Disclaimer: everything you recognize from the books belongs to JKR, the rest is mine
Warnings: adult themes?
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Thanks to your reviews my muse decided to do overtime. So, this chapter exists thanks to you.
Hope's Nest
Chapter 10
When Nicodemus regained consciousness he wasn't surprised to be surrounded by children. It fit their previous pattern of behaviour. He couldn't fathom why, but every single child that had come to "Hope's Nest" so far, had formed a nearly obsessive attachment to him.
Even those children that had to be sent to the special facility in Canada, that he sponsored, where they remained under the care of Dr.Wood, one of the best mind healers in the world, calmed down as soon as he touched them.
He had discussed it with Severus and came to the conclusion that it had to do with his magic. There was not one child that bore the crest of "Hope's Nest" or Slytherin who had not been touched by his magic on at least one occasion.
No, he wasn't surprised that his bed was clustered with several bundles of joy. What did come as a surprise when he opened his eyes was the presence of one Draco Malfoy in a chair several feet from his bed.
Draco hoped he didn't look as nervous as he felt, when his silver gaze met blazing violet. He didn't know what had possessed him to wait for Nicodemus to wake up here. There was no reason for him to do so. It wasn't even that he had been asked to do so by Severus or Duchess Stormcrow.
It had been a reflex. He had wanted to stay in that warm, blazing presence. He had wanted to observe that mysterious man while he was unprotected and unmasked.
He had seen how wry amusement and puzzlement followed each other in those fascinating eyes, when their gaze fell on the sleeping young children.
"Good morning." He greeted the newly awakened.
"Good morning, Draco. I hope you are well?" Nicodemus replied, his voice still a little raspy from sleep.
Draco raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Why should I feel unwell?"
Nicodemus smiled a little, then said: "Well, you are residing in my infirmary. Usually one does so only when ill."
"Oh, no, I am quite well. I followed you, yesterday. I wanted to give you a helping hand, if you needed one. I'm afraid I frightened one of the children quite badly when he barrelled into me. He told me you needed help, so I called Severus, who, in turn, called Duchess Stormcrow.
I hope you are well again?"
Nicodemus was surprised to say the least. He didn't know what to make of this new Malfoy. It was hard to connect the boy from then to the mature, handsome man now. But it would be hard to connect the Harry Potter from fifth year with Nicodemus Stormcrow from now as well. Perhaps it would be easier if I didn't like what I see.
"Yes, thank you. I take it you were present when Duchess Stormcrow healed me?" What am I doing?
"Yes. I apologize if you feel uncomfortable with that." Draco replied cautiously. He was mesmerized by the pattern of crimson sparks in those deep, violet orbs.
Nicodemus waved his hand dismissively. "No need to apologize, Draco. I'm sure last night raised a couple of questions in you and I wanted to let you know that I won't be offended by you asking them." It seemed his mouth had taken a mind of its own, because Nicodemus most certainly had not wanted to share his secrets with anyone. Why am I doing this? I didn't even tell Charlie, even though we were together for a whole year, and now I give Draco Malfoy of all people permission to ask questions to his heart's content? A person I've known as a stranger for no more than a couple of hours?
To say Draco was surprised by that offer was an understatement. His silver eyes conveyed his shock as clearly as his face. Here is it. Here is the chance to unravel the enigma that is Nicodemus Stormcrow.
"Well, I don't know what to say. Thank you, I think would be as appropriate as inadequate. I have to admit to a certain curiosity regarding your person, Nicodemus. And to have your friendly permission to satisfy that curiosity is an opportunity I have no wish to resist.
Thanks to Duchess Stormcrow, and our dinner conversation, I know that you are of Old Blood. Then again, so are many of the older families. However, considering the events of last night, I am sure I don't know what that term really entails."
Nicodemus gaze never wavered from enchanting silver, when he explained: "There are quite a number of families that can pride themselves to have Old Blood flowing through their veins. It doesn't mean more than that they have the potential to be of Old Blood.
