Warnings: This story will contain M/M pairings, if this isn't your thing then I suggest that you turn back now! There will also be mild violence. I will put a warning at the start of any chapter with violence. Foul language will also be at play!
Disclaimer: All characters/places/names are the property of J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers. I am making no money from this! Just having fun!
A/N: So, here's a long chapter, as promised! All the chapters will be about this size :) I think that this story will be from Harry's POV, I think it adds to the suspense and mystery of Draco! Anyway, on with the fic! I hope you enjoy and please R+R! Update will be soon!
Chapter One.
Harry Potter awoke with a start. He was panting for breath and a bead of sweat slid down his forehead. Harry's hand immediately jumped to the lightning bolt scar that was burning his forehead. He clamped his bright, green eyes shut in an attempt to remember the dream that had caused him to awake in such a manner, but it was useless. He tried to remember the figure upon the floor who had been tortured. He had this nagging feeling that he knew him, but whoever it was he couldn't quite pinpoint. He sighed and opened his eyes, feeling around for his glasses. He pushed them on and sat up. A dull light was filtering through a gap in his curtains, filling the smallest room of Number Four Privet Drive with sun. Harry glanced at the clock on his dresser and groaned, 6am. He rolled onto his back, glaring at the ceiling for a moment, before he realised, with a jolt, that it was September the 1st. He was going back to Hogwarts today! Harry jumped from his bed and headed straight for the shower.
It had been a long, difficult summer for Harry. He had been trying to deal with the death of his godfather, Sirius Black for the entirety of the holidays, alone. He knew that he'd have to face these demons, but he hadn't expected to do it alone. Ron and the rest of the Weasley's had been sent to their Great Aunt Muriel's for the summer, whilst Molly and Arthur Weasley did work for the Order of the Phoenix. Hermione was touring Europe with her parents. He had received many letters from his two best friends, reassuring him, comforting him, but it wasn't the same as having them by his side. Shutting the water off, Harry hastily towel dried his hair, dressed and brushed his teeth. He slipped back into his room, silently, not wanting to wake his relatives, the Dursleys.
As he returned, he noticed that his snowy owl, Hedwig, was back from her nightly hunt. She hooted softly at him before settling down on her perch, her head tucked neatly under her wing, ready for a long sleep. Harry crossed the room to her cage and gave her feathers an affectionate stroke, before closing the cage door, ensuring it was locked.
By the time Harry had ensured that everything he needed for school was packed, he could hear his Aunt and Uncle stirring. He sighed and dragged his heavy trunk and Hedwig's cage, carefully down the stairs, then proceeded to make breakfast for his Aunt, Uncle and cousin. Even though his relative loathed him, he had finally gotten Uncle Vernon to agree to take him to Kings Cross station. Harry assumed that the only reason he had agreed was because they couldn't wait to get rid of him for another year. This was the longest summer he had spent with the Dursleys since he had started Hogwarts.
At 10:30am, Uncle Vernon dumped Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage, unceremoniously, onto the pavement outside Kings Cross. He sped off without so much as a backward glance or goodbye to his nephew. Harry sighed and dragged his trunk onto a trolley and pushed it toward Platform 9 and ¾. He kept an eye out for Ron and Hermione as he went, but didn't see them. He ran at the apparently solid barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, but instead of crashing into it, he simply went through it, appearing onto Platform 9 and ¾.
The many hoots of owls could be heard over the gentle thrum of voices as Harry pushed his cart through the crowd. The scarlet steam engine stood belching out puffs of smoke as Harry pulled his trunk and Hedwig's cage onto the train, before dumping them into an empty compartment. He jumped back off the train, in search of Ron and Hermione. Before long, he spotted a bunch of redheads. His face broke into a grin as he made his way over to them.
"Harry!" A voice squealed, before he was pulled into a tight hug, surrounded by a lot of bushy, brown hair. He pulled away, smiling at one of his best friends, Hermione Granger.
"Hey 'Mione!" Harry said, his grin lopsided.
"Alright, mate!" His other best friend, Ron Weasley, said, clapping him on the back.
"Oh Harry, I bet your summer was simply awful..." Hermione began, before she was interrupted by Mrs. Weasley, bustling over and capturing him in a very tight hug, which made him blush slightly.
"Harry, dear!" She gushed, "I'm so sorry we couldn't have you this summer, but after the mass breakout of Azkaban, the order has been working us flat out. We couldn't burden Muriel with any more, she already wasn't too happy about Ron and the others going! But, oh Harry, aren't you thin? Once you get to Hogwarts, make sure you eat as much as you can, and if you need anything dear, we are only an owl away!"
