Just Rewards Chapter links
Just Rewards
Chapter 1
It was to be the wedding of the century. The first public Wizard wedding in almost two millenia. A grin crossed Neville Longbottoms face as he looked over the bleach white parchement with red and gold lettering. The coming out celebrations had not been planned to coincide with the Weasley-Granger wedding. However that is, strangely, how things had worked out, and Neville, ever the politician these days, wondered how all involved would be affected. His mind phased back to that first year where he, the class dunce, had stood before The-Boy-Who-Lived and his friends demanding that they stay out of trouble for once. A smirk played on his lips as he remembered his amazement at his winning the ten points that won Gryffindor the House Cup. Now here he was thirteen years later, a high ranking ministry official, second only to the Minister of Magic herself. Harry Potter, formerly known as The-Boy-Who-Lived, had finally, the year before returned from Florida, where he had spent five years With the Coven of the Americas helping with the building of their own school of Wizardry. Many of his fellow students were now teaching at Hogwarts, and the future of the Wizarding World once again looked peaceful. The coming out plans were of course unique, however unlike during his school years this was a challenge for him not Harry.
He was forced from his thoughts by a sharp knock at his office door only to have his door opened before he could respond. There stood the one person he had dispised most of all during his years in school, Draco Malfoy. Smiling Neville stood and offered his hand to the handsome slendar blond who smirked back in a surprisingly friendly manner. "What can I do for you Mr Malfoy?" Neville asked motioning for Draco to take a seat where in fact there was no chair. Draco made a move to sit and within seconds a chair appeared saving Malfoy and Neville from, what would have been, a rather humilliating chain reaction.
Draco Malfoy grinned over at his childhood nemesis, (well one of them anyway). For several long moments he held that grin and admired the other young man with slight disbelief. "Who would have thought, Neville Longbottom, our next Minister Of Magic?" Draco chided playfully as he intertwined his hands over his lap. Those slender and agile fingers intertwining between fine silver rings over elegantly stitched robes of the finest satin. To those who did not know him Draco Malfoy looked to be a god. His fine handsome features, wealth of knowledge and his exact art of, well being a Malfoy, including insults, sneers and underhandedness among others made him a spectacle much like a muggle movie star. His walk exuded confidence and his eyes challenged comments. But today he sat in the Deputy Minsters office to ask a favor. And like any Malfoy he was willing to pay handsomely for that favor to be bestowed.
Neville nodded politely the smile never fading from his face though his mind worked furiously to figure out what Malfoy had up his sleeve this time. "Is there something you wished to discuss Malfoy, I really am quite busy." Neville glanced at his desk avoiding the gaze of the other man. By now everyone knew that when a Malfoy walked into a Ministry office he was going to get what he wanted no matter what the obstacle. Deep in the back of Nevilles mind, something clicked, realization hit him, that this may be more than a formal visit. Straightening his faded navy blue robes Neville looked back up at Draco crossing his hands over his desk.
Draco again smirked and stood bracing himself over Nevilles desk and leaning forward. "I would like a private visa issued for a Muggle performer." Nevilles eyebrows shot up to meet his hairline. A Visa for a Muggle was hard enough to attain, but for someone famous it would be even more difficult, It would mean a public story, one that had to be rock solid and believable. In most cases once the visa was used up simple memory charms were used on all who could have been involved, rarely numbering over ten muggle, nothing truly fancy. However with a performer it was different, there were fans, critics, agents, band members, and a number of others who needed to be considered. Neville started to shake his head but stopped. This was Malfoy making the request, and while in school Draco had not lifted a finger but merely made his minions do his bidding, more recent events however suggested that he was willing to do more than pay for this favor.
"How do you propose the ministry explain the disappearance of such a person. Im sure you of all people must understand the memory charms involved with a normal visa. This one however would require something else completely." Neville sighed and shook his head. He was now merely trying to discern what it was Malfoy was intending to do, an insurmountable job in itself. Dracos excuse was assumed, of course, Draco Malfoy was the Muggle Studies professor at Hogwarts and no doubt he was wanting a Muggle to come speak in his classes, something that until recently had been forbidden. The recent announcement of the Coming Out Plans changed everything and Professors of Hogwarts were encouraged to open the minds of the students to everyday life with muggles. Though why Malfoy would want to use a Muggle Performer Neville couldn't figure out
Draco simply nodded and began to explain in great detail how he planned to pull off this magificent stunt. "Its actually not as difficult as it sounds Longbottom. I've got everything figured out and I will, as soon as school is out for the summer holidays, be happy to take care of everything. All I need is your Johnny Depp," Draco produced the Official Visa form from his robes and pushed it towards Neville along with an eagle feather quill and a bottle of ink. "John Hancock." Came a sarcastic sounding retort from behind the office door. Neville looked up to see Draco turn around and Harry Potters tousled hair and green eyes appear. "I keep telling you Malfoy the proper slang for signature is John Hancock, its an American term." Harry grinned as he added the last bit, and waved to Neville who nodded and grinned back.
"So your in on this too, eh, mate?" Neville shook his head and smirked. "And to think you used to say that trouble always found you. This time mate I think you're going after it yourself." Neville looked over the form, it most definitely was official, with the Ministrys emblem, the quill and wand crossed with a figure eight ink mark stemming from the quill tip, elegantly embossed in gold and silver at the top. Taking the quill and dipping it in the bottle of ink he mulled over actually signing the form. If Harry was involved, well then it couldn't be a terrible idea. Harry didnt exactly go along with bad ideas, then again he was always snooping around school sniffing out mysteries, and of course getting Gryffindor in trouble in the process. "At least tell me why you want the visa in the first place." Neville looked back up and between the two while chewing on his lower lip.
Harry shrugged at Nevilles comment, and muttered, "well we do have to go to California to pick her up." Neville was too busy to reading over the form to catch Harrys comment and it slid past unnoticed. Draco stood up straight, and began running his hands over his robes smoothing out the wrinkles. With a pointed smirk he glanced at the bleach white parchment on Nevilles desk. "Lets say I still have to repay a huge favor to a surprisingly good friend. " Draco commented with a wink.
Following Dracos gaze he moved the form aside and once again noticed the red and gold lettering of the invitation. With Draco's nodded confirmation, a sudden realization lit up his eyes and smirking he wasted no more time in signing the form. Pushing the form back at Draco he reached for his wand and placing it on the desk he sighed. "I need you to display your wands." This part was always the most difficult when dealing with muggle visas. Charming the inquiring wizards wand was not only a challenge, as it could easily back fire, but it was like placing a homing device on the wizard like a muggle government would do to a criminal. "I trust you both but, rules are rules." With a smeg of hestitation each withdrew their respective wands, and Neville began the incatation on Malfoys wand. He was never too good at Charms but this one he had used many times since Hogwarts was reopened. A soft blue whisp of smoke was emitted from his wand and snaked out to wrap itself around Dracos wand then attach itself to Draco himself. As soon as that was done Neville did the same with Harrys wand. Each wizard Grimaced as the smoke attached itself to them thus restricting their magic. With a brief nod Neville put his wand away and sent the Heir of Gryffindor and his school rival out of the ministrys care and on their way. A bizarre adventure awaited them and once again Neville wondered why Harry got all the adventures.
