Chapter Four: Founders' Heir

Disclaimer: I neither own, nor claim to own Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy... except for within the darkest recesses of my mind.

Warnings: Slash sex, panic attacks.

A/N: Sorry this took so long. But it's the longest chapter yet; and I had to rewrite a portion of it when my laptop crashed on me without saving the whole thing.

It feels like the dawn of the dead
Like bombs goin' off in my head
Never a moment of rest

Nothing kills more than to know
That this is the end of the road
And I know I gotta let go

But it's not that easy for me to say goodbye
And everything in me, wants you back in my life

Can't let you go

Adam Lambert – Can't Let You Go

October 31st, 1998

It had been a day of surprises for Draco. Some; like forgetting his Transfiguration homework and having to double back to retrieve it, or like being caught off guard by that idiot Smith while he was distracted by his eagerness to avoid being late to class after doing so, were unpleasant. But the others had more than made up for them.

First, there was the unexpected and novel pleasure of having Harry all to himself for an entire evening; complete with orders from Madam Pomfrey for the two of them to stay in their room for the night.

Next had been hearing the boy he was desperately in love with confess his own love. Before Draco's mind could stop reeling from that turn of events, Harry had asked him to consummate their relationship. Not only that, but what shocked Draco even more was that Harry had asked him to top.

While between the two of them he was the more knowledgeable one; that was purely through research. And because of how incredibly powerful and well-respected Harry was in the wizarding world, Draco had simply expected that he would want to dominate in the bedroom as well. Harry's willing – even eager – submission left him in a state of dumb amazement.

Secretly, he was both grateful and relieved. He had had so little control over his life, and so few choices that weren't made for him, that he felt uneasy giving up control to anyone – even Harry. While if there was anyone he wouldn't mind submitting to, it would be Harry; the ability to be the one in control of something as intimate as their lovemaking felt like a rare and precious gift.

He knew Harry well enough to know that his submission in the bedroom wouldn't carry over into any other part of their lives – and he wouldn't have wanted it to. The competitiveness between them was part of why he loved being with Harry so much.

The sex had been incredible. It was the hottest and most mind-blowing experience of Draco's life. He now wondered how he had ever lived without it; without Harry in his arms and his bed every night. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he never wanted to again. He had been so afraid of doing something wrong; of hurting Harry or somehow being inadequate as a lover. But Harry's reactions had surpassed his imagination, and left him feeling rather smug about his sexual prowess – not to mention thrilled to have such a responsive and enthusiastic partner.

But as he lay cuddled up with Harry, still dazed in the afterglow, he had yet another surprise – one that shattered the cloud of euphoria he had been experiencing.

"Who's there?" Harry sat bolt upright in bed, glancing around wildly. His frightened voice broke into Draco's reverie.

"Harry? Love, are you alright?" After glancing at the door, Draco turned back to his lover, a worried frown creasing his brow.

"Can't you… can't you hear it?" Harry's voice was desperate, needy. His eyes were wild, shot with fear. Draco felt his gut clench in reaction to it, and he struggled to stay calm.

"Hear what?"He kept his voice soothing, controlled.

"That… voice."

"Harry… there is no voice." Despite his best efforts, the concern and fear he felt were bleeding into his tone, and he doubted he was any more successful at keeping the emotions off of his face. By the absolute terror that filled Harry's features, that assumption was probably correct. Harry drew his knees up to his chest and buried his head in his arms.

"Who are you?" he whispered. His voice was hoarse and sounded like he was fighting back tears. He flinched visibly and let out a whimper.

"This isn't real," he whispered. "It's not real, it's not real, it's not real..." He began rocking, head still buried in his arms, mumbling over and over to himself.

Draco felt like he was going to be sick. He reached for Harry; tried to pull him into his arms, and the shorter boy cried out and struggled.

"Shhh, Harry; it's me. It's Draco. It's alright. You're safe. I'm here; I've got you. I won't let anything happen to you."

Harry stopped struggling; he turned his head into Draco's chest and whimpered. He slid his arms around the blond's neck and clung so tightly it was difficult for Draco to breathe. Draco clutched him back just as tightly. He pulled Harry close, bringing him as close as he could possibly get him.

Helpless, he murmured words of comfort while stroking Harry's hair. The brunet let out a sob, his grip tightening further.

"Stop! Oh, Merlin; please! Please, stop! Go away!"

For a second Draco froze, thinking Harry was talking to him. Then he realised that Harry must be talking to the "voice" he had mentioned. He started stroking Harry's hair again, but his mind was in turmoil, realising that he needed to get Harry to Madam Pomfrey immediately.

He couldn't cast a Patronus yet – while Harry had been teaching him during the summer, he hadn't quite mastered it before the term started and they hadn't had an opportunity to continue the lessons. He had no other way of getting a message to Madam Pomfrey; other than to either leave Harry and head into the common room without him to see if there was anyone else around he could ask to fetch the mediwitch, or to somehow bring Harry out with him. He knew that the brunet would hate being seen falling apart, and in either case, he wasn't sure how to separate the two of them long enough to dress.

He closed his eyes and swallowed, willing the panic down. He cleared his throat and spoke in a calm, even voice.

"Harry? Love? Will you let me help you?"

Harry was hyperventilating, so Draco grabbed his chin and tilted it up, looking firmly in the other boy's eyes. They were wild and frightened, darting back and forth frantically. "Look at me, Harry," he said.

Harry met his gaze. "Harry, you need to take some nice, deep, slow breaths. Alright?"