"Mum, let him breathe!" Ron interjected, rolling his eyes behind his Mother's back.
"Don't worry Mrs. Weasley, I've been fine! I know you've all had stuff on and been really busy, I don't expect..."
"I know you don't, dear, but we love having you. You're as much my son as Ron is!" Mrs. Weasley told him, her voice soft and motherly.
Harry felt a lump in his throat, as a warm feeling erupted in his chest. He blushed a little and mumbled his thanks, making sure to avoid Ron's eye. The whistle sounded, and Harry jumped, the lump in his throat vanishing, but the warm feeling in his chest still there. He felt a lot more cheerful, as Mrs. Weasley ushered himself, Ron, Hermione and Ginny onto the train, capturing them all in a final hug before they got on. Harry led them to the compartment and they each hung out of the window to wave goodbye to Mrs. Weasley. Once the train swung into motion, Ginny announced that she was going to find her friends. She gave Harry a brief smile as she left.
"Where's your Dad, Ron?" Harry asked, as the three of them sat down.
"Order stuff," Ron said, in an undertone, "He won't say what though."
Harry nodded in understanding. He wasn't about to pry or second guess what the Order was up to. The last time he had done that, he had almost gotten his friends killed and succeeded in getting his Godfather killed. He felt that lump in his throat again, but this time for different reasons, and tried very hard to swallow it.
"Harry," Hermione's said, in a soft voice, her hand resting on his, "How are you doing?"
Harry forced a smile and turned his green eyes to her, "I'm better now we're going back."
Hermione glanced at Ron, who nodded and she gave his hand a slight squeeze.
"If you need to talk, Ron and I are both here for you." Hermione said, quietly.
"Thanks," Harry said, very quietly, looking into his lap. He could tell that they had both rehearsed his little exchange, but he appreciated it nevertheless.
Hermione kept her eyes on him for a moment, before smiling sadly and withdrawing her hand from his. For the next half an hour, Harry merely stared out of the window, listening to Ron and Hermione discuss their summers. They seemed to understand that Harry didn't feel much like talking. He was quite content to just listen. The sound of their voices soothed him more than they could ever know.
A hand on Harry's shoulder, made him jump slightly. He looked up into Ron's pale blue eyes and smiled.
"Mate, we've got to go do our prefect duties, but we'll come back soon." Ron told him, biting his lip a little.
"Yeah...yeah, sure! Don't worry, I'll be fine!" Harry said, his voice too cheerful, "Take as long as you need."
The pair of them nodded and left. Harry sighed and turned back to gazing out of the window. He had gotten quite used to being on his own. Ron and Hermione were prefects; they had duties to attend to. He had been selfish to think they would hang around him constantly once they were back. Harry lent his forehead against the cool window. He barely noticed the countryside outside becoming wilder as the sky darkened. His head was too full of thoughts of Sirius, the prophecy and the Department of Mysteries. He was that deep in thought that he didn't notice the compartment door slide open and closed, as someone sat on the seat opposite him. It took a further fifteen minutes before the person spoke that Harry was even aware that he was not alone.
"I could've killed you ten times over by now, Potter. And I thought you were meant to be the chosen one!" A soft voice, sneered.
"Fuck, Malfoy!" Harry snapped, "What're you playing at?" Harry had jumped that much at the sound of Draco's voice that he had banged his forehead against the window. Harry rubbed at it irritably.
"Constant vigilance," Malfoy said, a small smirk flitting across his face.
"Malfoy, do yourself a favour and fuck off, would you?" Harry hissed, "I'm not in the mood for your bullshit!"
Draco's features softened and he held his hands up.
"Look Potter, I don't exactly want to put up with you either, but I needed somewhere quiet...my housemates can grow rather tiresome. This was the only compartment with space. I only wished to alert you to my presence."
Harry eyed his suspiciously for a moment, but found he had no energy to argue.
"Whatever, Malfoy, just don't talk to me." Harry said, his voice tired. He turned back to gaze out of the window again.
Draco frowned, he had been expecting more of a fight than that, and he certainly didn't like the dead tone of Harry's voice. He sighed a little and pulled a thick, leather bound book out of his bag. Upon the front, in peeling, silver letters, was the title 'The Darke Side of the Moone'. He opened the book and settled down to reading.
