Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Cape of Storms ❯ Chapter 2: A ship losing Control ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Title: Cape of Storms
Author: DeityOfDeath
Archive: Yes please...
Pairings: Lucius/Harry Severus/Harry
Category: Drama, romance, slash
rating: NC-17/R
Spoilers: Most likely.
Warnings: Yaoi, Lemon, Drama SPOILERS!
Disclaimers: I never have nor will I ever own Harry Potter or its chars. They are property of JK Rowling and major companies.

Note from Author: Thank You for reading and supporting fan fiction! Enjoy and please review!

SPOILERS AHEAD! You have been warned!

Cape of Storms

Chapter 2: A ship losing Control

I stood starring into my closet for what seemed like hours before I finally picked out a simple dress suit for the occasion. I showered and gelled my wild hair into a semi-tame condition before I slipped on black satin boxers and black dress slacks. I Slid on a white button up formal shirt and buttoned its entire buttons before straightening it here and there. I tucked the shirt into the slacks and then grabbed the black satin three button vest and made sure it buttoned and looked proper before I grabbed a long billowing black robe with green satin trim and lining, making it reversible if I chose to dress more colorful. I didn't.

I felt like I was attending a funeral instead of a ceremony with so much positive meaning behind it. I would try my hardest to smile and answer any of their questions as much as I could without using little white lies.

I grabbed a black top hat and stared at the cane that sat inside the umbrella holder by the door to my humble abode. It was dark wood polished to perfection with the head of a lion with its huge mouth agape in a silent roar and ruby eyes that shimmered crimson in the flickering light of the candles on my fireplace.

It was a truce gift from none other than Lucius Malfoy. I had discovered a little too late that he was a spy for the Order. I had almost killed him and hesitated when he closed his eyes in a very serene way when he saw me aim my wand at him. I faltered and instead of killing him with the worst of the unforgivables I simply stunned him. My momentary pause had left me open to attack and a rampaging goblin saw fit to thrust its dagger into my left leg. I was healed but occasionally it ails me. I happened to be using a cane given to me by the doctor who cared for my injuries, as I made my way out of the hospital and I happened to run into none other than Lucius Malfoy and his son who were visiting Narcissa. A few days later I received an owl that carried a large wrapped box. Upon opening I found the cane and a letter from both Malfoy's.

It was then that I had learned Narcissa Malfoy had died. I accepted the cane and made sure to use it at least once when out in public so that when the usual paparazzi of the wizarding world took pictures Lucius would see me using his cane in all the papers and know that his gift had been graciously accepted. I also sent them both letters of thanks and condolences. I rarely use it since my leg rarely bothers me but I suppose I should bring it for this occasion.

I reached over and lifted it from the umbrella holder and pulled the lions head back so that I could place my wand inside the hidden compartment. I secured the lion back into place and turned to look at Hedwig's large cage in the corner where she shared her perch with the unusually quiet Cid.

"Come, Cid. Let's be on our way."

"Cid's a pretty birdie! Pretty birdie get's a treat."

"Yes, Cid. If you're good I'll give you a treat, but no more laughy taffy. It makes you too hyper."

He chuckled as he stretched his wings and climbed from the perch to the bars and then followed the bars to the open cage door. Once outside the cage he stretched his wings and took to the air briefly as he flew over to me, landing on my right shoulder.

"Buckle up! Awrk! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"

I couldn't help but laugh as I grabbed a hand full of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace calling out, "Madam Rosmerta's!"

I felt myself falling all the while Cid squawked and screamed in my ear, his talons digging into my shoulder. I landed with a hard thump sending pain throughout my left leg. I came out of Madam Rosmerta's fireplace limping and covered in soot.

"Look what the Horntail drug in! If it ain't Harry Potter and...What in the world is sitting on your shoulder?"

I turned and smiled at Madam Rosmerta and bent as low as I could with my knee aching as fiercely as it was and took her hand in mine, placing a kiss upon it.

"It is nice to see you once again Madam Rosmerta. Would you be so kind as to help rid my clothes of the soot and ash as well as helping my companion Cid?"