Harry gave a barely perceptible nod, still looking somewhat frenzied.

"Good. Breathe with me, alright, Harry?"

He guided Harry through a few calming breaths, speaking softly and encouragingly to help stave off Harry's panic. Harry's eyes were fixed on his as though they were a life-line.

When he seemed calmer, Draco tried again. "Harry, will you let me help you?"

"Yes. Please." Harry's eyes were tearing up. "Can you make it go away?" His voice was so fragile; so vulnerable and childlike that Draco's heart broke.

"I think Madam Pomfrey can. Will you let me dress you so that we can get her to help you?"

Harry nodded hesitantly. "Alright."

"Good. Thank you, Harry." Draco's relief was palpable. He helped Harry dress, and threw on his own clothing rather haphazardly. Glancing down at himself he let out a sigh, realising that going out in their current state would be as good as announcing to everyone in Hogwarts what they'd been up to.

While at this point that seemed rather unimportant, Harry was under enough stress as it was; and the last thing he needed was to have the whole school – not to mention the wizarding world at large – in an uproar over their relationship. Adding to that mess would be that their friends and Draco's parents would be trying to break them up – the whole wizarding world would probably be in one accord on that note – Draco felt that letting the cat out of the bag at this point would be one of the worst possible courses of action.

He straightened Harry's clothes and attempted to tame his hair, before abandoning his efforts with the justification that no one would notice the difference, anyway. Harry moved mechanically, in a state of numb shock. Occasionally he closed his eyes and shuddered, shaking his head.

Draco helped Harry sit back down on the bed again and neatened himself out as best he could. Once they looked more presentable and less just-shagged, he helped Harry back up and dismantled the wards on their room, before leading them out.

Walking seemed to revive Harry a little. He straightened up a bit, and shook his head as if to clear it. "Draco? Where are we going?"

"To see Madam Pomfrey. Don't you remember?" The blond tried to hide his anxiety.

"Oh. Yeah. Sorry, it's just... It was hard to think straight when she was talking."

She? Draco forced a smile. "Madam Pomfrey can help you. Don't worry, Harry."

Harry gave him a watery smile back. "I hope so. I'm sorry for falling apart. I just... I felt so scared. I don't know why." He scoffed. "I'm supposed to be brave, and there I was having a breakdown like a baby."

Draco stopped their momentum at the top of the stairs that led to the common room. "Harry James Potter!" he said, glaring. "Don't you dare blame yourself for reacting the way anyone else would to something that traumatic!"

Harry's eyes widened, before he let out a small chuckle. His features relaxed a little more, and his eyes softened. "Alright, Hermione." He stuck out his tongue while Draco opened and closed his mouth in shock.

Harry resumed walking down the stairs, on his own power now. He seemed to have recovered from whatever had happened in their room, but Draco was relieved that he still seemed willing to go to the hospital wing. He took Harry's elbow, guiding him down; concerned that Harry might need his help again.

"Harry?"

Harry stiffened, coming to an abrupt halt. "'Lo, 'Mione."

Draco stiffened as well, and shot Granger a glare. She was standing at the base of the stairs with her hands on her hips, and the Weasel stood behind her with his mouth open.

"What's going on, Harry? We went to the infirmary, but Madam Pomfrey said that she'd given you a Headache Potion and you'd gone to bed. Why are you with Malfoy?"

Weasel was glaring at Draco, but he reserved his icy stare for Granger. She ignored him.

"Draco is my friend, Hermione. And my roommate. He was in the infirmary when I got there, and we left together. We were both told to take it easy, so we went up to lie down and talk. After all, we hardly see each other outside of a simple, "Goodnight Draco", and "Sleep well, Harry"." Harry was glaring at her too, and Draco heartily approved. "Right now he's helping me to the infirmary, since I've gotten worse."

Granger huffed and crossed her arms. "Well, we can take you now, Harry." She shot Draco a withering stare. "You'll be fine with us."

"Yeah, mate." The Weasel seemed to have regained the power of speech. "We'll go with you."

"No, Hermione, Ron. Draco's taking me. Frankly, I've spent all the time in your company today that I can handle."

Draco nearly reeled in shock. The other two members of the Golden Trio didn't seem to be faring any better.

"Harry…" Granger sounded wounded.

"No. Shut up. Because of you two I've had to constantly see Madam Pomfrey for Headache Potions and spend all my time around random people that annoy me. Neither of you are willing to listen to me or care about what I want. So no, Hermione. Draco's been a far better friend to me lately than either of you two."

"What the hell, mate?" Weasel sounded furious. "How can you talk to us like that, Harry? Us?"

Harry laughed bitterly. "Because neither of you has been acting like a friend to me for a while now. So I don't want to be around you guys until you're ready to act like you care."

Weasel's face turned as red as his hair. He opened his mouth, but Granger stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"Harry," she said. "You know we only want what's best for you."

Harry looked like he was about to reply, when he suddenly lurched forward – giving Draco cause to be grateful he was holding onto Harry's arm – and clutched his head, whimpering. Draco was furious at the wasted time, and once he steadied Harry, he turned his attention to the two at the bottom of the stairs.

"You two should be grateful that Harry's such a good person," he snapped. "Any other sane person would have ditched the two of you by now. But he cares about the two of you too much to do that, even though you've been making him sick for weeks! He needs to go to Madam Pomfrey right now! So shut up and let us go!"

