Title: Time Waits for No Man
Genre: Action/Angst/Romance
Disclaimer: This is purely a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter and all related characters and … are property of J.K.Rowling and Warner Bros. I make no profit from anything written here.
Warnings: Slash (explicit male/male relationship), het, non-canon compliant, violence, angst.
Author's Note: My first finished fic! I wrote it all before posting to ensure that I didn't wimp out. It was initially supposed to be a one shot, although I figured cliffies don't work so well unless you cut the story. Therefore it will be posted in two parts. So far is unbetaed – all mistakes belong to me. If anybody wants to take it on and beta, feel free to contact me
Summary: H/D. Story is AU from 6th year. Post Hogwarts. After finishing school Harry leaves England to study magic in Europe in the hope that one day he will return powerful enough to destroy Voldemort. When he returns 3 years later he is ready to take on the Dark Lord, but is he ready to face his past and rebuild bridges which were burned years ago
Part1
Each moment has its sickle, emulous
Of Time's enormous scythe, whose ample sweep
Strikes empires from the root.
-Edward Young
Harry ducked his head as he stepped out of the fire place. Grimmauld Place looked the same…but different. The house still screamed ancient pureblood manor, but somebody had obviously redecorated in the last three years as the décor looked positively modern. New leather sofa's and armchairs adorned the sitting room and the magnolia paint job breathed a fresh lease of life into the room.
"HARRY!"
He was pulled from his musings as a blur of long chocolate hair dashed towards him. Harry felt his face split into a wide grin as Hermione latched herself around his neck.
"Hey 'Mione," he murmured into her hair. She smelled of strawberries, coconut and something that was uniquely her. It was familiar, but different.
"God, Harry it's been too long." She leaned back, still keeping her hand on his shoulders and let her gaze sweep over him.
He had changed as much as she had in these past three years. They were both taller now, both had filled out into their bodies respectably. Hermione's hair was darker than he remembered it and straight. She looked older, wiser.
From the look in her eyes as her gaze raked over him Harry knew she was taking in his changes; the loss of his glasses, his leanly muscled torso from his three years of intensive training, the golden tan from many months in the intense sunshine, the five o'clock shadow that grazed his chin. All these factors combined to make him look startlingly older than the last time he saw her.
She grinned. "Look at you! You're a total fox!"
"I could say the same about you darlin'" Harry chuckled. "What'd you do to ya hair?" He murmured.
She blushed. "Well, first I dyed it then Mum and Dad bought me some GHD's…strictly for disguise purposes of course."
"Of course." Harry smirked.
"Good to have you back, mate," came a deep voice.
Harry grinned over Hermione's head as he caught sight of his flaming haired best friend. Ron was just the same, if not larger. He now resembled Charlie; strongly muscled in the arms and if Harry wasn't mistaken he was wearing a dragon fang around his neck.
"Hey Ron,' the two shook hands grinning, before pulling each other into a manly hug.
"Merlin, it's been far too long," said Ron, slapping Harry on the back and slinging an arm around his shoulders dragging him towards the door.
"Yeah, my arrival has been seriously long overdue," Harry muttered gazing around as Ron and Hermione lead him from the sitting room down the dark hallway. It seems that the redecorating did not extend past the sitting room. He mentioned this to Ron and Hermione.
Ron laughed, "Yeah, mum went on a bit of a spring clean a couple of years back. Redid all the bedrooms and lounge. Seems she got a bit tired of all the gloominess."
"Yeah, I bet," Harry muttered with a smirk.
"Is it strange to be back, Harry?" Asked Hermione as she clung to his arm.
"Yeah, it's like stepping back in time…but everything is slightly different. Everything is the same, in essence, but different…does that makes sense?" Harry grinned and shook his head. "I'm just glad to be back, really!" He kissed the top of her head affectionately as Ron pushed open the kitchen door.
"SURPRISE!!"
Harry nearly jumped out of his skin as the deafening roar assaulted his ears. A wide grin split across his face as he took in the sight before him. The kitchen was full to bursting with Order members and friends that Harry hadn't seen in three years. Huge banners were draped from the ceiling and walls, proclaiming things like 'WELCUM HOME HARRY!', 'WE MISED YOU!' and 'GLAD UR BACK!' Harry strongly suspected that Hagrid had been in charge of signs.
"You planned this, didn't you, you gits!" Harry grinned as he jumped on Ron and Hermione, grabbing them both in a headlock. Everybody in the room laughed as Ron and Hermione squealed.
"Harry! Welcome back my boy!" Dumbledore boomed as Harry planted kisses on his friends' heads.
Harry grinned and released Ron and Hermione, muttering "I'll get you for this later," before he strode into the room to shake Dumbledore's hand.