An hour or two later, Harry found himself gazing at Draco Malfoy. His eyes followed the smooth lines of those high cheekbones, covered in skin as pale and soft as moonlight. His nose was perfectly straight and those eyes were exquisite, liquid silver. Harry noticed that Draco had let his platinum blonde hair grow slightly longer, and it now fell in soft waves to his jaw line, which Harry noticed was no longer pointed, but chiselled to perfection. There was a small crease between his eyes as he concentrated on the book he was reading. Harry's eyes wandered down, landing on pink, rose bud lips. Draco's cupid bow was slightly more feminine than it should be, but Harry thought that it complemented Draco's elegant features. Harry's eyes fell to the book Draco held in his slender hands and frowned. He had never read that book before. His eyes flicked back up to Draco's face, but he found that they stopped at those full, pink lips. Harry had never noticed how good looking Draco had become now that they had grown up. He then became distinctly aware that he was outright staring at Draco and thinking about how good looking he was. Harry almost gagged, but before he could tear his eyes away from Draco's lips, they started moving.
"You know Potter, some people find staring rude. I, on the other hand, am flattered that you can't take your eyes off me." Draco said, his lips forming their usual smirk.
Harry blushed scarlet and said, hotly, "I was not staring, Malfoy!"
Draco's eyes lifted from the book and landed on the Gryffindor, "Could've fooled me!" Draco smirked.
Harry narrowed his eyes at him and snapped, "What is that you're reading anyway? Lessons on dark magic, I suppose?"
Draco raised an elegant eyebrow, and laughed softly, "Contrary to popular belief Potter, I don't spend the entirety of my time learning dark magic. It's actually an old muggle book concerning the myths and legends of vampires and werewolves. It's quite fascinating, really. Muggles back in the Eighteenth Century were definitely more in tune to the Wizarding World, than they are today."
Harry stared at the blonde in shock for a moment, before simply saying, "Oh..."
Draco smirked at him slightly, but it wasn't his usual, malicious smirk, it was softer somehow.
"Never judge a book by it's cover, Potter," Draco said, softly, his silver eyes not leaving the brunette in front of him.
"Sorry, Malfoy," Harry mumbled, his eyes dropping to his hands as he fidgeted with them.
Draco watched Harry for a moment, he opened his mouth to say something, but before he could the compartment door banged open, causing him to jump and glare up at the intruder.
"What the hell are you doing here, Malfoy?" Ron snapped, looking furious. His ears were starting to turn red.
Draco stood quickly, tucking the book neatly under his arm and scooping his bag up with his other hand.
"I was just leaving, Weasel," Draco sneered, and went to leave, but found his path blocked by Ron, who hadn't moved.
"Weasley," Draco began, his voice soft and dangerous. However, he was interrupted by Harry.
"Just let him by, Ron," Harry said, quietly.
Ron stared at his best friend in disbelief, but stood aside, a small frown forming around his lips. The redness didn't fade from his ears, but continued to grow across his face.
Draco turned to Harry and said, "Thanks Potter." He nodded to Harry, before slipping past Ron. As he headed down the train, a small smirk formed on his lips.
"Harry, what the hell?" Ron asked, as he slid the compartment door shut forcefully. His face was now the colour of his hair. He slumped down, opposite Harry, waiting for an explanation.
"He wasn't bothering me, Ron," Harry sighed, "He just wanted somewhere quiet to read."
"That's what he told you, did he? He had to be up to something! What with you getting his Father chucked into Azka..." Ron stopped abruptly, at the look on Harry's face.
"I'm quite aware of what happened before summer, Ron!" Harry hissed, images of Sirius flashing before his eyes.
"Sorry, mate," Ron said, apologetically, "But, come on...it is Malfoy...he just had to be sniffing around for something."
Harry sighed a little and turned his eyes away from Ron.
"I don't think he was," He shrugged.
Ron frowned and shook his head, but before he could say anything, Harry asked, "Where's Hermione?"
"She's still doing her prefect duties, but I got bored, so I thought I'd sneak off," Ron said.
Harry nodded, and began firing questions at Ron about his summer, and quidditch in order to distract Ron from Draco. It worked.
The afternoon flashed by, and as Harry and Ron changed into their Hogwarts robes, Harry could feel the tension he had felt all summer ebb away. He was back where he belonged, with Ron and Hermione, and soon he would be home.
As the train slowed, Hermione joined them, already changed. They joined the mass of students clambering off of the train, all heading towards the carriages that were pulled by the threstrals.
"All righ', you three?" Hagrid's voice boomed out over the sea of students.