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Sitting back down Neville began filing the paperwork for the request only to then continued with the paperwork for the wedding. It wasnt long before a new face appeared in the door way to his office and the father of the groom, Arthur Weasley followed almost immediately by the father of the bride, Mr Anthony Granger, smiled in at him. Smiling back Neville stood once again and welcomed his unexpected guests. Arthur excitedly stepped in looking just as weary and worn as during Nevilles school days with Ron. Nodding to Arthur then to Mr Granger Neville opened his arms in a welcoming gesture, "what is it that I can do for you gentlemen." Neville asked cheerfully. He had to be eager to please these two men for if anything went wrong with this Wedding, then all of the Coming Out Plans would be ruined. It was at just this moment that Neville realized there was far too much riding on the actions surrounding Granger, Weasley and of course as Always Potter. Arthur spoke first with confidence. "Geoffrey here and I have been talking. We figure it would be good for publicity if we had a muggle performer at the Wedding. Ronald and Hermione have agreed to it and all we need is your permission to attain a Visa." Arthur grinned from ear to ear but that grin faded when Nevilles eyes went wide.
"Im sorry Arthur but it seems Mr Potter and Mr Malfoy have already made such arrangements. Though I am under the impression that it is to be something of a suprise. So I would suggest that you get in Contact with Harry and see what their plans are. If they are planning something else then perhaps we can discuss the options. But I do believe they have the same idea you gentlemen have had. You know what they say Arthur, great minds think alike." Arthurs only response was to nod slowly and with a confused smile excuse both himself and Anthony from the office. Leaving Neville alone yet again to resume his now seemingly tedious work.
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Chapter 2
As soon as the two elder men left the office of the Deputy Minister of Magic Geoffrey looked at Arthur with a pleading expression. "If we were in the muggle world we could simply call a mobile and get in touch with them that way. But being that they are wizards like yourself, what do you suggest." Arthur frowned as he examined his worn shoes and scratched at his balding head. "Well there really isn't anyway to contact them... we could try an owl....."
Geoffrey frowned and crossed his arms. "Well if they just now attained a Visa, wouldn't they return to their residence to pack?" At this Arthur raised his head and he nodded now smiling. With a nod Arthur led the other man to a fireplace where they were transported through the floo network to the guests fireplace in the Three Broomsticks. There much to their surprise they found the two younger gentlemen that they were searching for. Quickly Arthur made his way towards them, and Geoffrey merely waved and called out to Draco. Draco was the first to notice the elder men as they approached and handed Geoffrey a butterbeer as Arthur began quickly chattering to Harry. Geoffrey simply grinned and handed Draco a business card in return for the drink. "I Suppose you might need this. Apparently you had the same idea we did."
Handing two more butterbeers to Harry and Arthur, Draco looked over the business card and frowned. A single word was embossed on the card, which Draco assumed to be a name. The name was unusual in itself, the shimmery, silver and copper writing only added the weird factor. "Lorne?" Draco looked up at Geoffrey frowning.
"Yeah she finally found a decent agent. Hey he may look and act funny but I hear hes a decent guy. Spent a little bit of time talking on the phone with him, he sounds decent. He certainly has her best interests at heart. " Geoffrey shrugged and smiled weakly. "Now I say he looks funny but it might not strike you as odd in the least." Geoffrey shrugged again. "When you get there give him a call, tell him you're friends of Alice and mine. He'll be more apt to trust you then." Draco nodded silently and followed Harry and Arthur who had, by this time stopped talking to listen to the sort of half conversation going on between Draco and Geoffrey.
Draco sat down still looking over the business card and frowning. Geoffrey sat across from him and waited for some response. Tucking a bit of blond hair behind his left ear Draco looked up and glanced between Arthur and Geoffrey. "How did you find out what we had planned?" An expression of utter confusion breezed over Dracos features but faded quickly. At this Arthur grinned and gulped down the last of his butter beer.
"That Happens to be my little secret." Arthur stood a triumphant look on his face, as he stretched moving to leave. Geoffrey too stood but merely rolled his eyes at Arthur. "We walked into Mr Longbottoms office merely moments after you left. And seeing that we were after the same thing, he must've put two and two together. Its not really that complicated as Arthur Makes it sound."
Harry snickered glancing up at Arthur then over at Draco who was shaking his head with the slightest hint of a smirk on his face. "You have to give him the credit Malfoy, he does deserve to one up you at least once before the wedding." Harry continued to snicker as he elbowed Draco in the ribs. Draco merely looked over at Harry then up at Arthur and Geoffrey. "Yes Potter but the problem happens to be whether or not he is capable of such a thing."
Arthur did a double take and frowned at Draco. "Never underestimate a wizard named Arthur." He said with an expressionless face. "Thank you for the butterbeer Malfoy we really must be going. We have more wedding plans to attend to." Arthur nodded to both Harry and Draco as he slipped out of the Three Broomsticks followed by Geoffrey who nodded and smiled to both.
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"Angel Investigations, we help the helpless, which oddly enough we all seem to be today." The deep voice of a seemly friendly guy answered the phone. Draco who stood in a private phone booth with Harry, looked confused by the mere mention of the companys motto by a man who seemed to be laughing. "Yes Im looking for Lorne." Draco said hesitantly as he examined the card for the hundredth time.
There was some time before there came a response during which Draco heard distant laughing and several quips.
"Oh yes this is Lorne, how may I be of service. And May I remind you that Miss Sweeney has just announced a year long vacation."
The cheerful man responded.
Draco frowned and took a deep breath. "Are you the Personal Relations Agent for Miss Elizabeth Sweeney?" The man gave an audible sigh and hesitated a moment to which Draco responded. "I'm sorry do I have the wrong number, I've never called overseas before." It was a rather lame excuse but a plausible one. Harry ducked out of the phone booth and snickered at Dracos explanation.
The man grunted and responded softer this time and sounding not quite so cheerful. "No no you have the correct number. I do believe however that I gave notice that Miss Sweeney would be taking a break after her recent tour. This is the fifth call Ive had about her today."
It was Draco's turn to sigh. "I am a friend of Alice and Geoffrey Granger." He said slowly hoping that would ease the growing tension. "Oh." Said the voice just as slowly. And moments later the same cheerful voice than answered the phone gave him an address and driving directions from LA Airport. "I do hope you come visit us soon. Mr Granger called just yesterday afternoon, something about his daughters wedding. Whatever service we can provide we will be more than happy to do so." The man said as he went on to explain what he and Geoffrey had discussed. It was clear that Geoffrey had suggested the idea of Elizabeth Sweeneys appearance at the wedding, which Draco hoped, would make it easier for himself and Harry.
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Chapter 3
Somewhere in the outskirts of Los Angeles, a hotel telephone rings. It continues to ring until the owner, ironically named Angel, begins a domino effect. "Conner get that would ya." The handsome brown haired gentleman calls from his office. He is standing bent over his expensive oak desk rifling through paperwork. The phone rings not a foot and a half from his hands.
Conner a boy about sixteen also with dark brown hair sits in front of a television set surfing the channels like 'The Flash'. At the request he rolls his eyes, grumbles and calls to someone else. "Gina, the phones ringing." The boy grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffing it into his mouth he continued surfing. The phone rings two inches behind the boys head.
In the Kitchen a young woman wearing black jeans and a red t-shirt with the Angel Investigations logo on the back, is covered in flour, yeast, sugar, salt and several unrecognizable ingredients. Frowning she looked through the kitchen doorway at the boy, while the phone rings just above her head on the wall. "Spike, get that for me, my hands are dirty."
A handsome bleach blond sits in a comfortable sized home gym working his biceps. Hearing his name he grunts and looks around the room placing his hands on his knees. Running a hand through his sweaty bleach blond hair he calls back to yet another person in the domino line. "Hey Duchess, make yourself usefull and get the phone would ya." A phone hangs on the wall next to the doorway which is not four feet from where the bleach blond sits.
Elizabeth Sweeney AKA The Duchess sits on a California King sized bed going over a page of sheet music. Making a face at hearing her nickname from the blond, she rolled her eyes and made a few notes on the sheet. Biting her lip she looked over the sheet then she looked up called to yet another individual. "Lorne, you're my agent get the phone. Who knows it could be for me." The phone rings on her bedside table about three feet away.
