I don't own Harry Potter….yet. No infringement intended.

The story starts at the beginning of Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts. It is, however, not perfectly canon, as the chronology is a bit out of order. I do try to incorporate English slang and stuff, but it's not going to be all that spectacular. Thanks for reading! :D Oh yeah…major male on male action involved. Minor heterosexual stuff too in the future ;)

Chapter 1 A Spell Most Sinister

Harry skipped the trick step. "I don't know what the big deal is. All I did was hex him. I mean, he's hexed us like a million times already! Why are you up in arms over this?" he asked, a little irritated.

"I just don't think certain spells are really appropriate for school rivalries. I mean, the Half-Blood Prince seems a bit sketchy now with that terrible curse he has." Brown bushy hair bobbed in indignation.

"It was a bit harsh, mate."

"Yeah? Well he's not dead or anything, ok?" Harry didn't like defending himself, but he knew they were right. He didn't have any idea that the Sectumsempra curse was such an instrument of brutality before he used it. He had grown to like the Half-Blood Prince and this just didn't sit well. In a way, he felt almost sorry for Malfoy, but quickly he vanquished that thought.

"Fine. I didn't know it would be so…bad. But I still don't think what I did was wrong. It was Malfoy," Harry finished with a defiant grunt.

"We don't care about that slimy git, Harry. It's just that we don't want you to be too aggressive. It's not like you to use such...uhh—" Ron couldn't think of the word. His face looked comically contorted.

"Sinister spells!" Hermione finished loudly. "It was downright sinister! I understand that you didn't know what it would do, but that doesn't excuse anything. Just don't do it again, Harry. It's not right."

"Oh, well spotted Mom. I really thought it would be best if I could just prance around making people bleed out of every part of their body. I really do fancy others' pain, you know." Harry rolled his eyes angrily. Ron only got the sarcasm after Harry had finished, before which, he looked quite worried.

"Well, we know you aren't a bad person, Harry. Let's just go eat. It's dinner time and I'm starving!" Ron said, instantly growing boisterous.

Ron always knows how to lighten the mood. Even if it's always food he defaults to, it's still nice to know that he isn't so bogged down with all this doom and gloom.

"You're a bit peaky, Harry. I think we should eat." Hermione said this as if Ron hadn't just suggested it. Thanks again, mom, Harry thought. Harry loved to tease Hermione about her parental nagging and ridiculous obsession with school, but in the end, that's why he loved her. She was everything Ron couldn't be in a friend and Harry knew that he was lucky to have her.

Ron on the other hand, looked only a little affronted. Harry guessed that he didn't make an issue of it because they were going to eat, regardless of who suggested it. As they walked down out of the portrait hole and into the halls, Neville called to them. The Golden Trio turned around to welcome their friend. They travelled to the Great Hall together. Harry was talking adamantly with Ron about the upcoming Quidditch practice. He was extremely pleased to see that Ron was only nervous in the good way, not in the performance-crippling way.

"Guys! Here!" Dean Thomas half shouted half choked to the entering Gryffindors. Harry took his spot next to Dean and Ron flanked Harry in turn. Hermione and Neville were surprisingly talkative and almost walked right by. Harry didn't notice this loquaciousness between the two because he was quite entertained by Dean's choking. Dean's face was a contorted brown mess, trying to get the bit of steak either up or down out of his airway. Harry tried the classic slap on the back, but that only earned him a panicked look from Dean.

"Anapneo," Neville said confidently. Everyone turned to him after seeing Dean recover quickly. He looked immediately embarrassed and for some reason, looked to Hermione for some back up.

"Neville is a bit accident-prone, you see," Hermione started characteristically. "A lot of the spells that fix such accidents as…choking, for instance, have – well – come up in his life many times. He is smart enough to remember those useful spells, so I think a thank you is in order." Neville Longbottom nodded a little too vigorously. Harry thought it was a bit sad that the best way for Neville to learn spells was for him to require them used on him, habitually.

"Thanks, mate!" Dean said, not even spluttering. It seemed the spell worked perfectly. Harry was glad that Neville knew the spell, regardless of why he knew it. They all tucked in to their wonderful meats, pies, drinks, and puddings. Ron was voracious as usual and Hermione looked a little sad. Ever since she found out that House-elves made the food, she always felt bad for eating the food. But her efforts with S.P.E.W. were enough to convince her that she needed their food to work on their behalf.