They both looked concerned now, mainly due to the fact that Harry was once again cuddling into Draco's chest, whimpering. As he spoke, Draco had wrapped his arms around Harry, and once he finished his speech he began trying to calm Harry, who was moaning and gasping, still clutching his head.

"What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know." Draco's voice was grim. "But he's been getting headaches ever since you two started your asinine dating program – which, I might add, he'd been very vocal about despising – and they've been getting steadily worse. I'm taking him to Madam Pomfrey, and if you really are the brightest witch of our age, Granger; you'll stay here and try to think of a way to support your friend that doesn't involve micromanaging his life against his will!"

He began guiding Harry down the steps, which was a slow and daunting process. Harry mumbled incoherently and whimpered the whole way, burying his head in Draco's chest and constantly forcing Draco to stop in order to avoid sending the two of them tumbling.

"Here." His head jerked up at the sound of Granger's voice so close. Her face was pinched, sad.

Good. She deserves it after the way she's been treating Harry.

"Let me help; at least on the stairs. I won't go into the infirmary, if that's what he wants. Just let me help him get past the stairs safely."

Draco met her eyes, and saw the honest concern of a friend, mixed with guilt and regret. He gave a terse nod and she took Harry's other arm.

Together, they made their way down to the Hospital Wing.

May 14th, 2018

Mrs. Potter,

Scorpius' 12th birthday is next month. He's determined to have your son, Albus, in attendance at his party. As you were the one to bring him to the Manor after the New Year and the only one I've been in contact with regarding arrangements for the boys to spend time together, you and Albus are invited.

While Scorpius would be content with a smaller party with only his close friends invited, my parents are determined to do for him as they did for me when I was younger, and make an event of it. Since there will be many children there of varying ages, I'd like to extend the invitation to all three of yours.

Their cousins have also been invited; though whether or not your brothers will allow them to attend is another matter entirely. Parents are invited as well. In fact, it is rather encouraged that at least one parent be present. Your husband may hide at home if he likes, provided that you are there.

It will be held on the 23rd of June, at eleven in the morning. I have arranged a variety of entertainment for the day as well as meals – we'll be having luncheon at one, and dinner will be served at six.

While most of the guests will be leaving around eight, there are a select few – specifically, your son and Miss Rose Weasley – who have been invited to stay overnight. You and your brother may spend the night here as well, should you wish to chaperone – if necessary, your other children may as well.

Please let me know as soon as possible if this is feasible.

Regards,

Draco Malfoy

Mrs. Granger-Weasley,

I am addressing this missive to yourself, as I believe that you are more level-headed and less prejudiced than your husband. As you are doubtless aware, my son and your daughter have struck up a friendship. His birthday is next month, and he would be crushed if your daughter did not attend his party.

My parents will be making a much larger affair of it than either Scorpius or myself would like, so there will be adults and children of all ages in attendance. Please feel free to bring your entire family – and to let me know which of your husband's family I should also invite to make this event more palatable for you both.

Scorpius will, of course, let me know who he would prefer to have attend; but since there will be plenty of other children there other than his close friends, I hope to make the occasion more enjoyable for you and yours by inviting guests you would enjoy interacting with, other than simply those that my father and mother have chosen.

It will be a day-long affair, held on the first Saturday after his birthday – the 23rd of June – beginning at eleven and ending at eight, with meals and entertainment provided throughout. Your children and yourselves are invited to spend the night. Rather, Rose is invited to stay the night, and you or your husband are welcome to chaperone if you prefer – but your entire family is also welcome if that is more convenient. Albus and his family have also been issued the same invitation, as he and your daughter are Scorpius' best friends.

If I could, I would give the elves the time off for the party and hire human catering out of respect for you; but they are my father's and he would not stand for it. I apologise in advance for this, Granger; as I have no doubt that the rights of elves are as important to you now as they were when we were younger.

I understand if you have reservations about coming to the Manor after your experience here during the war. I would feel the same. Please let me assure you that you will find the Manor has been greatly altered since then. During Father's brief stint in Azkaban, the Aurors cleansed the Manor of Dark Magic.

You may remember that I stayed at Hogwarts to help with the repairs, and my mother stayed with her sister to help with young Theodore Lupin and to rebuild their relationship. If you had forgotten that, you doubtless remember how Potter had graciously opened Grimmauld Place to me after the end of the school year, while we waited for the Manor to be declared safe by the Ministry.

Once we were free to return home, Mother and I renovated heavily. While the taint of Dark Magic had been purged, we still felt the Dark Lord's presence everywhere. The only way we could rid ourselves of it was to remove everything that reminded us of him. You will not recognise anything that could possibly cause any traumatic memories to surface. I assure you I would not be so callous as to invite you here otherwise.

Please owl me at your earliest convenience with your response.

I would deeply appreciate it if you could come – all of you. It would mean the world to Scorpius.

Regards,

Draco Malfoy

October 31st, 1998

Harry floated into consciousness gradually. He could hear voices; though he could not make out what they were saying. He recognised Draco's, and Madam Pomfrey's… he wasn't sure who else. He tried to open his eyes but the light blinded him, and he groaned.

The voices stopped. Footsteps sounded instead, growing closer.

"Mr. Potter?"

Ah. Headmistress McGonagall.

"Wha-what?" he coughed, his throat dry. He forced his eyes open; they were crusty and stung. "Water," he rasped. He struggled to sit up.

Madam Pomfrey conjured him a glass and filled it with an Aguamenti. She held it to his lips and he drained it.

"Thank you." He felt deeply uncomfortable. He couldn't understand why he was here, or what had happened.

