disclaimers: dont own it

warnings: boy x boy love

summary: Draco needs protection from Voldemort and the only one who can supply it is Sirius. Will Draco be able to look past his hate for Harry and will Sirius be able to look past his contempts for Draco? SLASH! takes place sixth year Harry/Remus slash inside too. ^_^ Ron/Hermione (I'm a shipper of them)

Title: Roses Blooming in December

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Draco Malfoy was dieing, at least it appeared that way to Albus Dumbledore. The young man who kept his appearance in top shape was now a battered rag- doll. The silverly locks of blonde hair splayed against the pillow, framing the angelic face. Grotesque bruises marred his pale skin, one enticing silver eye was developing a shiner, an arm was in a sling, scars and wounds tore at his slender body. Albus, on his chair at Draco's bedside, sighed. Draco, no matter how arrogant and selfish, didn't deserve what Voldemort did to him.

It had happened just yesterday. Without warning, Voldemort and his Death Eaters had attacked. It was swift and fortunately, nobody was hurt. That was until they discovered that Draco was missing. Students were gossiping that Draco had joined Voldemort once and for all. Albus' eyes flitted to Draco's bare wrist. There was the Dark Mark. It was rumored that Draco had recieved it the year before during Christmas. He'd kept it quiet and had suffered alone. Albus knew Draco didn't want to become another mindless servant of Voldemort's. He didn't want to become his father. Albus used every means, contacted the Order of Phoneix, to track Draco. Bill Weasley had found him; naked and bleeding. None knew what had been done to Draco. He was unconcious.

Albus heard the door open and a small smile spread across his features. "Harry, I had hoped you would come." The sixth year hesitantly stepped inside, fingers fiddling with the hem of his sleeve. The intoxicating emerald orbs flickered over the prone figure in the hospital bed. Harry swallowed, wrenching his sight from the horrible scene. Albus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "It is not your fault."

"I should've known Voldemort would come after him!" Harry berated himself, his voice passioned. He glanced at Draco again. Tears unbiddengly came to his eyes. "I could've prevented this. Malfoy's proven he's a victim of this entire ordeal. As much as I hate to admit it, I can't hold those grudges against him any longer. I want to help destroy that bastard." Harry's fist came crashing into his open palm. "Malfoy may loathe me but I can't let this go unpunished. I'm going after Voldemort whether you like it or not."

Albus's grin vanished as he sighed. "I knew you might. I'm going to contact the Order this morning." His eyes twinkled as he watched Harry smooth aside a strew strand of hair from Draco's forehead. "I'm glad to see you reaching maturity." Harry snatched his hand back, blushing and looking rather guilty. "You needn't say anything Harry. You've learned to care for him." The scruffy headed teen nodded, thumb carressing the albaster flesh. "Though, I wonder how you care for him? Could ~you~ learn to love him Harry?"

"I..I dont think so," Harry admitted sheepishly. "If...by some miracle he was able to care even remotely what I feel for him, I couldn't be with him. I'm related to this war, I'm number one on Voldemort's to kill list. It would only bring pain to him and I dont want that; not when he's suffered so much." Harry sank onto a chair beside Albus, looking twice his age. The weariness of the war was draining him. "I didnt come here to talk about my feelings for Malfoy. I came because we need to discuss the plans. I would like to go ahead and leave for Voldemort's strong hold with Ron, Hermione, and Professor Lupin."

"You have spoken to them of this already?"

"Yes. They said they would accompany me. I didnt want to drag them into this whole thing but they were insistent. Pr-"

"You can call him Remus," Albus reminded Harry gently.

Harry blushed. "Remus will be coming with me first, followed by Ron and Hermione a day later. I deduced its going to take at least two days to get there. We could apparate or use floo or even a Portkey but I'm positive that Voldemort has wards to alert him. We will have to go the muggle way. Professor Snape has created a potion to keep our body temperatures regulated normally so we can walk through the winter conditions unharmed."

"Ah, so that was what Percy kept ranting about. He's quite taken with Severus." Albus chuckled when Harry sputtered with shock bordering on disgust. "Thats our little secret. I think it will be hilarious to see this prospective relationship continue. Severus is a shut-in man." Harry shook his head with mirth. "I keep forgetting that your only sixteen. Older men have quaked under Voldemort's terror."

"I feel older," Harry said quietly. "Anyway, its almost breakfast time. I have to finalize the plans with Ron and Hermione. Professor...I mean Remus is going to be packing what little belongings we will need. Our magic can suffice for most of it."

"The Order will meet you in five days. Take Hedwig with you and we haven't heard word by the end of the fourth day, we'll apparate and storm the castle."