She grinned up at me and took her hand from mine placing it on her hip momentarily while she looked me over, "You'd think the savior of the wizarding world would find a better way to get where he's going."

I smiled as she retrieved her wand from her bodice and proceeded to cast a few simple cleaning spells over me and Cid leaving us once again spotless and presentable.

"But I wouldn't have been able to stop and see your fine smile if I had apparated."

She laughed and pushed me towards the door, "Enough of your playful flirting and games. Go one with you! You have friends who're waitin' for you! Get! Off with ya'. Tell Minerva I said Hi."

I nodded and left her building finding a row of carriages waiting out on the street. I saw the many Threstals that stood tethered to the carriages and I knew they were Hogwarts carriages most likely sent to retrieve guests for the gala. At one time there were only a select few who could see these unusual beasts known as Thestrals but after the "war" with Voldemort more and more people began to see the beasts connected with death.

I walked towards the one at the front and saw the surprise on the drivers face as he hopped from his seat and quickly opened the carriage door for me with relish. I thanked him and slowly stepped up using my cane for leverage. It would most likely bother me tremendously tonight thanks to my bone jarring landing.

I sat on the carriage bench and settled against the back cushion as the carriage started moving towards Hogwarts. I watched Cid climb down my shoulder and come to settle himself on the bench beside me. He stared up at me with a usual look of intelligence in his eyes before turning his head to the side and squawking his usual nonsense. I closed my eyes and listened to the rattling carriage wheels against the gravel path which soon turned to the clatter of wood and metal on stone and concrete. I sat up and moved a black curtain to glance out the window.

Rows and rows of carriages with various creatures; magical and non-magical, were lined up at the entrance leading to the Great Hall. I felt the carriage come to a stop and after a quick jerking movement and the sound of clacking dress shoes the carriage door opened and I stood and slowly made my way down the carriage stairs before turning to hold my arm out to Cid who waddled his way to the carriage door. Upon reaching my arm he perched himself on the lower part and got comfortable, playing the calm beautiful bird to a T.

I walked up a nice concrete ramp and towards the double doors that were held open by a pair of very large trolls. I walked past them and into the hallway. I stood there for a few minutes as I psyched myself up for what I was about to do.

I had had only two attacks this week and if all went well I wouldn't have another for two more days. Of course stress and worry made the attacks more frequent so I worked on steadying my nerves. A house elf walked by carrying a tray of wine glasses and as he passed I grabbed a glass containing a red wine of some sort and brought it to my lips, downing it in one drink. I limped over to a table and set the empty glass on it before walking through the doors on a soft plush red carpet. Many people filled the Great Hall and all were dressed in their best, talking and gossiping among themselves and I hoped that it would stay that way. I had come to the stairs and had managed to make it slowly halfway down them before I noticed the uproarious chatter had quieted down. I began to feel self conscious so I made myself look up and I confirmed what I had thought from the start. Just about everyone had stopped talking and now watching me as I made my way down the stairs.

When I had reached the bottom I had a small crowd gathering around me. I felt myself panic and it became harder to breathe. Sensing my panic I felt Cid stretch his wings as he loudly squawked and screamed until the crowd backed away, giving me some room. Once I had room I breathed easier and felt a tad more comfortable. Cid lifted a foot to his large black beak and proceeded to clean it proudly, as if daring the crowd to return.

"Thank you, Cid."

"Cid's a pretty birdie! Pretty Cid get's a treat."

I laughed as I reached up and patted him atop his feathered head.

"I see that my gift was useful," said the all too familiar voice of Minerva McGonagall.

"Useful...sometimes...loud and obnoxious, most of the time. I had considered hexing whoever had sent him to me," I answered honestly.

"I can't say that I would blame you. He nearly drove me batty when Severus brought him home from his potions finding expedition."

"Severus brought him home," I asked generally surprised.

"It's not all that unbelievable Mr. Potter," said the smooth and monotone voice of my once hated potions Professor.

I gave a look of surprise before I grinned cheekily up at him, "No, I suppose not. I mean...now that I think about it you two are a lot alike."