Lorne a very unique individual wearing a crimson business suit and a royal blue silk shirt. But it wasnt the violently bright colors of his clothing that made him so unique. It was his green skin and red horned head that made people stare. Though normally, staring folk were met by a cheerful face and a pleasant joke. Lorne stood leaning against a small personal serving bar, and watched with amusement as the domino effect transpired. With a sigh Lorne who was unusually handsome for having a green face and horns, strode over to the oak desk where the brooding Angel stood and picked up the Phone. "Angel Investigations, we help the helpless, which oddly enough we all seem to be today." He spoke cheerfully into the reciever and was met with a confused look by Angel. "I could have gotten that." Angel muttered as he watched Lorne.
Suddenly a large sweeping puff of white smoke billows out of the kitchen and encompasses the lobby. Angel, Lorne and Conner both look in the direction of what they assume was the kitchen (it was unseeable behind the white smoke) with a raised eyebrow. Spike had just made his way into the lobby from the training room and frowned at Angel. "Smoke much Soul-boy? I thought we had you on the papers and everything this week, like a good little puppy." Angel shakes his head, but as he bends his head to return to work a small hint of a smirk could be seen as he reaches for a ciggarette.
Lorne cautiously edges towards where the kitchen doorway used to be and makes a face while he rubs his nose. "Eh Bit too much Flour there doll face."
The puffs of flour were beginning to settle when a ghost like figure emerged into the doorway setting all four in the lobby into rolls of laughter. And as she made her way downstairs Lizzie saw the remnants of her sisters form and snickered. Behind the ghost white form a dark shadow appeared and snickered poking the floured form. "We have a new member of the family. I proudly present to you Casper the friendly ghost."
"Shut it Jonathan." Came a cat like hiss from the flour blob. "You too Sir William of Bleach." At this the blond frowned and sneered at the form that had once upon a time been Gina. Lizzie raised a brow at Spike and broke into song. "Oh Where have you been Billy Boy Billy Boy oh where have you been Charming Billy." Which only recieved a glare from the blond before he disappeared.
The laughing soon subsided and each began to resume their activities, all except Lorne who was shooting Lizzie a bad look only to be repremanded by Gina. "So Lorne, Earth to Lorne, WHO Is on the phone." All this time a smooth male voice could be heard on the other end of the line. "Hello , Hello, Is anyone there. Hello, I can hear you talking. This isn't very polite you know. Wait till I tell m.... Oh erm... Hello?"
Lorne frowned and looked at Gina then at the phone that seemed to be yelling at him. The look on his face as he eyed the phone, was as though he were someone staring at an inanimate object that had suddenly come to life. "Oh yes the phone." Putting the reciever back up to his ear he resumed the conversation. "Oh yes this is Lorne, how may I be of service. And May I remind you that Miss Sweeney has just announced a year long vacation."
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Chapter 4
The biggest surprise in the trip so far was the fact that Draco Malfoy had gotten airsick on the muggle airplane. He had still been a bit sick looking when he and Harry stepped off the plane in Los Angeles International Airport. Grinning Harry looked around the Muggle airport, as he continually made snide comments about Draco's face matching Slytherin House colors. With a drink of tea and an hour or so of waiting for their luggage Draco's health improved enough to travel via automobile. The whole process of passing through customs, collecting luggage, and renting a car took almost three hours and by the time they were escorted to their rented Forest Green mustang, Draco was sick of muggle authority, and this coming from Hogwarts Muggle Studies Professor was rather surprising.
Dracos nausea was once again kicked into high gear when Harry started the engine, and Draco swore he could hear all four hundred horses under the hood. The worst was yet to come however. Once the car was started, the daunting task of weaving their way out of the airport, and into afternoon traffic lay ahead of them. It was only then that Harry offered up a muggle anti-motion sickness pill which Draco took promptly.
The ride to the outskirts of Los Angeles was for the most part uneventful, save for the occasional pitstops and whatnot. The moment they left the heavily populated Center of Los Angeles the adventure of finding their way around began. This of course sparked and argument between the proud Lion and the arrogant Snake. They were both stewing madly when they arrived at the proper address. The dark brooding exterior of the building was enough to shock them both. They had expected something odd, but most certainly not anything the slightest big Magical. Little did they know The City of Angels held a big surprise for the both of them.
It had taken such time for them to drive to this place and yet the thought of what to do or say when meeting these people had slipped their minds completely. Each with a hesitant look they stepped out of the car and approached the front door. Draco Malfoy managed his usual saunter taking great care to ensure that the trenchcoat he wore in place of robes, billowed out behind him in the exaact manner robes would. Harry just strode up to the front door and running his hand through his hair he winced as he knocked on the front door.
Moments later the door was opened and abandoned by what Harry would have judged to be a fifth or sixth year student. Both men watched the brown haired boy open the door with no greeting and head back to a couch in front of a rather loud television. Draco took a step in hesitantly and spoke to the empty lobby, which was not all that well lit considering it was a placew of business. A loud ‘oh’ echoed from a feminine voice in the kitchen and out came a young woman with a pleasant face. All in all both men noted she looked oddly like Molly Weasley. Smiling at them despite being covered in random ingredients. (She had since cleaned up the flour making her more recognizeable as human.) She spoke cheerfully to them and ushered them in while at the same time offering refreshments. “Oh, you must be the gentlemen from England, come to see Lorne about Lady Gwen I take it. Well I will warn you hes not the most normal person you’ll meet, but hes a good….. man. May I get you something? Perhaps an Ice Tea or juice.” Draco raised an eyebrow as he was ushered past another arrogant seeming blond who grinned at him with the look and scent of an evil creature. Letting out a sigh as he relaxed, Draco settled himself into a chair in front of an oak desk. The woman quickly left with out a response from either the gentlemen and returned to the kitchen.
As the two wizards sat and watched the goings on of the hotel they both noticed several things. First and most obvious, the staff of the hotel were not used to seeing strangers in their midsts, so they accordingly eyed the wizards from odd positions, inorder not to be seen staring. Second, even though there was company, and the lobby was fairly open, there was very little light in any particular corner, particularly the office they were seated in.
The evil looking blond was the first to step forward, ignoring the hissing and whispering of the rest of the hotel staff. The blond smirked then grinned revealing his front teeth. Then in a very stereotypical vampiric nature he opened his mouth about an in and sauntered slowly towards them. “So which of you handsome gentlemen is first.” The blonds eyes flicked between Draco, who he sneered at tauntingly and Harry whom he grinned at Hungrily. “Maybe you. The power, deep, rich intoxicating power. The power of life And the power of death, such Pure innocence ripped from a young soul. To be stained, tattered and ruined for all time. Yes I Do believe you will be first.”
By the end of the blonds little speech Draco had narrowed his eyes and stood to meet the man face to face. Harry looked between the blonds warily confused and a bit frightened. To the best of his knowledge he had not yet come face to face with a Vampire. But all instincts told him today he finally had.
Chapter 5
A smirk spread over Spikes face, he hadn’t had food to play with in a very long time. Not since the bloody chip had been implanted by the GI JOE wanna bes. Spike examined the demonic boys neck thoughtfully, perhaps he would have to dispose of this one first. Such fine perfect skin, pale as mother’s milk. Deftly he raised a slendar hand to graze that perfect skin. His victim winced but did not move away. Spike grinned playfully as he watched the grey eyes flutter closed. He heard a distant gasp from the dark haired bloke but didn’t move his attention from the demon boy.