He was then roughly pulled into a hug by Molly Weasley who preened about how handsome he had become. Harry felt himself blushing. Yes he was definitely home.
Over the next hour or so Harry was hugged, pinched and prodded by all of his most favourite people in England. All of the Weasley's were there of course, along with all of the usual Order members plus some surprising new members.
"Dean and I just joined up last year," Seamus was telling Harry a while later. "Decided we'd had enough of the bastard ruining our lives and that we needed to do something about it. Pretty much all of our year group signed up not long after. Well…except the Slytherin's of course," Seamus laughed.
At the mention of Slytherin's Harry's stomach flopped, his grin faded and he looked up, eyes searching the room for a head of telltale blonde hair. When he didn't see it Harry frowned.
"Excuse me," Harry muttered as he slid away from Seamus.
He found Hermione sipping coffee next to Remus and Tonks who was apparently so happy that she couldn't keep control of her hair colour. It was changing constantly between a violent shade of puce and lime green. Remus however, didn't seem to mind in the least.
Harry slid into the seat next to Hermione and together they watched the contented, happy couple as they laughed softly together.
"Where is he, Herm?" Harry muttered a while later when Remus was telling Tonks a joke about 3 werewolves who walked into a bar.
"Hmmm…" Hermione hummed, distracted. "Where's who, love?"
"Our resident Slytherin," Harry said, quietly with a sigh.
Hermione's contented expression faltered and her eyes flashed with something that Harry couldn't place.
"He…he couldn't make it," she wouldn't meet his eyes and Harry felt a twisting feeling in his stomach. He glanced back to the party with eyes unseeing.
"Harry no!"
"I have to! Don't you understand? This is bigger than us. I have to do what I can to defeat Him. This is a great opportunity that Dumbledore has found for me."
"I understand that. But I could come with you…help y-"
"No!"
"Well what about me then?! What about us?"
"Hey Harry, wanna dance?!"
"Sure you want to do that, Gin?" Yelled Ron from across the room. "Don't you remember the Yule Ball?"
Harry tried to shake the familiar chill that had settled over him. He forced a smile and stood, grabbing another butterbeer as Ginny grabbed him and tried to get him to dance. Harry forced himself to push the memories to the back of his mind and enjoy the here and now.
1am found Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Remus and Dumbledore laughing and chatting about what they'd been up to over the last three years. Harry never would have guessed that Dumbledore could be the life and soul of the party, but apparently so.
"I found wandless magic really difficult at first, but Lionel was really strict and forced me to work harder and well…eventually I got it." Harry found that his friends were eager to hear all about his adventures abroad and his tutor Professor Lionel Warsbar.
"Oh Harry, show us some wandless magic!" Hermione pleaded, an excited glint in her eye.
"Yeah, go on mate," Ron grinned.
Harry sighed, he was slightly uncomfortable about the scrutiny he was suddenly under.
"Ok, ok," he muttered. "This is an exercise that Lionel had me do to practise both wandless magic and my application of it." Harry stood, noticing with some trepidation that all eyes were focussed on him.
Taking a deep breath Harry began focussing his mind. He slowly conjured a great orb of glowing white light that rippled and shone as it rotated slowly above the table. Harry was vaguely aware of gasps and a whistle.
"It's just light, summoned from the lights in the room," Harry murmured.
Slowly Harry initiated the orb to move; it began to zip backwards and forwards above the table. Ron's face was a picture, his mouth agape and eyes wide with wonder. Hermione looked similarly impressed; she was biting her lip and trying to study the movement of Harry's hands, surreptitiously. Remus and Dumbledore were watching the display with curious and interested expressions, yet both sets of eyes twinkled pride. Ginny, however, was a bit worse for wear after a little too much firewhisky and she sagged in her seat, watching the movement of the orb with unfocussed eyes.
Suddenly movement by the door caught Harry's attention. His concentration was shattered and the orb flew in the direction of the door. A gloved hand shot out from behind the door and the orb shattered against the palm.
There was silence for a moment except for Harry's ragged breathing. And then a blonde head came into view and Harry's breathing stopped altogether.
"Draco!" yelled Hermione as she launched herself towards the door.
For the umpteenth time that morning Harry worried his lower lip between his teeth. It was a nervous habit that he had picked up when he was travelling.
"I'm not saying that we should just sit around and do nothing," Remus glared at Moody. "But we have to plan how we can counter Voldemort's next attack."
Moody then rocketed into a great spiel about how Remus was talking bullshit and Voldemort had to be stopped now. But Harry wasn't listening. He was replaying the previous night and one meeting in particular.
Draco had changed the most out of everybody.