"I can see that you still haven't changed," he said with a slight smile at the right corner of his mouth.

"I have changed. You may not be able to see the changes but their there."

Minerva laughed and then pulled me into a hug, "I've missed you, you trouble causing brat."

"I have to say that I've missed you as well. It feels like forever since I've seen everyone. I even missed Professor Snape!"

"I told you he must have gone mental," said the loud almost nasal like voice of my best friend Ron Weasley.

Minerva let me go and I turned around to see the bright copper hair and freckles of none other than Ron with a very beautiful and very pregnant Hermione. I felt my jaw drop as I gave them both a once over.

"If you get any taller Ron you'll dwarf Hagrid!"

"It can't be helped. Seems as though natures making up for your height by increasing mine," he said as he walked over and clamped a hand on my shoulder before pulling me into a hug, causing Cid to squawk loudly and take flight.

"We thought you'd decided to leave the wizarding world for good," said Hermione as she brushed tears away with a delicate hand.

"No, not yet," I said with a solemn smile.

Ron let me go and Hermione wrapped her arms around me pulling me tight against her as she sniffled against my shoulder.

"Promise me you'll stick around for a bit, or at least give us an address where we can contact you. I'd like for our son to know his Uncle Harry."

I smiled and kissed her atop her forehead,” We can't have that now can we?"

She laughed and went over to stand next to Ron.

"So...how's marriage?"

"So far so good. I had to put up with her raging hormones the first few months and Hermione will always be Hermione, but she's MY Hermione now," said Ron smiling brightly.

"What he fails to mention is that I also have to put up with him. I dare say that I will be well and truly prepared for this baby when it arrives thanks to taking care of this big baby."

We all laughed until I saw Hermione's line of sight was aimed at the thin gold band on my ring finger.

"How have you been Harry?"

"One day at a time Hermione, just like the old days."

"Mom and Dad are still broken up about her death but the birth of Bill and Fleur's daughter has helped some. They insisted in naming her Ginette but they've been calling her Gin or Ginny," said Ron as he turned to look across the hall where the rest of the weasley clan stood chatting with others. They looked up and saw us and I watched as they quickly ended their conversations and headed our way, including Bill, Fleur and the little baby Ginny in her arms.

I felt a stab of pain deep inside and fought to keep a smile in place as they all greeted me. We chatted about what had happened in my absence and we were joined by others. Soon I had found myself surrounded by Weasley's, Members of the Order including Remus, Madeye Moody and Tonks, as well as fellow school mates and members of Dumbledore's army. We found a large circle of chairs where we sat as we talked. It seemed as if they were tiptoeing around me, careful not to say the wrong thing as if they were biding their time and testing the waters.

"So, where have you been these past few months," asked Luna with a stern and yet happy tone and a big smile on her face from where she sat beside her husband Neville Longbottom.

I smiled and I felt it fill my eyes for the first time in months. Luna never was one to pull any punches as she said what was on her mind, which is probably why her father's paper was now more popular than any other wizarding newspaper.

I reached into my slacks pocket and pulled out my wallet. Everyone watched as I reached into my wallet and pulled out a small animated photo of my small home beside the ocean and handed it to Luna. I couldn't help but chuckle as others leaned in to catch a glimpse.

"It's not a child or a lover," I said causing some very disappointed looks from many, including Fred and George.

"Is this your home Harry," asked Neville.

"Yes it is. I was very lucky to find it. I've spent every day in a peaceful happiness there."

"Most would find that boring," said Professor Snape with a curiously raised eyebrow.

"I'm not most people. I keep my days busy by caring for a small garden I have, cooking and cleaning and occasionally I go sit out on the beach and watch the waves come in or the birds fly over the water. I particularly enjoyed the summer and watching the young children play and their families basking in the sun with contented smiles. I can't help but enjoy their moments of happiness as my own because I helped to keep their smiles, just as all of you did."

There was quiet and I looked into Snape's eyes and saw surprise and then a look that looked to be pride and approval.