Harry shook his head at Hermione's odd politics and ate until he was too full. He only slightly regretted eating so much when they had to walk back to the common room. It was nice to know that his other friends didn't berate him with questions about Malfoy. Word had gotten around that Harry had attacked Malfoy, the details remaining secret. He really didn't like feeling guilty for something like that and if he talked about it, he would. The stairs moved annoyingly while they were on one flight, and they all waited patiently as ever for it to go back to where they intended it to go.

I never understood why they made such a confusing mess of the whole stair situation. Sure it's intriguing the first time you come here, but you'd think everyone would get over it and fix these things so they weren't so…whimsical. If you can even call magical stairs whimsical at all, that is.

"Dilligrout," Ron spoke to the Fat Lady. As she swung open in a sort of dignified woosh, Harry could see the fire was roaring inside. He felt immensely lazy with all the food in his stomach. He couldn't wait to just plop down on the couch and laze around. Harry looked over at Ron, to see if he was in agreement, and of course, Ron was practically drooling at the cozy common room. The last to enter was Hermione, which gave the boys time to run to the couches before she caught them. It was sort of a game the boys played. If they managed to look tired enough, they hoped Hermione wouldn't bug them about that stupid essay due on Wednesday.

"I believe you have 13 inches to write about why the Giants never joined the International Cooperation for the Advancement of Non-Human Magical Creatures." Hermione said disregarding the pulled faces Harry and Ron were both making.

"I'll give you 13 inches, doll!" Ron said, more for Harry's amusement than for a real insult. Harry couldn't help but grin at the joke. Lately, he had been finding it hard to make a joke that wasn't blatantly sexual. He didn't even try for subtlety or tact, but went for the shock value. Ron seemed to be in the same state. Hermione looked scandalized, but she too smiled and responded.

"You know, Ronald," at which Ron cringed, "One of these days, it's going to be well known that you have nothing of any importance between your legs. It's my assumption that it is like you: thin, pale, awkward, and covered in red hair. That is, of course, unless you intend to remain a virgin for the rest of your life. Then we'll never know." She gave a mock disappointed look. Hermione also had a sexual streak, but it was more clinical and harsh when it came to jokes. Harry thought that she stung Ron a little with her words. Nonetheless, Harry smiled broadly, happy that he wasn't the target of any such rebuts.

"Hermione, you know we have no idea why Giants do anything and we don't even know what the International Cooperation of anything is. So either we're not doing it, or you're helping us. Which is it, then?" Harry felt like he had cornered her.

"Neither. You two have eyes, I notice. So I think you'll be quite fine with reading for a bloody change. All the answers are in the book, you know. It's not rocket science," Hermione looked proud to have escaped Harry's 'trap'. Ron's face looked bewildered for only a moment at the term "rocket science" but Harry just shook his head so Ron didn't take issue.

It turned out that Hermione was right…in a way. The answers were all in the book, true, but they were encrypted to look like boring drivel. Harry thought that it was a clever way to hide the answers, one that required cunning and expertise. It was only his slightly delusional state that led him to read most of the chapter on Giants. He felt like a code-breaker. Ron was taking his lead but was only staring at the pictures.

"CODE CRACKED!" Harry yelled. Ron looked utterly surprised and jumped. The common room was rather full, but it was practically dead quiet. Everyone looked at him in mild concern. It was not unusual for Gryffindors to ignore Harry's outbursts. They all assumed it had something to do with some mission about Voldemort with Dumbledore and Ron and Hermione were in on it. The status quo. They didn't want to know about it really, but they still worried about the raven-haired boy. It was a quiet sort of worry. They would be there if he needed them, but they didn't want to intrude.

With 8 inches done, Harry looked over at Ron's parchment. It was blank except for a scribbled name. Sometimes, Harry wondered if Ron was really dumb, or just lazy. Harry didn't consider himself dense, but he knew that in light of Hermione's brilliance, he would always have a secondary intellectual role. He didn't mind. He was just happy to have such nice friends that cared for him. In fact, he only last year realized that he really loved both Ron and Hermione. He knew he would die for them and he didn't mind that it was just the Gryffindor in him. He was like this before he was sorted anyway, he told himself.

Becoming older, Harry started to feel funny about girls. It was as if a dimmer switch has been broken off in the full-on position. He always noticed a girl walking by, especially if she was anywhere near attractive. He had gone to the Yule Ball a couple years ago and that was an eye-opener, surely, but now he was almost ravenous for some romantic relations.

