happy smile.

"Cool! We will see each other then! "

Harry nodded. James hesitated for a second before saying,

"You think I should ask Lily to come with us? As… friends?"

Harry sighed.

"I don't know. I think you should wait. Maybe she will ask instead? "

James had a dubious pout.

"And if she doesn't?"

"Well, you will still have the morning to ask her", Harry replied. "But make sure to say as friends or else she will be suspicious. "

James nodded.

"Do it subtly, too", Harry interjected again. "Otherwise, she will be even more distrustful! "

James laughed immediately.

"Yeah well, you know me and subtlety..."

Harry rolled his eyes. Yes, of course.

"Do you want me to call Drake? "

James hesitated, but agreed. Harry got up, laughing as well.

oOo

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Drake", Harry said, arranging the various classroom benches along the walls.

"Severus and Regulus both need a friend" Draco said, watching him work. "So why not make them get along?"

"A forced friendship is not healthy", immediately replied the other. "And then - who told you that Severus will like Regulus being there? He might start thinking that we're tired of him or that he's not appreciated-"

"As a valuable item?" Draco interrupted. "Come on, you treat him like a wayward child that you must give in to no matter what. Life is made of small frustrations. You can't ... always satisfy Severus!"

"And why not?" Harry asked.

"Because otherwise he will rely solely on you. And when he will have to make an important decision, it will only come to you. He needs another friend. If indeed he sees us as friends. For now, we are still taming the beast."

"Don't talk about Severus like that! "

Harry conjured a series of mattress, to cushion the walls and the floor just in case. He then cast a protection spell on the windows, like every Saturday.

"You overprotect him, that's not good", Draco. "Try to be a little more-"

"Distant?" Harry asked. "Severus needs a adult presence. Well, okay, I'm just six years older than him, but I do not think that's really important. He has no confidence in authority. And I am glad to give him that confidence. And should I remind you that our goal is to bring him closer to us?"

"I know... Just be careful, okay? "

Harry looked up at the sky. Merlin, he had the right to be close to Severus, right? Well, they weren't really close… unless you considered exchanging spells with violence every Saturday as a form of friendship.

A knock at the door put an end to their exchange.

"Come in!" Draco said, smiling happily.

The door opened revealing both Severus and Regulus, both considering the other with so much distrust it was almost hilarious.

"Really, Drake, you had such a wonderful idea!" Harry breathed, while approaching the students with a smile. "Hello Severus. Nice to meet you Regulus. I've heard a lot about you."

"From my asshole of a brother, I suppose?" immediately asked the boy, hate all over his face.

"Uh ... Yes, but I was referring to Drake nonstop saying that he wanted to hang you by the feet to bang your head on the floor to make you scream. 'At least it would make him say something!' He said, banging my poor couch... Well, anyway. Drake, you'll be able to realize your fantasy. You invited him, so you take care of him. I prefer to work with Severus."

"What?" immediately said his colleague, offended. "And why would you choose your partner?"

"Because I like to fight with Severus", Harry replied simply. "He's making progress every week, I want to measure it. If you want, after that I can torture your new guest. Severus, you coming?"

The Slytherin nodded. He was relaxed again, Harry noted with satisfaction. Well, ok, it flattered him perhaps a little too. But the boy needed to trust someone. He had weel-deserved confidence in his abilities in potions, spells, duels but human relations ... Harry smiled. Yes, Severus needed to learn to trust. And even if it might be destabilizing, Harry wanted him to trust him entirely.

"I owe it to him, since that bastard saved my life, might even have spent all his time trying to save me. Well, I will pay my debts by preventing him from getting tattooed!"

" Ready?" He asked the young man in front of him. "So let's go!"

Across the room, Draco watched them greet each other before attacking without restraint for Severus and very easily for Ash. However, he noticed that his colleague put much more thought in what he did over the last few weeks. Severus might actually be improving, and Harry had not said that just to please him. He smiled, turning to Regulus. The latter watched the duel with a real interest.

"You can just watch if you want", Draco said, pulling the boy's attention on him. "But I advise you to work, if you want to get to that level."

"I do not like the duels. And I do not see why you insist that I come. Do you really plan for me to befriend Severus Snape?"

"Why not ?" asked Draco. "He's brilliant, intelligent -"

"Asocial and the bane of my brother! If there is one person who will never be my friend, it's him! He was the first to mistreat me because I was Sirius' brother!"

Draco grimaced. Damn, he had forgotten that: the incredible bias of Severus Snape. He should say the legendary bias... Well, he loved challenges!

"Well, in this case, we shall content ourselves with a duel."

"But I don't like it!" Regulus protested again.

"I don't care", cut Draco. "You are lazy, Regulus. Some exercise will do you good. You have very round cheeks, for a teenager. Do you aim for obesity? "

Immediately, the Slytherin bristled. He always fell so easily to provocation.

"I'm not fat! Nor round. I am slim!"

"If you say so."

"Hey! It's the truth! I'm not fat! You, you are!"

"I'm muscled, nuance", countered Draco mockingly. "You wouldn't even be able to run down over three floors of the castle's stairs."

"I can!"

Draco immediately grew a slight smirk.

"Really?"

In the end, duels and a potential friendship with Severus could wait. He had found a great hobby!

Author's Note: So we know a little more about Regulus and the dirty trick that I booked in his life. I hope this introduction to Regulus' early life pleased you guys! And with this ... see you in two weeks, my little kangaroos!

Next in A Flower's Magic: Unpleasant surprise

" You cheated!"

"I did not", answered Draco, derisive.

"Yes, you did! You said that you wouldn't give it your everything and you fought with all your strength!"

"If I had, you would have ended on the ground in seconds! "

Sitting on the ground, bored, Harry watched Draco quarrel with Regulus Black. More accurately, he watched Draco laughing at Regulus Black. Next to him, Severus seemed equally sceptical.

" How can he believe that Drake gave everything in this duel?" He asked. "He was so obviously bored."

"Not for Regulus", answered Harry. "He struggled to even remain standing, so he didn't really observe Drake's movements. But yes, it was obvious that he was bored. "

To be continued.