"Our Arry has grown up, e' has!" said a sniffling Hagrid as he patted me on the shoulder.

"So it will be hard talking you into coming to work here then," asked Minerva.

I smiled and watched as the photo was handed around the circle,” No, I don't believe it will be. I have had time to come to terms with the losses we've suffered and I've had time to rest. I will accept your offer Minerva. I believe I should spend some time being with those I care about."

"Why do I sense a 'because' there, Potter," asked Snape.

I turned and smiled at him, "Shouldn't it be Harry now. We will be working together after today. I suppose I get to call you Severus now as well."

"Oh, what has this world come to? I now teach beside a fellow student. I am beginning to feel my age," Severus said dramatically.

We all laughed and then Minerva stood up, "Well let's get this re-opening started."

We followed her to out of the Great Hall and to the doors leading to the hallways that connected the classrooms and the dorms. There strewn across the doors was a set or large interwoven ribbon in the colors of all the houses. Everyone filed out of the Great Hall and stood in the now seemingly small hallway while Minerva made her way to a small podium. She put her wand to her throat and began the ceremony.

"We are here on this fine day to re-open a school that has meant so much to all of us. A school that was founded by four very important and influential wizards. This school; Hogwarts, has been home to many and has been through all sorts of mischief, troubles, disasters and many good times. It was closed down when Headmaster Dumbledore passed on and thanks to many of you and those who died in battle on that faithful day we can now stand here and re-open these doors for future wizards and witches. Harry, if you would come here for a second?"

I felt my cheeks warm but I did as asked and I limped and hobbled my way up to the front and up to the small podium.

"On behalf of the wizarding world I would like you to cut these ribbons," said Minerva with a smile.

I nodded and lifted the Lions head on my cane and took out my wand. I closed the Lions head and handed my wand to Severus who stood near. While Minerva put her wand back to her throat.

"I have asked that Harry Potter who was key in helping destroy Voldemort and soon to be our new Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher do us the honors of cutting the ribbons."

The sound of applause was sudden and startling and unnerved me a bit but I smiled and held up my wand. I waved it once, twice, thrice and then a fourth time whispering the incantation softly and then silence followed. All four ribbons fell in a ruffle of colors and the loud calls and applause once again sounded in deafening happiness. I turned and found Severus waiting there with my cane held in his hands and the lions head open once again.

I placed my wand inside and shut the lions head before thanking Severus and taking my cane back from him. He watched me limp towards my friends but grabbed my arm gently.

"I look forward to working beside you, Harry."

I looked into his intense black eyes and felt something deep inside me stir. I had always had a crush on this man and yet his cruelty had always kept me and my feelings at bay. I had turned to Cho and yet that hadn't come to fruition. She wasn't who I thought she was and now that I think back to it...my favorite thing about her were her eyes. Her eyes were just as black as Severus' but they hadn't held the same intensity that his did.

Then there was Ginny. Ginny was the opposite of both Severus and Cho. She was light where they were dark. She was a friend and much more and on the night before the battle with Voldemort we had married with many others in this very school. We had spent our first and last night together. She was killed by Beatrix Lestrange and I in turn had killed her. I remember sitting in that grass wet with the morning dew holding her cold and dead body in my arms as I sobbed. It had taken the whole Weasley crew to pull her away from me and even then I had spent hours by her casket and days at her grave with nothing in me except for self loathing and hate.

Here I was, sick and dying and I find myself back in this school and back near the man who had first won my heart. Life was very cruel indeed.

To Be Continued...

Wow...I think my writing style has changed yet again. I think I like it. They say you can only improve. Same goes for my art. I've decided that I'm finally going to go to college and I just might slip some art and writing classes in with my business classes.

I can't remember who commented but...someone said that they had seen Moonchild and that they would look into Last Quarter.

To that person I say, YOU RULE! LoL

Last Quarter is a story written/drawn by Ai Yazawa (creator of Paradise Kiss and Nana) and it's so sad and yet beautiful. You'll love it! It's a dramatic romance. Long lost loves through past lives...how romantic! Well...Ja for now! Chapter 3 coming soon!

Kat