Age of Innocence

~~~~Age Of Innocence~~~~

~~~~Chapter Eleven: Something Wicked This Way Comes...~~~~

~~Egyptian Exhibit, Museum Of Natural History, NYC, NY - Dec. 31st, 1924~~

'Copacetic!' Harry said in awe as they were staring into a glass case with an actual mummy in it. From the information on the placard it wasn't a very well know mummy, one of the lesser pharaoh's, but still the thought that this was a ruler 3000 some years ago was incredible by any standards.

'Agreed, hard to believe it's been so well preserved. They really knew their mummification techniques back then,' Draco had to admit as he too was a bit awed by this place. At first all he had wanted to do was drag Harry off and skip the exhibit entirely. Spending the next few hours in some out of the way nook was all he wanted, but seeing and hearing Harry's enthusiasm for coming to the exhibit ruled over. Now that Draco was here though he was glad he had come to see it all, it was truly not only amazing, but inspirational.

The artefacts of the various Gods and Goddess of the daily Egyptian culture, the Egyptian and Hebrew texts that had some various passages translated to the side of how life had been lived, the hieroglyphics, the pottery, and now of course the mummy were fantastic. Draco for a moment wondered what it must have been like to live back then, and figured it really wasn't much different than how the wizarding almost lived now. Still archaic, still bound by deities, still honouring old school ideas to the point of almost extreme. It was only the Muggles who changed really decade to decade, the wizarding world rarely ever did, and to Draco that's what was so wonderful about the world he lived in.

Seeing Harry's expression at all of the splendour's of the ancient world, how almost accepting he was of it all, make Draco wonder if Harry's acceptance of the wizarding world was gong to be easier than everyone first thought. Harry seemed childlike in his gaze, eager to learn and know what it was like. Which left Draco no wonder at all that Harry probably would understand, and probably even take to the idea of magic easily. Glancing round to make sure none of the others had wandered their way, Draco decided to take a risk, a very big risk, but one he had to know.

'Jimmy?' he said hesitantly and saw that Harry was now gazing up at a set of statues representing Aker, ironically an ancient god who was depicted by a set of lions facing away from each other.

According to the plaque they signified the horizon, and the lions were known as 'Yesterday' and 'Tomorrow'. Aker was connected to the primeval concepts and belief in the earth powers, his lion representatives were also the guardians of the gates to the underworld. If anything could be more apropos in this case, it was that particular deity Draco thought. Just like the Gryffindor lion, these lions were symbols of who Harry was, he was the reason for the 'yesterdays', and the hope for the 'tomorrows'.

'Yeah Draco?' Harry asked without looking away from the lions.

Draco noted that for some reason Harry seemed totally fixated on them, and Draco could almost feel strange vibrations emanating from him that he couldn't explain. Draco walked over and gazed further on the statues himself, accidentally brushing against Harry, and nearly jumped at the spark of pure electrical current that radiated from the boy. Harry seemed oblivious however, and Draco turned and watched Harry a moment though Harry wasn't even noticing. Being this close now to him Draco realised it wasn't just a 'vibration' Harry was emanating, it was pure energy, even Draco could tell that much.

Draco himself became fixated, but not on the lions, only on Harry. The electrical currents were making him cloudy, foggy brained, and he felt as if he had just smoked a pipe of hashish. Before he even realised what he was doing he turned to Harry who was now looking at him strangely enough, though Draco hadn't remembered seeing Harry turn towards him. In a half whispered voice that barely sounded like his own he breathed, 'Harry....oh Harry...'

Neither of them even knew who moved first, nor did they care. Whatever those lions had triggered within Harry seemed to affect them both, and before either could stop themselves they moved together, melting into each other's arms. It was perhaps the whim of the gods that they were alone at the exhibit just then, for they doubted they could have nor would have wanted to stop what happened next.

