The Darkness

The Darkness

Chapter Eight ~ Alcoholic Delusions of Grandeur (part one)

I know I'm searching for something,
Something so undefined,
That it can only be seen,

By the eyes of the blind.

~ Billy Joel (River of Dreams)

~*~

In the darkness, many things live, some dangerous, some benign, some sad and some lonely. They all reside in the recesses of our minds, hiding and waiting for the shadows to grow.

Remus John Lupin was never bothered by the darkness. It was a part of him that he couldn't escape. He accepted his fate and resigned himself to his loneliness. That was, until the nightly writings began. Little notes or messages from someone claiming to be Sirius began to haunt his nights. His days were spent trying to figure out the sometimes cryptic and always frustrating messages. His nights were haunted by memories of his lost companion falling thru a veil. Every time, he'd see silver eyes turn to him, pleading for help that he couldn't deliver.

He was currently sitting at the roll-top desk in the room he had once shared with Sirius. A candle was burning down to its final nub and his back was sore. He was exhausted, but Remus believed he was on the verge of understanding Sirius' message. Not able to suppress a yawn, he took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Remus had spent so much time in the library at both Grimmauld and Hogwarts; he was beginning to think he should sub-contract as a research assistant. Though, he had managed to solve most of the puzzle. The thinning fabric was the fabric of reality. Something major had happened and the membrane that kept this world and whatever world Sirius was now occupying, separate, was breaking down.

But where was the Forest of Time and why there?

He had found numerous mentions of the Forest, but none that gave him any inkling as to its whereabouts. There were descriptions of the Forest that sounded like it could be anywhere from the Black Forest to the Forbidden Forest.

He yawned once again. "Damn Sirius, why can't you give me directions next time. If you want us to rescue you, than could you send me a map?" It wasn't the first time that he'd asked for a map or a better hint. In return he'd receive messages that were less information and more Black's sense of humor. But, for all Remus knew, it wasn't even Sirius sending him these messages. It could very well be a daemon trying to play games, as they are wont to do. Though, that in itself was rather funny to think of. Sirius having the same twisted humor as a daemon, could it be possible?

Remus stood and began to pace his room, the floorboards creaking under his constant back and forth tread. He was cleaning his glasses on his brown sweater vest. His mind was racing with possibilities and leads. Then he stopped. "Sirius?" he called to the empty room. "Please, for the love of all that is sacred, give me something...anything?"

He placed his glasses on the nightstand and threw himself back onto the bed. His mind reeled as he tried to piece together all the possibilities. He suddenly heard a creak on the floorboards, as if someone had begun to tread in his familiar pattern. Sitting up quickly, he called out, "Sirius?" The room was still except for the fluttering of the small flame by his desk. He stood and in two easy strides, reached the desk and sat down. On the top of his notes was a message scrawled in a child-like script.

The elder

The oak

The thorny plum,

Ask the wychs three.

The babe is within the trees.

Remus ran his hand through his hair and rested it on the back of his neck. "Finally," he smiled, "finally it all makes sense."

~*~

The house elves bustled about the Great Hall, working on decorating and preparing the room to the exact specifications Master Malfoy had given them. Hermione had left the instructions with Draco in the hopes he'd be able to get the room ready for the party, since she was out of the country. She was cryptic about her whereabouts, but she insisted that she would be at the party that night. So of course, Draco promptly handed the instructions to house-elves. Malfoys do not cater parties.

The Hall looked...well...interesting.

The four house colors were represented: a yellow table held drinks, a blue held music, a red held food and of course the green held the gifts. These tables were pushed up along the walls, under the large windows. There were matching streamers and balloons everywhere, giving the room a festive circus feeling. But what made it definitely...interesting, were the purple sofas and chairs set up randomly around the room. Hermione wanted it to be more of a social event and not so formal. There would be a buffet and everyone could sit and talk or eat or dance in the large floor space. When Draco popped in to check on the progress, he began to think Hermione might have gone completely mental. "Looks like a rainbow exploded," he whispered to himself as he walked back to his chambers, shaking his head.

Draco hadn't seen Harry since he'd run from the night club. He wasn't trying to avoid him, but he wasn't ready to hear about Harry's new girlfriend. It still hurt too much. Harry had actually stayed away from the castle, spending time at Grimmauld and the Ministry visiting old friends. He had noticed that Lupin was being odd, but he noted that Lupin had been odd for years now, since Sirius...

