Title: Star-Crossed
Chapter: 15/?
Author: Lady B
Pairing(s): Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape/Remus Lupin, other pairings to follow
Genre: AU Fantasy
Rating: this chapter – PG13
Warnings: M/M relationship, character death, OOC, descriptive sexual acts between persons of the same sex
Summary: Summary is long, see full story notes for details.
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and plots from the Harry Potterverse belong to JK Rowling and various publishing companies and movie studios. I am not making any money from this. I am simply doing this for the fun of it. Any plot devices and original characters belong to me alone and are simply a figment of my imagination.
Author's Note for this chapter: Six Degrees of Separation Part 1

- - -
:text: indicates telepathy.
- - -

Chapter 15


Hedwig landed safely in the main bay of the ship and the crew and passengers disembarked. As promised, a medical team was waiting for them to take Seamus and his mates to the medical bay. Kingsley was also there to greet him and Harry and his team snapped to attention.

"Captain Evans, welcome aboard The Hogwarts Express." the dark man smiled.

"It's an honor, sir."

"You and your team shall be needed for a debriefing in an hour in the meeting room. For now, rest and recuperate."

"Thank you, sir." Harry nodded.

"Dismissed." With a last glance at Draco, Remus and Severus, Harry and his crew left quickly.

"Your Highness, if you'd please follow me, we have rooms prepared for you." Kingsley stated, turning the opposite way.

"Thank you." Draco nodded. With a last look in the direction Harry had gone, Draco turned and allowed the man to lead him away.

- - -

Once their debriefing was completed and the members of his crew gone, Harry was asked to remain behind.

"Sir?"

"Harry – I have news from top brass." Kingsley began.

"I'm not going to like it, I can tell."

"Dumbledore expressed...concerns...that you and the Prince were becoming close. He has put forth to the Council of the Elders the proposal that you be confined to your rooms upon your return home."

"Fuck!" Harry scowled, turning to pace the room, "That man is determined to ruin my life!"

"You know how Dumbledore gets sometimes. Your father protested of course, but Council sided with Dumbledore."

"Bureaucratic arses!" Harry snorted. Kingsley chuckled and patted the young man on the back.

"Indeed they are. I'm sure you'll find a way to make the best of it. Dismissed!"

"Yes, sir!" Harry saluted the man and left the room.

Ron was waiting for him in the hall and silently followed Harry back to his room, where he proceeded to throw things in a fit of pique.

"Dumbledore?" Ron asked when Harry was done.

"How did you guess?" Harry sighed, flopping gracelessly into a chair.

"He's the only one who gets under your skin like that. What did he do now?"

"I'm confined to quarters until the wedding ceremony."

"Ah."

"That's all you have to say?"

"This could work in your favor."

"How?"

"When Draco hears of it, and you know someone will tell him, he'll actively seek you out in some way."

"To do what? He wants nothing to do with me."

"I think you underestimate the power of his feelings for you, Harry. I saw the way he was looking at you when we left earlier. He didn't want to leave your side."

"You think so?"

"Have I ever lied to you, Sire?" Ron was clearly speaking as his advisor.

"No."

"Trust me, this is a good thing."

Harry only hoped that was true.

- - -

Queen Lily was the only one waiting for them when they landed on Gryffindor. She pulled Harry into a hug so intense, it brought tears to his eyes.

"Mum." he whispered into her hair, breathing in her comforting scent.

"I'm so glad you're home." she smiled, stepping back.

"It's good to be home." he agreed.

"So your mission was successful?"

"It had its moments but for the most part it was."

"And where is your young man?"

"Still getting his things together. I should depart before he shows though."

"Why?"

"He still doesn't know who I really am. I want to keep it secret just a while longer."

:Are you sure that's a good idea?: she asked him through their bond.

:I have to know, Mum, if he wants me for me and not because of who I am.:

"I understand." she said out loud, "You know about The Council's edict, then?"

"Indeed." he growled, his expression menacing. She chuckled and patted his arm.

"I will see you at home." Nodding once, he kissed her cheek and left with the rest of his team.

A few moments later, Draco, Remus and Severus disembarked and she moved to greet them.

"Your Highness, welcome to Gryffindor." she smiled.

"Your Majesty, thank you for giving me sanctuary here." Draco greeted with a short bow.

"Your father has been a great friend to the King. It was no trouble at all. Remus, you are looking well."

"My Lady, it is an honor to see you again." Remus returned. Lily turned to look at Severus, smiling at his and Remus's joined hands.

"I see you've undergone some changes since we last talked Severus."

"Don't look so surprised, Lily. You did warn me of it once, if you recall." Draco looked between the both of them, realization dawning.

"You are a Seer?" Lily looked at him.

"I am High Seer, yes."

"It truly is an honor to meet you!" Draco smiled, bowing more deeply than before. She waved him off.

"You are going to be family, it's only right you be let in on a few secrets." She saw his face fall and she placed a calming hand on his shoulder, "All is not lost, Young Princling. You must open your eyes and see things for what they are, look beneath the surface, and you will be happy."

"Do you really believe that?" he couldn't help but ask.

"A High Seer is forbidden to lie." she stated. Something in her eyes comforted him and he relaxed slightly.

"Thank you." he smiled.

"You are most welcome. Now come. You must be tired from your journey. I think a night of food and rest are just what you need." She turned in a swirl of bright fabric and led the way to the skiff that was waiting for them.

- - -

Later that evening, Harry's presence was requested in his parent's quarters.

"And make sure you are wearing your robes." was the added threat.

He absolutely hated wearing robes.

He made his way to his parent's rooms, Ron slightly behind him.

"Why do they want to see me at this hour?" he wondered.

"They're your parents, mate." Ron shrugged, as if that explained it all. Harry snorted and rolled his eyes.

The guards snapped to attention at his approach and one opened the door to announce him.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Harold James Xavier Marcus of the House of Potter!"

"I hate it when they do that!" Harry groaned as he stepped into the room. He stopped short, causing Ron to crash into him and knocking them both to the floor. He stared at his parents in shocked surprised, before turning his gave to the other people in the room.

"Um...hi?" Harry grinned.

"I did not realize that the Head of the Retrievers was also the Prince of Gryffindor. James, I think you have some explaining to do." King Lucius stated, turning to look at his longtime friend.

"Surprise?" James grinned in a perfect imitation of his son.

Oh, boy!



TBC...

Next chapter...Harry makes his explanations to his future in-laws!