The trio gave Hagrid a quick wave, before dodging through the crowd. Harry's heart gave a sudden pang as he faced a threstral that was attached to the carriage they were headed for, pawing the ground impatiently. It's bright, colourless eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, and little puffs of steam emitted from it's nostrils in the cold, night air. Harry averted his eyes and quickly got into the carriage, staring down at his hands as he sat. He could feel tears stinging the back of his eyes, but he forced them away. Hermione sat beside him, and her hand found his, wordlessly. Ron pulled the door closed, quickly, so no-one else could join them. They sat in silence as the carriages began their procession towards Hogwarts from Hogsmeade Station. Harry stared at his and Hermione's joined hands. He was so grateful for his two best friends, who had stuck by him through everything, but his thoughts darkened as they landed on Sirius. How could he have been so stupid? His thoughtless actions had torn away the only person who had ever resembled some form of Father figure in his life. How could he have endangered his friends? His friends who would follow him anywhere, who would blindly follow without thinking about the dangers. How could he have been so selfish? So desperate to play the hero!
"Harry," Hermione said, softly, "Welcome home..."
Harry looked up at her, and then followed her gaze as she looked out of the carriage window. Out of the darkness rose Hogwarts, all of the windows lit up like shining beacons, welcoming back. Harry's mood couldn't help but lighten a little as they reached the stone steps. He was home!
Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way up the stone steps, into the brightly lit Entrance Hall. Harry stayed close to his two best friends as they were jostled by the crowd into the Great Hall, which as usual was decorated splendidly for the Welcoming feast. Harry glanced around, catching sight of the familiar blonde head. He thought back to their meeting on the train, it had been almost amicable. Harry frowned, that was certainly something that had never happened before. He noticed that Draco was barely talking to the rest of Slytherin, as he took his place next to Blaise Zabini. Draco's silver eyes flicked up and locked with Harry's for a moment. Harry felt the blush rise in his cheeks, and he quickly turned away, sitting down next to Ron and Seamus at the Gryffindor table.
"Good summer, Harry?" Seamus asked, cheerfully in his thick Irish accent.
"Yeah, yours?" Harry muttered, glancing at the sandy-haired boy.
"It was alright, me Mam was busy for the most part," Seamus said, then smiled, turning to talk to Dean Thomas who was on his other side. Harry knew that Seamus' Mum had been inducted into the Order over the summer. Harry assumed that she was trying to make up for the doubt she had felt about Harry and Dumbledore the previous year.
Once everyone was seated, a hush came over the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall entered, carrying the Sorting Hat on a stool, followed by a line of terrified looking first years. Everyone turned their attention to the Sorting Hat, and a rip near the brim opened wide and sang it's yearly song. This one was pretty much along the same line as last years; Hogwarts must unite within, if it's going to conquer forces outside. Once the first years were sorted, Dumbledore rose. He smiled widely at the students in front of him, his arms open.
"Welcome back to another glorious year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore's voice rang throughout the Hall, "Please, tuck in!"
Harry looked down and couldn't help the grin that spread across his face, for the tables were now covered with a delicious array of food. Harry, who had been almost starved for the entire summer, loaded his plate. Ron grinned over at him and they both tucked into their meals. Once Harry had had two helpings of steak and kidney pie, and some treacle tart did he sit back and pat his full stomach. He felt pleasantly sleepy, and longed for his four poster bed that was somewhere above him.
Dumbledore rose again, once all the food had left the golden plates that littered the four House tables.
"Just a quick note before you all make your way to your wonderfully warm beds. First years must note that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden to all, and some of the older years would do well to remember this too," Dumbledore's sparkling blue eyes landed on Harry, Ron and Hermione for the briefest of moments, "Our caretaker, Mr. Filch would also like me to remind you that magic is forbidden in the corridors, and an extensive list of other items that are forbidden is nailed to his door, should anybody be curious enough to take a look. I would also like everyone to welcome back, Professor Lupin, who will be returning as Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Harry's eyes quickly darted to the staff table, but he couldn't see Lupin anywhere, but he did notice that there was a space missing between Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout.
"Unfortunately," Dumbledore began, as whispers broke out between the students, "He could not make the feast this evening due to an illness, but he will be ready and eager to teach tomorrow."
Harry felt his face cracking into the biggest grin that he could remember since Sirius' death. Lupin would be here, Lupin, who was not only Sirius' best friend, but his Father's too. He felt a lot better knowing that Lupin would be close by. He turned to Ron and Hermione, whose grins were identical to his own.
"Now, off to bed with you" Dumbledore finished.