They all heard a scoff from the couch and they turned to look at the teen who had stood abandoning his precious telly to watch the real life adventure unfold. “Don’t mind Spike guys, He’s got a death wish. And that’s pretty sad considering he’s undead.” Harry paled slightly and rested his head upon his hand. Spike hissed at Draco and licked his neck slightly, as if in an attempt to bite but he didn’t quite get there.
“Did someone say undead?” Came the cheerful Molly type woman as she reentered the lobby from what they now assumed was the kitchen, carrying a large brown tray. “Drinks, dears?” She walked over to the boys as Draco sat down confused by the sudden contact. Spike glared at Gina and hissed angrily. “Why do you HAVE To do that, I was about to have a decent bloody meal for once!” Spike turned and growling sulked away as each of guests took their respective drinks. Before Harry could reach for his drink a green hand wearing fine cuff links, starched white cuffs and a bright blue jacket, swiped it. “Here love take this one” the woman offered Harry a drink as he looked up at the green demonic looking man in amazement.
Gina encouraged both wizards to drink, and she glanced at the green faced man once they had. “Sorry, love he almost took your pink Mai Tai, and you did save the day didn’t you.” The green man walked around the two wizards in the chairs smirking. He stood there looking over the two of them as the rest of the staff walked hesitantly into the lobby watching as Spike went off to brood. Winifred stepped forward clinging to Gunn’s shirt and examined Harrys scar. As she did so Harry growled and hid it from view. Frowning she looked at Gunn who shrugged and took two drinks from Bartender!Gina.
The green man turned to glare playfully at Gina. “How dare you give away my pink alcoholic drink when it’s the only thing that matches my outfit. And you know how hard it is to get drinks to match.” Turning back to Draco and Harry he snickered and with a wave of his hand he ushered everyone to back off. From a distance a growl could be heard. He had just opened his mouth when both of the guests turned their attention from him to something over his head. Turning to follow their gaze he frowned when he noticed the hotel’s owner descending the stairs silently. “Angel-Cakes Sweetie could you be a bit quieter, I’m attempting to conduct business here.” The green man deadpanned as he nodded to the owner and turned back to his guests. “I am of course Lorne, I believe one of you would be Draco Malfoy?” At their nodded confirmation Lorne nodded himself and went on. “Well now, what exactly are you here to discuss with me?” He said cheerfully as the rest of the hotel staff seemed to become more comfortable and relaxed to watch the newcomers with growing intrigue each with a drink. As the owner descended the stairway he was met a few steps from the bottom by Gina with a drink and they exchanged a few hushed tones and a look or two. He promptly glared at Spike and taking a seat himself joined his staff in watching the visitors.
After several moments of being watched, Draco spoke up. “I realize of course that you gave notice that Miss Sweeney would be taking a year long vacation. However I would like to offer her a chance to be part of something that is bigger than any of you could ever imagine.” A wave of disbelieving looks swept across the room. And the teen spoke up with a sarcastic tone that Harry hadn’t heard since graduation day where Draco had made several evil remarks about himself surviving the seven years and Ron actually graduating. “Do you even, realize how tacky that sounds?” The boy snorted, then, after receiving a glare from Gina, returned his attention to his drink. Draco only nodded in response to the boys comment, only then realizing how stupid he had sounded. “Money of course is no object.”
Lorne only smirked at that comment and his eyes glittered mischeviously. The Hotel staff who seemed to be reacting all at once with the same reaction, each emitted a snort or a snicker or something of the like. “I’ll tell you what lads, I’ll play your side. Getting the Duchess to postpone her vacation is going to be harder than you think. Money isn’t going to cut it. You see unlike most folks in her business, she doesn’t care too much for money. Now the key to getting what you want from her is to ensure that there is an adventure attached to the offer.” Again Snickers could be heard from all in the room including Harry and Draco. The teen resorted to covering his face with a throw pillow to avoid getting a death glare from Gina yet again.
Draco raised a brow and added a smirk to finish off the look. “Oh I assure you, with the notorious wedding party, there will undoubtedly be an adventure in store.” Draco received a smack in the arm and an all to familiar death glare from Harry at this comment. Grinning Draco ignored his companion and continued. “I must admit however, it not often you find someone of her profession interested in other things than her work or money.”
Gina stepped forward blocking Lorne from the visitors view. “It is not often you find someone of her caliber.” Came a confident retort from the Mollyish woman, which wasn’t exactly a surprise. Her eyes shifted down to the drinks the guests held in their laps. She nodded to Draco, noticing his glass was nearly empty, and scowled at Harry when she noticed he appeared to not have taken a single sip. “Oh Harry, you’re insulting my drink mixing skills.” She frowned and placed her hands on her hips. Even with out the ‘huzzah’s from around the room, her tactic worked. Harry grinned up at her sheepishly and drank hastily. “Not to fast now love, you’ll get a headache.” Harry was deeply confused now, were there two of Molly Weasley, or had she managed to find him Yet again.
Gina returned to the kitchen after her hushed conversation with Angel, as Lorne began discussing the Duchess with Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. A few moments later she once again came out of the kitchen carrying drinks. This time she carried two extra one which she took herself and the other, a bright red drink, began floating its way upstairs toward a shadowed figure. All eyes in the lobby followed the drink as a slendar hand took gently plucked the drink out of the air. At which point the shadow hiding the figure lightened a bit to show a woman dressed in a fine silk navy blue bathrobe. With a smirk she looked down at the congregation and moved her lips as if speaking to someone or something hiding in the same shadow behind her. With a shrug she disappeared into the shadow again.
“More suitors Duchess.” Came the half snickered remark. Inside the ghost like shadow a handsome young man appeared and leaned against the railing. “And word has it, they’ve discovered your biggest fantasy, and went gay.” Again the evil snicker accompanied the comment.
“Get over yourself.” The Duchess replied. “They must be the ones who called last week.” The apparition only nodded still smirking. “Well I suppose I should get dressed and go meet my loyal subjects.” Turning with a sigh and a wave of her free hand as she took a sip of her drink, disappearing once again into the shadow.
Just as Lorne was about to begin discussing the contract the lobby was draped in a cool breeze which blew the curtains aside nearly exposing Spike in his brooding corner. A deep hiss could be heard from that corner but the Duchess paid it no mind as she descended the staircase her hand resting carefully on the railing of the landing. Leaning her elbow on the railing she examined her guests. Both Harry and Draco stared in amazement not at the woman herself, but her clothing. The hotel staff seemed not to be too surprised by the womans dress, but it certainly shocked thebloody hell out of Harry and Draco. Both of which seemed to be drooling, though contrary to popular belief it was not the woman they were drooling over, but the fine leather she wore. She did indeed wear a black trenchcoat that when tied, hugged her figure in a very sensual way. The coat at the moment was untied leaving her denim pleated skirt and leather corset top very visible. The shoes she wore were the most surprising of all. A pair of snakeskin cowboy boots adorned her feet and one toe rested crossed over the other as she leaned against the railing. “Well don’t just sit there Lorne-baby, Introduce your Duchess to her guests.” She smirked and in what was very obviously a show, she descended the last of the stairs slowly, examining the two wizards carefully. She sauntered over to where Gina stood with her drink, forcing herself not to react to the show. The Duchess lifted her red drink and offered up a silent toast, to which Gina reciprocated and they both smirked and winked while looking at the wizards. “We’re going to have fun with these two.” Liz, remarked carefully as she looked over Dracos face. Making her way just as carefully over to where Lorne sat she rested her bum on the arm of his chair and draped an arm lovingly about his shoulders. With another smirk and wink she looked to him.
Lorne spoke up, desperately trying to keep the laughter out of his voice. “This my dear gentlemen, is Miss Elizabeth Sweeney, and you have just witnessed why we call her, The Duchess.