Harry arrived at the party before the others. "Great, early enough to put on a good drunk before Draco gets here." He grabbed up a firewhiskey and downed it. Depositing his gift on the green table, he took a bottle and found a nice warm seat beside the fire. He started pouring himself a series of shots, enjoying the nice warm rush he was feeling as he watched others enter the room.

Hagrid entered carrying a large box that emitted an odd mewling noise. Harry shook his head as he smiled; he didn't really want to know. "Hiya Harry! Good ta see ya here." The gentle half-giant grabbed a tankard of ale and headed back, sitting across from Harry. "Cheers," he said, lifting the large mug that was made just for him. He knocked back a bit and then smiled at the younger man. "Ain't seen ya around these few days. Been busy I reckon."

Harry smiled, nodding silently. He adored Hagrid, but he wasn't in the mood to answer the inevitable questions. Yes, I miss Ginny. Yes, it still hurts. No, I'm not returning to New Zealand. Yes, I sold the farm to Luke. No, I didn't know he had that much money. Yes, I was a bit shocked when he broke down crying. No, I don't want to talk about it anymore. He felt sick thinking of all the questions he'd have to answer tonight and he was contemplating disappearing before anyone else arrived, but then he saw Draco enter the room with his side-arms, Blaise and Pansy, and he took another drink.

Draco looked around, and seeing a lot of alumni, he smiled. Neville was talking to Luna about something exciting; his hands were going a mile a minute. Seamus had Dean in a choker hold, both with smiles on their faces. Draco caught the words West Ham and he smiled in return. "Fool Gryffindors, can't take them anywhere without having them act like idiots," his voice taking on the haughty tones of his youth.

"I agree, Drakey. They're just a bunch of childish fools," Pansy said with a sneer on her ruby lips.

Blaise looked at them both, not sure if he should agree or laugh. He went for the latter and burst into a fit. "I believe only five minutes ago you were talking about giving Dumbledore a lap-dance. Draco was going to be your pimp for the evening. I thought that was why you wore that horrid jacket, D." He was holding onto the drinks table, trying to stay on his feet, he was laughing that hard.

Draco was wearing a black leather jacket that was lined in black wool. It made the collar thick and slightly fluffy. He was glad he nixed the idea of wearing the matching hat.

"Well, Zabini. I believe you were going to streak for the umpteenth time. I think you don't even do it for shock value, I think you just like feeling the breeze between your knees," Draco retorted, his hands on his hips.

Pansy and Blaise stared at him for a moment. Blaise shook his head and Pansy sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That sucked, Draco. You're slipping." She grabbed a butterbeer and walked away. Blaise followed suit and pulled Draco with him.

Just as they were about to sit, Draco spotted Harry. Pansy must have also because Draco tried to leave and Pansy pulled him down onto the sofa. "Don't think about it, Blondie. You are going to stay right here and enjoy the evening. Despite everything, you deserve to be here too."

She was right and Draco wasn't happy about that. He sighed and took her drink, "Ugh, non-alcoholic butterbeer. What's the point?" He pulled his wand and with a whispered spell he increased the alcohol content of the drink. He then downed the rest.

"Umm, that was mine." She stood up, adjusting her too short skirt and sauntered to the drinks table.

Draco kept staring at Harry. He saw how sad the dark-haired man looked, even surrounded by half the Weasley clan and McGonagall. Draco couldn't understand, if Harry was with someone, wouldn't he be cheering and...where was the Quidditch twit anyway?

Blaise nudged his arm and pointed across the room. "Isn't that the bird Wonder-boy was snogging?" Draco turned to see Cho Chang flirting with Roger Davies. She had her hand on his bicep and was fanning her curtain of hair behind her. He couldn't believe that Davies was falling for that rot, but he looked enthralled with something Cho was saying. Then they did that laugh, the laugh that you only hear at parties or bars, the one that cried 'desperation'. It said, 'that joke wasn't really funny, but I want to get laid so I better make with the nice-nice'. Draco had used that laugh before.

"Oh Merlin, the laugh," Blaise said, pulling him from his thoughts.

He smiled, "I was just thinking the same thing. I guess Harry's bird flew the coop." Inwardly, he did a back flip and a somersault, outwardly, he scowled at Harry.

"Yeah," Blaise agreed, "serves him right. Maybe we should short-sheet his bed. Or I could..."

Draco cut him off and pointed toward Pansy. She had seen Chang and Davies and she was going in for the kill. Draco felt a smile on his face; he loved Pansy so very much. She would seduce Davies and leave Chang with a broken heart. Then it hit him, if she did that, then Cho would go back to Harry. He couldn't let that happen. He jumped up and ran across the room, getting the attention of those around him. He grabbed the blonde and swung her around in a circle, feigning a smile and pulling her to the dance-floor.