I'm not like most guys; I don't just want sex. I don't even know if I'll enjoy sex. I mean…it's sort of scary. I have to put this in that, make her feel good too, kiss, cuddle, etc… I actually would like to cuddle. The kissing is fine enough, I guess. Cho was crying when we kissed, but it was ok. I just want to feel someone in my arms for once. I always knew I had a protective streak…ok protective personality disorder (PPD), but I didn't think it would spill over into romance. I would just love to have someone to hold and protect and be there for. I guess I'm a lot different than most guys.

"Mione. Can you proof this? I did a lot," Harry said proudly. He used his nickname for Hermione when he wanted something from her. It almost always worked. She had stopped blushing every time he said it now, but she still smiled softly.

"Oh?" and a brown eyebrow reached into her hairline. She looked alarmingly skeptical.

"Oh. You did! Harry, I knew you were smart! I just always wished you did yourself justice. I'm glad you did your work, but you still have 5 inches left." She beamed at him. Harry felt a little crestfallen. He thought 8 inches was closer to 13 than that.

After Harry finished his full assignment, he still felt full and lazy. He was sleepy from the food and the fire. He almost decided to skip the bed and just sleep in the comfy armchair he was sitting in. Summoning his will, he leapt up and startled Ron again. Harry cantered over to the staircase and climbed into his four-poster, eyes already closed.

Harry woke up in his pajamas. For a second he was a bit surprised, but remembered that this had happened before. He didn't mind sleeping in his clothes, but someone always changed him into his PJs if he didn't do it himself. He didn't even tell Ron or Hermione about it. It didn't matter to them anyway, he thought.

Secretly, he thought it was quite sweet that someone dressed him. He didn't fail to notice that whoever it was would have to take off his clothes first. He felt the blood rush to his cheeks at the thought of some guy undressing him fully. Trivially, he wondered why he imagined that it was a boy. Of course, he thought, it's a boy's dormitory. Girls don't come in here. He shrugged and got dressed in his usual school attire. It was about the same time that everyone woke up. The common room was filled with sleepy-eyed teens all wandering around aimlessly. Some looked utterly resentful that they had woken up 3 minutes earlier than was absolutely necessary. They seemed forced to roam the minutes away. Harry would have done the same, busying himself with stupid things like repacking his bag or something, but Hermione caught Harry's arm and led him to the Great Hall.

Why didn't she take Ron's arm too? I really hope Hermione doesn't have a crush on me or anything. That would be an unfortunate turn of events.

Ron seemed to notice this behavior too. He only watched them through the corners of his eyes, but Harry noticed anyway. They reached the Great Hall and Harry felt in a very good mood. There had been nothing out of the ordinary so far in the year. It was only the 4th week, but no hint of another scandal made itself known to Harry, and he liked it that way. It was all fine and dandy to be the hero in some sense for 5 years running, but he was really interested in what a normal year at Hogwarts would be like.

He didn't notice Snape's eyes boring deep into his head from the staff table.

Harry did his customary scan of the Great Hall. He looked at the Ravenclaw table and found Cho's face. He smiled and looked further on. The Hufflepuff table was unimpressive. Harry always thought that the Hufflepuffs were simply the people who weren't brave, smart, or ambitious. They didn't have much to offer, in other words. The Slytherin table was unremarkable too, except for the tell-tale group with Malfoy. The blond looked pained but hard faced. A pang of guilt shot through Harry at the sight of his injured foe. He almost felt like apologizing. Almost.

Malfoy looked up while Harry was staring at him. Their eyes locked and for some unknowable reason, Harry had a hard time managing a satisfactory glare. Malfoy had no such trouble. His eyes were full of contempt and utter disdain. Harry thought that it wasn't the best feeling, to be hated. He noted that he couldn't ever win Malfoy's friendship even if he wanted to. Not like he wanted that brat's friendship anyway. But he still felt a little disappointed that there were actually limits to who could be his friends. He didn't like that at all.

Holding the gaze, Harry's face slackened into simple serenity. He gave up the glare and Malfoy responded with an odd mixture of surprise and curiosity. A blond eyebrow raised in question made Harry realize that they had been staring at each other for awhile. Harry smiled reflexively and attended to his plate. Malfoy, however, kept looking at Harry. He had no idea what to make of the smile. Doubtless it was to lead to a plan to bring his demise. Malfoy smiled sardonically. Well, he thought, it wasn't going to be very easy to bring about his doom.