Read. Review. Beta. whatever the hell you wanna call it JUST DO IT..... *runs from Nike people* Eek
Chapter 1
It was to be the wedding of the century. The first public Wizard wedding in almost two millenia. A grin crossed Neville Longbottoms face as he looked over the bleach white parchement with red and gold lettering. The coming out celebrations had not been planned to coincide with the Weasley-Granger wedding. However that is, strangely, how things had worked out, and Neville, ever the politician these days, wondered how all involved would be affected. His mind phased back to that first year where he, the class dunce, had stood before The-Boy-Who-Lived and his friends demanding that they stay out of trouble for once. A smirk played on his lips as he remembered his amazement at his winning the ten points that won Gryffindor the House Cup. Now here he was thirteen years later, a high ranking ministry official, second only to the Minister of Magic herself. Harry Potter, formerly known as The-Boy-Who-Lived, had finally, the year before returned from Florida, where he had spent five years With the Coven of the Americas helping with the building of their own school of Wizardry. Many of his fellow students were now teaching at Hogwarts, and the future of the Wizarding World once again looked peaceful. The coming out plans were of course unique, however unlike during his school years this was a challenge for him not Harry.
He was forced from his thoughts by a sharp knock at his office door only to have his door opened before he could respond. There stood the one person he had dispised most of all during his years in school, Draco Malfoy. Smiling Neville stood and offered his hand to the handsome slendar blond who smirked back in a surprisingly friendly manner. "What can I do for you Mr Malfoy?" Neville asked motioning for Draco to take a seat where in fact there was no chair. Draco made a move to sit and within seconds a chair appeared saving Malfoy and Neville from, what would have been, a rather humilliating chain reaction.
Draco Malfoy grinned over at his childhood nemesis, (well one of them anyway). For several long moments he held that grin and admired the other young man with slight disbelief. "Who would have thought, Neville Longbottom, our next Minister Of Magic?" Draco chided playfully as he intertwined his hands over his lap. Those slender and agile fingers intertwining between fine silver rings over elegantly stitched robes of the finest satin. To those who did not know him Draco Malfoy looked to be a god. His fine handsome features, wealth of knowledge and his exact art of, well being a Malfoy, including insults, sneers and underhandedness among others made him a spectacle much like a muggle movie star. His walk exuded confidence and his eyes challenged comments. But today he sat in the Deputy Minsters office to ask a favor. And like any Malfoy he was willing to pay handsomely for that favor to be bestowed.
Neville nodded politely the smile never fading from his face though his mind worked furiously to figure out what Malfoy had up his sleeve this time. "Is there something you wished to discuss Malfoy, I really am quite busy." Neville glanced at his desk avoiding the gaze of the other man. By now everyone knew that when a Malfoy walked into a Ministry office he was going to get what he wanted no matter what the obstacle. Deep in the back of Nevilles mind, something clicked, realization hit him, that this may be more than a formal visit. Straightening his faded navy blue robes Neville looked back up at Draco crossing his hands over his desk.
Draco again smirked and stood bracing himself over Nevilles desk and leaning forward. "I would like a private visa issued for a Muggle performer." Nevilles eyebrows shot up to meet his hairline. A Visa for a Muggle was hard enough to attain, but for someone famous it would be even more difficult, It would mean a public story, one that had to be rock solid and believable. In most cases once the visa was used up simple memory charms were used on all who could have been involved, rarely numbering over ten muggle, nothing truly fancy. However with a performer it was different, there were fans, critics, agents, band members, and a number of others who needed to be considered. Neville started to shake his head but stopped. This was Malfoy making the request, and while in school Draco had not lifted a finger but merely made his minions do his bidding, more recent events however suggested that he was willing to do more than pay for this favor.
"How do you propose the ministry explain the disappearance of such a person. Im sure you of all people must understand the memory charms involved with a normal visa. This one however would require something else completely." Neville sighed and shook his head. He was now merely trying to discern what it was Malfoy was intending to do, an insurmountable job in itself. Dracos excuse was assumed, of course, Draco Malfoy was the Muggle Studies professor at Hogwarts and no doubt he was wanting a Muggle to come speak in his classes, something that until recently had been forbidden. The recent announcement of the Coming Out Plans changed everything and Professors of Hogwarts were encouraged to open the minds of the students to everyday life with muggles. Though why Malfoy would want to use a Muggle Performer Neville couldn't figure out
Draco simply nodded and began to explain in great detail how he planned to pull off this magificent stunt. "Its actually not as difficult as it sounds Longbottom. I've got everything figured out and I will, as soon as school is out for the summer holidays, be happy to take care of everything. All I need is your Johnny Depp," Draco produced the Official Visa form from his robes and pushed it towards Neville along with an eagle feather quill and a bottle of ink. "John Hancock." Came a sarcastic sounding retort from behind the office door. Neville looked up to see Draco turn around and Harry Potters tousled hair and green eyes appear. "I keep telling you Malfoy the proper slang for signature is John Hancock, its an American term." Harry grinned as he added the last bit, and waved to Neville who nodded and grinned back.
"So your in on this too, eh, mate?" Neville shook his head and smirked. "And to think you used to say that trouble always found you. This time mate I think you're going after it yourself." Neville looked over the form, it most definitely was official, with the Ministrys emblem, the quill and wand crossed with a figure eight ink mark stemming from the quill tip, elegantly embossed in gold and silver at the top. Taking the quill and dipping it in the bottle of ink he mulled over actually signing the form. If Harry was involved, well then it couldn't be a terrible idea. Harry didnt exactly go along with bad ideas, then again he was always snooping around school sniffing out mysteries, and of course getting Gryffindor in trouble in the process. "At least tell me why you want the visa in the first place." Neville looked back up and between the two while chewing on his lower lip.
Harry shrugged at Nevilles comment, and muttered, "well we do have to go to California to pick her up." Neville was too busy to reading over the form to catch Harrys comment and it slid past unnoticed. Draco stood up straight, and began running his hands over his robes smoothing out the wrinkles. With a pointed smirk he glanced at the bleach white parchment on Nevilles desk. "Lets say I still have to repay a huge favor to a surprisingly good friend. " Draco commented with a wink.
Following Dracos gaze he moved the form aside and once again noticed the red and gold lettering of the invitation. With Draco's nodded confirmation, a sudden realization lit up his eyes and smirking he wasted no more time in signing the form. Pushing the form back at Draco he reached for his wand and placing it on the desk he sighed. "I need you to display your wands." This part was always the most difficult when dealing with muggle visas. Charming the inquiring wizards wand was not only a challenge, as it could easily back fire, but it was like placing a homing device on the wizard like a muggle government would do to a criminal. "I trust you both but, rules are rules." With a smeg of hestitation each withdrew their respective wands, and Neville began the incatation on Malfoys wand. He was never too good at Charms but this one he had used many times since Hogwarts was reopened. A soft blue whisp of smoke was emitted from his wand and snaked out to wrap itself around Dracos wand then attach itself to Draco himself. As soon as that was done Neville did the same with Harrys wand. Each wizard Grimaced as the smoke attached itself to them thus restricting their magic. With a brief nod Neville put his wand away and sent the Heir of Gryffindor and his school rival out of the ministrys care and on their way. A bizarre adventure awaited them and once again Neville wondered why Harry got all the adventures.
