A/N I've planned it like a Draco/ Hermione love story, but it grew bigger.
Note that I haven't read the 5. Book yet. Please review, and don't blame me
- it's my first writing experience!
P.S. I'm not a native English speaker, so I will be glad if someone explains me my mistakes.
PROLOGUE - Everything is ready, my master! We are now closer to him then ever. - I hope so. I won't endure another failure! Does it work well? - Yes, my master, it should work perfectly well. But. - I don't want to hear any "buts"! - Master, Dumbledore. - I don't want to hear about him. Find the way to get rid of him. And if you will not find the way. - We will find it, master. - I want you all to remember: this year gives us the last opportunity to destroy this boy. He is the only thing which prevents me from the world domination. They fight because they do believe in him, those fools! They sacrifice themselves for him, and free-will self-sacrifice is the hardest thing to fight against! No magic can be used there! And mind: when he graduates, it will be too late! - But why, master? Why? - Because, you stupid creature, he'll come of age then and will gain such power you've never dreamed of. - Maybe he won't? - Yes he will! I know it! And don't you dare contradict me! - Sure, my master!
CHAPTER 1.
Harry was tired. Terribly tired. He wasn't even happy about the beginning of the new school year. In fact, he hadn't been happy since a very long time - he just hadn't had any reason for joy. He spent this awful summer hiding from Voldemort and his stooges, because Dumbledore believed he wasn't ready to face them at present. He wouldn't spend a week in one place when he had to move to another. At Weasleys' - actually he stayed there only for the funeral, he couldn't bear it any longer, he couldn't stand Ron's accusing looks, although Mrs. Weasley had told him that they didn't blame him for Ginny's death, it wasn't his fault, it was Voldemort's. But Ron obviously had his own opinion on this matter. Then he stayed at Dursleys' but not for long, because it didn't seem safe enough; then he lived by Mrs. Figg, who, being his DADA teacher, taught him a lot of useful things, but he hadn't seen her since his birthday. Then he met Sirius, discharged after Wormtail had been seen by many people; later Harry was allowed to stay at Hermione's, and was really glad about it, but it didn't last for long as well, because Voldemort somehow managed to find out where he might be. Last weeks he spent in Hogwarts, being alone and suffering horrible nightmares. He just couldn't get rid of them, and besides this way he came to know what Voldemort was about, and, informing Dumbledore, cold prevent some of his crimes. But now he was so tired, that nothing mattered to him. He wasn't alone anymore, his fellow-students were here, Hermione was here, but he knew that it wouldn't change a lot, no one would be able to safe him from his own hell.
The year began as usual with the Sorting ceremony. The weirdest thing of it was that Slytherin got the most students, but Gryffindor only three. - Someone will be really very glad about this! - commented Harry gloomily. Dumbledore started his usual speech: - Welcome, my dear friends, to Hogwarts. You know the things, which are happening nowadays. But I'd like to point out, that this school is no place for any hostilities, and the students, who will be noticed acting inimical, will be expelled without further explanations. Enjoy learning and wait till you are out of school. Well, - Dumbledore cleared his throat. Harry, who hadn't been listening, woke up from his daydreaming. This sound made him worry. - I'm expecting a new DADA Teacher, which our Ministry of Magic was so graciously to send to us. - Dumbledore paused, cleared his throat again and went on, making an effort in order to speak in his usual tone. - You know, our dear Professor Arabella Figg fell in an unequal battle with the Death Eaters. - A murmur flew across the Great Hall. Then silence fell. Harry said transfixed. Mrs. Figg? Dead? It was too much for him, he was unable to realize it, he just dropped his head on the table, and felt Hermione tenderly patting him on the shoulder. "When will it stop? Where is the end to all this?" - nobody could give him the answer. He braced himself and raised his head, immediately his eyes met Dumbledore's. "Why didn't you tell me?" asked Harry mentally, sure that Dumbledore will hear him. All members of the Order of Phoenix had this ability - to talk in their minds while keeping the eye contact. "I'm sorry, Harry, - the soft soothing voice sounded in hid head, - we've just learnt it. They sent the death certificate with new DADA appointment." "I wonder whom they'll sent to us" - said Harry aloud. Suddenly the door flung open and a man appeared. Everybody recognized Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. He went straight to the Head Table, where he stopped, gave a cough, and spoke even not having a glance at the students: -I am here to inform you that the Ministry of Magic thought about the safety of this well-known and respected school and decided following: First - Professor Dumbledore, I'm sorry, but you are no longer