As long as that blood does not awaken, they are ordinary, if perhaps unusually powerful wizards and witches. If the Old Blood in them awakens, they become a part of the Old Line they descended from. Their bodies change to be better able to survive the amount of magic they henceforth bear in their souls.
The only limit for their power is their body. If they push that limit, their bodies change a second time. To prevent that change, magic itself provided every Line with a Keeper, someone who is able to stop the change and command the magic of every descendant of that Line.
That is what the duchess did for me last night. She prevented my change." And I really don't want to hear what she's going to say about that. She told me I couldn't visit the soul plane again till I had at least eight hours of uninterrupted rest.
"Sadly I wasn't able to prevent your change entirely." They were interrupted by a melodious voice.
Duchess Stormcrow stood at the door, a contemplating look in her eyes as she watched the two young men across the room.
"Nicodemus, if you would send the children to their rooms, we have something to discuss." She ordered, her blue eyes blazing with authority.
After the children had left and Draco had been ordered to stay, the duchess sat down on a chair next to Nicodemus' bed. Her dress settled in a neat curtain around her, flowing down the chair like a waterfall. She had had centuries to practice her every move and it showed in the effortless grace of even the smallest of her movements.
Her youthful face stood in stark contrast to the seriousness in her eyes as she looked at her young charge.
"I was able to prevent your change, Nicos, that much is true. However, your blatant disregard of my earlier warnings has had consequences. Your blood has changed irreversibly. It is obvious that you are destined to be a Keeper, yourself. You will be the beginning of a new Line.
If you are cautious and don't use any of your soul's magic but only that of your surroundings, you will be able to delay the change for another decade at most. I know you hate the very thought of it, but you will have to face the facts.
You will become immortal. You will become a Keeper. You will have the responsibility to look after and rule over your Line.
The only thing left for you to choose is the moment of your change. Do you want to deny the inevitable even to yourself for as long as you can or will you take up the mantle of responsibility and rise to the challenge?
Are you brave enough to face your own greatness? Or will you run away?"
Silver and blue eyes looked expectantly at the agitated man, whose eyes seemed to drown in crimson fire.
The only sound in the room was Nicodemus harsh breathing as he fought against his panic. I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.
His fingers curled into fists, lightening crackling inside them. Why me? Why is it always me?
Draco watched fascinated and more than a little worried how Nicodemus fought against his temper. It tore at his heart to see the young man so troubled and yet, he couldn't deny how truly magnificent he was in his fit of temper. I wonder what he looks like when he is in the throws of passion. That most be a sight to behold.
I was not just thinking that. The man is facing tragic news and all I can think about is how magnificent he looks? That's pathetic even for me. Wait, did she say immortal?
"That's impossible. I don't even have a Line! There is no need for a Keeper if there is no Line!" The angry outburst was accompanied by distant thunder.
"That is where you are wrong, childe. Nicos," the duchess's voice was gentle and warm, fondness lining her every word. "Nicos, look around you. You live in a house with more than ten children, all of them carrying the name you created, wearing the crest you designed, priding themselves of calling you their Head of Family.
You have been the beginning of a new Line since the very first child you took in. Think about how many of them have the potential to awaken, to become one of our kin. And then try and tell me again that there was no need for a Keeper!
I know it wasn't your design to create a new Line when you took them in, but you have to face reality. You should have realized what you did when you created a crest and gave them a name. You should have realized the consequences of your actions when you started to hand out amulets with the crest of your adopted Line. You took them on as vassals and therefore have to extend your protection.
Think about it childe and let me know what you decide. If you want to continue to live in denial you will have to leave this country, otherwise you are bound to lose control and change.
I want you to rest for at least today. No work! Think about your choices and make a decision you will be able to live with.
I will take care of your people for today."
She stood up, pressed a kiss on Nicodemus' bowed head and left without so much as a look at the other conscious occupant.
TBC