A/N: Yay! I'm glad I keep updating as often as I do. I get so sad and lonely when my favorite stories take like, 3-4 weeks to update. :( I promise I'll never be like that. If I do, I give you permission to hunt me down and destroy my soul.
*Fingers crossed* Also, sorry for such a lame chapter. I promise it'll start to get interesting in the next chapter ;)

Disclaimer on first chapter and such yadda yadda.
Thanks to my new Beta Bubbles for editing this chapter and making it slightly more interesting:)

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"You said what?" Lupin snapped, gasping.

Snape shook his head. "Keep it down, Remus! They're both sitting inside there waiting for me to return. They aren't deaf you know."

"Harry wasn't supposed to know that Draco was involved-"

"Potter doesn't know and we'd like to keep it that way. The two of them are beginning to show signs of getting along for once, not exactly in the way we expected them to but no matter. Eventually they will come to realize there situations are the same, and hopefully end up helping each other out." Snape said with a sharp tone. "The fact of the matter, is that Draco is unaware that he may be forced into doing something he never thought possible."

"Ah, right, Albus did mention about Dracos mother." Lupin sighed, rubbing his forehead. "This has all gotten out of control."

"It never was in control."

"I suppose."

There was a brief pause before Lupin cleared his throat. "What do we do if they don't end up trusting each other?"

"They will."

"And you're sure of this?"

Snape hesitated. "Quite."

"What does Draco have to do, that he never thought possible?"

"In the end it's going to come down to a decision between Potter, and the Dark Lord."

Confusion and worry spread across Lupins face. "I don't understand."

A groan of frustration escaped Snape, as he turned away from Lupin. "We aren't certain, but I do believe Malfoy was given a task to do at the beginning of the year by the Dark Lord. It may be that if Draco were to follow through, then Narcissa would be released and their family would be forgiven."

"What kind of task?" Lupin stepped backwards when Snape snapped his head back to face him.

"If you're saying you don't know yet, then it's obvious Dumbledore does not want you to."

Lupin looked as if he were to say something to defend himself, but instead bit his tongue holding himself back. "Fine."

"Besides, it's only a matter of time before both of these events help with the cure."

"Cure? Cure for what?"

"Malfoy exploded a small portion of Yewbreath in front of Potter."

"YEWBREATH?"

Snape clasped the front of Lupins robes. "Keep your voice down, werewolf!"

Lupin struggled free out of Snapes grasp. "How come I didn't know this before?"

"Because you've had your head wrapped around your precious Sirius Black, that you haven't bothered to really keep informed of our plan."

"Watch your words, Severus." Lupin snarled, straightening out his brown jacket.

"What, you don't think I know? You don't think the two of you made it quite obvious in our sixth year, while Potter and Lily…" Snape stopped as his attention snapped to loud banging sounds, and breaking glass inside his office. "What the-"


Harry yawned in his arm as he sat in the uncomfortable wooden chair inside Snapes office. He had been making a rather large effort to try and stay quiet inside his head, as Malfoy was sitting right next to him. He could tell the blonde was also making an effort not to say anything, which caused an awkward tension to build up between them the past couple of minutes. They both had arrived no more than two minutes early, and were both surprised to see Professor Snape not in his office. Though his presence was made rather clear after another minute or so, when they heard voices just outside the door.

"He's talking to the weird one." Malfoy muttered breaking the almost unbearable silence, fiddling with his wand as he seemed to do quite often. Harry hadn't bothered to change out of his pajamas when he came. It was seven in the morning on a Saturday- he would probably head straight for bed right after this anyway. He had no more than three hours sleep last night, and knew Malfoy was the same considering they almost kicked each other's face in when they caught glances at three in the morning. Both of them were fidgeting, attempting to try and sleep but neither of them did. After a few hours of falling in and out of pointless slumbers, Harry had sat up in his bed only to find Malfoy had chosen to do the same. He saw the blonde fiddling with his wand, starring out the window next to him. Everyone else had their curtains drawn, and Harry felt an urge to say something but Malfoy stole the opportunity first.

"If you're wondering why I can't sleep it's the same reason you can't."

Doubt it. Do you have a godfather missing who may possibly even be dead? "What do you think my reason is?"

"We're more alike than you know, Potter." He had kept his own glass-like silver eyes out the window the entire time they sat there. Harry chose not to reply for a long moment, as he was stunned by Malfoys words. What right did Malfoy have to say something like that? Harry was nothing like Malfoy. He couldn't be. What made him say that anyway?

"You claim Sirius is missing. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be you Potter, but our lives are so similar in so many ways… it actually sickens me to even think about it."

"Why are you saying this?"