Whereas Draco had one been thin to the point of skinny, he had now filled out to become lean and strong. His hair, which was once slicked back constantly, was now loose and styled to fall in straight messy cuts just below his ears. His fringe fell into his eye line obscuring his vision. The same molten grey eyes surrounded by surprisingly dark lashes for such a fair man. Draco had changed much, but he was so familiar to Harry that it hurt.
Harry had drunk in the sight of the blonde man as he stood in the doorway. Draco was wearing an expensive set of wizarding robes. The fine, tailored cut highlighted his lithe form and emphasised his obvious wealth.
He remembered how Hermione had launched herself at Draco and wrapped herself around him so tightly that he had had to prise her off of himself for fear of strangulation. Apparently they had grown close over the last few years.
Harry remembers how Draco's face had softened when she hugged him and how a soft smile had curled his lips. He also remembered how this smile disappeared as soon as he raised his head and met Harry's eyes.
Harry didn't know what he had been expecting. Surprise? Yes. Bitterness? Of course. Anger? Maybe. But Harry found that when it came to it, he was entirely unprepared for the cold indifference that graced Draco's face.
Harry had found himself swallowing involuntarily as those icy orbs had passed over him, dismissing him instantly, before moving on to Ron whom he smiled at, warmly.
"Harry?"
Harry shook himself slightly. "Sorry. What?"
"I was just asking if you'd like to explain to everybody what you have learned since you have been away." Dumbledore repeated gently.
Harry grimaced. He hated public speaking; there were some things that time did not change. He slowly got to his feet and cleared his throat, nervously.
"Well, uh…After the prophecy was uncovered, Dumbledore realised that I would need to find the power that I supposedly had to defeat Voldemort. He spent a lot of time with me trying to find out what I seemed to excel at. And then, bout three years ago Dumbledore noticed I seemed to have natural ability in the study of wandless magic. Wandless magic is not something that can be taught. Either you have the ability or not. If you do…like I seemed to, you can be trained to utilise it. So…um, Dumbledore contacted an old friend of his, Professor Lionel Warsbar of…the Dutch University of Magic. He asked Professor Warsbar to take me on as his apprentice in order to train and, uh, further develop my skills in the hope that I could return and…you know…defeat Voldemort."
"Yeah Baby!" Seamus yelled, punching a fist into the air. He was instantly wacked on the back the head by a rolled up Prophet. Moody glared. Seamus shrunk down in his seat with a smirk.
Harry however, was encouraged. Looking around, every person seemed to be hung on his every word. Except one. Harry swallowed.
"Li-Professor Warsbar was an expert in the field of, um, wandless magic and core magic. He helped me to train, like, both my body and my mind so that I was able to, like, harness these abilities." Here Harry paused as Tonks raised her hand.
"Harry, sorry. What the heck is core magic?"
"Oh, sorry. Um…Core magic is the essence of where all of a wizard – or witch's- power comes from, I guess. It's really difficult to explain, but the example I can give is that when you get really angry sometimes things can explode, yeah?" A few people nodded. Harry caught Ron and Hermione's eyes and grinned. "Well, that's your core magic. If you lose check of your emotions a small amount of core power can be released. But I guess it's only a small amount…Professor Warsbar trained me to utilise the full extent of my core magic."
"Just how powerful is this core magic?" Seamus piped up from the back.
Harry just stared at him evenly for a moment. "Powerful."
A couple of people shivered at Harry's words.
"It took me a long time to learn both wandless magic and the release of core magic. And then once I'd learned both elements Lionel taught me to combine the two." Harry shuddered as the memories of his training came back to him. "Let me assure you," he said, dropping his gaze. "I now make a weapon powerful enough to ensure that Voldemort will never bother anyone, ever again." Silence met with the end of Harry's words and he abruptly sat, instantly regretting his words as embarrassment coursing through him.
As Dumbledore got to his feet Harry tuned out his words, instead focussing on controlling his emotions and his embarrassment. When he felt better he lifted his gaze and caught the two silvery eyes staring straight at him.
Harry's pulse quickened. He gazed back for what seemed like an eternity. Draco's eyes were contemplative. But then Harry blinked Draco was no longer looking at him. Harry frowned. He didn't know whether he had imagined it or was he simply going mad.
"Mr Malfoy, do you have any more information about Voldemort's next strike?"
Harry frowned. How would Draco know what Voldemort was up to any more than the rest of them?
"Yes sir, we believe he intends to hit the city of Bristol with a full company of Death Eaters." Draco relpied smoothly. "We do not know when he plans to strike but Severus and I believe it will be within the next few months."
Harry's frown deepened. He did not like where this was going.
"You and Severus will be expected to participate will you not?" Dumbledore asked, somberly.