"Thank you. Sir...would you send me word when Draco wakes? I'd like to keep posted on his condition."

"Of course Harry."

"Also, I have a request. Sirius is arriving during lunch. I was thinking that Sirius should take Draco to another place, keep him out of harms way."

Albus arched a brow. "You think either will agree?"

"They wont have a choice. Sirius will, because I'll ask him and Malfoy.....he's too weak to protest. I should be going." Harry bowed his head slightly to Albus. With a crimson tint to his cheeks, he kissed Draco's cheek softly before turning on his heel and leaving.

Albus smiled. 'Perhaps I should ask him to become Headmaster once he graduates next year. He defintely seems older. I can only hope that everything with Harry's plan is full-proof and safe. As for this Draco and Sirius arrangement.....certain things can be expected....' With a wily grin, Albus removed the light from the room to leave the sleeping boy in peace.

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Harry entered the Great Hall, cheeks blazing. He'd just kissed Draco Malfoy, in front of the headmaster too! He banged his head against the Gryffindor table as he sat beside Ron. He wasn't supposed to feel anything for his rival. But damn, after seeing Draco bloodied, it was hard to feel any of that old resentment and anger. Harry gingerly gazed at his food, not hungry. A hand descended on his shoulder and he nearly jumped. He raised his head to meet the soleful amber pools of honey of Professor Lupin. Remus's brows were drawn in concern. "Are you alright Harry?"

"Uh...fine." As a lock of rebellious chestnut hair fell across Remus's nose, Harry pushed it aside and tucked it behind his ear. When he realised what he'd just done he hastily dropped his hand and blushed several interesting shades of red, no noting that Remus was doing the same. "S.Sorry. You just reminded me of Malfoy there for a second when his hair did that earlier."

Remus nodded, the surprise and warmth draining his heart but then cursed himself. Harry was half his age and would never want a man old enough to be his father. A half smile curled his lips. "No problem. You had better eat Harry, we have a long journey ahead of us." With a final pat to Harry's shoulder, Remus left.

Ron finished his meal, regarding Harry with confusion. "What were you doing with Malfoy? Especially touching that little git."

Hermione slapped her boyfriend roughly across the chest. "He at least has compassion! Mal-Draco's went through more than you could imagine. There are even rumors from Blaise Zambini that he was raped by those Death Eater freaks."

A hush settled over their side of the Great Hall. Harry buried his head in his arms. "Good going Hermione. Now everyone is going to think that Malfoy was ra-" Harry paused, seriously considering that Draco was raped. Harry dropped his spoon and took off for the infirmary; Hermione and Ron after him. They nearly collided with Blaise, Goyle, and Crabbe.

Blaise's dark brown, almost ebony eyes glittered with anger directed towards Voldemort. He snarled at the Dream Team. "Get out of the way!" Harry grabbed his arm, preventing him from going forward. "WHAT?!"

"Is it true?" Blaise cocked his head to the side, the look cleary telling Harry to exaggerate. "Is it true that Malfoy was raped." Blaise shot a glare at Hermione who scooted a little closer to Ron. "She did tell me. I want the truth Zambini."

".......I was there. I saw it. They wanted me to participate," Blaise clenched his jaw muscles tightly, his fists opening and closing. "But by then Draco had passed out from the pain and lack of blood." Blaise raised his eyes challeningly to Harry's. "What? Do you want to take Draco down while he's hurt? That would be your style. Hit them while their out for the count."

"You may not like me-"Blaise snorted-"But I am not innoble. Malfoy means....he just means alot to me." Four mouths opened but no words came out. "I dont expect you to believe that but its true. Zambini, how many people raped him?"

"I lost count after five. His father, the fucking bastard, was there watching alongside of You-Know-Who. Lucius ordered the first Death Eater, I think he was a student last year, to take a go at him, to break him. Looks as if he did, didn't he?" Blaise sighed, popping his knuckles. "I'm sorry for our past. I want to help Draco, so do Vincent and Sam." Blaise nodded towards the two boys behind him. "We're on our way to talk to Dumbledore about joining him against You-Know-Who."

"That would be most appreciated." Harry smiled at Blaise who returned it. "We need all the help we can get. Is...is Draco awake yet?"

"Pomfrey doesnt expect him to wake until around lunchtime. Are you going back to breakfast?" Blaise asked, starting to walk towards the Great Hall.

"Yeah....."

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. "What is he thinking? Trusting a Slytherin?"

Hermione shrugged, hand clasping Ron's. "Harry knows what he's doing and Blaise does seem to be sincere. I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt."

"I hope your right..."

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What'd you think?! ^_^