Malfoy breathed and finally turned to meet Harrys gaze. That's when an icy chill crawled along Harrys spine. He felt his eyes become fuzzy for a brief moment before getting hit by a wave of air. The air came from nowhere, so Harry acted like he didn't feel it in case he was only imagining things. Malfoys eyes were cold, yet intriguingly warm all of the sudden. A new rush of dense desire burnt through him, he felt the sudden need to brush the hair from Malfoys face to look deeper into those eyes. He noticed how pronounced and attractive the blondes facial features had become over the years, and almost wanted to sit beside him and tell Malfoy all of his secrets as if they were best friends. He imagined himself slowly leaning in, roaming a finger across those lips down that irresistible mouth… Harry burst into reality at that picture in his head and could have slapped himself right there on the spot for the strange vision. His heart beat faster, not in what he was previously thinking about but the fear and embarrassment he gained. Malfoy had a wicked grin across his face, as if he knew what Harry had just thought.

Oh shit.

"You git!" Harry shouted, silently thanking the vow to use silencing charms on the beds before night. None of the others would have heard him. "You just.. Did you…"

"Force those unpleasant thoughts on you? I guess it worked then, just testing. Goodnight Potter." Malfoy closed his curtains before Harry could get another word in. Forced thoughts? Did he just put that disgusting image in my head? What the hell!

And in the morning, Malfoy chose to dress himself in what Harry would normally wear on a weekend, and this shocked him. Malfoy dressed in a casual black tee-shirt, and a pair of comfortable jeans. Perhaps that was all he had when Harry noticed him rummaging angrily through his trunk in the dorm this morning.

"Weird one..?" Harry asked.

"That Lupin oaf." Malfoy said.

Harry glared. "He's not an oaf, he's your old professor and you should show him a bit of respect."

Malfoy glanced sideways, not turning his head. "Whatever."

"You really piss me off, you know that right?"

"It's my best talent."

"So is being an arse." Harry mumbled, turning his head away from Malfoy.

It didn't take long before they started to bicker, calling each other names back and forth and eventually the fighting turned muggle style. Harry ended up against the desk, throwing a kick into Malfoys stomach which caused him to bump into a large vase, which shattered into hundreds of pieces on the ground. At that moment, the door burst open and both professors were staring wide-eyed at the scene in front of them.

Through a ripped lip smile, Harry pointed at Malfoy. "Wasn't my fault the git was being arrogant!"

"Fuck you Potter!" Malfoy stood up, fixing the vase with a quick spell. Neither of them expected the clear temper that Snape was about to demonstrate.

"Language, Malfoy! I've had enough of you two constantly at each others throats!" Snape bristled, stepping into the classroom. His face was bubbling red, but Harry wouldn't have been able to tell by the regular everyday face he held on. The anger was there, but no emotion in his face. So likely. "I will have no more of it! Starting today, the both of you will learn to work together or neither of you will pass my class, or if I can have it, any classes at all!"

With an alarmed face, Lupin stepped up attempting to help. "I think what Severus here means, is that the both of you are in these messes together. And the least you could do is try and get along while the rest of us sort out your problems."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Messes..? You mean there's more than one, if we're saying Malfoy isn't involved with Sirius?"

"Sirius?" Malfoy said calmly, straightening out his gray tee shirt. "Fantastic. This again. What about him now?"

"You told me he knew, Severus." Lupin said, glaring at Snape.

Snape sighed, pinching the area between his eyes. "I would much prefer to think that nobody knew anything at this point. Like I said, Draco has no idea of what or, who is currently lounging around in his dungeons right now."

"Actually, I'm well aware of the crisis." Malfoy nipped stepping forward. "I just had no idea Potter was actually telling the truth."

Sure you didn't. Harry flared loudly in his mind.

At the time I didn't idiot. Malfoy thought.

Either you've become a master at lying overnight, or you're hiding something.

Hmm. Well spotted Potter. I suppose I'll have to learn to keep you out of my head from now on. If I can force thoughts onto you, then I can sure as hell learn to keep you away from my thoughts.

Harry's face blushed like crazy. So he really had forced those thoughts. Never, ever do that to me again. That was the most unpleasant thing I've ever experienced.

Malfoy snickered. Something tells me that now you're choosing to lie.

That did it. He felt his face grow hot in embarrassment. Now what was the git trying to prove? Lupin and Snape watched with fogged eyes. Both of them were confused, and Harry took quick notice. "Er…"

Snape watched to his desk and sat down quickly, motioning everyone else to follow. His eyes never left Harry. "Has anything new happened that you might care to tell us about?"

"Professor," Malfoy said, eyeing Lupin as if he didn't feel comfortable talking about the effects of Yewbreath with the retired professor's presence.