"Yes, sir. Unless the Dark Lord requires our services somewhere else, which is doubtful" Malfoy replied.
Harry's world had narrowed to this one new startling piece of information. And he did not like it one bit.
"We will of course need to orchestrate a counter attack." Dumbledore stated. "If we time this right, it could be the chance we need to get Harry close enough to Voldemort to stop him for good. Thank you Draco."
The meeting began to come to a close. But Harry lost the details. He was to busy absorbing the fact that Draco obviously was now a double agent, like Snape. Draco had always been loyal to the cause, unbeknownst to others, but for him to actually take the mark…Harry was more than a little shaken.
Around him people began to get up and exit the meeting. Hands were shaken and goodbyes offered before the room slowly emptied. Harry watched Draco talking quietly to Remus on the other side of the room as Molly Weasley began clearing all of the coffee mugs from the large wooden table.
"Draco, won't you stay here tonight?" Molly asked.
"I can't Mrs Weasley, The-Father is expecting me at the manor."
Molly didn't look happy but nodded absently and pulled the blonde into a motherly hug. And then Draco was bidding his farewells and Harry seized his chance.
"Draco," he called, as the Slytherin entered the hallway and made for the front door.
Draco paused and turned towards him.
"Ah…Potter," He replied politely, yet with obvious trepidation.
"Draco…how are you?" Harry mumbled, suddenly realising how stupid that sounded.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "I'm splendid Potter. Now if you don't mind I have to be going." He turned and made for the front door.
"When did you take the mark?" Harry called softly.
Draco froze. His shoulders were tensed and his breathing was quick. Harry felt a certain pride that he had at last managed to evoke some kind of reaction.
"That, Potter," said Draco, his back still to Harry and his tone beyond frozen, "is none of your business." And then he was gone with the swish of his long dark cloak.
"There is no us. Not anymore."
Harry's mind was in turmoil. Memories of the past were swirling around his brain heedless of the impending headache they were creating.
It was strange to think that once upon a time things had been perfect. Harry could barely recall what it felt like to be so happy and carefree. It was just another thing that time had altered. People grew up and responsibilities were shouldered, regardless of the consequences.
"When this war is over and Voldemort and The Twat are both finally dead. I'm going to tell everyone about us. And then I'm going to marry you."
Harry chewed on his lower lip unconsciously as the memories flooded back to him.
"Harry if you sigh one more time I'm going to take this book and hit you over the head with it!" Hermione grumbled.
Harry chuckled.
"Sorry love. Just thinking, you know?"
"Thinking about what?" Hermione murmured after a moment.
"Oh…I don't know. Doesn't matter now, anyway. The past is the past. Got to look to the future. Or make sure there is one at any rate." He smiled determinedly. "Go on sweets, tell me the plan one more time."
Hermione just stared at him sadly.
"You've changed so much Harry…but you're still the same. If that even makes sense." She frowned to herself.
"More than you know," Harry snorted.
Hermione looked like she wanted to say something else, but she just smiled.
"Anyway… Not that we really need to go through this again, but Draco and Sev are going to try and let us know when Voldemort plans to attack. All of the order members have been given the same kind of coins that we used for the DA, except I modified these to allow us to Apparate to exactly where Draco and Severus are. It's a basic ambush tactic. We blast the hell out of the Death Eaters and give you your shot to do what you've been trained for."
For just a moment Harry thought he saw pity in Hermione's eyes but it was gone so fast he realised he must be imagining things again. Hermione was once again focussed on her book.
"'Mione?"
"Hmmm?" she murmured as she read.
Harry just stared at her from where he lay sprawled on the leather couch. After a moment she glanced up at him questioningly.
"When did Malfoy turn double agent?"
Hermione frowned at him.
"God Harry! You're not still holding onto this rivalry stuff are you? It's been 3 years. You know that Draco's loyal to Dumbledore. He was even before you left!"
"I know all of that." Harry said quickly, "It's just that turning double agent is a huge personal risk. I never would have thought that Dr-Malfoy would have taken that chance."
Hermione looked at him thoughtfully.
"Well, it was a surprise I'll give you that," she said simply. "It happened not long after you left actually. Draco was a complete wreck around that time, you know. I don't know what was happening at home, but it can't have been good!"
"There is no us. Not anymore."
Harry felt his heart clench, painfully. He was very glad that Hermione did not know the real reason for Draco's problems around this time. When Harry didn't respond Hermione went back to her book leaving Harry to his guilty memories.
Harry was fast discovering that hiding out in Order headquarters, when the whole wizarding world believe you to be dead, was not as fun as you would have thought. Over the past three years he had had many adventures and had learned a lot. But he had always dreamed of that day when he could come home. However, that evening after a fourth game of exploding snap Harry was growing restless. He found himself wishing that Voldemort would just appear behind the sofa so that they could have it out. At least that way all this waiting would be over…one way or the other. Harry smirked to himself. He was very glad Ron and Hermione could not hear his thoughts at this point.