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Sitting back down Neville began filing the paperwork for the request only to then continued with the paperwork for the wedding. It wasnt long before a new face appeared in the door way to his office and the father of the groom, Arthur Weasley followed almost immediately by the father of the bride, Mr Anthony Granger, smiled in at him. Smiling back Neville stood once again and welcomed his unexpected guests. Arthur excitedly stepped in looking just as weary and worn as during Nevilles school days with Ron. Nodding to Arthur then to Mr Granger Neville opened his arms in a welcoming gesture, "what is it that I can do for you gentlemen." Neville asked cheerfully. He had to be eager to please these two men for if anything went wrong with this Wedding, then all of the Coming Out Plans would be ruined. It was at just this moment that Neville realized there was far too much riding on the actions surrounding Granger, Weasley and of course as Always Potter. Arthur spoke first with confidence. "Geoffrey here and I have been talking. We figure it would be good for publicity if we had a muggle performer at the Wedding. Ronald and Hermione have agreed to it and all we need is your permission to attain a Visa." Arthur grinned from ear to ear but that grin faded when Nevilles eyes went wide.
"Im sorry Arthur but it seems Mr Potter and Mr Malfoy have already made such arrangements. Though I am under the impression that it is to be something of a suprise. So I would suggest that you get in Contact with Harry and see what their plans are. If they are planning something else then perhaps we can discuss the options. But I do believe they have the same idea you gentlemen have had. You know what they say Arthur, great minds think alike." Arthurs only response was to nod slowly and with a confused smile excuse both himself and Anthony from the office. Leaving Neville alone yet again to resume his now seemingly tedious work.
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Chapter 2
As soon as the two elder men left the office of the Deputy Minister of Magic Geoffrey looked at Arthur with a pleading expression. "If we were in the muggle world we could simply call a mobile and get in touch with them that way. But being that they are wizards like yourself, what do you suggest." Arthur frowned as he examined his worn shoes and scratched at his balding head. "Well there really isn't anyway to contact them... we could try an owl....."
Geoffrey frowned and crossed his arms. "Well if they just now attained a Visa, wouldn't they return to their residence to pack?" At this Arthur raised his head and he nodded now smiling. With a nod Arthur led the other man to a fireplace where they were transported through the floo network to the guests fireplace in the Three Broomsticks. There much to their surprise they found the two younger gentlemen that they were searching for. Quickly Arthur made his way towards them, and Geoffrey merely waved and called out to Draco. Draco was the first to notice the elder men as they approached and handed Geoffrey a butterbeer as Arthur began quickly chattering to Harry. Geoffrey simply grinned and handed Draco a business card in return for the drink. "I Suppose you might need this. Apparently you had the same idea we did."
Handing two more butterbeers to Harry and Arthur, Draco looked over the business card and frowned. A single word was embossed on the card, which Draco assumed to be a name. The name was unusual in itself, the shimmery, silver and copper writing only added the weird factor. "Lorne?" Draco looked up at Geoffrey frowning.
"Yeah she finally found a decent agent. Hey he may look and act funny but I hear hes a decent guy. Spent a little bit of time talking on the phone with him, he sounds decent. He certainly has her best interests at heart. " Geoffrey shrugged and smiled weakly. "Now I say he looks funny but it might not strike you as odd in the least." Geoffrey shrugged again. "When you get there give him a call, tell him you're friends of Alice and mine. He'll be more apt to trust you then." Draco nodded silently and followed Harry and Arthur who had, by this time stopped talking to listen to the sort of half conversation going on between Draco and Geoffrey.
Draco sat down still looking over the business card and frowning. Geoffrey sat across from him and waited for some response. Tucking a bit of blond hair behind his left ear Draco looked up and glanced between Arthur and Geoffrey. "How did you find out what we had planned?" An expression of utter confusion breezed over Dracos features but faded quickly. At this Arthur grinned and gulped down the last of his butter beer.
"That Happens to be my little secret." Arthur stood a triumphant look on his face, as he stretched moving to leave. Geoffrey too stood but merely rolled his eyes at Arthur. "We walked into Mr Longbottoms office merely moments after you left. And seeing that we were after the same thing, he must've put two and two together. Its not really that complicated as Arthur Makes it sound."
Harry snickered glancing up at Arthur then over at Draco who was shaking his head with the slightest hint of a smirk on his face. "You have to give him the credit Malfoy, he does deserve to one up you at least once before the wedding." Harry continued to snicker as he elbowed Draco in the ribs. Draco merely looked over at Harry then up at Arthur and Geoffrey. "Yes Potter but the problem happens to be whether or not he is capable of such a thing."
Arthur did a double take and frowned at Draco. "Never underestimate a wizard named Arthur." He said with an expressionless face. "Thank you for the butterbeer Malfoy we really must be going. We have more wedding plans to attend to." Arthur nodded to both Harry and Draco as he slipped out of the Three Broomsticks followed by Geoffrey who nodded and smiled to both.
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"Angel Investigations, we help the helpless, which oddly enough we all seem to be today." The deep voice of a seemly friendly guy answered the phone. Draco who stood in a private phone booth with Harry, looked confused by the mere mention of the companys motto by a man who seemed to be laughing. "Yes Im looking for Lorne." Draco said hesitantly as he examined the card for the hundredth time.
There was some time before there came a response during which Draco heard distant laughing and several quips.
"Oh yes this is Lorne, how may I be of service. And May I remind you that Miss Sweeney has just announced a year long vacation."
The cheerful man responded.
Draco frowned and took a deep breath. "Are you the Personal Relations Agent for Miss Elizabeth Sweeney?" The man gave an audible sigh and hesitated a moment to which Draco responded. "I'm sorry do I have the wrong number, I've never called overseas before." It was a rather lame excuse but a plausible one. Harry ducked out of the phone booth and snickered at Dracos explanation.
The man grunted and responded softer this time and sounding not quite so cheerful. "No no you have the correct number. I do believe however that I gave notice that Miss Sweeney would be taking a break after her recent tour. This is the fifth call Ive had about her today."
It was Draco's turn to sigh. "I am a friend of Alice and Geoffrey Granger." He said slowly hoping that would ease the growing tension. "Oh." Said the voice just as slowly. And moments later the same cheerful voice than answered the phone gave him an address and driving directions from LA Airport. "I do hope you come visit us soon. Mr Granger called just yesterday afternoon, something about his daughters wedding. Whatever service we can provide we will be more than happy to do so." The man said as he went on to explain what he and Geoffrey had discussed. It was clear that Geoffrey had suggested the idea of Elizabeth Sweeneys appearance at the wedding, which Draco hoped, would make it easier for himself and Harry.
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Chapter 3
Somewhere in the outskirts of Los Angeles, a hotel telephone rings. It continues to ring until the owner, ironically named Angel, begins a domino effect. "Conner get that would ya." The handsome brown haired gentleman calls from his office. He is standing bent over his expensive oak desk rifling through paperwork. The phone rings not a foot and a half from his hands.
Conner a boy about sixteen also with dark brown hair sits in front of a television set surfing the channels like 'The Flash'. At the request he rolls his eyes, grumbles and calls to someone else. "Gina, the phones ringing." The boy grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffing it into his mouth he continued surfing. The phone rings two inches behind the boys head.
In the Kitchen a young woman wearing black jeans and a red t-shirt with the Angel Investigations logo on the back, is covered in flour, yeast, sugar, salt and several unrecognizable ingredients. Frowning she looked through the kitchen doorway at the boy, while the phone rings just above her head on the wall. "Spike, get that for me, my hands are dirty."
A handsome bleach blond sits in a comfortable sized home gym working his biceps. Hearing his name he grunts and looks around the room placing his hands on his knees. Running a hand through his sweaty bleach blond hair he calls back to yet another person in the domino line. "Hey Duchess, make yourself usefull and get the phone would ya." A phone hangs on the wall next to the doorway which is not four feet from where the bleach blond sits.
Elizabeth Sweeney AKA The Duchess sits on a California King sized bed going over a page of sheet music. Making a face at hearing her nickname from the blond, she rolled her eyes and made a few notes on the sheet. Biting her lip she looked over the sheet then she looked up called to yet another individual. "Lorne, you're my agent get the phone. Who knows it could be for me." The phone rings on her bedside table about three feet away.