Inwardly though, Malfoy felt oddly hopeful. He didn't really know how to deal with stupid hope. It was such a Gryffindor thing to do. He didn't even know what he was hopeful for. Stupid hormones or something, Malfoy thought.

Snape had noted the stare between the black and blond-haired boy. His lips curled into an unwavering snarl. He did not like Harry Potter smiling at Draco Malfoy. He knew it was probably nothing, but he planned to take twenty points from Gryffindor if Harry even so much as spoke ill of Slytherin in general or Malfoy in particular. The potions master had been on edge ever since Harry had cast the Sectumsempra curse on his prized pupil. Not only was it his spell and he hated Harry for knowing and using it, he also hated Harry for using it on the boy who deserved it least.

Malfoy was no saint, but almost everything he did was a product of his parental relationships and his unfortunate ties to the Dark Lord. Snape felt something similar to sympathy, but quickly morphed it into pity, and then into anger. He would not let the Dark Lord or Mr. Potter get their hands on Draco Malfoy. He was not to be touched, Snape thought protectively.

"Harry? You do know that we have classes today, don't you?" Hermione's voice pierced what little reverie Harry had been in like a hunting bolt. Harry realized soon enough that Hermione had said something. The two others were already standing, looking at Harry. Apparently he had been thinking and didn't realize breakfast was over. He nodded and got up. He was still in a good mood, despite the weird staring contest with Malfoy.

"Hey, I was thinking," Ron said, "Since we have double potions today, do you think we could skip the first half and go to the second and get the potion done anyway? I mean, that's all the matters really. We just need to get the potion done. And it's not like I ever get it right anyway."

"That sounds brilliant!" Harry cheered. He didn't for a second believe it would work, but he really liked fantasizing about skipping Potions. Hermione didn't take them seriously and they all headed to the dark, dismal dungeons together. Harry couldn't understand why some guy named Slytherin, hundreds of years ago, wanted to live in a place like the Hogwarts dungeons. Now, hundreds of years after he died, his house must suffer the same fate of gloomy walls and dim light.

They entered and found that they weren't first to arrive. Malfoy was already sitting and talking to his cronies. Harry tried to hear what he was saying, but only succeeded in looking like an idiot. Malfoy saw Harry craning his neck to listen. He smiled, or for him, he smirked. Either Potter was losing it or something was up, he thought.

Slughorn entered in his usual bumbling sort of manner. Harry had grown to think of Slughorn as a cautious, elitist, and mild man. He wasn't as bad as Snape, so Harry could hardly complain about anything.

"Hello class," he began, "Today's potion is a bit tricky. It requires quite a bit of patience, mind you. The reward is a marvelous brew that you all might be familiar with. Today, we're doing Gauisus Venenum. Yes, that's right. The potion is the infamous happy potion. As you're probably aware, its effects are quite strong. It doesn't technically make you happy in the true sense, but it is most like alcohol. Anyone competent enough to make it correctly will get to take home a vial. That's only one draft, but it'll be enough for some…let's say…fun. You'll find the instructions on page 68 in your books. You may begin. And good luck all!"

Harry quickly turned to page 68 to make sure the Half-Blood Prince left something of value for this potion. To his relief, it was chalk full of margin corrections and ingredient revisions. He smiled before setting about making the potion as per the scrawled instructions. Within the hour, he had a cauldron full of a neon orange liquid. It was almost too bright to look at. Slughorn nodded approvingly at Harry cauldron as he walked by. He stopped at everone else's station to make corrections here and there, but Harry simply got the nod. His grin widened.

Fine. I won't use the Half-Blood Prince's spells because they're a little dark. But I don't care what Hermione says, these potions work perfectly. Why didn't the author put this stuff in instead? I'm only using the book for potions, so that should be harmless enough.

The final add of a vial of Sun's Ray made a heat emanate from Harry's cauldron that the entire class could feel. The all looked at him, quizzically. Slughorn smiled. Sure that that was a good sign, Harry stirred the figure eight eleven times and then clockwise four. The result was a marvelous mint green. It looked delicious. That could hardly be said of any of the other potions. Harry was sure that he'd be getting a vial of this because his book hadn't led him astray yet.

Walking to Transfiguration with his friends, Harry fingered the vial in his pocket. He thought he better save it. He was already so happy at how the day was shaping up that he doubted the potion could help at all.

Next time I'm depressed, I'm chugging this bad boy down right away.