A short while later Ron and Hermione said their Goodnights and headed upstairs…together, leaving Harry alone downstairs. Harry was really happy for his friends. It had been a long time coming. And from what he understood it was pretty serious; they had gotten together about a year after he left.
As happy as he was for his friends, Harry found himself wishing-
'No,' Harry cut himself off before he started that train of thought again. It had been going around his head all day and it was slowly driving him insane. He refused to start mulling it over again. Instead he got up and headed into the kitchen. The house was deserted. It seemed that not many of the Order members stayed in the house after meetings these days.
Harry was not tired at all. He thought about reading up on some notes that Lionel had given him, but shot that thought down instantly. He wasn't in a reading mood. Instead Harry decided to practice his exercises. Shutting the kitchen door so as not to disturb Ron and Hermione Harry removed his shirt and wandlessly conjured a candle to sit in the centre of the great oak table. With a flick of his wrist the lights were extinguished and Harry was left with the soft glow of the candle.
Removing his shirt and his shoes Harry climbed up onto the table and sat crossed legged with the candle next to him. Slowly he relaxed his mind into a complete state of serenity. He removed all of the thoughts and knowledge from within his mind and gently released the confines of his core magic. He felt the familiar ebb and flow as the magic was partially released and distantly he saw the candle flicker wildly as the magic wove throughout the room benevolently.
Gently Harry harnessed the core magic within himself. Then he opened his eyes. Had Harry looked in a mirror at that moment he would have seen his eyes were shining golden orbs.
Wandlessly, Harry conjured a flower. A most exquisite rose, from root to petal, seemed to grow from the very air. Harry urged the flower to grow and as it did so it's roots attached themselves to his skin and seemed to drink from his very being. Harry let the flower continue to grow and develop, its soft, dewy bud opening to bloom perfectly. After a while Harry pushed more of his core magic into the flower. He watched, emotionlessly as the flower began to wither and die. It's roots withdrew from his skin and curled in on themselves.
Feeling that he had had enough Harry vanished the flower into thin air with barely a flick of his eyes. He then took a deep breath and focussed on coming back to himself. He always worried about this part. Lionel had always pressured the importance of staying neutral and emotionless as there was a great chance if Harry became emotional at this stage the core magic could take hold and he could never come back to himself.
Of course he would never have told any of the Order this.
Slowly the magic within him dissipated with a rush of air. The candle which was sat beside him flickered and went out. Harry took a shaky breath, feeling drained.
It was then he noticed the light coming from the hallway. Looking up, startled Harry was met with cool silver eyes and a guarded expression.
"Draco," Harry croaked. He waved a hand and the kitchen light reignited.
Draco seemed to hesitate before pushing his way into the room and heading for the sink.
"Potter," he responded.
The tension was thick in the room as Draco filled himself a glass of water. He swallowed quickly before wiping his mouth with his hand and setting the glass aside.
Draco was dressed in muggle jeans and a sweatshirt. Harry frowned, surely Draco couldn't have been outside dressed like that.
"I was just upstairs," Draco said neutrally. Apparently he was a mind reader too.
"I-I'm sorry," Harry stammered "I didn't mean to disturb you!"
"You didn't," Draco said evenly. "I just needed some water."
Harry refrained from pointing out that surely Draco could have conjured himself a glass of water.
"I…thought you were staying at the manor tonight," Harry frowned.
There was another tense pause before Draco slowly turned around to face Harry.
"Yeah, well. I told father that I was staying at a friend's. Not that he cared much anyway," Draco swallowed. "I figure since this actually is your house I should ask your permission to stay here," Draco said, staring studiously over Harry's right shoulder.
"Don't be stupid," Harry muttered, "Course you can stay here." Draco tipped his head to Harry seemingly in thanks, yet he still refused to meet Harry's eyes
It was then that Harry realised he was sat shirtless on the kitchen table. It was obviously making Draco uncomfortable. He hurriedly unfurled himself and jumped down, intending to grab his shirt from the chair. However, forgetting that he had recently expended a vast amount of energy Harry suddenly felt very dizzy. He took a step and felt his knees crumble beneath them.
A strong pair of arms were suddenly catching him around the middle and he was gently being lowered to the floor.
"Hey, you ok?" Draco's worried voice pierced the fog in Harry's mind.
"Yeah 'm jus' bit dizzy," Harry mumbled. "Be ok in a sec."