"How are you?"

He turned to Draco, who looked pale and frightened. Draco seized his hand, cradling it to his chest as though it was something precious. Harry forced himself to smile, despite his own unease. Since he was looking at Draco, it wasn't very hard.

"Alright; just a little confused. What happened?"

"What do you remember, Mr. Potter?"

"Uhm." He blinked, trying to orient himself. He lay back, closing his eyes while he tried to untangle the jumble of thoughts in his head.

Draco. Draco touching him, kissing him. Tasting his skin, tasting him there. Opening him; stretching him. Inside him. Moving, with a look of wonder on his face; of pleasure and fierce concentration.

Harry flushed. The images that flew through his mind were wonderful and arousing. He opened his eyes and sat up, knowing that if he lay there while he remembered his arousal would soon become obvious.

Draco had told him he loved him. Harry couldn't help smiling. They'd lost their virginity together. It was the most beautiful thing that had ever happened to him. Then his smile faded as he remembered what had happened after. He closed his eyes again, feeling humiliated as he remembered how badly he'd reacted.

Granted, he'd had reasonable cause to act the way he had. Hearing voices is bad, even in the wizarding world. He swallowed. He had been only vaguely aware of the journey to the Hospital Wing, where Hermione had reluctantly left him with Draco. He'd been only vaguely aware of Madam Pomfrey trying to calm him, before casting a spell that sent him into blissful oblivion.

"I was hearing a voice." He said it quietly, as though speaking too loud would somehow make it worse. "She kept talking to me. Telling me to calm down; that nothing was wrong." He barked out a laugh. "She told me I wasn't crazy; that she was real. She just wouldn't go away."

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I was just so scared." The hand Draco was holding clutched him tightly. He looked up, at the three of them, looking at him with such sadness, that his vision blurred.

He blinked quickly before offering them a watery smile.

"I'm going to have to do some tests, Mr. Potter." Madam Pomfrey's voice was soft. "Depending on the results, I may need to contact an expert at St. Mungo's."

Harry tried to smile again, and nodded. "Okay." He hated how small his voice sounded.

Are you calm now, little one? I didn't mean to upset you so much.

Harry gasped and drew his knees up to his chest, ducking his head and wrapping his arms around it protectively. "Shut up!" he screamed. "Shut up, shut up, shut up!"

He could feel his whole body trembling. He heard himself sob.

Please, little one. If I thought it wouldn't do more harm than good to leave you be now, I would do so. You must believe that I never intended to hurt you in any way.

Dimly, he registered Draco climbing onto the bed beside him and wrapping his arms around him. He twisted and clung to his lover, burying his face in Draco's shoulder. "What do you want from me?" he cried.

I simply want to know you, as I once knew Helga, Godric, Rowena, and Salazar. Once I realised I had the ability to communicate with you, I observed you for a while. I found that I quite liked you, and thought it would be beneficial to us both for me to introduce myself. I wouldn't have approached you if I'd known how you would react. But now that I have, I can prevent you from thinking you're mad by proving that I am who I say I am.

Harry stiffened. "How?" he whispered.

By showing you secrets about this castle that have been hidden since the days of the Founders. If I can do that, will you believe me?

Harry drew in a deep breath. He could hear Draco, Madam Pomfrey, and Headmistress McGonagall talking to him, but he ignored them in favour of trying to decide what to answer.

"Okay. Show me, and I'll believe you."

You should tell your friends what I've told you. Tell them, and then walk over to the portrait of a landscape in the mediwitch's office. I'll let you know what to do once you're there. Oh! And you'll need your wand.

Harry shook his head, blinking as he came out of his daze. He forced a smile. "I'm okay now." He noticed that all three of the infirmary's other occupants looked relieved. They also looked so sad and fearful that it made his heart ache.

"Madam Pomfrey, do you have a portrait of a landscape in your office?"

She looked somewhat confused. "Yes; there's one attached to the wall with a permanent sticking charm. How did you know?"

Harry looked down, picking at the blanket lint. "The voice I keep hearing… she says she's Hogwarts. She said that she can prove I'm not crazy; but I need to go up to the portrait in your office. She also said that I'll need my wand."

He looked up, and saw the looks of apprehension on the faces of the three who were with him. He continued, "She said that since I'm the first person since the Founders to invest so much of my own magic into the fabric of her being, I've become sort of a fifth Founder, and it's made her able to communicate with me."

He looked away. "I know that it's crazy. I'm crazy. But…" He swallowed. "I have to try. Please."

He looked back up in time to see McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey exchange a look. McGonagall nodded, and Madam Pomfrey turned her gaze back on to him. She smiled sadly at him.

"Very well, Mr. Potter. But we'll need to go with you."

"Yes, of course." He glanced at his boyfriend. "Draco, too." Draco's arms tightened around him.

"Certainly."

They made their way to Madam Pomfrey's office. As soon as they entered it, Harry noticed the large landscape behind the desk. It was lovely. It was also enormous. He walked up to it and stopped, standing in front of it. "I think I need my wand, now."

Madam Pomfrey handed it to him with a look of trepidation on her face. He nodded his thanks and turned back to face the portrait.

"What now?"

Touch your wand to the center of the portrait. Without lifting it from the canvas, draw it upwards until it touches the inside of the frame. Draw two crosses on the canvas; north to south, east to west, then south to north, west to east. Say the incantation, "Et Adiecit Dominus Ad Thesauros Collocata" four times, once on each pass. When you're done, trace your wand back to the center of the from and say, "Qui Egredietur De Ingressu Quatuor Postulat."