Finally, after another school day, Harry remembered the vial again. He wasn't as happy as he had started, but surely he wasn't sad. He replaced the vial in his drawer and dressed down to his PJs. Ron was doing the same.

"Hey, Ron." Harry said. "You notice Hermione acting a bit odd lately?"

"Now that you mention it, I did notice that she was holding your arm earlier. What was that about?"

"I have no idea. I thought maybe she…you know. Liked me." Harry finished lamely.

"I don't know, mate. She doesn't seem the type to… like like anyone," Ron pointed out.

"I guess I just never thought of her as a proper girl, you know? I mean, why not though? She's pretty cool. As far as girls go, that is. We know her really well and stuff too." Harry didn't know why he was only just realizing all this now.

"I guess. I always thought that I'd lose my virginity by now." Ron's admission came out of nowhere, Harry thought.

"What? Oh…yeah. Me too. I just haven't had time, you know? I've been busy. And most of the girls just aren't right in the head. They're always giggling and traveling in hordes and I'm pretty sure there's no way to make them happy." Harry just didn't get girls at all. To tell the truth, he was a little frightened of the prospects of having to get another girl to go out with him. The first time didn't go so well and he had to default to Parvati. What if he had to have sex with her!?

"Yeah.." Ron trailed off.

"Night, then." Harry said while climbing into his sheets. He knew he was going to sleep well.

Next morning, Harry awoke from a dream. It wasn't a nightmare, but it surely wasn't a dream he wanted to repeat. He had been a house-elf in Malfoy Manor. He knew how the house-elves were treated there and it wasn't all that great. But the part that stuck in his head the most was how different Malfoy was. He didn't seem arrogant and snobby at all. He seemed quite the opposite in fact. He only mumbled responses to his father and never looked up. He slouched when he walked and looked positively despondent.

Harry tried to imagine Malfoy like that now, but his mind just couldn't force that face into sadness. He had walked into Malfoy's room, which was rather formless, and had asked Malfoy to command him. It was an odd memory, to ask permission from Draco Malfoy, but Harry recollected that Malfoy didn't tell him to do anything. He just sat on his bed and cried. Harry didn't like the idea and decidedly felt down about the whole affair. He showered and got ready with a fair bit of sloth.

Finally dressed and ready for the day, he headed back down to the Great Hall where his friends were waiting for him. This time, his eyes shot straight to Malfoy. Malfoy looked right back. This time, no glares were exchanged and Harry even started getting concerned. What was going on?

I really hope that dream had no truth to it. I really hope Malfoy is still heartless. I can't bear to think what it would be like to hate someone who was decent. It just wouldn't be right. Maybe I should apologize to him for the incident. At least, just to see what he does.

Taking hold of the vial of Gauisus Venenum, Harry contemplated downing it right now. Alas, his friends beckoned and he strode over to the table to eat. He was too hungry for stupid stunts like apologizing to a sworn enemy. After breakfast though, he had a free period, seeing as it was Tuesday, and he decided that now was as good a time as any. He had hoped to save the potion longer than a day, but it was necessary. Leaving the table with a half-muttered excuse, Harry exited the hall.

Unbeknownst to Harry, however, Gauisus Venenum was not to be taken lightly and to compare it alcohol was a gross understatement. In fact, the concoction was potent in one thing: killing inhibitions. It was as if the drinker never belonged to society at all. Every emotional, social, and physical boundary was shattered. It only lasted about 1 hour, but that was more than enough to cause some mayhem. Slughorn had been very interested to know what would come of Harry's potion. He hoped it brought a little entertainment to the school, and hopefully not at Harry's expense.

The liquid tasted like chocolate and raspberry. Harry opened his eyes wide as he tried to get all the potion into his mouth. It was so sweet and delicious. He had sojourned in the prefects' bathroom for this little expedition into unknown waters. It was vacant and Harry soon began to wish it wasn't. He wanted to talk to someone, really bad. He wanted to do something. Right now!

Half jogging and half skipping, Harry made his way to the Great Hall. He had no idea what he was going to do, but he knew that there were people there. He wanted to be around people. Then he remembered that he was going to apologize to Malfoy. He smiled and skipped on over to the Slytherin table. He tapped Malfoy on the shoulder and when the boy turned around, surprise struck at the normally stoic face.

"Can I help you?" he drawled.

"Yes you can. I really would love to talk to you right now. Outside would be best. I promise I won't do anything, but I have to warn you, I'm feeling in a good mood." Harry burst out laughing.