There was a great deal of noise as the benches groaned against the floor as the students rose. Chatter filled the Hall as everyone began making their way to their common rooms.
"Harry, Lupin is back! How wonderful!" Hermione said, her eyes bright.
"I know! It's great...I can't believe he's really going to be here!" Harry gushed. It would be nice to have someone else who knew how he felt about the loss of Sirius. Hermione and Ron were obviously upset, but they hadn't been as close to Sirius as Harry and Lupin had been.
"Of course he isn't here tonight though. Last night was the full moon, I expect he's recovering." Hermione said, talking very quickly as the three of them headed to the Gryffindor common room, "And, I'm sure everyone knows about his condition, but after what happened at the Ministry last summer, no-one will question Dumbledore again."
Harry felt the pang in his heart again as Hermione brushed over the events in the Ministry, but he managed to push them away. He knew he mustn't wallow, and with the news of Lupin coming back he knew that it would be easier.
Soon enough, Harry and Ron were climbing the circular staircase to their dormitory. Harry smiled at Seamus, Dean and Neville as they entered. They all exchanged tired conversations as they readied themselves for bed, and then crawled into them. Harry drew the hangings around his bed and flopped back against the soft, feather pillows. He was asleep within a matter of minutes.
"Double potions, first thing!" Ron groaned around a mouthful of bacon.
Harry sighed and let his eyes drop to his own timetable. Double Potions with the Slytherins, followed by Double Transfiguration, again with the Slytherins. Harry rather enjoyed Transfiguration, but not when teamed with the Slytherins, especially after Double Potions.
"Slytherins all day," Harry moaned, "But we do have Double Defence tomorrow morning with the Hufflepuffs, which isn't so bad, and then Double Charms with the Ravenclaws, no Slytherins all day!" He felt a small pang of guilt as he wouldn't be carrying on Care of Magical Creatures, but he hoped Hagrid would understand as he wanted to become an Auror. Thankfully, he had also dropped Divination.
"Come on, otherwise we'll be late!" Hermione said, swinging her bag onto her back, "You never know, Snape may have changed his tune since the events of the Ministry!"
Hermione set off at a brisk pace, and the two boys stumbled in her wake.
"Yeah right, it's probably just doubled his loathing for me," Harry mumbled to Ron, who nodded his head vigorously, still chewing on the last of his bacon as they entered the torch lit corridors that led to the Dungeons.
The trio took their usual seats at the back of the classroom as the rest of the class filed in. Harry noticed that most students had decided to take potions at NEWT level, however Lavender, Neville, Crabbe and Goyle had picked different subjects. Harry's eyes followed the back of Draco's head as he took his seat at the front. The class erupted into chatter, until the usual tell-tale banging of the door announced Snape's arrival. He looked just as sour, greasy and hook-nosed as ever when he took his place at the front. His dark eyes scanned the room, resting on Harry for the moment. Snape's eyes darkened slightly, and Harry knew that he hadn't changed his tune in the slightest.
"Welcome to Advanced Potions, I did not expect some of you to be back," Snape uttered, his voice deadly calm, his eyes landing on Harry again, "Be that as it may, I expect some of you will not see this class until the end. I expect a lot from my NEWT students, and anyone who falls behind will be asked to leave" Snape's dark eyes roamed over the students, and an unpleasant smile broke out across his face, "Our assignments this year will cause us to work in pairs. I have assigned each one."
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione; he would be highly surprised if either of them were partnered together. As Snape paired off the students, it was evident that it would be one Gryffindor and one Slytherin making each pair.
"Weasley and Zabini," Snape said, silkily, "Granger and Parkinson, and finally Potter and Malfoy."
The students did not even make an attempt to move. Harry knew who his partner would be the second he had realised how Snape was pairing each couple. He stuffed his belongings into his bag and swung it onto his back. He pushed his chair back and stood up. He felt the eyes of the rest of the class on his back as he strode up to Draco's desk. He glared down at the dark haired boy next to Draco.
"Zabini," Harry began, his voice rough, as chocolate brown eyes met his, "I believe your partner is waiting for you."
Blaise hesitated for a moment, before standing proudly and collecting his things together neatly. He brushed past Harry and went to the empty seat beside Ron. The rest of the class took Harry's lead, as Harry dumped his stuff next to Draco. He felt Snape's eyes on him, but he wouldn't look up. He knew Snape had expected Harry to cause some sort of scene, some sort of resistance to being partnered with a Death Eaters son, but Harry had refused to rise to the bait. He had finally gotten one up on Snape. As he sat down, he felt another pair of eyes on him and turned to face his partner. Silver met green for a moment, before Draco flashed him his usual smirk.