Harry moved as though he was in a dream. He was aware of his body; he could feel it, control it, but was also somewhat detached from it. He wondered if his blind panic before had led to his condition being exacerbated. Though the panic had been understandable; hearing voices out of nowhere and feeling almost as though he were experiencing a form of astral projection would be enough to make anyone panic.

He was aware of himself following her instructions. Moving his wand slowly, enunciating each syllable of the incantation carefully. As he spoke the final words, the image inside the portrait began to waver; rippling like water. The colours swirled and muddied. They began to smooth out, but the image inside was different.

It was a large room; similar to a common room, but decorated in neutral colours. There were four spiral staircases leading away in different directions on the far end of the room. Harry heard the exclamations of surprise from behind him, but his attention was riveted on the voice in his head.

This is the Founders' common room.

There was a shout, and suddenly a man bounded down one of the stairs and leaped forward towards Harry, his face eager and his eyes bright. He had tousled, light brown hair, and sparkling hazel eyes. He was smiling so widely Harry wondered if it hurt.

"Ella! Ana! Sally! C'mon out! The heir is here!"

He leaned forward in the frame, his eyes fixed on Harry.

"Hello there! I'm Godric; Godric Gryffindor. I see you've found us out!" He bounced back on the balls of his feet. "My friends call me Ricky." He winked at Harry. "I see you belong to my house! That's so exciting!"

Three more figures came into view, all of them smiling. Harry recognised Salazar Slytherin from his statue in the Chamber of Secrets. His hair was a dark brown; almost black, and his eyes were a cool, icy blue. He snorted.

"Of course he would be a Gryffindor," Slytherin sneered.

"Be nice, Sal." A woman with blonde hair and soft brown eyes shot Slytherin a chiding look. She turned her attention back to Harry, her face breaking out into a happy smile. "I'm Helga – or Ella, if you prefer. I'm so happy to meet you. We're all happy to meet you." She glanced meaningfully at Slytherin, and he rolled his eyes.

"Being locked in here with no one but each other for company for thousands of years; of course we're all glad to see you!"

Godric looked at him and beamed. Slytherin flushed, and turned away, muttering about cheerful idiots.

The last woman; tall with auburn hair and hazel eyes, leaned forward intently. "Would you tell us how you figured out how to break the enchantment? We knew you would someday; but not how or why. I'd love to hear about it!"

Godric chuckled. "That's Rowana – we call her Ana. She's our resident walking encyclopedia. She drinks in new information like a sponge." He perched himself on the arm of the sofa. "What's your name?"

Harry blinked at them in astonishment. "Er, I'm Harry. Harry Potter."

"Well, Harry Harry Potter," Godric winked again. "Would you like to come in?"

Harry sucked in a breath. Behind him he heard shocked gasps and murmurs of astonishment. He smiled. "Of course." He hesitated. "Is it alright if they come, too?" He glanced behind him and took in the dumbfounded looks of the others.

"Er, would you guys like to come with me?"

"Try and stop me!" Draco nearly vibrated with eagerness.

"As Headmistress, I think it's my duty to investigate fully." McGonagall was attempting to look composed, but even she couldn't hide her anticipation.

Madam Pomfrey looked delighted. "I would love to speak to Rowana. There are so many Healing techniques that have been lost over the years!"

Godric threw back his head and laughed. "Come on in – all of you!"

The portrait swung open.

May 15th, 2018

Malfoy,

Al will be thrilled to attend Scorpius' party. All of my children will be. Unfortunately, I have a Quidditch match to cover for the Prophet; Harry will have to bring them. I will speak with him and ensure his co-operation.

I'm well aware of your history with Harry, Malfoy; as you well know. I'm also well aware of how badly you hurt him – to the point where he wants absolutely nothing to do with you. It will be extremely difficult for me to convince him to go as it is. If you do not want Scorpius to have to deal with having his best friend leave his party early, I would suggest you not antagonize him.

From the sound of things, the party should be large enough that the two of you need not interact.

Hopefully we can all be mature adults about this for the sake of our sons.

Ginny Potter

October 31st, 1998

Harry looked around in wonder. The common room was bright, decorated in silver, gold, bronze, and black – much like the common room of the eighth year students.

He turned to the others as the portrait swung shut behind them – and noticed that the portrait appeared to be double sided. The Founders were still there; still smiling.

I've missed having someone to talk to. Hogwarts – because Harry couldn't deny now that that must be who the voice was – sounded wistful. I've missed my old friends. Will you tell them that?

Harry cleared his throat. It was getting easier and easier to stay aware when Hogwarts spoke to him. "Hogwarts says to tell you she's missed you."

The Founders looked excited.

"You've spoken with her?" Rowana leaned forward eagerly.

"Yeah," Harry ducked his head, feeling embarrassed. "There was a battle, and she was badly damaged; a lot of sections were destroyed. I helped with the rebuilding. Since my magic is so strong, I provided most of the magic to fix her. She said that I'd poured so much of my magic into her that she considers me another Founder, and after observing me for a while she decided she liked me and wanted to communicate."

He cleared his throat. "That's how I found your portrait. I thought I was crazy, so she was proving that she was who she said she was by showing me how to get in."

The four of them murmured in astonishment. Rowana looked delighted. "How powerful are you?"

Draco spoke up. "One of the most powerful wizards in the world. Certainly the most powerful one in Britain." Harry shot him a glare, but he shrugged. "Well, you are."