"No thanks."

"Awww please?! Come on! I just want to talk to you really quickly. I would tell you right here, but I don't think it would make you very happy. I don't want to make you sad." Harry maintained the smile that he realized was starting to hurt his face.

"Go ahead." Malfoy sighed. Harry didn't know if he meant go outside or go ahead and tell him right there.

"OK!" Harry started skipping out of the Great Hall. It had been about a 20 minute wait for Harry, but he waited.

"What?" Malfoy sneered as he joined Harry outside.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what that spell would do. I hate it. I'm really sorry that I hurt you like that. Not even you deserve that. Can you forgive me?" Harry peered at Malfoy hopefully.

"No. Why are you being weird, Potter?" Malfoy asked.

"I'm not being weird. What can I do to make it up to you?" Harry leapt forward and embraced Malfoy around the sides.

"What are you—" Malfoy tried to pry Harry off himself, but to no avail. Harry held on.

"I'm really really really really really sorry!" He said quite loudly. "Tell me what I need to do."

"Is this what Gryffindors call apologizing? You're practically groveling. Pathetic," Malfoy said after giving up. Harry held onto Malfoy until slowly he released the blond boy. Silence overtook them. Malfoy was eyeing Harry wearily, as if he was ill or something.

Harry, on the other hand, felt perfectly fine to wait in silence. He didn't notice Malfoy getting uncomfortable though.

"If that's it," Malfoy said before turning.

"But you haven't forgiven me! Come on. I really didn't mean to hurt you like that. I know we're supposed to be enemies, but I really just do it 'cause it's easier than liking you. I don't even know why we're so opposed. Do you?" Harry spoke rather fast, but sincerely.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. But, I imagine it has something to do with my father and your accusations of dark allegiance on my part. Or maybe because you're so insufferable, that I hated you from the first time I laid eyes on you. Or MAYBE it's because you can't stand having someone dislike you, so your reaction is simply reciprocation. Do you know what that means, Potter?" Malfoy was building up anger as he went. Harry only shook his head a little dumbly.

"It means that you just return the feelings that I have for you. You don't even think about them. You don't even consider the reasons for them. You're blind and stupid. I think that is probably why we are enemies. I still don't know what is going on with you, but I don't like it. I think we're done here." Malfoy turned to leave again but stopped when he heard what could only be a sob. He looked back, damning the urge to leave. Harry had his hands on his face. His shoulders were shaking sporadically. Malfoy faced the crying boy and watched. He didn't feel satisfied, as he thought he might if he saw Harry Potter cry.

In fact, Malfoy didn't like it at all. It was just…stupid. He needs to stop right now. It's getting annoying. Inwardly marveling that he was about to do what he was about to do, Malfoy moved towards Harry.

"I'm really sorry—I-I-I don't hate you. I do just return attitudes. I really wanted you to like me at first, but you—didn't!" Malfoy rolled his eyes at how absolutely dramatic the boy was being. Every sob was cringe worthy. "I really hate hating you. I wish you didn't hate me. I want to be friends, but you don't. I feel really bad for hurting you so much."

"Yeah, your apology was quite clear, thank you," Malfoy snapped. He was unsure why he stuck around. He should go, he thought.

"So can you ever forgive me?" Harry said looking up. Malfoy caught his breath. Actually seeing the tears in Harry's eyes made him feel very uncomfortable. He didn't like this at all. Suddenly it clicked. Draco Malfoy hadn't spent all that time around Professor Snape for nothing. He recognized the raw emotions, the uncharacteristic personality flares, and the ignorance of physical boundaries as symptoms of Gauisus Venenum. His lips lifted into a smile. He felt it deep in his throat and then let out a peal of laughter. Harry looked stunned and hurt.

"I see you have taken Gauisus Venenum. A worthy prize for a cheater. So, you actually are like this? The potion doesn't make you do things that you don't want to do…even if it is deeply recessed" Malfoy mused.

"Can you?" Harry asked, ignoring Malfoy's observation.

"Have you taken Gauisus Venenum?" Malfoy asked.

"Yes. Who cares? Honestly, Malfoy, I need to get your forgiveness or I won't be happy. It's been eating away at me. I'm just not the kind of guy who can hurt someone and be fine with it." Harry almost pleaded.

"Why couldn't you ask me this without the help of the potion? Too afraid?" Malfoy was enjoying this. He might be able to squeeze some nice secrets out before this was over.