Harry's hard worked, roughened hand met with one of Draco's unworked, soft hands, clasping it almost harshly, whilst his other arm tightly wrapped round Draco's waist, drawing him as close as possible to him. For a moment neither moved again, only stared into each others eyes. Draco didn't know how but he saw that those emerald green eyes seemed to glow with a power beyond anything Draco had ever seen, though it didn't scare him. For there was another emotion in them as well, one he couldn't believe he was seeing. It wasn't lust, but love. Pure and simple love....along with passion....hope....and dreams. Everything that Draco had prayed for but wondered if he would really ever get.

Harry being the taller of the two then leaned down and captured Draco's soft, warm lips with his own, both slightly moaning as their lips connected with each other. It wasn't a harsh kiss, but the most tender, loving, gentlest kiss either could have ever imagined. It was a pledge, as if saying that their two souls had finally found each again other at last, that they were back where they belonged, and would never part again. A piece of a heaven on earth that neither boy could have even imagined existed.

It could have been minutes or hours that they stood there locked in each others embrace, they didn't know nor care. Their kisses were at first gentle, exploratory, but they soon became filled with passion and need. Draco felt himself enveloped in Harry's power, giving in to his every demand, and even making some demands of his own. For a moment Draco wished they were back at the hotel where they could truly be free to explore each other, but for now he would have to be content with Harry's kisses and caresses.

Bliss did not last long however, and with a sudden startled cry Harry pulled away, crashing to the floor and moaning in pain. Draco was at first too shocked by the sudden pull away to respond until it registered that he was seeing Harry lying on the floor and he reacted quickly. Kneeling down to bring Harry to his chest he said in an unsteady voice, 'Harry...oh Merlin Harry..what's wrong? What is it?'

Harry at first couldn't respond, it seemed like he was just wreathing in pain. His hand was clasped to his forehead, and Draco with a sinking feeling in his heart now saw something that sent him plunging into fearful darkness. Harry was holding the spot over his scar, and there was now red leaking through his fingers. He was bleeding, or rather, his scar was bleeding, and Draco didn't have a single clue what to do. 'Harry? Harry...Harry!' he tried to scream, but it was more a frightened whisper.

'Si-Si-Sirius...' was all Harry managed to breath out in an effort.

'Sirius? What's wrong with him? Harry? Harry...what's wrong with Sirius?' Draco said startled now.

'D-d-dan...danger....in...danger...' Harry breathed again, and to Draco it was the most frightening tone of voice he'd ever heard. Fear, there was nothing but pure fear in Harry's voice now, and it scared him to no end. Harry's eyes really scared him the most, they were vacant now, voided almost of life even as they stared up at Draco unseeing.

Taking his gaze off Harry's eyes he glanced round worriedly. Draco knew they were still alone at the exhibit, and the next one over was too far away to call for help. All he could think of was that there wasn't even a freaking guard in sight for some reason, yet they had seen several coming to the exhibit. Muggles he thought were never round when you goddamned needed them! To run to the Greek exhibit to get Granger and Weasley would not be a good idea, it would mean leaving Harry alone, and he couldn't do that either. And if Sirius was in danger, going to find him and Arthur was probably the stupidest thing he could do. If anyone could be that dangerous to hurt Sirius, then Draco stood no chance at all.

Glancing back down at Harry who was nestled in his arms, Draco could see Harry's eyes were no longer open. In a way he was glad, those eyes that moments before were filled with such loving emotions then had turned rigid in agony, torture and fear before finally becoming lifeless as Draco had last looked away, he knew right now he couldn't handle seeing that again. Harry wasn't sleeping though Draco noted, his breathing was too erratic for that, but he was in a state of almost a trance. In fact, as he watched him Harry began to move round, not harshly but in fear, cringing and trying to bring himself into a tight fetal position. That's not what scared Draco most though, not at all. It was the whispered words Harry was now saying that made Draco's blood run cold.

'Run....run Sirius...Padfoot...Padfoot....don't die...RUN! Don't let him win again...don't let him take you away from me like he took away mummy and daddy....noooo...no leave him alone...leave him alone! PADFOOT RUN!' Harry screamed out now, and his body then went limp in Draco's arms. Harry's hair was all sweaty and plastered to his forehead, his breathing was completely laboured and rough as if it was an effort to just breathe at all, and blood still poured from his scar.