Gryffindor clapped his hands, and Slytherin looked interested despite himself.

"So," Harry said, desperately trying to avoid a discussion on how powerful he was. "Why place your portrait in the infirmary? Why hide it?"

Godric grinned at him. Rather, since he never seemed to stop grinning, his grin widened a bit.

"It's not just in the infirmary, Harry. Every single landscape in the castle can become our portrait as long as no other occupants are in it. All you need to do is perform the spell to open them. Before you open the door to leave our common room, you simply choose which room you want the portrait to open in. As long as there's a landscape in the room, it will work. The common room and our portrait won't open for anyone but you, and as soon as you enter it, the outside reverts to a landscape again."

Harry blinked in astonishment. "But why wouldn't it open for anyone but me?"

"Because you're our heir, Harry." Helga's voice was soft and gentle. "It was prophesied during our lifetimes that one day there would be an heir to the Founders who would unlock our secrets. We've been waiting for you for a very long time."

Harry was struck dumb by this revelation, and slightly dismayed to realise he'd been the subject of yet another prophesy.

Madam Pomfrey and Headmistress McGonagall stepped forward, and requested permission to speak with the Founders. Harry moved back, taking Draco's elbow and pulling him along. He stopped when they were out of sight of the portrait.

"Thank you." He smiled at his boyfriend. "I'm so sorry that you had to deal with all of this. But you were amazing. I think I'm even more in love with you than I was before."

Draco flushed, and cupped Harry's face in his hands. "I'm just glad you're all right. Watching you go through that…" He swallowed convulsively. "It was one of the scariest things I've ever been through. I couldn't stand to lose you. I think it really might kill me if I did."

Harry placed his hands over Draco's, then turned his head to the side to kiss the inside of Draco's wrist. "I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. These weird and crazy things just seem to happen to you." Draco leaned forward and kissed him, and Harry's breath caught. He pressed back, kissing Draco eagerly. Draco pulled away and he whined. The blond rested his forehead against Harry's. "I love you. Weird things and all."

Harry felt as though he could fly without the aid of broom. "I love you, too."

June 23rd, 2018

"Scorp!"

Scorpius whirled around at the sound of Al's voice. His face broke out into a delighted grin. "Al!"

The two boys hugged each other. Scorpius buried his face in Al's shoulder. "I missed you," he whispered.

Even though he was twelve years old now, and his behavior was undignified, he didn't care. Al was here. He held on tightly, wishing that he never had to let go.

"Heya Scorp!"

"Rose!" He pulled away from Al reluctantly, hugging Rose in turn. She squeezed him hard, then pulled back and smiled at him.

"Happy birthday, Scorp."

"Rosie, stop hugging him. That's inappropriate!"

Scorpius stiffened when he heard that voice. Memories of being cornered and threatened in the dungeons by a tall man with freckles and bright red hair sent a shock of fear through him.

Rose and Al both moved in front of him and scowled up at Rose's father, who was glaring at him in a way that made his knees weak – not in the same way that Al could do it, but in sheer terror. Rose's mother smacked him on the back of the head.

"So help me, Ronald; if you don't behave I'm going to floo your mother and let her deal with you! If you don't want to spend another fortnight on the couch, you'll be nice to Scorpius."

Scorpius felt a wave of relief wash over him. Rose had told him that her mother was very good at keeping her father in line. The man shot one last glare at Scorpius before subsiding into a sulk.

Scorpius smiled at Rose's mother. He was sure that she was responsible for Rose being normal, considering her father. She noticed and smiled back.

"Happy birthday, Scorpius."

"Thank you, Mrs. Granger-Weasley."

Hugo was smiling at him shyly. He'd only met the boy in passing, but it was only polite to greet him. "Hello, Hugo. Thank you all for coming to my party."

Behind them he noticed Al's dad trying to keep James and Lily in line. The two of them seemed determined to touch everything in sight.

"Where's your dad, Scorp?"

He turned around, grateful to have an excuse to bring his attention back to Al. "Grandfather dragged him off somewhere. Probably trying to introduce him to some pure-blood woman that he wants Father to marry. Father refuses, but that doesn't stop Grandfather from trying."

He didn't notice how Al's father stiffened at those words. No one did. No one saw the look of pain that flashed across his face before he schooled his features and turned his attention back to corralling his unruly children.

October 31st, 1998

"I thought they'd never leave."

Draco grinned at Harry's expression of exasperation. "Can you blame them?"

He huffed. "Yes." Draco chuckled. "Tell me you wouldn't be fascinated. Tell me you aren't."

Harry flushed. "Well, yeah. But that doesn't mean that I wasn't looking forward to being alone with you again."

Draco arched a brow at him. "And here you told the Headmistress that you simply wanted a little more time to converse with the Founders." His tone was mocking, but his face betrayed his eagerness.

Harry laughed and kissed him. Draco returned the kiss with interest, until the sound of a throat clearing behind them broke into their reverie. Draco paled as he realised that the Founders of Hogwarts had seen him kissing a boy. Considering how narrow-minded pure-bloods were nowadays, he could only imagine how bad it had been back in their day.

Yet when he turned around, none of them looked disgusted. Rather, they seemed amused.

"Gryffindor and Slytherin," said Rowana in a teasing tone. "Looks like history does repeat itself! Hopefully you handle things better than these two idiots did!"

Godric's smile dimmed when she said that and Slytherin got up and walked stiffly out of the frame. She flinched. "I'm sorry. Ricky… I didn't mean…"

He forced a smile. "I know." He turned away. "I'm going to go find him."

