Ivy Potter, Year Four | Raised By The Malfoys

Chapter Thirty Eight: Ancient

          I woke up in the infirmary with Lilyth on my lap. Sitting up, my hair was yet again the same length as my body. Lilyth told me I was asleep for the remainder of Christmas holiday and tomorrow was the first day of the second half of term. Draco was sitting next to me, asleep. It looked like it was the middle of the night. I pet Lilyth and she told me that Charlie brought me here and stayed with me during the day alone and only Draco was allowed here at night. She wasn't supposed to be summoned and nearly gave Madam Pomfrey a heart attack. In some candlelight, I went through my cards and gifts left for me by friends. All anyone knew was that I fainted. I looked at my wand and noticed there was a gift for me from Charlie. It was a deep brown leather garter belt to hold my wand. I admired the leatherwork and it was so beautiful.

          "Nake, snake. Cobra, cobra. Nake, snake. Cobra, cobra. Aitrosnepres," I whispered and Lilyth returned to her tattoo form on my right arm.

          I stayed up and wrote thank you cards to everyone that wished me to get well soon. As morning approached, Madam Pomfrey checked on me and then I woke up Draco.

          "Ivy! What happened to you?" he asked and held my face in his hands.

          "Don't be mad, Draco. I was just checking on Lilyth and I got distracted and..." my voice trailed on.

          "I'm not mad, I'm just concerned. You were using your magic again, weren't you?" he asked and pulled on my long hair gently.

           "I had to. Forgive me," I said softly.

          He kissed my forehead, "We should talk to my mother about it. It seems to only grow so we should consider cutting it."

           I nodded, "Can we eat first? I'm starving."

          Draco offered me his arm, which I took, and led me to the Great Hall for breakfast. There, I had breakfast and everything seemed to be back to normal. Blaise gave me his Daily Prophet paper and I was upset to read another story from Rita Skeeter. She was now hinting at a love triangle between a competitor and my childhood friend. It was odd since only Cedric, the trio, twins, Ginny, and Draco really knew that I was raised with Draco. I doubt any of them would reveal that information about me. Rita also continued to write about Hagrid being half-giant. Draco found it revolting to be a half-breed but he was quick to explain he didn't feel that way towards me being a halfblood. He really seemed to be trying to change. I affectionately held his hand.

           "Draco, I just wanted to clarify that I do still have feelings for you. Cho and Cedric are obviously together," I said and put my head on his shoulder.

          "I know. I reckon that Rita Skeeter just needs a story," he said and kissed the top of my head.

          After classes, I went to Hagrid's hut and found Charlie there alone again. He was surprised to see me and I quickly shoved him inside like last time. I sat next to him on the armchair and checked his injury. There was still some slight bruising on his temple and he had little resistance when I lifted his shirt. On his chest was a large oval shaped bruise. It looked like a hoof. Gently, I touched it.

          "Hey, Charlie?" I asked and pulled down his shirt.

          He hummed and brushed my hair behind my ears, "Hm?"

          "Do you like me because I don't look human?" I asked bluntly.

          He turned red, "Ivy, it's not like that."

          I flicked my tongue at him, "What is it like then?"

          "You're just, I don't know, different," he said and scratched his cheek.

          "I'm sorry for bringing it up. Can I ask how you know about ancient magic?" I asked.

          He smiled and noticed I was using the garter belt, "I usually work alone and I can't personally use magic like you, but I've seen it before."

          I pulled out my black wand, "What did I do to my wand?"

          "It's stronger now. Your hair channels natural magic energy and through your hair, it can be, I suppose, harvested. By incorporating it with your wand, your modern magic is much stronger, especially with spells regarding the elements," he explained.

           "So, if I cut my hair again, can I incorporate it with my wand?" I asked.

          "It's a double-edged sword, Ivy. You use ancient magic. That's why your hair grew out again," he said.

          "But it only grew from my hips to my feet. If I cut my hair very short, wouldn't it grow back the same length as the first time?" I asked.

          He looked up in thought, "That's not a bad idea actually. But, have you even tried your wand yet? I don't want you to be risking your health. You gave me a right good scare when you fainted."

          I nudged him, "Sorry. I haven't tried it yet."

          He nudged me back, "Want to try it?"

          "Now?" I asked.

          "Why not now?" he asked.

          "I don't want to get you in any more trouble. Technically, I'm not supposed to be talking to you, right? Dragon tamer?" I teased.

          He laughed and casually put his arm over me as we talked. We agreed that I would leave using my modern magic with my professors until I can control it and then I'll cut my hair again with Charlie. I enjoyed his company and his scent. It takes him a while to get comfortable around me but he's easily nervous if he gets embarrassed. Despite that, I had a lot of questions.

           "Charlie?" I asked and leaned closer onto him.

          "Yeah?" he asked and pulled me in.

          "Have you ever flown with dragons?" I asked.

          "Somewhat. On a broom. Never for fun though. Always for work," he said and pulled out the elastic band that kept his hair tied back.

          "Can I touch your hair?" I asked.

          "Oh, uh, sure," he said, blushing.

          I moved to my knees on the seat and his arm moved down to my stomach so his hand held my waist. My hands ran through his hair and he seemed to like it. It was a lighter shade of Ron's hair, probably from his time outdoors. To my surprise, it was softer than I expected and not nearly as damaged.

          "Charlie?" I asked.

          He shifted to look at me as I pulled back my hands from his hair, "Yeah?"

          "Can dragons use magic?" I asked.

          As I sat back on my knees, like the Japanese as my legs were bent with my knees forward and rear on my feet, he put his hand on my cheek and used his thumb to stroke it, "I think they can."

          Without really thinking, I held his hand against my cheek, "I wish I could see them like you do."

          He smiled, "Really?"

          I leaned my face into his hand, "Really."

          It was getting late and I kissed his forehead before I left and went to bed after. He told me the garter belt was a gift to make up for using my ancient magic beyond my limit and as a hint for the second task. What could it be? Why am I getting so close to him?