"Very noble, Potter," Draco said, but to Harry's surprise, his voice held no malice, only jest.
"Well, someone had to be the bigger person, and I knew it wasn't going to be you," Harry fired back, a small smirk forming on his own lips.
"Ouch," Draco said in mock defence, and his lips almost quirked into something resembling a smile.
Harry didn't have time to analyse this strange exchange between himself and Draco, as Draco had jumped up and began to collect ingredients they needed. Harry frowned for a moment, and glanced up at the board. Snape had flicked his wand at the board and the instructions on how to brew 'The Draught of Living Death' were scrawled across the board. Harry watched Draco for a moment, before he lit the cauldron. He guessed that he could've gotten a worse partner, at least Draco was actually good at potions, and for some strange reason they had begun to tolerate each other. This made class slightly more bearable. Harry found that he and Draco made quite a good team. Draco had such a good precision with potions and a delicate hand, and Harry was able to take good direction and had a keen eye for measurements. Their potion was starting to clear nicely, as a silvery mist started to rise from the surface. Snape was prowling through each row, inspecting potions, making scathing comments to the Gryffindors and praising the Slytherins. He loomed over Harry and Draco's potion, his eyebrow rising slightly.
"Well Potter, I see you have let Master Malfoy take the lead," Snape hissed, loud enough for everyone to hear.
The class quietened, waiting for Harry's response. Harry opened his mouth to defend himself, but found that Draco was quicker, "Actually, Professor, Potter stopped me from making a few mistakes. He worked on this as much I."
Harry's head whipped around to look at Draco, frowning a little. Okay, so he knew they had had some civil conversations, but Draco Malfoy was actually defending him. In Potions. To Snape. Snape stared down at his star pupil, a strange look on his face. He pursed his lips and passed on to comment on another's potion. Harry looked at Draco, his eyebrows raised.
"Thanks Malfoy," Harry said, shock evident in his voice.
Draco turned his silver eyes to Harry, his lips forming the smallest of smiles.
"I'm not all bad, you know?" Draco said, his voice soft, his eyes never leaving Harry's.
Harry found his own mouth curving into a smile to match Draco's. He kept the eye contact, feeling a shift in their new found tolerance of each other.
"I guess not. Why the sudden change of heart?" Harry breathed.
Draco's eyes darkened slightly and he broke the eye contact. He turned away from Harry and began adding the last ingredient expertly to the potion. He lowered the heat and watched the potion simmer. Harry frowned, had he said something wrong?
"Malfoy?" Harry asked, unsure why Draco had suddenly closed off from him.
"Just leave it, Potter." Draco hissed, his usual sneer plastered back on his face.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Draco and sighed, irritably. He glared down at their potion as it turned clear. Why was he so bothered that Draco had turned back into his usual arrogant self? He decided that he wasn't, and bottled their potion. He took the vial up to Snape's desk, turned on one foot and stormed back to the table. He shoved his things back into a his bag roughly, as Snape dismissed the class, instructing the class that they should arrange a meeting with their partner in order to prepare for the next assignment. Harry strode to the door, and didn't even bother to wait for Ron and Hermione. He was half way through a cottage pie by the time Ron and Hermione joined him.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked, frowning down at him as she helped herself to roast chicken and boiled potatoes.
"Probably that git giving him a hard time! You know, especially after Harry named his Dad a Death Eater!" Ron said, piling his plate with mashed potatoes, green beans, lamb shoulder and lashings of gravy.
"Yeah, something like that," Harry mumbled, darkly.
"Don't let ferret boy get to you, Harry," Ron said, fiercely, gravy dribbling down his chin.
"Ron!" Hermione scolded, sounding an awful lot like Mrs. Weasley, "Don't talk with your mouth full!"
"Sorry, 'Ermione!" Ron mumbled, his voice muffled by mashed potato.
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione exclaimed, her lip curling in disgust.
Harry found himself smiling at his two best friends. Why had he let that little git get to him? So they had exchanged a few civil words, they had even joked with each other, but what was Harry expecting, for Draco to announce that he had denounced the Dark Lord and wanted to be on his side? Fat chance that would ever happen and Harry wasn't even sure he wanted that git on their side anyway. He glanced over at the Slytherin table, his eyes searching for Draco. He wasn't there. He decided that he didn't care and he wouldn't be making the effort to be civil to Draco again.