"Of course. You're not exactly the easiest guy to talk to. I don't like confronting you and I thought that the potion would just make me a little more upbeat or something. I didn't expect it to result in crying in front of you. But it doesn't matter. All I need from you is forgiveness. If you can't give it now, tell me how I can get it. Hurry, because without the potion I probably wouldn't admit all of this." Harry rapidly spewed.

"It's almost as good as Veritaserum," Malfoy observed. "Alright, Potter. If you tell me the spell that you used on me then I'll forgive you. Of course, I'll have to use it on you so that we're even."

"That's a bit harsh!" Harry protested. He knew it was fair, but he didn't want to be in pain at all. It looked like a bad curse to receive, to say the least.

"It's my price. I promise to get Severus over here fast enough so you don't die. Maybe it'll be too late, but that is just the risk you'll have to take, isn't it?" Malfoy had an unseemly smile on his face. It was most malicious and he felt emboldened to take it one step further. "And I'll always have the spell so you'll always be afraid that I might use it on you. If you want my forgiveness, then you'll have to tell me the incantation."

Their eyes locked. Malfoy was determined to get his revenge and Harry was determined to get his forgiveness. Deep down, Harry had always wanted everyone's approval. He hungered for people to like him, to need him. Now, though, it was going to cost him. He couldn't help but rationalize that Malfoy's good graces were worth anything. Usually, his conscience would have intervened long ago, but now, he was completely susceptible to his true feelings.

"Promise I won't die? That seems a little dodgy. How do I know you won't let me die right here? I think I need some insurance." Harry hadn't lost his brains, just his filter.

"Unbreakable Vow then?" Malfoy offered. Harry was stunned. That was quite serious! Malfoy motioned for Crabbe to come over. His cronies were never far, even when he was 'alone'. They needed a third person for the spell. Crabbe was the only one capable of the two brutes. He had some proficiency in the darker spells and the Unbreakable Vow was common among the Death Eaters. They lacked the trust necessary for any sincere promises.

"Would you?" Harry marveled. He had only recently learned what the Unbreakable Vow was. He knew he could trust it.

"I am a man of my word, Potter. I know that in this state, you are too. Let's get it going, shall we? I don't know how much longer before your entertaining potion wears off." Malfoy motioned to Crabbe once more and the beefy boy lifted his arm and pointed it in the air between the other boys. Malfoy raised his hand and so did Harry. They met and held each other's hands formally. Harry smiled at Malfoy.

"I hope we can be friends after this. I don't think a lot of what you do is your fault. It's your parents that forced you into this situation. I'm sorry for that too." Crabbe mumbled something and Harry immediately felt his grip on Malfoy tighten. Both boys looked concernedly at their hands as a luminous strand bound them.

"Umm. Do you, Draco Malfoy, vow to insure Harry Potter from mortal peril?"

"I do." Malfoy grinned. Harry's eyes never left Malfoy's.

"Do you, Draco Malfoy, vow to forgive Harry Potter for his trespasses?"

"I do." Malfoy said, looking at Crabbe, quite bewildered at his vocabulary.

"Do you, Draco Malfoy, vow to notify Severus Snape of the incident that is about to occur in time to save Harry Potter's life?"

"I do. That's basically the same thing, Crabbe! Are we done?" Malfoy sneered derisively.

"I accept your vow to save my life, Draco Malfoy," Harry said seriously. He was satisfied and they released hands. He was going to get what he wanted. So was Malfoy, for that matter.

"Alright, let's hear it, Potter."

"Sectum-Sempra," Harry enunciated clearly.

"Mmm. Ready?" Malfoy nodded and waited for Harry's consent. Realizing the stupidity of this, he brandished his wand and clearly spoke the incantation.

Harry's body was instantly on the ground. His screams echoed in the empty classroom this had all taken place in. Malfoy watched as the gruesome scene unfolded. Harry's body writhed as long cuts started appearing on his chest, his arms, and his face. Malfoy was startled by the brutality of it all. He didn't even know there were cuts when he received it. All he knew was the pain. Harry passed out from the pain and lay there motionless. Malfoy's mouth hung open. He bolted from the room. He was NOT going to die because he failed to save that stupid boy.

As luck would have it, Severus Snape was walking briskly down to the dungeons, his home. Malfoy shouted the professor's name. Snape turned sharply and narrowed in on Draco's running form.