"What the hell, Malfoy? I was going to hurt some feelings," she whispered, obviously pouting but placing her arms around his neck as they danced.

"Think love, what would happen if you got Davies? Where do you thing Chang would go?" he nodded his head as realization dawned on her features.

"Sorry, Drakey," she whispered as she placed her head on his shoulder, allowing him to lead her thru the dance.

Harry watched as Draco ran and grabbed Pansy. His heart leapt into his throat and he wanted to slink away, but Mrs. Weasley was chatting with him and he felt it would be rude to suddenly stand and leave. I'll stay till Dumbledore arrives, then I'm out of here.

He felt uncomfortable sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He loved them, but he felt horrid. He hadn't visited or owled them since the memorial and the only reason was, he didn't know what to say. Hullo, how are you? I'm good, considering I haven't killed anymore of your family, but the year is young and I've still got this ruddy image of your daughter haunting my dreams. Look forward to tea with you. ~Harry. Yeah, that would go over real well.

Dobby appeared from around the door and squeaked, "Sirs and Ladies, Dumbledore is coming. Get ready."

Harry looked at the confused room. Everyone was just as curious as he was. Get ready?

Then he felt it, a shimmering feeling that rushed his entire body. Everyone felt it as the room took on a glamour. Charlie had leaned over and whispered, "He'll think the Hall is normal and empty."

Harry smiled but whispered back, "Don't you think a wizard like Dumbledore would see through something like that?"

Before Charlie could answer, McGonagall hushed them with a severe look.

Dumbledore walked in, accompanied by Dobby. "It seems so quiet here, what do you think Dobby?" Dumbledore's blue eyes were sparkling, knowingly.

"Sirs, Dobby thinks it's just right," he nervously looked at the floor, twisting his orange scarf in his long fingers.

Dumbledore smiled and pat the creature on the head. "You did good Dobby," he whispered and then in a grandiose manner spoke to no-one. "I wonder where everyone has gotten to. Maybe they have gone to Hogsmeade. Maybe I'll just have to go myself." With a smile, he turned back toward the doors, gliding gently as he listened to the hushed whispers of those hidden around him.

Someone cleared their throat and Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh bloody hell, you people are thick." He jumped up onto the nearest chair and yelled, "Surprise, you barmy old codger!"

Dumbledore turned and beamed at the now visible room of people. "For me?

McGonagall shot Draco a vicious glare and glided over to the Headmaster. "Of course, Albus, it is your birthday. In all the years I've known you, we've never celebrated your special day. Everyone wanted to do something special for you." Her eyes were watery with the tears of happiness that threatened. If anyone deserved a party, in Minerva's opinion, it was Albus.

He took her hand and kissed it. "Thank you dearly, my lady." He looked at the crowd that had assembled and he smiled at all their beaming faces, his children, always and forever. "Thank you all, this is such a wonderful surprise." He allowed Minerva to lead him over to an extra large wing chair, his place of honour for the evening.

Harry walked up and shook the old man's hand and spoke softly, "Happy birthday, sir."

"Harry, dear boy, I'm so glad to see you here. I trust you are well." Blue eyes bore into green. "I trust you and Mr. Malfoy are getting along famously."

Harry felt his eyes narrow to a glare. "Yes...famously. Wonderful in fact. Thinking of getting matching tattoos that say BFF," he ground out in false pleasant tones.

"Good, good, just make sure you go to someone reputable. I think, maybe you should get yours on your ankle." He shot Harry a wink.

Harry was about to say something when he was rushed by a sea of red-hair. Bill and Wil had come up to say hello, Mr. Weasley was just behind him. From beside him he heard a couple of familiar voices.

"Mum," called Fred with his girl Angelina by his side.

"Dad," George yelled, holding tightly to Katie's hand. They sauntered over and sat down beside their mother. George leaned over to his brother. "Hey, look at Parkinson, when did she start to look that good."

Fred looked over and smiled wolfishly, "Wow, now that is tasty." These comments earned them immediate swats from their girls. Risking another hit, Fred commented. "Speaking of harpies," he glared at Angelina who was getting her hand ready for another go, "Anyone seen Hermione and Ron?" SWAT! "Damn woman, you've been taking lessons from Mum," he said rubbing his head.

"Yeah, haven't seen Ronniekins since Wednesday," Bill replied as he sauntered over, smiling at the groups of people who had arrived. He spied a pretty blonde girl, but she was with the pretty boy so he turned his attention back to his family.