Harry let himself relax in Draco's arm as a smooth hand traced his spine soothingly. After a few deep breaths Harry felt a lot better, he raised his head to thank Draco, but was struck by the intensity of the Slytherin's silver gaze.
"Draco…" Harry murmured his eyes flicking to the blonde's soft, pink lips.
Draco's pupils dilated and he gazed at Harry hungrily for a few moments. Harry pressed closer to the former Slytherin and touched his lips to Draco's. One of them whimpered but neither could say which. Harry gently parted Draco's lips with his tongue and reached out to taste the blonde. It was all so familiar.
"Oh God…Baby…Love you."
"Yessss. Love you…too! Mmm…don't stop…"
"Ngggh…fucking love you…you're so hot…"
"Oh Merlin!"
"That's it baby…come for me."
Harry reached up to caress Draco's jaw. But the moment he did Draco's eyes snapped open and he shoved Harry away from him roughly.
"No!"
Draco was panting harshly as he scrambled to his feet.
"Draco…" Harry started to say as the blonde stared at him wide eyed.
Draco made as if to flee the room and Harry jumped up and reached for him, swiftly grabbing Draco's wrist and swinging him round to face him.
He didn't count on the fist that would follow and he caught it square in the jaw.
"Fuck you Potter!" Draco snarled, his face contorted in absolute rage.
"Draco," Harry tried again, rubbing his jaw.
"Don't you dare call me that!" Draco whispered menacingly, "You lost you're right to call me that a long time ago!"
"You didn't have to hit me," Harry muttered petulantly.
Draco looked like he was going to say something. But he just shook his head with a sneer.
"Potter, I am going to make this very clear to you," and at this point Draco came right up into Harry's personal space. "You were the one who did this. I don't know what you were expecting after three years," Harry shivered. "But I – don't – care- anymore."
Draco stepped back. "You got that?"
He didn't wait for Harry to answer. Instead he turned and made to walk from the room again.
"Do you really expect me to believe that?" Harry snarled feeling anger coil inside of him.
Draco paused, his back to Harry and his shoulders tense.
"Why shouldn't I?" Draco replied.
"Hermione told me how broken you were after I left," Harry ground out. "I think the words she used were 'Total Wreck'." Harry grinned humourlessly when Draco whipped around. He was visibly pale.
"And so what if I was?!" Draco all but screamed at him. "You have no FUCKING idea what I went through!"
"Then tell me…I thought we were friends," Harry yelled back.
"Friends?!" Draco snorted. "You want to be friends?! Oh that is rich."
Harry just stared at him, his hands clenched into fists to stop them shaking.
"We always have to do this on your terms don't we Potter?" Draco sneered. "You're always the one who decides what we're going to be without even discussing it with me! You're still the same insufferable prick you were three years ago."
"As I remember you didn't seem to have and complaints about my prick before," Harry spat.
"Fuck you, Potter," Draco turned on his heel and stormed out.
"Got the T-shirt!" Harry yelled after him.
He stood in the centre of the kitchen breathing heavily, his fingernails cutting into his palms as he tried to calm his raging anger.
"FUCK!" He yelled and with a flick of his wrist a nearby dish flew at the door. He stood watching it smash into a thousand pieces. It was a very familiar feeling.
Over the next few days Harry was in such a bad mood that his core magic ran wild. It wasn't dangerous; on the contrary Ron found it hilarious when Harry took 10 minutes to put his socks on because he kept transfiguring them into pigeons by accident.
Harry knew that he needed to buckle down and get a grip on himself, but he was so cross after last night's encounter with Draco that he found his hands shaking with rage every time he thought about it. He'd only wanted to talk to Draco…explain things that had been left unsaid. And the lies. But Draco had refused to talk to him and insulted him; Harry's pride was dented because of this he refused to see his own faults.
"Hey mate," Ron hurried to catch up to him as Harry hurried down the stairs for breakfast.
"What?" Harry snapped, looking over his shoulder.
"Woah," Ron said holding his hands up in mock defence. "What's gotten into you?" He asked incredulously as Harry continued down the stairs, albeit more sedately.
Harry sighed. "Sorry, Ron…Just not been the greatest of days recently, you know?"
Ron slapped him on the back. "Yeah, well. It wouldn't have anything to do with the shouting match you had with Malfoy the other night would it?"
Harry flushed.
At that moment Hermione came out of her room and met them on the first floor landing.
"What's going on? Why's Harry so embarrassed?" She snickered as Ron kissed her on the cheek.
"Just wanted to know if he was so grumpy 'cos of his fight with Malfoy," Ron grinned. "I think that's his answer right there."
Harry groaned and leaned against the wall.
"You guys heard that?" He asked, panicked.