the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Please, let me finish and don't interrupt me, - added he, although nobody protested. All were dumbfounded by the unwelcome news. -Second, by the order of the Ministry of Magic I have been appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts. The appointment goes into effect right now. Third, according to the situation, the Ministry sees no possibility to give the school a DADA Professor. In fact, the Ministry recognizes this course as a very dangerous one and prohibits its further subsistence. Students, who are willing to attend this course, will have this possibility after graduation at special institution of higher learning. He stopped, breathing hard as so he had been running. - Well, that's it. - May I ask you a question, sir headmaster? - said Dumbledore, already recollected, in his usual soft tone. But only the few who knew him quite well noticed a touch of irony in his words. - Yes, please, Professor, - said Fudge a little constrainedly. - Am I allowed to stay here at school? - Dumbledore sounded as innocent as possible. - I have no instructions in this respect. Hm, I guess you certainly can. - mumbled Fudge. - And am I allowed to teach here? - Kept on questioning Dumbledore. - S-Sorry, and w-what would you like to teach? - Fudge was now really stumbled. - Well, since DADA is prohibited, I'd like to pay some more attention to ancient languages. - explained the old wizard. - Ancient languages??? - Fudge couldn't believe his ears. - Why not? It isn't forbidden, is it? - wondered Dumbledore. - I guess. Don't know.. Well, you can try. - stammered the former minister. - Thank you very much, Headmaster. That's all I wanted to hear from you.
In prostration, Harry thought he would be even glad if Voldemort appeared right now. That would mean the end of his misery. He couldn't ever imagine that things would turn sooo dire. He suddenly felt bare and unprotected. Such horrible depression of spirits made him consider, that "come what may" was not a bad attitude after all. He just couldn't take anything very much to heart anymore. He felt like wooden. Nothing mattered to him now. - I wonder who is the new Minister of magic. - frowned Hermione, who always asked the right question. - No wonder, - answered Ron in a very dull voice. - Look at Malfoy! Malfoy indeed seemed to be very pleased with the situation. He whispered something to Crabbe and Goyle. - My dad had been awaiting this since you-know-who came back. That damn Lucius Malfoy always wanted the place. - explained Ron.
Hermione returned from the Head Boy and Girl instruction escorted by Professor McGonagall. She remembered how happy she was about becoming Head Girl. But now. Well, of course she was not going to give up only because Malfoy became the Head Boy, but living in one and the same room with her enemy - that was too much for her. Still she had nothing to do and after Professor had told her the secret password entered their new common room. Malfoy was already there. He darted a look at her as if she was a very nasty insect. Then he noticed McGonagall, and changed his expression to his usual arrogance. The Professor said very stern: - Mister Malfoy, I'd like to remind you, that you and Miss Granger are one team now, and you are supposed to work together. So if you don't like it, you just have to leave these honored duties, and be sure, we will find another candidate. - I see your point, professor. I'll do my best. - sneered Malfoy. - We'll see, Mr. Malfoy. I also should remind you that you are not allowed to bring here somebody else except for holidays. Here is the list of your duties so that you could share some of them. Good night, Miss Head Girl and Mr. Head Boy! And she went, leaving Hermione alone with the smirking Malfoy. - Well, my dear mudblood. - started he his usual sneers. - Stop it, Malfoy! - barked Hermione. - I'm not going to tolerate your insults! - Oh really? - mocked he. - And how will you possibly make me shut up? - I'll think about it, - cut she short, and retired to her room with dignity. It wasn't what Malfoy had expected. In fact, he expected her to be constrained because of living with him in one and the same room, he anticipated her submitting to his will and fulfill his every wish, and be servile and obedient, at least his father promised him so. That would be a natural reaction of a mudblood living in front of someone from such noble family as theirs, said he. "Use her well, son, and when time will come, we'll get rid of the rubbish like her" - added Lucius. Draco would be glad to share his father's confidence, but looking at the closed door he couldn't help approving of her. But aloud he said: - I'll make you obey me! Immediately the door flung open and Hermione said resolutely: - I say stop it, Malfoy, or.. - Or what? - Malfoy looked really interested. - Or I'll take points from you for the insulting of the Head Girl! - You can't take points from me, - Malfoy looked puzzled, - Nowhere is told that it's allowed! - Nowhere is told that it's not! So shut up and don't disturb me! - snapped she and slammed the door to the Head Girls bedroom right before Draco's nose.