Charlie walked over with two mugs of ale. Bill tried to take one, but Charlie glared, apparently they were both his. "Who cares where the little blighter has gotten too, it's not like good boy Ronnie is gonna go and do something stupi..." his jaw fell open.

In the entranceway to the Great Hall stood the most ridiculous thing any of them had ever seen. Ron was standing there with Hermione in his arms. She was stunning in a white iridescent dress that looked like a long Tinkerbelle outfit. Her skin was glowing and shimmering in the candlelight and she had glitter in her hair. She looked like she just came from heaven...express flight.

Ron on the other hand, was wearing a white jump suit with a jeweled eagle on the front, the sleeves had long fringe and it was un-zippered down to mid chest. But the topper, he wore a black wig that curled on top into this silly cyclone of hair.

The room went silent. The first to speak was Draco. "Mother of Zeus and all things good and holy, what in the hell happened to the two of you?" He was stunned, "Granger, you look amazing but Weasel..." He cocked his head to the side, in thought, "Is it possible that Graceland exploded and you were just too close? I can't fathom anyone voluntarily wearing those...things." Blaise and Pansy were laughing so hard that the dark haired boy fell to the floor.

"Ronald Weasley! What IS the meaning of this?" Molly roared from across the hall. She stood up, waiting for her son to answer her.

Ron smiled, shocking almost everyone who knew Molly Weasley and her temper. "Mum, we eloped." He leaned over and kissed his new bride.

Molly went pale, "You what?" Her voice was soft and slightly shaky.

Fred pulled Angelina toward him. "We'd better go hide over here. This is not going to be pretty."

"Yeah, voice low, big show. That's what I always say." George grabbed onto Katie, following his twin.

Charlie and Bill exchanged looks. Bill grabbed up Wil and led Fleur to a far side of the room. Charlie spied Percy in the left corner, snickering with Oliver Wood, and chose the right corner of the room. Even Harry pulled Severus to a wall, the Potions master only complaining mildly....they knew.

"We...we...eloped." Ron's bravado was wearing off; he clung to Hermione as if she were a shield.

Molly walked silently over to the pair and when she couldn't wait any longer the dam burst. "Ronald Weasley, what were you thinking? I have spent the past five years helping you both plan the best wedding ever and you two go and elope! You were my last hope for a decent wedding, it's not like this lot are ever going to commit."

"Oiy! What am I?" Bill exclaimed before Fleur clamped a hand over his mouth.

Molly ignored him and kept right on. "Ronald...I'm so disgusted...did you ever think that maybe, just maybe your mother might have wanted to be there for your wedding...What were you thinking? Of all the irresponsible, selfish..." She stopped when Ron whispered something that caught her attention. "Repeat that!"

"Hermione is pregnant and we didn't want to wait," he said, speaking a little louder.

Molly looked at her new daughter-in-law. "Is this true?" Her voice trembled again, but for a different reason.

Hermione nodded, "Yes...Mum." She smiled at the red headed woman.

Molly watched the two for another moment and then grabbed them in a huge hug. "Why didn't you say so in the first place? That is different. Though, I still would have liked to have been there." She released the hug and held him at arms distance so she could get a good view of his clothing. "What is with this outfit?"

Ron blushed, pulling off the wig. "Um...we floo'ed to Vegas and we dressed up. Here are the pictures." He pulled Muggle photos out of his pocket, pulling away from his appeased-for-the-moment mother and made his way over to Harry and Albus.

Harry laughed and clapped Ron on the back. "Good show mate, beats the Shaft wedding. Don't tell me, Hermione wouldn't let you be the pimp daddy?" He burst out laughing when he saw the look in Ron's face.

He grabbed Hermione and spun her around. "A baby, Hermione this is fantastic." He hugged her and made her sit in his spot. "Here, rest, do you want some juice?"

Before she could answer, Draco sauntered over and smiled at her. "So, gonna have those bushy red-haired-Quidditch-playing-bookworms, finally." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, whispering, "I'm so happy for you, love."

He turned to Ron, "If anything happens to the cleverest witch I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and I swear Weasel, I'll kill you myself." He glared at the redhead. Then smiled and hugged him. Ron wasn't sure what to do, so he just patted Draco on the back in an uncomfortable manner.

"I guess the next party is the stag night we didn't get to have." He smiled mischievously at Ron and the others surrounding. Still smiling, he caught Harry's eyes but turned away quickly. It still hurt too much to look at him.

Harry felt a rush of anger when Draco turned away, but he pushed it aside. Instead he stood up and got himself another firewhiskey. He spotted Charlie by the drinks table. "Trying to hide from the happiness?" he asked.