"Harry, you were pretty lucky it was only us two and Malfoy staying here that night. You guys were really going at each other," Hermione frowned.
When Harry flushed harder and grimaced Ron hastened to add, "We couldn't hear what you were arguing about though mate."
Harry felt relief pool in his stomach.
"Although we can probably guess."
Or not.
"What?" Harry asked in shock. How could they know, neither of them had ever told anyo-
"Harry, you've never liked Draco. It's obvious that you had another of your schoolboy rivalry arguments the other night," Hermione scolded.
"W-Yes…oh, yes," inside Harry was cheering. "Stupid, I know."
He turned, to make his way down the last flight of stairs.
"Well," Ron piped up from behind him. "I know how you feel, mate. He's still a git. But he's actually doing some good now. And he's barely ever here." Harry could hear the grin on Ron's face.
"Just cut him a little slack, Harry," Hermione murmured. "You don't know what he's been through."
"You have no FUCKING idea what I went through!"
Draco's words seared through Harry's mind, causing an involuntary shudder. Guilt swirled through him and Harry ducked his head.
"Sure, 'Mione. I'll cut him some slack," If Ron and Hermione were shocked by this, they didn't show it.
Pushing open the kitchen door Harry froze on the threshold.
Draco was sat chatting to Ginny, a mug of coffee in his long pale fingers and amusement dancing across his face. God, Harry thought. He is so beautiful.
"Harry," Molly grabbed him and pushed him into a chair. "You're still so thin!" She bustled about the kitchen fixing him a huge plate of breakfast.
Harry was well aware that many eyes in the room were on him. It had been a week since the last meeting a as such not many Order members had been in the house recently. He refused to let it faze him, however and grinned at Seamus and Arthur, winked at Ginny and the twins and nodded at Snape, who merely scowled. And Draco?
Harry's eyes flicked to the blonde and found that the steely grey eyes were watching him carefully. They stared at each other, unblinkingly. Until Hermione kicked him under the table.
The connection was broken and Draco was once again chatting to Ginny, a somewhat forced grin on his face.
"So, Harry lad," Arthur smiled, warmly. "What are you up to today?"
Harry grinned, humourlessly in return.
"Well, I thought I'd do a bit f the usual. Sit around on my butt and wait for Voldemort to start killing people."
He was met with a tense silence after his outburst.
"Harry," Hermione started. "It's only a matter of time, and then you'll have your chance."
"I know it, Sugar," Harry sighed. Hermione appeared shocked by this pet name. "But now I'm starting to know how Sirius felt, being cooped up in this dingy old shack." He forced a smile as Molly laid a plate of sausages eggs and bacon in front of him. He muttered his thanks.
Molly stroked a tender hand through his hair.
"You're still young, Harry. Once this is over, you still have your whole life ahead of you."
Harry swallowed and smiled, not meeting their eyes. He hadn't told anyone of his fears about returning to himself after the full release of his core magic and he wasn't about to burden them with that knowledge now.
"So, who's going to update me on the Quidditch scene then?" Harry grinned. "Ron has been an appalling best mate and hasn't even told me who won the world cup last year!"
Harry smiled sadly to himself as a loud and raucous debate broke out about whether Australia should have been awarded a penalty. Looking up he caught Draco's eye and forced a grin. But Draco did not smile back. He was starring at Harry with a calculating look in his eyes. Harry's smile faded. The world seemed to shrink away as Harry stared into those silvery depths and suddenly an ache erupted in his that was so fierce that Harry felt his eyes growing hot. He forced himself to look away and focus on his breakfast. Around him the debate had moved on to whether the new Icebolt brooms had anything on the old Firebolt models.
The twin yelps of pain put an end to the debate. Snape and Draco were both grasping their forearms in pain. They both pushed back from the table both with neutral expressions; although Harry was sure he saw fear in the back of Draco's eyes.
"He is calling," was all that Snape uttered. He swept his cloak onto his shoulders and made for the door. "Please inform Dumbledore of the situation," he said to Arthur who nodded tersely.
Harry felt his stomach drop out. He was sure that his panic and fear must show on his face.
Snape swept from the room with a tense nod. "Come Draco."
Draco followed gracefully, but stopped to hug Hermione on his way out.
"Be careful, Draco," Hermione whispered.
As Draco reached the door his eyes flicked back and caught Harry and for the briefest of moments Harry thought he saw something in the silvery orbs, but then he was gone.
Harry finished his breakfast in silence. His heart aching.
Harry shuddered at the taste of the Polyjuice potion. Here was something that time had not changed…Polyjuice was still bloody disgusting.
Harry felt the familiar shifts and twists throughout his body and he groaned in pain as his bones realigned themselves.