In that instant Draco knew it wasn't the past Harry was seeing or 'dreaming' about, it was now. Right now. Right here in the museum. Sirius was in trouble, big trouble, and whatever it was it wasn't to say the least good. Making one last check that the room was clear, and now he was grateful it was, he reached into his pocket swiftly and pulled out a small object. One he was silently grateful now he remembered he had.

Back at the hotel Albus Dumbledore had given the object to him, and explained that it was only to be used in emergencies. However if this wasn't an emergency Draco didn't know what would be. Without another seconds hesitation Draco tapped the small object twice as he was instructed and whispered a single word. He knew no more after that as a sudden backlash of energy which only could have come from Harry seemed to explode not just round him but inside of him, consuming him. Inky darkness then took him over and he knew no more.

Ten minutes later a security guard was making a check on the Egyptian Exhibit as someone had claimed to notice a strange light come from there. Peeking in he sighed, realising it was just another tourist having the willys in such a place. He didn't blame the tourists, this place gave him the creeps too sometimes and was grateful he was on day shift and not night shift. He didn't know how the graveyard shift did it being round those dead mummies all night long. He shivered a moment and was glad it certainly wasn't his job. Day shift was good and well for him thank you much.

Everything was apparently in order though so with a nod of his head and slight whistle he walked back out, muttering again about the crazy tourists. Only an older couple, a man and a woman were in the Exhibit room looking at the mummy, and he figured they weren't going to be any problem. Deciding since it was well after lunchtime the guard went and headed for the refectory to take his break and catch a smoke, hoping that his wife had all the preparations ready for the New Year's party he was throwing tonight. It was the biggest one he'd ever attempted, and he wanted not a single hitch to go wrong with it.

~~Greek Exhibit Room, Museum Of Natural History~~

Ron was staring at the vase in the display case and feeling a bit giddy, and a touch ill at the same time. A blush as red as his hair was on his face yet for some reason he just couldn't pull his eyes off the thing.

'Ron? Ron....Oi Ronald Weasley will you stop looking at that thing!' a very exasperated Hermione Granger said with a huff.

Ron turned away guiltily, not even daring to look his girlfriend in the eyes now. 'Err...sorry 'Mione...it's err..well...just that...' he coughed slightly and pretending to flick some lint off his coat.

Hermione shook her head and glanced at the vase rolling her eyes and moved Ron to another section of the exhibit. 'Oh Ron, it's not that I care what you were looking at but honestly...like I really need you to get any more ideas on how to err...well you know!' she said, though actually she was now more amused than angry.

'Awe 'Mione, there's always room for improvement you know,' Ron said mischievously now and pulled Hermione to him boldly, sweeping her into a long passionate kiss. It had to be the room Ron thought to himself making him so brash, he was never this way in public of all places. But hey, when in Greece....or rather, when surrounded by Grecian things that were of the nature....

Breaking apart a few minutes later Hermione's eyes twinkled, her cheeks were red as Ron's hair and her lips equally so. With a slight coy look now she giggled, 'Oi, well if that's the case, by all means, please continue to observe my dear man!'

Ron laughed and turned to look at another display, amazed at how the ancient Greeks were so expressive in their artwork. Or at least, in this particular 'style' of artwork. Turning his head slightly to see the display better he said, 'Whoa,is that way even possible?' he said awed.

Hermione laughed and looked over to what Ron was looking at herself, and blushed again. 'I'm not sure, but don't you even dare think of trying that on me Ronald Weasley! I think we do just fine in the err...way we err...do things now...yeah, that's it,' Hermione said with a blush again.

Ron grinned and nodded, wrapping one arm firmly round his girlfriend and dropping a kiss on her cheek. 'Trust me 'Mione, I think we do just fine too. The Greeks aren't the only ones with a monopoly on knowing how to pleasure a woman...err...well...'

'Or a man...rather several of them in the case of some of these displays?' Hermione giggled and Ron nodded in agreement.

'Yeah, that too. Sheesh, so that's what it's like though is it? Not that it bothers me but...well I for one am glad I'm not that way. I prefer my women thank you much,' he said.