At breakfast next day they all got their new schedules. While Harry was looking through his schedule, a loud cry broke the silence of the early morning: "No! I'm not going to study this!" It was nobody else but Malfoy. - I wonder what could have annoyed him so hard. - murmured Ron - Well, I guess this - Harry pointed to a note under the time-table, which said: "Students from wizarding families are obligated to attend Muggle Studies." - I'm going to speak to my father! - roared Malfoy. - As a matter of fact, Mr. Malfoy - the voice was coming from the teachers table and it belonged to the new headmaster - it was your father who insisted on initiation of this course for the pure-blood wizards. - My father? - Malfoy looked perplexed, just like Harry, Ron, Hermione and the others did. - Lucius must have gone mad. - said Harry definitely. Malfoy dropped to his place, obviously thinking like Harry. But Harry already had another idea. Fudge might be after him here, but he dislikes Malfoy as well. No wonder, new headmaster seemed to hate his new job. Harry liked the thought of Fudge revenging on Lucius through expelling his son from school. Poor Hermione! Will she make it - to live with this git? - Herm, are you OK? - asked he anxious. - Sure, why? - Well, I mean Malfoy. You know, if he hurts you, just tell me and I . - And you'll make some stupid thing and be sacked out of school right into Voldemort's warm embrace! - Hermione didn't let him finish. - No, Harry, I'd better cope with it myself! - But Hermione! I am your friend, I must protect you! - You just deal with your problems, don't worry about me. - said Hermione in a soft voice. - I'll manage it, for sure! Indeed she didn't want to burden him with her problems, Harry knew it and appreciated it. But sometimes he felt guilty - if she wasn't his friend, she probably had it much more easier in her life. Now, when they were dating secretly, he was really afraid for her. People, who dared come close to him, tended to die.
P.S. I'm not a native English speaker, so I will be glad if someone explains me my mistakes.
PROLOGUE - Everything is ready, my master! We are now closer to him then ever. - I hope so. I won't endure another failure! Does it work well? - Yes, my master, it should work perfectly well. But. - I don't want to hear any "buts"! - Master, Dumbledore. - I don't want to hear about him. Find the way to get rid of him. And if you will not find the way. - We will find it, master. - I want you all to remember: this year gives us the last opportunity to destroy this boy. He is the only thing which prevents me from the world domination. They fight because they do believe in him, those fools! They sacrifice themselves for him, and free-will self-sacrifice is the hardest thing to fight against! No magic can be used there! And mind: when he graduates, it will be too late! - But why, master? Why? - Because, you stupid creature, he'll come of age then and will gain such power you've never dreamed of. - Maybe he won't? - Yes he will! I know it! And don't you dare contradict me! - Sure, my master!
CHAPTER 1.
Harry was tired. Terribly tired. He wasn't even happy about the beginning of the new school year. In fact, he hadn't been happy since a very long time - he just hadn't had any reason for joy. He spent this awful summer hiding from Voldemort and his stooges, because Dumbledore believed he wasn't ready to face them at present. He wouldn't spend a week in one place when he had to move to another. At Weasleys' - actually he stayed there only for the funeral, he couldn't bear it any longer, he couldn't stand Ron's accusing looks, although Mrs. Weasley had told him that they didn't blame him for Ginny's death, it wasn't his fault, it was Voldemort's. But Ron obviously had his own opinion on this matter. Then he stayed at Dursleys' but not for long, because it didn't seem safe enough; then he lived by Mrs. Figg, who, being his DADA teacher, taught him a lot of useful things, but he hadn't seen her since his birthday. Then he met Sirius, discharged after Wormtail had been seen by many people; later Harry was allowed to stay at Hermione's, and was really glad about it, but it didn't last for long as well, because Voldemort somehow managed to find out where he might be. Last weeks he spent in Hogwarts, being alone and suffering horrible nightmares. He just couldn't get rid of them, and besides this way he came to know what Voldemort was about, and, informing Dumbledore, cold prevent some of his crimes. But now he was so tired, that nothing mattered to him. He wasn't alone anymore, his fellow-students were here, Hermione was here, but he knew that it wouldn't change a lot, no one would be able to safe him from his own hell.
