Chapter 4: In Confidence
Harry tossed and turned in his bed, caught up in the theroes of his nightmare. For as long as he could remember, he's had nightmares of a woman screaming and a flash of green. He remembered hearing the woman beg someone to not kill him and to take her instead. He heard the evil laughter and the dream faded and Harry woke up crying, shaking and sweating. Without making a sound, he gathered parchment, quill and ink and with a shaky hand and tears running down his face, he penned a letter to Professor Ravenmare. When he was done he turned to Hedwig and gave her the letter.
"Take this to Professor Ravenmare, girl and hurry." Harry hugged his knees and trembled. Hedwig hooted and took off. She didn't have far to go, for Delia was an early riser. She found the Professor in the corridor enroute to the Great Hall for an early breakfast. Hedwig hooted at the blonde and held out her leg. Delia blinked. An owl, this early in the morning? She took the letter and stroked the beautiful snow owl. Her heart dropped as she read the letter. Harry was upset and afraid. Without a second thought, Delia pocketed the letter and made her way to Gryffindor Tower. The Fat Lady looked at her and blinked.
"Governor Malfoy, what brings you here and dressed like that?"
"I'm undercover good lady." Lucius said politely. "I have a good belief that one of your students is in trouble and I intend to fix that. I would also appreciate it if you allow me entrance and keep my true identity a secret."
"Of course Governor. And you're talking about Mr. Potter, I've seen that poor dear, and I believe you're right. I will allow you passage whenever you need Governor. Help him. He's in the dormitories, bed by the window."
"I will good lady, thank you." The blonde walked into the Gryffindor Common Room and made her way to the boys' dorms. She found Harry on his bed, hugging his knees and sobbing. She sat on his bed next to him and stroked his hair as she had done for her own son when he was upset. Harry looked up with teary eyes and gasped.
"Professor?" He hicupped. "How did you...I mean you're a girl...I mean, a woman...I..."
"Mr. Potter, Harry, calm down. If a student is in need, exceptions can be made. I recieved your letter and I was going to ask you to come with me so we can talk. I'll wait for you in the Common Room, come down when you're done." With that she rose gracefully from the bed and walked out. Harry got up and dressed, grabbed his bag and met up with Professor Ravenmare, who was indeed waiting for him.
"I'm ready Professor."
"Excellent, let's be off." She led the way to her office, which was a few doors away from Snape's. It was done up in emerald, maple and creams. It was cool yet inviting and calming. Harry smiled and thanked the Profssor as he took a seat.
"I'm sorry for the inconvience Professor..."
"Harry, stop right there, you are NOT inconviencing me whatsoever. I did say anytime and I meant it. Now, why not tell me what's troubling you."
"I keep having nightmares Professor. More than usual since I've come here. Of a woman screaming, begging someone to not kill me, to take her instead and I always see a flash of green light." Delia's eyes widened at this and knew exactly what night Harry was describing. It was the night of his parents' murder.
"Harry, has anyone told you how your parents were...taken from you?"
"Hagrid said they were killed, by Voldemort." Again Delia's eyes widened. she didnt except the Gamesmaster to be so straight up with his answer. So, honesty works with him. Very well, I will grant him the same boon. "He told you the truth. They were indeed murdered. What you're experiencing are not nightmares. They're memories. You are reliving that night."
"Is there any way I dont have to?"
"There is a potion for that but I will monitor your dosage for it can be additive. It is called Dreamless Sleep." She showed him the vial of shimmering lilac. "What this does, is allow you a night of sleep with no dreams nor nightmares. But like I said, it can be addictive if abused. to prevent that, I will monitor your doses. I will give you your first one tonight. Before curfew I will meet you in your common room and i will give you the dosage. You are to take it before you go to sleep. Mind you, I still wish for you to come and talk to me when you need to. We can talk about anything you wish."
"This world is just amazing. I thought all this was just, things for fairytales."
"You've been deprived of so much Harry. If you'd let me I'd be happy to remedy that. Ask me anything."
"Unicorns..."
"They do exist, in fact, let's see the Gamesmaster." She stood up and placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder and led him out of her office. They just left when Draco and his two goons walked by.
"Oh, it's Teacher's Pet Potter..." Draco began but the taunt died in his throat as he met the glare of which teacher he was ready to insult. What's my FATHER doing here?! Draco paled and gulped, bowing his head and walking away quickly.
"See me after you walk your pets Mr. Malfoy." She ordered sharply. "I expect you in MY office after your classes!"
"Yes Professor." They heard Draco answer fearfully. Harry smirked and walked onward with Professor Ravenmare. They reached Hagrid's hut and Harry waved joyfully at the half giant who responded in kind.
"Hullo 'Arry, Professor Ravenmare, what can I do for you?"
"Gamesmaster, do you have the unicorns set up?"
"Yes Ma'am, this way." Hagrid said as he led them to a pen where there were five unicorns. A family of them, two parents and two foals and an older male. Harry was overjoyed and asked for silent premission, in which both allowed and Hagrid let him into the pen, in where the foals immediately went to go play with him. When Harry was out of earshot, the adults spoke.
"So Lucius, what do you think?"