'Women?' Hermione said mockingly. 'Implying that you have several?'

Ron blushed and pulled Hermione tightly to him. 'There's only one woman in my life 'Mione, all there ever was or will be. Even when I was too stupid to realize it. How I ever went to the Yule Ball back in fourth year with Padma Patil and not you I still don't know,' he said with an exaggerated sigh.

Hermione chuckled and shook her head. 'I don't remember I really gave you the choice since I ended up going with Victor Krum now didn't I.'

'You were still the most beautiful girl at the Ball 'Mione, can't believe it took such a thing as jealousy to make me see straight,' Ron sighed.

Hermione patted Ron's arm and said softly, 'At least you realised it in time Ron. As if there really was ever anyone else for me either. I was just as jealous you know when you went with her...but...'

'Hey, over and done with. We've had three years now of happiness and I'm not going to let you forget that. Ever. In fact...truth is...' Ron said hesitantly, and suddenly moved away from Hermione slowly gazing deep into her eyes.

'Ron? Is...is something wrong?' Hermione said puzzled at this strange behaviour of his now.

Ron shook his head and put his hand into his pocket, keeping his gaze on Hermione. Choosing his words carefully he said, 'Hermione, I know this might not be the time nor place...and I know there's a lot to be done before our world is free again....but I don't know if I could do any of it without out you by my side. Truthfully, I know I can't....so...I was wondering if...that is...oh bloody hell...Hermione Anne Granger will you marry me?' he asked in a rush, and hesitantly pulled out a small black velvet box, opening it up in front of her.

Hermione stared down at the glittering gold object, shock written all over her face. Then suddenly it was as if the sun came out of a very stormy rain cloud and a smile as big as the universe was on her face. 'Oh Ron....oh Ron of course...of course I'll marry you! I love you!' she said in a voice that was so filled with joy that tears were now in her eyes even.

Ron's face lit up and he beamed so brightly he thought diamonds couldn't outshine him...or both of them even. Taking the ring out gently he slipped the ring on her fourth finger of her left hand, then pulled her closely to him. 'I swear to you 'Mione...no matter what happens I'll always love you and protect you. I'll kill for you...I'll die for you...forever...' he said in a hushed voice.

'Oh Ron...' was all she could respond, and again they were oblivious to anything else round them, lips locked in a tender yet passionate embrace.

However a soft beeping sound broke them apart, and at first they couldn't figure out what it was that was making the sound. Then in a moment of realization both of them quickly reached into their pockets and pulled out a small object that was flashing red and beeping urgently, and together they looked at each other in fear.

The guard who was now on his lunch break was interrupted when another security guard came over and called for him. 'Hey Manny! Something's up in the Greek Exhibit. Got someone said they saw something strange in there, go check it out will you?'.

Manny grumbled and with a sigh looked at his hamburger, wondering why he'd bothered to ever take a break when he never seemed to get time to really enjoy it. Probably another crazy tourist he thought with a groan, and wrapping up his hamburger carefully he stuffed it in his pocket hoping this wouldn't take long. With a sigh he headed to the Greek Exhibit only to find not a single thing wrong there, and with another grumble of protest went back downstairs to the refectory to finish his lunch.

~~African Exhibit Room, Museum Of Natural History~~

'Well, this is much more exciting than those Roman's were I have to say!' Arthur said happily as he flitted eagerly from one display to another.

Sirius however wasn't interested, instead he was standing by the golden topped ashtrays that were set round the museum and was lighting up a fag again. 'Err..yeah, much more,' he said however, not wanting to dampen Arthur's spirits. The man was like a kid in Honeyduke's he thought wryly, though personally Sirius had always felt that way in Zonko's Joke Shop more than anywhere else.

Ah yes he thought, now those were the days! Back at Hogwarts he, Jamie, Remus and Petey would take turns sneaking into Hogsmeade to pick up any and all assorted articles of 'crime'. Dungbombs to throw in Severus's cauldron (course that's when their group, also called the Marauder's, were still against Severus and could freely pick on him), trick wands to annoy the teachers, fake mice to scare the girls with....ah the good times!