Harry spent the rest of lunch listening to Ron and Hermione bicker with each other. He found himself laughing along with them and even at them at times. As they made their way to Transfiguration, Harry found that his mood had lightened considerably. He took his seat near the front, sitting between Ron and Hermione. He didn't even look up as the Slytherins made their way noisily to the back of the classroom. Harry noticed that almost everyone seemed to have taken Transfiguration this year. He supposed that most jobs would require advanced knowledge of this.
Professor McGonagall stood patiently at the front of the classroom, waiting for the class to settle; they didn't take long. She surveyed the students over her glasses before transforming into the tabby cat, which had rings around her eyes. With a faint pop, she transformed back to her human form. The Gryffindors gave a cheer, but the Slytherins rolled their eyes, as if bored with this display.
"Animagi, as I'm sure you are aware are wizards who can transform into an animal. This is a very complicated branch of Transfiguration, and I don't expect everyone to be able to do it. However, as an introduction to Advanced Transfiguration, we will be studying those who are Animagi and the theory behind it. I should expect that at least a one of you will achieve an Animagus form by the end of your NEWTs. Those that excel on this particular project will be able to study it until they have achieved their form, however those who do not progress, will move onto the second assignment of your NEWT level." McGonagall explained, her voice brisk.
Harry stared at her for a long moment, unable to process the information. They would be studying Animagi, maybe even becoming one. Images of Sirius, his Father and even Wormtail flooded his mind. He felt the dark cloud that had evaporated over the course of the day return. He didn't want to think about Sirius, he didn't want to study a branch of magic that he linked so closely with his dead Godfather, or his dead Father or the treacherous coward who handed his parents over for slaughter. The room spun, and he faintly felt Hermione's hand grip his own.
"Harry," She breathed, "Harry..."
Harry glanced over at her and forced a smile.
"It's okay," He mumbled, casting his eyes down at his lap, determined to stop the room from spinning. He took a deep breath, and when he looked up again, he realised that McGonagall had written some notes on the board and others were copying them down. He grabbed his quill and forced his shaking hand to be steady. He scrawled what was written on the board, not taking in a word of it.
Soon, everyone had a possum in front of them; McGonagall had instructed that they were to turn them into a raccoon. In order to master the basics of becoming an Animagus, they must first learn how to change the genetic make-up of one animal to another. In doing so, they would find it easier to transfigure themselves. Harry barely concentrated throughout the entire lesson, and by the end Hermione was the only one who had managed to change her possum into a raccoon. Ron's possum had stripes and a bushy tail, and Harry's raccoon still had large bat-like ears and a stubby tail. Hermione kept casting Harry side-long glances as they made their way to the Great Hall for dinner.
Hermione laid her hand on Harry's as they sat and whispered, "Harry, are you sure you're okay? You were awfully quiet."
Harry considered not answering her, but he remembered what he had felt like the last time he shut out of best friends.
"It's just hard to think about," Harry sighed, "What with my Father and Si...Sirius being Animagi, which gets me thinking of Wormtail too...it's just...I don't know...difficult..."
"We know Harry, but you mustn't let what happened to Sirius hold you back. Becoming an Animagi could be something of value to you...especially with the proph..."
"Ron," Hermione warned him. She glanced around, making sure that no-one had overheard their conversation. No-one else knew about the prophecy.
Harry nodded and swallowed hard, only helping himself to some pumpkin juice. He didn't feel like eating. He knew Ron was right, but it still hurt.
"I think I'll just go to the common room," Harry said, as he stood.
"We'll come too," Hermione said, quickly. Ron, who was only half way through his dinner, looked up in horror.
"No, no...honestly, I'm fine...you guys finish eating. I'll see you in the common room. I just...I just need some time to myself." Harry said, flashing a smile at Ron, who started shovelling food back into his mouth.
"If you're sure?" Hermione asked, uncertainly.
"Yeah, see you later!" Harry said, forcing another smile onto his face. He quickly exited the hall, unaware of the silver eyes that followed him. He was half way to Gryffindor Tower, when he heard someone behind him. He turned around quickly and saw Draco Malfoy hurrying to a halt behind him. He narrowed his eyes at the Slytherin.
"What, Malfoy?" Harry snapped, folding his arms across his chest.
Draco's eyes narrowed a little, but he tried to keep his expression neutral.
"We need to arrange a meeting, Potter. Or did you miss the homework that Snape gave us?" Draco asked, keeping his voice calm.
"Whatever, Malfoy," Harry hissed, "When and where?"
"Tomorrow, 7pm in the library." Draco said, still forcing a calm voice.