"Come quick. He's dying. You must save him like you saved me!" Malfoy only just finished the words when Snape's cloak already wooshed past him. Snape was covering ground faster than Malfoy thought possible. Malfoy yelled in front of him while he ran, "Room 140b". Snape abruptly stopped and turned into the classroom he was about to pass. The blond-haired boy arrived only seconds later. Snape was already working on Harry's body. Malfoy looked at the gore. He knew now why Harry had been so eager, however clandestinely, to redeem himself. Not many would have cast this curse so flippantly.

"Will he be all right?" Malfoy asked. Snape nodded while he kept running his hands through the air above the heaving chest. His wand was glowing at the tip, but nothing else seemed to be happening. The tallish boy let out a large breath. He had been so worried that he had made a vow that he couldn't keep. Never had he cared more for Harry's wellbeing. Malfoy thought to himself that if he had Gauisus Venenum, he would probably feel equally guilty. This revelation was deeply disturbing to him. He was supposed to be a torturer, a killer even. His father would be disappointed if he knew of these feelings of regret.

Malfoy made to leave, but Snape spoke as he reached the door.

"Who did this?" he questioned, standing up straight.

"I did. It was in return for his attack earlier." Malfoy hoped that this would suffice.

"How do you know the incantation?" Snape looked angry.

"Remembered it from when he used it," he pointed to the unconscious body of Harry Potter.

"Doubtful. Why were you two alone in here?" interrogated the wizard. Malfoy didn't know where to look. He certainly didn't want to look at Harry and he couldn't look at Snape. He settled for the uncharacteristic gaze to the floor.

"Well, he had taken Gauisus Venenum and wanted me to do the spell to him so that he wouldn't feel guilty. I simply obliged."

"Gauisus Venenum? Of course. I bet that was interesting. Why did you not let him die?" Enough with the questions, old man, Malfoy thought.

"I made an Unbreakable Vow to save him. Otherwise he wouldn't give me the incantation," the boy explained.

"So you didn't remember it. You do know what happens if you break that vow? I would expect you to know better than to enter into such a bond so carelessly. Tell me the vow you made," Snape commanded.

"I swore I would get you to save him. I'm free now, though. So it's not a big deal." Malfoy looked into Snape's eyes. All he saw was anger tempered by hatred.

"Nothing else? Give me the wording." Snape looked unconvinced that it was no big deal.

Crabbe spoke up in a rare voluntary act. "Draco swore that he would insure Harry Potter from mortal peril and to forgive Harry Potter for his trespasses." Snape looked at Crabbe critically.

"That's correct." Malfoy eyed Snape daringly. He didn't need to be told off by Snape. He was quite capable of making vows when he wanted.

"Idiot." Snape stated.

"Excuse me? I have fulfilled my vow. If he's going to be fine, I'm going to leave."

"No you're not. First, do you realize that you vowed to forgive Harry Potter for his trespasses? That is not specific. That is hardly in your control as well. Do you forgive Harry Potter? Not yet, no you don't. You better soon. Those ambiguous vows are tricky to tell what will happen. Maybe you'll never be beholden to that one until you die, which wouldn't matter. But more importantly, you have sworn to protect this boy from mortal peril!" Snape seethed.

"It was only meant for this particular instance—" Malfoy tried to protest.

"Unless you specified that in the vow, you are now responsible for protecting Harry-bloody-Potter from mortal danger! Do you not see how that might conflict with some of your superior's wishes?! You truly outdid yourself, Draco. It is in the past now. It cannot be reversed, so we must plan a way for you to protect this brat and still maintain the Dark Lord's good graces. He needn't know about this of course." Snape looked almost beside himself. An artery pulsed on his neck and Malfoy stared at it. Even the blood in Snape's body looked angry, Draco thought.

Well, that spell certainly was something, he thought to himself as he sat next to Harry. Now bound to the Boy Who Lived, Draco felt sudden relief. It was as if the unconscious boy had taken away Draco's responsibilities. He couldn't be forced to harm the boy in any way. At least, he thought, I don't have to kill a classmate. Darkly he corrected himself: I don't have to kill this classmate. Malfoy didn't like this burdening boy, but he thought it was quite welcome. He had never been in charge of protecting anyone. It was always the opposite. He didn't even know what he had to do.

Snape carried the blood soaked boy up to the hospital wing. Malfoy followed unthinking. He should probably tell his charge about the situation. I don't have to be nice to him, Malfoy reminded himself. I just have to keep him alive.

To be continued.