Lorne a very unique individual wearing a crimson business suit and a royal blue silk shirt. But it wasnt the violently bright colors of his clothing that made him so unique. It was his green skin and red horned head that made people stare. Though normally, staring folk were met by a cheerful face and a pleasant joke. Lorne stood leaning against a small personal serving bar, and watched with amusement as the domino effect transpired. With a sigh Lorne who was unusually handsome for having a green face and horns, strode over to the oak desk where the brooding Angel stood and picked up the Phone. "Angel Investigations, we help the helpless, which oddly enough we all seem to be today." He spoke cheerfully into the reciever and was met with a confused look by Angel. "I could have gotten that." Angel muttered as he watched Lorne.
Suddenly a large sweeping puff of white smoke billows out of the kitchen and encompasses the lobby. Angel, Lorne and Conner both look in the direction of what they assume was the kitchen (it was unseeable behind the white smoke) with a raised eyebrow. Spike had just made his way into the lobby from the training room and frowned at Angel. "Smoke much Soul-boy? I thought we had you on the papers and everything this week, like a good little puppy." Angel shakes his head, but as he bends his head to return to work a small hint of a smirk could be seen as he reaches for a ciggarette.
Lorne cautiously edges towards where the kitchen doorway used to be and makes a face while he rubs his nose. "Eh Bit too much Flour there doll face."
The puffs of flour were beginning to settle when a ghost like figure emerged into the doorway setting all four in the lobby into rolls of laughter. And as she made her way downstairs Lizzie saw the remnants of her sisters form and snickered. Behind the ghost white form a dark shadow appeared and snickered poking the floured form. "We have a new member of the family. I proudly present to you Casper the friendly ghost."
"Shut it Jonathan." Came a cat like hiss from the flour blob. "You too Sir William of Bleach." At this the blond frowned and sneered at the form that had once upon a time been Gina. Lizzie raised a brow at Spike and broke into song. "Oh Where have you been Billy Boy Billy Boy oh where have you been Charming Billy." Which only recieved a glare from the blond before he disappeared.
The laughing soon subsided and each began to resume their activities, all except Lorne who was shooting Lizzie a bad look only to be repremanded by Gina. "So Lorne, Earth to Lorne, WHO Is on the phone." All this time a smooth male voice could be heard on the other end of the line. "Hello , Hello, Is anyone there. Hello, I can hear you talking. This isn't very polite you know. Wait till I tell m.... Oh erm... Hello?"
Lorne frowned and looked at Gina then at the phone that seemed to be yelling at him. The look on his face as he eyed the phone, was as though he were someone staring at an inanimate object that had suddenly come to life. "Oh yes the phone." Putting the reciever back up to his ear he resumed the conversation. "Oh yes this is Lorne, how may I be of service. And May I remind you that Miss Sweeney has just announced a year long vacation."
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Chapter 4
The biggest surprise in the trip so far was the fact that Draco Malfoy had gotten airsick on the muggle airplane. He had still been a bit sick looking when he and Harry stepped off the plane in Los Angeles International Airport. Grinning Harry looked around the Muggle airport, as he continually made snide comments about Draco's face matching Slytherin House colors. With a drink of tea and an hour or so of waiting for their luggage Draco's health improved enough to travel via automobile. The whole process of passing through customs, collecting luggage, and renting a car took almost three hours and by the time they were escorted to their rented Forest Green mustang, Draco was sick of muggle authority, and this coming from Hogwarts Muggle Studies Professor was rather surprising.
Dracos nausea was once again kicked into high gear when Harry started the engine, and Draco swore he could hear all four hundred horses under the hood. The worst was yet to come however. Once the car was started, the daunting task of weaving their way out of the airport, and into afternoon traffic lay ahead of them. It was only then that Harry offered up a muggle anti-motion sickness pill which Draco took promptly.
The ride to the outskirts of Los Angeles was for the most part uneventful, save for the occasional pitstops and whatnot. The moment they left the heavily populated Center of Los Angeles the adventure of finding their way around began. This of course sparked and argument between the proud Lion and the arrogant Snake. They were both stewing madly when they arrived at the proper address. The dark brooding exterior of the building was enough to shock them both. They had expected something odd, but most certainly not anything the slightest big Magical. Little did they know The City of Angels held a big surprise for the both of them.
It had taken such time for them to drive to this place and yet the thought of what to do or say when meeting these people had slipped their minds completely. Each with a hesitant look they stepped out of the car and approached the front door. Draco Malfoy managed his usual saunter taking great care to ensure that the trenchcoat he wore in place of robes, billowed out behind him in the exaact manner robes would. Harry just strode up to the front door and running his hand through his hair he winced as he knocked on the front door.
Moments later the door was opened and abandoned by what Harry would have judged to be a fifth or sixth year student. Both men watched the brown haired boy open the door with no greeting and head back to a couch in front of a rather loud television. Draco took a step in hesitantly and spoke to the empty lobby, which was not all that well lit considering it was a placew of business. A loud ‘oh’ echoed from a feminine voice in the kitchen and out came a young woman with a pleasant face. All in all both men noted she looked oddly like Molly Weasley. Smiling at them despite being covered in random ingredients. (She had since cleaned up the flour making her more recognizeable as human.) She spoke cheerfully to them and ushered them in while at the same time offering refreshments. “Oh, you must be the gentlemen from England, come to see Lorne about Lady Gwen I take it. Well I will warn you hes not the most normal person you’ll meet, but hes a good….. man. May I get you something? Perhaps an Ice Tea or juice.” Draco raised an eyebrow as he was ushered past another arrogant seeming blond who grinned at him with the look and scent of an evil creature. Letting out a sigh as he relaxed, Draco settled himself into a chair in front of an oak desk. The woman quickly left with out a response from either the gentlemen and returned to the kitchen.
As the two wizards sat and watched the goings on of the hotel they both noticed several things. First and most obvious, the staff of the hotel were not used to seeing strangers in their midsts, so they accordingly eyed the wizards from odd positions, inorder not to be seen staring. Second, even though there was company, and the lobby was fairly open, there was very little light in any particular corner, particularly the office they were seated in.
The evil looking blond was the first to step forward, ignoring the hissing and whispering of the rest of the hotel staff. The blond smirked then grinned revealing his front teeth. Then in a very stereotypical vampiric nature he opened his mouth about an in and sauntered slowly towards them. “So which of you handsome gentlemen is first.” The blonds eyes flicked between Draco, who he sneered at tauntingly and Harry whom he grinned at Hungrily. “Maybe you. The power, deep, rich intoxicating power. The power of life And the power of death, such Pure innocence ripped from a young soul. To be stained, tattered and ruined for all time. Yes I Do believe you will be first.”
By the end of the blonds little speech Draco had narrowed his eyes and stood to meet the man face to face. Harry looked between the blonds warily confused and a bit frightened. To the best of his knowledge he had not yet come face to face with a Vampire. But all instincts told him today he finally had.
Chapter 5
A smirk spread over Spikes face, he hadn’t had food to play with in a very long time. Not since the bloody chip had been implanted by the GI JOE wanna bes. Spike examined the demonic boys neck thoughtfully, perhaps he would have to dispose of this one first. Such fine perfect skin, pale as mother’s milk. Deftly he raised a slendar hand to graze that perfect skin. His victim winced but did not move away. Spike grinned playfully as he watched the grey eyes flutter closed. He heard a distant gasp from the dark haired bloke but didn’t move his attention from the demon boy.