"Fine." Harry said, shortly and wheeled around, walking away from him.
"Potter, I..." Draco began, but he suddenly gave a small hiss and clutched his left arm. His eyes stayed on the retreating Gryffindors back, but he soon turned and fled to Snape's office.
Harry had heard Draco call his name, but he sped up, determined not to let the Slytherin antagonise him. He walked as quickly as he could to the common room, slamming himself down onto an armchair in a dark corner. He glared at nothing in particular, unsure as to why he was so upset. He convinced himself that it was just because of the grief he felt for Sirius, but he had a niggling feeling that a certain blonde Slytherin may have something to do with his mood. However, he refused to acknowledge it. By the time Ron and Hermione had made their way to the common room, Harry had slipped into a stupor.
"Mate...Harry...hello? Earth to Harry Potter!" Ron said, waving his hands in front of Harry, madly.
Harry blinked slowly and looked up into the concerned faces of his two best friends.
"Oh, hey...sorry, did you say something?" Harry asked, a dazed look on his face.
Hermione frowned, but Ron merely laughed.
"Yeah, Hermione was trying to ask you if you were okay. I swear if I had a galleon every time she has asked you in the past two days, I'd be rich!" Ron said, grinning at them both.
Hermione huffed, indignantly and snapped, "Ron, I'm just concerned for Harry...you know what he's been through..."
Ron rolled his eyes and said, "He doesn't need to be mollycoddled Hermione...Harry knows that we're here for him, but he doesn't want to be bombarded with questions constantly, do you mate?"
Harry smiled at Ron, and said, "It is nice to know you care, but honestly...I'm fine."
"But Harry..." Hermione began.
"But nothing Hermione, I really do appreciate your concern, but like Ron said, I need some breathing space sometimes. I'm not going to deny that what's happened is playing on my mind, but there's nothing anyone can do..."
Hermione watched him for a moment, and then sighed as if defeated.
"Okay...sorry..." Hermione murmured, "But if you do need to talk then..."
"I'll come straight to you, no matter what time of the day, even if I have to claw my way up the stairs to the girls dorm," Harry finished her sentence, with a wink.
Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down, a smile forming around her lips. She pulled out a large volume on Animagus and disappeared behind it for the remainder of the evening. Harry and Ron looked at each other, and then pulled out a chess board. Homework could wait until tomorrow.
"You have failed at your first attempts with the Boy Who Lived, my little snake!" Voldemort's hissed through a dank room.
This time, the circle of Death Eaters was much smaller, just the Dark Lord's hand-picked favourites. The same small Death Eater knelt before his Lord, shivering with the effort to stay upright.
"No, my Lord," His voice rasped, "I haven't...the plan has only just begun...please...I need more time!"
Voldemort's cruel laugh, bounced around the small room, making the sound even more terrible. The floor was wet with mildew, and heavy chains littered the walls. The dungeons of Malfoy Manner always were one of the Dark Lord's favourite places to punish his Death Eaters; the cold and darkness always seemed to help add to a Death Eater's misery.
"Time? Time is something we do not have, young one." Voldemort snapped, "You will gain his trust and bring him to me..."
"But, he hates me!" The figure on the floor moaned, "He doesn't trust me."
"Make him, you are a Slytherin, are you not? Cunning is what sets you apart from the rest." Voldemort hissed, dragging the figure up by the front of his robes. The Death Eaters knees almost buckled from underneath him. Voldemort drew the figure close to his snake-like face and breathed, "Use any means possible. Do not fail me!" He dropped the Death Eater on the floor and muttered, "Crucio!" The figure went rigid on the floor, his back arched impossibly high.
Voldemort flicked his wand again and the figure slammed into the far wall. The chains snaked around him and held him in place, spread eagle pressed against the cold, stone wall. The rest of the Death Eaters turned their wands onto the figure chained to the wall, and began firing different spells. Soon, the figure on the wall's robes had vanished, and bloody welts, cuts and bruises littered the pristine, pale white skin. The figure's masked face slumped onto his chest, as he fell into unconsciousness, his breathing ragged. A sickening pool of blood had gathered beneath the figure as the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters left the room. Only one other remained. The man ripped off his mask, to reveal the hook-nosed face of Severus Snape. He sighed and pointed his wand at the figure on the wall. The bleeding stopped, and as Snape gathered the figure into his arms, he covered him back over with his robe. Snape made his way to the fireplace, and disappeared.
Harry awoke with a start, his scar blinding him with pain as sweat poured down his forehead. He slowed his hurried breathing and forced his eyes open.