The year began as usual with the Sorting ceremony. The weirdest thing of it was that Slytherin got the most students, but Gryffindor only three. - Someone will be really very glad about this! - commented Harry gloomily. Dumbledore started his usual speech: - Welcome, my dear friends, to Hogwarts. You know the things, which are happening nowadays. But I'd like to point out, that this school is no place for any hostilities, and the students, who will be noticed acting inimical, will be expelled without further explanations. Enjoy learning and wait till you are out of school. Well, - Dumbledore cleared his throat. Harry, who hadn't been listening, woke up from his daydreaming. This sound made him worry. - I'm expecting a new DADA Teacher, which our Ministry of Magic was so graciously to send to us. - Dumbledore paused, cleared his throat again and went on, making an effort in order to speak in his usual tone. - You know, our dear Professor Arabella Figg fell in an unequal battle with the Death Eaters. - A murmur flew across the Great Hall. Then silence fell. Harry said transfixed. Mrs. Figg? Dead? It was too much for him, he was unable to realize it, he just dropped his head on the table, and felt Hermione tenderly patting him on the shoulder. "When will it stop? Where is the end to all this?" - nobody could give him the answer. He braced himself and raised his head, immediately his eyes met Dumbledore's. "Why didn't you tell me?" asked Harry mentally, sure that Dumbledore will hear him. All members of the Order of Phoenix had this ability - to talk in their minds while keeping the eye contact. "I'm sorry, Harry, - the soft soothing voice sounded in hid head, - we've just learnt it. They sent the death certificate with new DADA appointment." "I wonder whom they'll sent to us" - said Harry aloud. Suddenly the door flung open and a man appeared. Everybody recognized Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. He went straight to the Head Table, where he stopped, gave a cough, and spoke even not having a glance at the students: -I am here to inform you that the Ministry of Magic thought about the safety of this well-known and respected school and decided following: First - Professor Dumbledore, I'm sorry, but you are no longer the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Please, let me finish and don't interrupt me, - added he, although nobody protested. All were dumbfounded by the unwelcome news. -Second, by the order of the Ministry of Magic I have been appointed Headmaster of Hogwarts. The appointment goes into effect right now. Third, according to the situation, the Ministry sees no possibility to give the school a DADA Professor. In fact, the Ministry recognizes this course as a very dangerous one and prohibits its further subsistence. Students, who are willing to attend this course, will have this possibility after graduation at special institution of higher learning. He stopped, breathing hard as so he had been running. - Well, that's it. - May I ask you a question, sir headmaster? - said Dumbledore, already recollected, in his usual soft tone. But only the few who knew him quite well noticed a touch of irony in his words. - Yes, please, Professor, - said Fudge a little constrainedly. - Am I allowed to stay here at school? - Dumbledore sounded as innocent as possible. - I have no instructions in this respect. Hm, I guess you certainly can. - mumbled Fudge. - And am I allowed to teach here? - Kept on questioning Dumbledore. - S-Sorry, and w-what would you like to teach? - Fudge was now really stumbled. - Well, since DADA is prohibited, I'd like to pay some more attention to ancient languages. - explained the old wizard. - Ancient languages??? - Fudge couldn't believe his ears. - Why not? It isn't forbidden, is it? - wondered Dumbledore. - I guess. Don't know.. Well, you can try. - stammered the former minister. - Thank you very much, Headmaster. That's all I wanted to hear from you.
In prostration, Harry thought he would be even glad if Voldemort appeared right now. That would mean the end of his misery. He couldn't ever imagine that things would turn sooo dire. He suddenly felt bare and unprotected. Such horrible depression of spirits made him consider, that "come what may" was not a bad attitude after all. He just couldn't take anything very much to heart anymore. He felt like wooden. Nothing mattered to him now. - I wonder who is the new Minister of magic. - frowned Hermione, who always asked the right question. - No wonder, - answered Ron in a very dull voice. - Look at Malfoy! Malfoy indeed seemed to be very pleased with the situation. He whispered something to Crabbe and Goyle. - My dad had been awaiting this since you-know-who came back. That damn Lucius Malfoy always wanted the place. - explained Ron.