How he missed those carefree days of Hogwarts, even with the threats of evil and dangers always on the horizon it never really phased the four Marauder's. They were immortal it seemed, joyful, happy and even when they got into trouble it never was really 'harsh'. Albus always had a soft spot for Jamie, everyone did except old Barnes the Potions Professor and his house. Then again Barnes was a Slytherin, and all the Slytherins hated the four boys, but the feeling was mutual as well. It still surprised Sirius even now how Remus ended up with Severus as a lifemate, but, after seeing how much Severus apparently did care for Remus, even Sirius could no longer fault that relationship. Even if he himself probably never would get on with Severus, at least they were now civil.

'Sirius! Sirius you have got to come see this, it's incredible! The detail, the complete detail of this is utterly phenomenal! Oh how I wish Molly were here to see all this!' Arthur said now breaking into Sirius's thoughts.

With a sigh Sirius stubbed out his fag and went over to see what Arthur was raving about, and in the end he had to admit it was really something to see. It's not that Sirius wasn't a culture person, he did enjoy it from time to time, but his mind was just on too many things to truly enjoy all of this right now. To him it didn't seem right that they were in a museum when there was so much at stake, so much that needed to be done.

Arthur oddly enough seemed to sense this and said quietly, 'Everyone needs the break once in a while Sirius. Don't take it the wrong way but...things won't be easy from now on and the kids need some time to adjust. I'm sure they will appreciate this, trust me.'

Sirius sighed and nodded, surprised actually Arthur was the one to think on that queue. Usually he wasn't the most level headed of the group, bit flighty even from Sirius's viewpoint even if he was a great person. 'Yeah, I know you're right Arthur. It's just this is fucking killing me that we're here and wasting so much time. There's so much he has to learn,' he said frustrated and lit another fag.

Arthur nodded in understanding. 'And he will Sirius, I know he will. He's James and Lily's son, he's a smart lad. When the time comes I'm sure everything will work itself out. Now let's try to enjoy things whilst we can eh old boy? I personally am in heaven here!' he said jovially now and gave Sirius a grin.

Sirius couldn't help but to grin back chuckling and shaking his head. 'You're a strange man Arthur Weasley...but you're spot on too. Fine, let's see what this place can offer two old men eh? Though I have half a mind to go check up on Ron and Hermione where they are at. Letting them loose in the Greek Exhibit I'm not so sure was a grand idea after all,' he said with a laugh.

Arthur laughed and nodded his head. 'I may not know all of the Muggle cultures, but I do remember the one time I went to Greece when I was younger. If it's what I remember, those two better not be doing what I think they might be doing,' he grinned. 'Molly'll skin me alive if they are!'

Sirius laughed. 'On second thought, maybe we best leave them be. I think I'd rather face Molly's wrath than Hermione Granger's. That girl is far too fucking clever by half and has a temper to boot, worse than Molly's if you ask me!'

'I do believe you have a point there Sirius, let's let them be. I can only hope Ron has enough sense to keep his hands to himself...or at least the rest of him to himself,' Arthur chuckled.

'Ah now mate, I may be getting old but I do remember when I was seventeen, there was very little I could keep to myself back then,' Sirius grinned.

'Oi, don't remind me! Molly and I got caught...er..that is...her parents caught us during our seventh year Yule break. I'd taken a day to go over and visit since we didn't live too far from each other and by Merlin, I can tell you it wasn't pretty what happened after that,' Arthur groaned in remembrance.

Sirius chuckled. 'I think Remus's parents caught us a few times back then too, but they were more happy that he actually had someone who wanted him then to care 'bout punishing us for it. I guess they were too afraid he wasn't ever going to find anyone being err...well you know,' he said.

Arthur nodded. 'Yeah, that must have been hard on poor Remus, not to mention his parents. I'm glad he's found Severus, though between you and me I still find it a bit strange. Severus just never seemed the type to ever fall in love,' Arthur mused.