Charlie looked up from his half empty ale, the other full one still in his left hand. "Yeah, the happiness is quite sickening. Thought it would be better to just drown them out with some liquor. What about you?"

"Same idea," he said, sitting down beside him. "I think it's time that I just admit that I'm human, contrary to popular opinion, and drink myself into a state of oblivion and pray I don't embarrass myself too much." He lifted his glass, "Cheers."

Charlie grunted something inaudible and they both took up the task of getting pissed.

Draco caught this and tried to not let it bother him. He was going to grab a bite to eat when he felt himself getting pulled into a sofa. "What the hell? I want food."

"Forget food, we just got the password into Slytherin," Pansy beamed as she lazily placed her legs over his lap, insuring him as a captive audience.

"You're completely mad, why would we want to go into the Slytherin common room. What about the kids?" He had suspected it for awhile, but this confirmed it. His friends were nuts.

"Why wouldn't we go? This is great, we can check out the place, reminisce, and crash. What's even better, the kids are gone for the holidays." Blaise was practically bursting at the seams.

Draco had forgotten it was the holidays, Christmas was a complete blur. He vaguely remembered getting out of bed, but it wasn't his favourite holiday anyway, too many memories.

"So, are you in?" Pansy asked, her hand trailing across his chest in lazy circles.

Draco looked back toward Harry. He couldn't go over and talk to him, not if he's drinking, so he sighed and said, "Fine, I'm in."

With a cheer the three left for the common room.

~*~

Donna hated the cold. She hated being out in it and she certainly hated the fact that she had to wait outside in it. She had been travelling for weeks looking for her missing employer.

After being questioned by Detective Crighton, she had returned to Draco's loft in hopes of finding something amiss. The detectives would only be looking for foul play, Donna was looking for things that were outside of Draco's personality.

She began to rummage through his desk and came up empty. After two closets, under his bed and then his dresser, she found something. A silver ring with an 'S' set with emeralds. It was stunning and it was not like Draco, not the Draco she knew. She tried to find the maker of the ring, but came up empty. She knew she had to go to London and start there. She chose London based on what she knew of Draco, metropolitan and classy, where else would he go?

She had arrived in the city and immediately began to go from jeweller to jeweller to see if anyone could identify the ring. It was obviously hand crafted and was obviously a symbol for something. But what?

Walking into the last jeweller for the night, she was once again, not having much luck. There was only one other customer there, a silly looking old man in purple pants and a green jacket. That's what happens when you get dressed in the dark, she thought with a smirk.

He seemed to be listening to her conversation with the jeweller and as she had attempted to leave, he touched her arm. "Miss, does ya tink I kin take a gander at yer bauble?"

It took her a moment to decipher his words, his accent was thick and she was not familiar with the different dialects of the United Kingdom. She held open her palm but let out a gasp as the old man swiftly took it and smiled. "Ah, that is a house ring. Definitely Slytherin. I 'aven't seen one a these in a few. Kin I ask where ya got it?" He was still smiling, but his deep blue eyes had narrowed.

"A friend, a lost friend, it was his. Maybe you'd know him, Draco Malfoy?" she asked, not expecting the reaction she was about to receive.

"Ah yes, lass. Young Master Malfoy, I 'eard he's back in country. Tis good, he should be here wif 'is kind. Lot good it did wif 'im runnin' to tha States like that." He gave her an appraising look and with a sly smile he asked, "Are ya 'is wife?"

Donna's eyes went wide. "Me? Oh no, just a friend and I've missed him. So I'm trying to find him."

He looked at her suspiciously. "He told ya about 'imself, right? Don't want ta cause any troubles." He looked around the room, as if expecting someone to jump out.

She was taken aback, but nodded anyway. "Oh yes, we have few secrets. It's just that he never talked about where he lived when he was in England. I was only worried about him."

The old man seemed to be thinking this over and leaned in to whisper. Donna had to keep from gagging, he reeked of whiskey. "Try up in Scotland. Tha school is there, if'n ya kin find it. Muggles usually can't, but if'n ya makes it ta Hogsmeade, someone there will help ya, I'm sure." And before she could ask anymore questions, he was gone.

That was a week ago and now she was sitting here, in the cold, waiting for a train that would take her to a place called Dovetown. She had no idea if it was near this Hogsmeade, but when she had asked about, no one had heard of the town or of any school in that area. Sometimes she'd get suspiciously, knowing looks, but mostly they thought she was just another odd American. She was slowly beginning to hate this country.