They all heard a scoff from the couch and they turned to look at the teen who had stood abandoning his precious telly to watch the real life adventure unfold. “Don’t mind Spike guys, He’s got a death wish. And that’s pretty sad considering he’s undead.” Harry paled slightly and rested his head upon his hand. Spike hissed at Draco and licked his neck slightly, as if in an attempt to bite but he didn’t quite get there.
“Did someone say undead?” Came the cheerful Molly type woman as she reentered the lobby from what they now assumed was the kitchen, carrying a large brown tray. “Drinks, dears?” She walked over to the boys as Draco sat down confused by the sudden contact. Spike glared at Gina and hissed angrily. “Why do you HAVE To do that, I was about to have a decent bloody meal for once!” Spike turned and growling sulked away as each of guests took their respective drinks. Before Harry could reach for his drink a green hand wearing fine cuff links, starched white cuffs and a bright blue jacket, swiped it. “Here love take this one” the woman offered Harry a drink as he looked up at the green demonic looking man in amazement.
Gina encouraged both wizards to drink, and she glanced at the green faced man once they had. “Sorry, love he almost took your pink Mai Tai, and you did save the day didn’t you.” The green man walked around the two wizards in the chairs smirking. He stood there looking over the two of them as the rest of the staff walked hesitantly into the lobby watching as Spike went off to brood. Winifred stepped forward clinging to Gunn’s shirt and examined Harrys scar. As she did so Harry growled and hid it from view. Frowning she looked at Gunn who shrugged and took two drinks from Bartender!Gina.
The green man turned to glare playfully at Gina. “How dare you give away my pink alcoholic drink when it’s the only thing that matches my outfit. And you know how hard it is to get drinks to match.” Turning back to Draco and Harry he snickered and with a wave of his hand he ushered everyone to back off. From a distance a growl could be heard. He had just opened his mouth when both of the guests turned their attention from him to something over his head. Turning to follow their gaze he frowned when he noticed the hotel’s owner descending the stairs silently. “Angel-Cakes Sweetie could you be a bit quieter, I’m attempting to conduct business here.” The green man deadpanned as he nodded to the owner and turned back to his guests. “I am of course Lorne, I believe one of you would be Draco Malfoy?” At their nodded confirmation Lorne nodded himself and went on. “Well now, what exactly are you here to discuss with me?” He said cheerfully as the rest of the hotel staff seemed to become more comfortable and relaxed to watch the newcomers with growing intrigue each with a drink. As the owner descended the stairway he was met a few steps from the bottom by Gina with a drink and they exchanged a few hushed tones and a look or two. He promptly glared at Spike and taking a seat himself joined his staff in watching the visitors.
After several moments of being watched, Draco spoke up. “I realize of course that you gave notice that Miss Sweeney would be taking a year long vacation. However I would like to offer her a chance to be part of something that is bigger than any of you could ever imagine.” A wave of disbelieving looks swept across the room. And the teen spoke up with a sarcastic tone that Harry hadn’t heard since graduation day where Draco had made several evil remarks about himself surviving the seven years and Ron actually graduating. “Do you even, realize how tacky that sounds?” The boy snorted, then, after receiving a glare from Gina, returned his attention to his drink. Draco only nodded in response to the boys comment, only then realizing how stupid he had sounded. “Money of course is no object.”
Lorne only smirked at that comment and his eyes glittered mischeviously. The Hotel staff who seemed to be reacting all at once with the same reaction, each emitted a snort or a snicker or something of the like. “I’ll tell you what lads, I’ll play your side. Getting the Duchess to postpone her vacation is going to be harder than you think. Money isn’t going to cut it. You see unlike most folks in her business, she doesn’t care too much for money. Now the key to getting what you want from her is to ensure that there is an adventure attached to the offer.” Again Snickers could be heard from all in the room including Harry and Draco. The teen resorted to covering his face with a throw pillow to avoid getting a death glare from Gina yet again.
Draco raised a brow and added a smirk to finish off the look. “Oh I assure you, with the notorious wedding party, there will undoubtedly be an adventure in store.” Draco received a smack in the arm and an all to familiar death glare from Harry at this comment. Grinning Draco ignored his companion and continued. “I must admit however, it not often you find someone of her profession interested in other things than her work or money.”
Gina stepped forward blocking Lorne from the visitors view. “It is not often you find someone of her caliber.” Came a confident retort from the Mollyish woman, which wasn’t exactly a surprise. Her eyes shifted down to the drinks the guests held in their laps. She nodded to Draco, noticing his glass was nearly empty, and scowled at Harry when she noticed he appeared to not have taken a single sip. “Oh Harry, you’re insulting my drink mixing skills.” She frowned and placed her hands on her hips. Even with out the ‘huzzah’s from around the room, her tactic worked. Harry grinned up at her sheepishly and drank hastily. “Not to fast now love, you’ll get a headache.” Harry was deeply confused now, were there two of Molly Weasley, or had she managed to find him Yet again.
Gina returned to the kitchen after her hushed conversation with Angel, as Lorne began discussing the Duchess with Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. A few moments later she once again came out of the kitchen carrying drinks. This time she carried two extra one which she took herself and the other, a bright red drink, began floating its way upstairs toward a shadowed figure. All eyes in the lobby followed the drink as a slendar hand took gently plucked the drink out of the air. At which point the shadow hiding the figure lightened a bit to show a woman dressed in a fine silk navy blue bathrobe. With a smirk she looked down at the congregation and moved her lips as if speaking to someone or something hiding in the same shadow behind her. With a shrug she disappeared into the shadow again.
“More suitors Duchess.” Came the half snickered remark. Inside the ghost like shadow a handsome young man appeared and leaned against the railing. “And word has it, they’ve discovered your biggest fantasy, and went gay.” Again the evil snicker accompanied the comment.
“Get over yourself.” The Duchess replied. “They must be the ones who called last week.” The apparition only nodded still smirking. “Well I suppose I should get dressed and go meet my loyal subjects.” Turning with a sigh and a wave of her free hand as she took a sip of her drink, disappearing once again into the shadow.
Just as Lorne was about to begin discussing the contract the lobby was draped in a cool breeze which blew the curtains aside nearly exposing Spike in his brooding corner. A deep hiss could be heard from that corner but the Duchess paid it no mind as she descended the staircase her hand resting carefully on the railing of the landing. Leaning her elbow on the railing she examined her guests. Both Harry and Draco stared in amazement not at the woman herself, but her clothing. The hotel staff seemed not to be too surprised by the womans dress, but it certainly shocked thebloody hell out of Harry and Draco. Both of which seemed to be drooling, though contrary to popular belief it was not the woman they were drooling over, but the fine leather she wore. She did indeed wear a black trenchcoat that when tied, hugged her figure in a very sensual way. The coat at the moment was untied leaving her denim pleated skirt and leather corset top very visible. The shoes she wore were the most surprising of all. A pair of snakeskin cowboy boots adorned her feet and one toe rested crossed over the other as she leaned against the railing. “Well don’t just sit there Lorne-baby, Introduce your Duchess to her guests.” She smirked and in what was very obviously a show, she descended the last of the stairs slowly, examining the two wizards carefully. She sauntered over to where Gina stood with her drink, forcing herself not to react to the show. The Duchess lifted her red drink and offered up a silent toast, to which Gina reciprocated and they both smirked and winked while looking at the wizards. “We’re going to have fun with these two.” Liz, remarked carefully as she looked over Dracos face. Making her way just as carefully over to where Lorne sat she rested her bum on the arm of his chair and draped an arm lovingly about his shoulders. With another smirk and wink she looked to him.
Lorne spoke up, desperately trying to keep the laughter out of his voice. “This my dear gentlemen, is Miss Elizabeth Sweeney, and you have just witnessed why we call her, The Duchess.
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