Helga stopped him with a hand on his arm. "You know that he won't listen to you right now. I'll go."

Godric nodded, and she left.

"You and Slytherin?" Harry felt slightly disbelieving.

Godric gave him a small, sad smile. "I'll tell you about it sometime. After I talk to Sal. For now, why don't you two check out the upstairs?" He gave them a knowing wink that made them both blush furiously and sent them off in a hurry.

Each of the staircases had a house emblem above it. Sensing that Draco would doubtless be alive with curiosity to see where the Founder of his House had once lived, Harry moved towards the stairs moving down to the dungeons with a striking serpent on the banner overhead. "Let's go check out Slytherin's chambers, shall we?"

The look of delight on Draco's face convinced him he'd made the right decision.

Harry found he cared as little for Slytherin's personal rooms as he had for the Slytherin common room, back when he was twelve. He said as much to Draco, who snickered.

"You're just uncultured, Potter," he said with a disdainful sniff.

Harry smiled slyly. "You know, there's a really lovely shower in the en suite bathroom, Draco. I think I just might be cultured enough to appreciate that, if you would help me."

Draco's brows rose before he smirked. "Why, Harry," he purred, drawing Harry into the circle of his arms. "I'd love to show you just how underappreciated showers really are."

Harry chuckled, pulling away. "Why don't you how me then, Malfoy?" he challenged. He sauntered into the bathroom. It was lovely and huge, with a shower that was very nearly a work of art.

The shower wall was a wide stone semicircle, with several silver snakeheads with open mouths all pointed towards the center. It looked very medieval, despite having plumbing. It occurred to Harry then that as much as the wizarding world seemed rather stuck in the past compared to modern muggle technology, in medieval times magic had allowed them many comforts that were unimaginable for muggles of their day. The effect of the whole thing was rather intimidating and very luxurious.

Harry paused in the doorway as he surveyed the room. It was all stone, silver, and green; dimly lit, with small windows that let in the greenish glow of the lake that surrounded them. It was very Slytherin, and while Harry felt it was rather gloomy overall, he knew Draco would feel at home.

The sensation of a pair of arms sliding around his waist brought him back to the present. He leaned back against his lover, and shivered as Draco's lips brushed the nape of his neck. Draco nipped him, then murmured, "If I'm to show you just how enticing a shower could be, I'll need you to actually enter the room, Harry."

Harry's lips curved into a smile. "Well then, Malfoy," he drawled. "Show me what you can do." He moved out of Draco's grasp, turning his head to toss a smirk over his shoulder. The hunger in Draco's eyes lit a fire in his belly.

He began stripping off his hospital robes as he moved towards the shower. Behind him, he heard the rustling of clothing that signified Draco was following his lead. He grinned wickedly.

As he toed off his pants, he stepped into the shower ring and glanced around for a tap. He frowned when he didn't see one.

How do I turn this thing on?

Simply say, "Aguamenti", and the water will run on command.

Harry started. Uhm… thanks, Hogwarts. It felt rather awkward speaking to the castle as a sentient being, though he supposed he would get used to it in time. What felt even more awkward was the notion of Hogwarts as a voyeur to his and Draco's activities. No offense… but do you think you can give us some privacy?

Certainly. I wouldn't dream of intruding on you and your lover. Some things really aren't meant to be shared. He could sense the castle's amusement as she answered him. He felt slightly relieved to know that there would be no telepathic voice in his head during sex.

"Aguamenti!" he said loudly. Water began to stream from each of the serpents' open mouths; hot and steaming. He stepped into the center and tossed his head back, soaking in the spray with his eyes closed.

Draco's arms slid around him again, and arousal flared in his belly as he felt his lover's firm body pressed against his back. Draco's cock was making known its interest in the proceedings, nudging insistently against his backside. He pressed back into it, and heard Draco groan in his ear. His blond lover's hands fell to his hips, gripping him tightly.

"Harry."

Harry smirked and ground backwards, placing his own hands back over Draco's hips, pulling him forwards even as Draco canted his hips unconsciously. The Slytherin gasped.

"Draco," he murmured. "Fuck me. Please?"

Draco growled low in his ear, and seized his hair with his left hand, pulling his head back and savaging his mouth. Draco's right arm wrapped tightly around his waist, holding him flush against himself as he ground his hard length into Harry's rear. Harry gasped and squirmed eagerly, bringing up his own hands to hold Draco in place as he returned the kiss eagerly.

Draco released him and he let out a whine. He turned to face Draco, who had backed out of the shower and picked up his wand. He cast a spell that filled his hand with the lubricating gel. Smirking, he turned back towards Harry.

"Turn around and lean forward. Put your hands on the wall, stick out your arse, and spread your legs," he instructed.

Harry grinned, and did as Draco said. He felt a little silly and very exposed; bracing himself against the cool stone wall with his arse sticking out, water beating down on his back.

He felt Draco kneel between his legs, and his cock twitched in anticipation. Draco chuckled, before placing a soft kiss on the inside of his thigh. Harry bit his lip.

He felt Draco's slick fingertip tracing his pucker, and drew in a sharp breath at the sensation and the memories it invoked. He canted his hips backwards, and Draco let out a soft, breathy laugh before breaching him.

The digit slid in and out easily; their activities earlier that evening having loosened Harry up. Harry moaned lightly at the sensation; eager for more; for Draco to fill him with himself.