After the pain subsided Harry looked up into the mirror and grinned at his own reflection. A handsome muggle man stared back at him. Where his hair had once been dark and untidy, it was now short, smooth and soft golden brown. He had dimples in his cheeks and a square jaw. Harry winked at himself, he could get used to this. He was dressed in an Armani suit that Hermione had bought him and he wore an expensive wristwatch that Ron had given him. It was a far cry from getting a toothpick for his birthday and Harry decided that he really liked being 21.
It seemed that Hermione had taken Harry's complaints about being confined to the house to heart. And after talks with Dumbledore, she had constructed a plan that would allow the three of them to enjoy a night out in muggle London.
"You ready yet, mate" came a gruff voice from outside the door.
"Yeah," Harry replied in a smooth, Scottish accent. Hmmm, very nice.
He exited the bathroom and stared at the sight before him. Ron was not Ron at all, but a tall and muscular black man with dreadlocks. He wore grey wool trousers and white open collared shirt.
Harry grinned.
"God Ron, you're so fit!"
"Hey, watch it," Ron scowled. "Keep your hands to yourself, Potter."
"He's not Potter tonight, and don't you forget it," came a soft voice from behind Ron.
Harry and Ron's jaws hit the floor.
"Wow," said Harry dazedly.
It seemed Ron couldn't even speak, his mouth was moving but no sound came out.
Hermione was…well gorgeous.
She was tall and leggy with an ample bosom. Her long, blonde hair was pulled into a loose knot at the back of her neck, revealing her slim shoulders and throat. She was dressed to the nines in a long black dress, which slit at mid thigh to reveal a long tanned leg. The diamonds she wore around her throat and ears sparkled as they caught the light and her eyes glittered playfully as she took in the boys.
The image however was ruined as Hermione jumped up and down.
"EEEEE-hehehe!!" She squealed.
Ron and Harry laughed as she pulled them into a hug.
"Harry, I know it's your birthday," she said. "But I feel like Christmas has come early!"
She pulled back and looked at the grinning. "Right. Here are you IDs," she handed them each a plastic drivers license.
Harry squinted at the name.
"Seth Thomas," he read. "Doesn't sound very Scottish."
Ron snorted as he read his own name. "Darius Durmont."
"And I'm Jasmine Green," Hermione snickered. "Now," she said as she grabbed their hands and led them towards the lounge where a small crowd of people were waiting.
"Wow!"
"Bloody hell!"
Said the twins as the trio grabbed their jackets.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" Seamus grinned, raising the beer he held in toast.
Dumbledore twinkled at them as the readied themselves to go.
"Miss Granger- I'm sorry- Miss Green has no doubt told you about the muggle club you will be attending. Because of the security risks on a venture like this you have taken the polyjuice, but we also have some of the Order's top Aurors who have polyjuiced and will accompany you in case of a problem. Not that we're expecting any trouble with you having a night out in muggle London." Dumbledore beamed. "After all, it is not everyday that you turn 21! Enjoy yourselves, but do try not to get too sozzled!"
Harry grinned at the headmaster. "Thanks, sir. I mean it. Thank you. For all of this."
Dumbledore just nodded, although Harry caught the worried glint in his eyes.
"Harry," muttered Remus. "Happy birthday! I just wish Sirius, James and Lily were here to see this."
Harry smiled sadly and grasped the werewolf's hand.
"You three had best behave yourselves!" Molly said, wringing her hands together. "I'm not sure this is a good idea at the moment…but well. Stay safe…be careful. And try to enjoy yourselves."
"Oh, we will!" Said Ron as he pushed the other two out of the door and towards the car that was waiting for them.
"Don't drink too much!!" Came a screech that followed them down the path.
It was many hours later that Hermione, Ron and Harry stumbled out of the car and up the path to Number 12. Harry muttered a quick thanks to Kingsley as he opened the front door and escorted them inside.
It seemed that Molly and Dumbledore had waited up for them, as when the trio stumbled in to the front room they both stood.
"Excellent, excellent!" Dumbledore cried. "I trust you had a good time?"
"Best birthday ever!" Harry slurred as his polyjuice began to wear off. "Went off without a hitch."
Hermione giggled as her hair began to recede into her head and darken, growing bushier by the minute. Molly just pursed her lips at the obvious display of drunkness, and bustled off to the kitchen to make coffee.
"Well, in that case I shall take my leave," Dumbledore smiled. "Goodnight to you all." He nodded to Kingsley and the two of them stepped towards the fireplace, but before either could pick up some floo powder green flames erupted in the grate.
Ron hiccupped.
A figure emerged spinning in the grate. When the flames died down the figure made to step outward but stumbled forwards, dripping blood onto the carpet.
Harry sobered instantly.
"Draco!"
TBC