Hermione returned from the Head Boy and Girl instruction escorted by Professor McGonagall. She remembered how happy she was about becoming Head Girl. But now. Well, of course she was not going to give up only because Malfoy became the Head Boy, but living in one and the same room with her enemy - that was too much for her. Still she had nothing to do and after Professor had told her the secret password entered their new common room. Malfoy was already there. He darted a look at her as if she was a very nasty insect. Then he noticed McGonagall, and changed his expression to his usual arrogance. The Professor said very stern: - Mister Malfoy, I'd like to remind you, that you and Miss Granger are one team now, and you are supposed to work together. So if you don't like it, you just have to leave these honored duties, and be sure, we will find another candidate. - I see your point, professor. I'll do my best. - sneered Malfoy. - We'll see, Mr. Malfoy. I also should remind you that you are not allowed to bring here somebody else except for holidays. Here is the list of your duties so that you could share some of them. Good night, Miss Head Girl and Mr. Head Boy! And she went, leaving Hermione alone with the smirking Malfoy. - Well, my dear mudblood. - started he his usual sneers. - Stop it, Malfoy! - barked Hermione. - I'm not going to tolerate your insults! - Oh really? - mocked he. - And how will you possibly make me shut up? - I'll think about it, - cut she short, and retired to her room with dignity. It wasn't what Malfoy had expected. In fact, he expected her to be constrained because of living with him in one and the same room, he anticipated her submitting to his will and fulfill his every wish, and be servile and obedient, at least his father promised him so. That would be a natural reaction of a mudblood living in front of someone from such noble family as theirs, said he. "Use her well, son, and when time will come, we'll get rid of the rubbish like her" - added Lucius. Draco would be glad to share his father's confidence, but looking at the closed door he couldn't help approving of her. But aloud he said: - I'll make you obey me! Immediately the door flung open and Hermione said resolutely: - I say stop it, Malfoy, or.. - Or what? - Malfoy looked really interested. - Or I'll take points from you for the insulting of the Head Girl! - You can't take points from me, - Malfoy looked puzzled, - Nowhere is told that it's allowed! - Nowhere is told that it's not! So shut up and don't disturb me! - snapped she and slammed the door to the Head Girls bedroom right before Draco's nose.
At breakfast next day they all got their new schedules. While Harry was looking through his schedule, a loud cry broke the silence of the early morning: "No! I'm not going to study this!" It was nobody else but Malfoy. - I wonder what could have annoyed him so hard. - murmured Ron - Well, I guess this - Harry pointed to a note under the time-table, which said: "Students from wizarding families are obligated to attend Muggle Studies." - I'm going to speak to my father! - roared Malfoy. - As a matter of fact, Mr. Malfoy - the voice was coming from the teachers table and it belonged to the new headmaster - it was your father who insisted on initiation of this course for the pure-blood wizards. - My father? - Malfoy looked perplexed, just like Harry, Ron, Hermione and the others did. - Lucius must have gone mad. - said Harry definitely. Malfoy dropped to his place, obviously thinking like Harry. But Harry already had another idea. Fudge might be after him here, but he dislikes Malfoy as well. No wonder, new headmaster seemed to hate his new job. Harry liked the thought of Fudge revenging on Lucius through expelling his son from school. Poor Hermione! Will she make it - to live with this git? - Herm, are you OK? - asked he anxious. - Sure, why? - Well, I mean Malfoy. You know, if he hurts you, just tell me and I . - And you'll make some stupid thing and be sacked out of school right into Voldemort's warm embrace! - Hermione didn't let him finish. - No, Harry, I'd better cope with it myself! - But Hermione! I am your friend, I must protect you! - You just deal with your problems, don't worry about me. - said Hermione in a soft voice. - I'll manage it, for sure! Indeed she didn't want to burden him with her problems, Harry knew it and appreciated it. But sometimes he felt guilty - if she wasn't his friend, she probably had it much more easier in her life. Now, when they were dating secretly, he was really afraid for her. People, who dared come close to him, tended to die.