Draco added a second finger quickly, and Harry thrust backwards once again, impaling himself. He gasped as Draco's scissoring fingers nudged his prostate. "More, Draco," he urged his lover. "Please; Merlin, more!"

Draco bit the inside of his thigh. "So impatient," he murmured. But he added a third lubricant soaked finger. He went more slowly, and Harry was more patient with this addition. He may have been loosened up already, but he was still very tight and winced slightly as he realised he probably should have let Draco take as long as he wanted to prepare him. He decided to let Draco set the pace from then on.

It didn't hurt much, though, and he soon forgot that resolution as he pushed back on Draco's fingers, pleaded him for more. "Draco, get on with it!" he demanded.

Draco snorted. "Pushy little bottom, aren't you?"

"Shut up!" Harry huffed.

Draco laughed, and withdrew his fingers. Harry moaned at the sudden empty feeling. "Draco, please," he begged. "Fuck me, please!"

Draco kissed the small of his back, before straightening and slicking his cock. "Listen to you, begging for my cock," he teased. "I'm gonna fill you so far you'll be feeling me inside you for a week!"

"Yes; now get on with it!" Harry smacked the wall with the palm of his hand, impatient. Draco chuckled again, before sliding into him.

Harry hissed at the burn as he pushed back. Draco pressed forward steadily, but went slow enough that it didn't hurt too much. He moaned as he made it the last few inches and paused when he was seated balls-deep.

"Fuck, Harry," he gasped. "So tight!"

Harry groaned and pressed back. "Move, Draco!"

Draco grabbed his hips before sliding back and slamming forward again. Harry cried out, finding that the angle allowed Draco to hit his prostate with greater accuracy.

"Yes!" he cried. "Oh, Merlin, Draco; yes!"

Draco began pounding into him in earnest, and Harry found himself cursing over and over, repeatedly calling on Merlin and crying out Draco's name as his pleasure-spot was struck relentlessly.

His thighs trembled but he held himself up the best he could, not wanting it to end for anything. Draco reached around to grasp his cock and began pulling it in time with his thrusts.

Harry sobbed, finding himself moving in sync with Draco's thrusting and tugging at his cock. The pleasure building in his gut reduced his ability to communicate to chants of, "Draco, Draco, Draco, Draco!" that seemed to repeat on an endless loop.

"Come for me, Harry," breathed Draco into his ear, and his orgasm tore through him, nearly blinding him in its intensity. He came screaming Draco's name.

The combination of Harry's channel clenching around him and hearing his own name shrieked in ecstasy by his lover wrung Draco's own orgasm from him. He threw his head back and let out a wordless cry as he spilled inside the brunet.

He sagged forwards, and Harry's knees gave way, causing them both to sink to the floor. He wrapped his arms around Harry, kissing his shoulders and the nape of his neck over and over.

"Harry," he murmured. "Love you."

"Love you, too," Harry mumbled back. He sounded dazed, and Draco almost felt smug; only he was feeling rather dazed himself. The water cascaded over them, washing away their come and sweat and Draco couldn't stop laving Harry's shoulders with open-mouthed kisses. He couldn't stop smiling, either.

Harry tipped his head back, into the spray, leaning it on Draco's shoulder. He turned to the side and kissed the blond's cheek. "I really do love you, you know," he whispered.

Draco turned his head and met his lover in a deep kiss. He pulled back and stared into those incredible green eyes. "I know," he answered. "And I hope you know that I really love you, too."

Harry turned around, sliding his arms around Draco's neck. "I wish I could wake up in your arms tomorrow," he whispered.

Draco's heart clenched at the thought of waking up without Harry beside him for the first time since term started. "Madam Pomfrey wants to keep you overnight, to make sure you're fine. And you'll need the time to figure out what you want to tell your friends, anyway. Are you sure you don't want anyone to know?"

Harry shook his head. "I've been enough of a freak for one lifetime already, thanks," he said. "I'm just glad that Headmistress McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey agreed to let me keep this a secret."

Draco smirked. "Well, you did threaten not to let them talk to the Founders ever again if they didn't," he pointed out. "That, combined with how you requested to stay behind on the pretense of talking more with the Founders and having me stay on the pretense of having someone who could get you out if you were to collapse again, make me reevaluate just how well you might have done in Slytherin."

Harry chuckled. "I told you; the Hat said I'd do well in Slytherin."

Draco kissed him again. "I just wasn't sure before if that might have been something you dreamed up," he teased.

"Prat." Harry smiled fondly.

"Your prat," Draco whispered against his lips.

"Mmm," Harry agreed, deepening their kiss.

After a few minutes of languid kisses, Draco rested his forehead against Harry's. "We need to get back before Madam Pomfrey starts freaking out. And I should probably go let your friends know that you're alright."

Harry sighed. "You're right."

Draco smirked. "I always am."

They rose and toweled off before redressing. Using a charm to dry their hair, they made their way back up the stairs hand in hand.

Harry paused on the landing. "Draco, isn't there a landscape in our room?"

Draco blinked. "Yeah; on the wall over my bed."

Harry's lips curved up in a smile. "You know, if I let you carry around my invisibility cloak, you can sneak back in our room to meet me during the day, while I use one of the many landscapes around the castle to take a short-cut through here into our room. And rather than staying there and having to lock and silence the room, we can just come back in here – whether we just want to talk to each other, to the Founders, or use one of the four bedchambers in here to… spend some quality time together." He leered suggestively and Draco burst out laughing.

"You really are a Slytherin at heart, Harry Potter."