Chapter 2:
The end of the year was coming closer, exams were done and final grades were on the way.
In the few months that had passed since Harry, Draco, and Snape's plan was formed, Harry had really gotten to know the two, especially Draco. He learned that 'Prince' was Snape's mother's maiden name, one of the eldest families in pure blood. As he spent more and more time with the two Slytherins, he grew alarmingly close to Draco, and Draco to him. Some people would call their relationship unhealthy, but that's just how they were. They were there to comfort each other when the memories were too much, to look to across the hall when they were sure no one was watching except for the other. Draco went to every Occlumency lesson after the fateful night, and Harry was glad of it, as he was a comforting support that helped Harry build a strong wall around his mind.
The best part was, Umbridge was gone. The Ministry had pulled her out after getting one too many complaining letters from parents and students regarding her actions. She was sent to Azkaban for her use of blood quills. Dumbledore was, unfortunately, given back the position of Headmaster.
Harry pretended to know nothing of Dumbledore's lies, and had taken to ignoring the man all together. He continued to hang out with Ron and Hermione, but he withdrew himself from conversations, preferring to simply listen to them as they relentlessly argued. He began to take more notice on how they treated him. After being around Draco, he learned how a true friend should care for another. Neither Ron nor Hermione ever treated him as nicely as Draco, or even Snape, did now.
Proof of this came on the morning they received their marks. Harry had an 'O' in everything, having decided that it was time he let his brainy side show. Even then, though, he hid his grades from Hermione. Honestly, being smart was all she had going for her.
Said bushy haired girl was holding up her results, bragging about all the O's she got, ignoring the E's in Herbology, Potions, and DADA, though her disappointment in herself was obvious. She turned to Harry, "Come on, then. Let's see your marks, Harry." When he hesitated, Hermione noticed, "What is it? Are they bad? I'm sorry Harry, maybe if you spent more time studying, this wouldn't have happened." She said, right before snatching the paper from Harry.
His protests were cut short when Hermione's eyes widened. For a long moment, all she did was stare at his marks, her mouth hanging open in shock. Suddenly, her head shot up in Harry's direction, "Harry! I cannot believe you!" At his confused look, she continued, "Obviously you cheated!"
Ron looked up from his dinner, "What? How'd you do it, mate!"
Harry glared at the two, "I didn't cheat, why would you guys even think that? I actually have a brain, you know." But they didn't know. Harry was used to hiding his intelligence, fore if he ever got a better grade than Dudley in anything, it called for a beating. He hadn't been able to shake the habit of down playing himself until just recently, after getting the support from Draco.
"What are you talking about, Harry? I've always been smarter than you, and let's face it, you aren't really all that bright. The only possible way you could have gotten these grades is if you cheated." She said it like it was obvious.
Harry sneered, "Actually Hermione, I think it's you that's not so bright. If you really think I'd cheat, then you obviously don't know me." Harry stood, preparing to walk out of the Great Hall.
Hermione sprung from her seat on the other side of the table, leaning over said table to wrap her hand around Harry's wrist, "Don't you dare walk away from me, Harry James Potter!" Her voice was now slightly raised in a shrill tone.
As Harry scowled at her, he noticed the staff and students fall silent, watching him and Hermione curiously. He regarded her cooly, "Let me go, Hermione."
She glared at him, "No, I will not let go. You are going to stay here and talk to me! Why won't you just admit that you cheated!"
Harry yanked his arm away forcibly, almost making Hermione lose her footing, "I won't admit it because I. Did. Not. Cheat! Now get that through your thick skull!" In the corner of his eye, he noticed McGonagall stand and make her way towards them. A feeling of dread settled in his stomach. Suddenly, a hand was in his. A hand he had become very familiar with. Draco Malfoy was willingly holding Harry Potter's hand in front of the entire school.
The blonde looked at Hermione coldly, "I think, Granger, that you best keep your assumptions to yourself, especially when they are wrong." Snape was standing too, now that one of his students were involved, and walking quickly to the trio.
Ron stood angrily, "Don't you dare talk to Hermione like that! And get your bloody hand away from Harry's!"
Draco glanced at their clasped hands, probably just noticing that he had done it. It had become a natural thing for them, something they always did in each other's presence. He looked back up, only tightening his grip on Harry's hand, "No, I don't think I will."
Ron growled, "I warned you!" He fumbled for his wand, yanking it free from his pocket and pointing it at Draco. As he opened his mouth to shout a spell, he found himself unable to speak.
Harry had been faster, and before Ron could even start his incantation, he was silenced and disarmed. Harry practically growled, "I will NOT let you harm my best friend, Ron." His Avada Kedavera green eyes glowing in his fury.
By now, McGonagall was just reaching them, "What in Merlin's name is going on?" The words were quickly followed by a quick charm sent at Ron, ending his silence.
Harry scowled at the greying witch, "Isn't it obvious? I got all O's so I must have cheated, isn't that right Hermione? Because stupid little Potter couldn't possibly get good grades on his own!"
"Why, you-!" Ron growled out, balling his fists.
McGonagall huffed, interrupting him, "That is not how you speak to a professor, Mr. Potter. I expect better from you. And Ms. Granger, do not accuse someone of cheating unless you are sure. Mr. Potter, please return Mr. Weasly's wand so everyone can calm down and return to their seats. And Mr. Weasley, please refrain from further insulting your school mates." Hermione grumbled something under her breath, Harry reluctantly returned Ron's wand, and Ron continued to glare daggers at Draco. Not one of them sat.
Severus reached the group, regarding them silently. Many of the Gryffindors at the table were glaring or scowling at Draco, angry that he dared come over here and insult their 'Griffindor Princess' and lay a hand on the Boy-Who-Lived. Some of them were starting to stand, even more of them were griping their wands.
Severus, surprising everyone, put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, "Are you okay, Harry? Draco?"
"We're fine, simply annoyed." Draco sneered at the Gryffindors. Harry nodded in agreement at his side.
Severus leaned closer to the two, whispering so that no one else could hear, "Be prepared to run. Dumbledore is heading this way. It seems our plans must be put into action sooner than we thought." Sure enough, the old headmaster was already halfway to the group, a mostly concealed anger in his twinkling blue eyes. McGonagall was still fuming, but busy conversing with Hermione. Draco and Harry's eyes met, both of them sporting identical smirks. A small smile flickered on the potion master's face before disappearing just as fast. Just before the bearded man reached the group, Severus cast a quick slipping charm on the floor as him and the two boys raced from the room.
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hermione, Ron, and a few other students and professors raced after them, only to slip and slide across the floor, Ron being the only one to fall onto his rear.
By the time everyone else had made it out of the castle, the three runaways had made it into the Forbidden Forest, their speed barely slowing. They wove around trees in a zig zag pattern to better avoid flying spells, moving faster when a bright red spell nearly hit Draco. They were nearly to the apparition point, when Harry collapsed from a stunner. Draco stopped to lift Harry so he held one of the younger boy's arms over his shoulder with his other arm wrapped around the black haired boy's waist to support his weight, not having enough time to take out his wand and awaken him that way. Severus was waiting for them beyond the boarder only a few yards ahead.
Behind them, they heard Dumbledore shout out a slightly dark form of a stunning spell, but luckily, Draco had enough time to dodge the purple streak by moving behind a tree. Taking the last few steps, Draco reached out for Severus' hand and they appeared away with a distinct crack that echoed through the dark forest.