"I dont know what Dumbledore was thinking when he placed Harry on that doorstep of that wretched house but I will do whatever is in my power to help him. He didnt ask for this. He should be as any other child. Without a care in the world, other than getting good grades of course and be with a family who loves him for him."
"How's Snape's taking this?"
"Severus' head is so far up his ass he can tongue fuck himself." Lucius said with a sneer and causing the half giant to laugh. It was rare that the prim and proper School Governor to cuss like a commoner. "He is too into his hatred for James to even think straight. Which is why I'm taking over his classes. I fear that if continues this way, that he will be more harm than good for Harry."
"And what about you? Arent you a risk?"
"Why because Im under this guise? Or because I have this blasted Mark on me? As strange as it may sound, but Harry is safer with me than anyone else. And before you ask, the answer is simple, because I am the least suspectable."
"Wouldnt Professor Dumbledore know who are under there?"
"No, because I duplicated myself. If he tries to suspect me, all he has to do is check my office. My double moves as I do, thinks like I do and goes where I want it go. Basically, it's another me that can be banished when I want it to. I can move as I please without suspicion."
"That's pretty clever Governor." Hagrid said, turning to look where the blond was watching Harry play with the unicorn foals. He noticed the smile on the blonde's face. He had a warm smile on his face and Hagrid agreed with it. Harry for once, looked happy. The blonde looked at his pocket watch and gasped. It was almost time for Harry's first class, Potions. Without skipping a beat, Lucius reverted his vocals to his alter ego's.
"Harry, come child it's almost time for class, hustle up!"
"Coming Professor!" Harry called, as he picked himself up and dusted his robes and uniform. Hagrid and Lucius looked at each other then nodded, Lucius reverting back to his disguise. Harry caught up to them and smiled.
"Thank you both so much, I feel better." They smiled and Delia led her student back to the school. Hagrid watched them go and smiled. Take care of him Governor. I know you'll treat him well. He needs that.
Both teacher and student made it to the classroom but not before Delia carefully removed some hairs from Harry's robes and placed them into a crystal and moonstone vial and placed it around Harry's neck.
"As a memento of your new friends and your play date. Hold it close and close your eyes, you will remember." Delia said with a smile. Harry looked at her and hugged her tight. Delia smiled and hugged him back before gently disentangling from their embrace and led him to a seat. With a small smile, they took their places. Ron and Hermoine saw him and greeted him, Ron sat next to him while Hermoine sat close by.
"Hey Harry, look at Malfoy! He looks like he's about to piss his pants!" Ron snickered. Harry turned and saw that Ron was right. Draco was pale, nervous and visibly gulped when he saw Professor Ravenmare. Harry looked at her and she smiled at him and glared at Draco when he tried something, that being to take Harry's quill!
"Mr. Malfoy move your hand before I hex it off!" She snapped. Draco jumped and fell out of his seat. Harry clapped his hands over his mouth but Ron laughed his ass off. Professor Ravenmare smirked then waved for silence. "Mr. Malfoy, after class, step into my office, we're going to have a little chat." Draco nodded and returned yo his seat, miffed. The class continued without further incident. When the bell rang, Professor Ravenmare looked up. "Alright class by Monday I want you to have read chapters 3 and 4 and be ready for an open book discussion. Mr. Malfoy, my office, now. The rest of you, class dismissed." Draco gathered his things quietly and went to her office and took a seat. Five minutes later, Professor Ravenmare strode in, put up a silence Ward and privacy Ward before reverting back and propping his feet on his desk.
"Draco, you seem to be getting into quite a bit of trouble."
"Father, what are you doing here and dressed like a woman?!"
"My job!" His father said sharply. "As School Governor it is my job to make certain that no students are abused or in danger. If they are, I am to observe and aid the student without hesitation. And if possible, find the student a more suitable environment."
"But you keep getting on my ass with Saint Potter! He's treated like royalty..."
"Says who?"
"Well isn't he?"
"I can't believe that my own son can be so dense!" Lucius said. "Both you and Severus will drive me to drink! Draco, you are to keep your silence on what I'm about to tell you. Swear by a wizards oath boy!" Draco complied and Lucius sat back when it was done. "Good, now despite what you think, Harry has been placed into an abusive home, with the worst Muggles imaginable. The boy has been abused, neglected and malnourished. Also he has very little. So before you open your mouth, open your eyes and see what's before you!"
"How could the Headmaster do that?"
"It's all about control Draco. He put Harry there so when time presented himself, Harry would be so grateful to Dumbledore that he would follow whatever he says or does without question." Draco's eyes widened as everything sunk in. He had seen Harry's clothes and saw how he didn't eat much. He felt horrible and wanted to help.
"Father, I want to help..."
"You'll have earn it Draco. For now, just steer clear, let me handle it. You swore to keep your silence. Watch him Draco and report to me. Don't disappoint me again. Now go." Draco nodded and went to class. He swore by his magic that he would keep his silence and he would. From a safe distance he observed the ravenette and kept quiet. He decided to earn not only his father's trust, but Harry's as well. when things were told in confidence, they were the ultimate secret and Draco swore he would take them to the grave.
Will Draco screw up? I didn't forget Snape, he's up next! More to come.