Sirius nodded in agreement. 'I know, I still find it a bit fucking squeaky too. He was our worst rival back at Hogwarts from Quidditch to studies, and now he's shagging my best friend. Forget that he's shagging him senseless, he's outright obviously in love with Remus. If I lived to be 200 I never thought I'd see the day that Severus Snape, ex-death eater and down right fucking greasy slimy Slytherin git could ever find love, and with a Gryffindor no less!' Sirius said with a shake of his head in wonder.

'Just goes to show the heart overrules the head Sirius,' Arthur said thoughtfully. 'Take Draco for example. A Malfoy and Slytherin through and through yet now on our side, and in love with Harry. Guess it's true what they say old man...'

'Oh and what is it they say?' Sirius mused.

'Love really does conquer all,' Arthur said with a grin. 'Now, shall we get back to the displays? I promised Molly I would - ' he began when a sudden low urgent beeping sound made him stop in mid-sentence.

Sirius and Arthur looked at each other in unison, both in shock and fear, then together reached into their pockets and pulled out a small object that was beeping and flashing with a red light. Not even bothering to check if there was anyone else round them they knew what they had to do, and did so without hesitation.

'Manny! Hey Manny!' another guard called out and again Manny the security guard had his meal interrupted.

'What now? Can't you people see I'm in middle of lunch for chrissake?' he muttered back.

'There's something going on in the African Exhibit can you - '

'Yeah yeah I know, go up and check it out. Futz, can't I just get a meal in peace already?' he grumbled, and wistfully looked at his only half finished hamburger. He'd barely just sat back down when this latest guard called his attention.

'Well get a move on, it could be important!' the other guard said and headed back up the stairs.

Manny didn't even bother to wrap up his burger this time, instead he just chucked in out in the rubbish bin knowing by now he wasn't going to get much more chances to eat it anyway. With a muttered oath he made his way to the Africa Exhibit and just sat there scratching his head in wonder. This was beginning to get on his nerves now and he wondered if the tourists today had suddenly all gone crazy. For the third time there wasn't a single thing wrong in the exhibit he'd been called to check out.

The only person in the room was a small man in grey clothing, not flashy or anything, just a boring older man with thinning hair and reddish coloured eyes. Manny stopped then and rubbed his own eyes and looked back at the bloke, and breathed a sigh of relief. No, they hadn't been red eyes, they were green eyes, although they seemed a bit tinged with anger at the moment. Deciding to ignore the man Manny walked back out of the room muttering under his breath. Red eyes indeed, perhaps he was the one going crazy today, maybe it was the stress of tonight's party getting to him.

He needed a break though, he'd been there since 5 AM without a single sit down other than the few brief moments he had gotten so far. Stopping in at the security desk he decided to take the rest of the day off and thankfully met no opposition on that point. Heading home he didn't even give the museum or the crazy events of the day another thought, and was glad to see his wife had indeed gotten all the preparations for his party tonight. Including the illegal booze he'd asked for he thought with a huge smile. Yup, welcome in 1925, for tonight he was going to party like there was no tomorrow!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copacetic - think I already did this one but if not, means excellent.

If you haven't figured out by now on the 'Greek' references, I'll drop the hint now. The Greeks were notorious for their ahh...'orgies' and their art reflected that as such. And I don't mean with women in the 'drawings' or 'events' either. So now perhaps you get me drift? If not...heh well...go to Google and look it up, I'm sure you're going to find something to see! :giggles:

Ah, on other notes, a bit of a plugging here. For those interested in exploring other avenues beyond FF.net and FA and such, check out this site. This is the link to me own portfolio, however from there you can go anywhere within the site. If you're interested in joined campfires, live rounds, groupsfor just bout anything you can think of, posting your own original or fanfiction works to get more viewpoints...or whatever check it out. It's free to join, or like here at FF.net you can also pay to get the 'better' services. However you don't need to if you simply want to just browse round and take advantage of all it has to offer. The place is called Stories.com and the site is: http://Stories.Com/authors/piriotessa

August 11, 2002 7:30 PM ©Piriotessa/Piri Lupin-Snape