"He's here on my demand, and he is already aware of everything else." Snape said bitterly, taking in Malfoys hint.

"Fine. You already know me and Potter can hear each others thoughts, and control physical movements and senses, but I can also force visual thoughts onto him as well."

Harry crossed his arms. He trusted Lupin almost as much as he did Dumbledore, but Lupin was a kind-hearted person. He was softer than most, and would probably go on a rampage about how Harry should not use this against Malfoy, or learn to make the best out of the situation. It was enough to have Sirius always grinding him on the stunts he pulled, but to have Lupin treating him so father-like too was a bit of a pain.

Malfoy must have spotted the strange puzzled look on Lupins face. "See watch." And those were the words Harry did not want to hear out of Malfoys mouth. He braced himself quickly, ready for whatever Malfoy was about to demonstrate to Lupin.

Malfoy turned to face Harry and began to concentrate. Harry felt his mind twitching, and his skin begin to itch but suddenly felt his hands rising. They rose quickly, and at first Harry thought Malfoy was about to make him wave, but instead felt his own thumbs pressed against his ears in a mocking sort of manner. What shocked him even more was that his mouth began to move and form words without any thought.

"I'm Harry Potter and I fancy blokes."

Harry shook his head and slapped a hand over his mouth, taking his mind out from the trance. "Hey! I do not!"

Malfoy burst out in laughter, as the two older men stared in awe and shock. Harry then began to concentrate, and watched proudly as Malfoy took his own hand and slapped himself across the face.

"You bloody arse!" Malfoy rose, slapping himself again. "Cut it out, Potter!"

"Both of you!" Lupin stammered, Harry was happy to see Lupin trying to hold back a laugh. However, Snape was seemingly unimpressed watching Malfoy fight back his right hand with his left.

"You're telling me this now? How long have you know? Do you have any idea what this even means?" Snape had his fingers pulsing into the desk. The anger definitely had not cleared, but only grown worse.

"Since last night. I had no idea that he could control things that I say until now actually." Harry snapped back. Or control my thoughts.

Malfoy snickered. "Absolutely brilliant that is."

"Sorry Severus, I'm not quite understanding." Lupin said. "You said Harry only inhaled the burnt smoke, yet it seems as though the effects are the same as ingesting it, though he can shake it off and actually is aware of it happening to him. This isn't normal at all."

"And also the fact that I can do the same to Malfoy. He's aware of it too. Even though I wasn't the brewer." Harry put in. He didn't want to believe this was true, but the idea of making Malfoy walk into walls later and telling his friends his own secrets was kind of a plus. He shoved the thought to the back of his mind when he caught Malfoy glaring at him.

Don't count on it.

"I know. This is exactly what the potion is supposed to do, but I wasn't expecting it after both of them told me they felt no different than before, earlier yesterday." Snape hissed. Harry swallowed nervously; he became embarrassed for lying about it yesterday.

"How long will it last?" Malfoy asked.

"Forever, until we can find a counter potion." Snape said.

Harry swallowed. "No bloody way am I going to be under Malfoys complete control for the rest of my life."

"I don't exactly fancy the idea either, thank you." Malfoy sneered.

"That is why the both of you need to learn to work together. Until the potions effects deepen, you will both need to grasp the concept of trust in each other."

"Deepen..?" Harry muttered.

"Yes. If you two continue to push the abilities, it will grow to be more of a habit. The more you use them, the more you learn. In time one of you could learn to dig into memories, grasp each others knowledge, that sort of thing." Snapes eyes were darkening. "In time the power could grow so strong, one of you could force someone to take anothers life-"

"Severus, that's enough!" Lupin said, acknowledging the fact that both boys had fear laced on their faces.

A lump formed in Harrys throat. His could feel his blood pulsing, this must be some sort of joke.

"They need to know this." Snape snapped back. Lupin frowned, but nodded for Snape to carry on. "As I was saying, the both of you need to know now that it would not be wise to carry on with the little game of reading thoughts and forcing physical movements. The more you use it, the stronger the powers become. It could be so strong, even occlumency wouldn't be able to block it."

Harry let his thoughts wander back to last years occlumency lessons with Snape. "Is it possible to use it now to block out anything Malfoy tries to pull? At this point in the Yewbreath effects?"

Snape nodded. "Of course."

Harry blatantly heard Malfoy think the word damn after that news.

"Maybe," Lupin whispered to Snape, curiously studying Harry for a moment. Harry could tell Malfoy was also straining himself to hear. "We could use this."

"For what, might I ask?" Snape asked, quieting his voice to match Lupins.

Harry watched as the two whispered to eachother for a few seconds, before both of their attentions were turned to Malfoy. "Would you be willing to help rescue Sirius Black?"

"Remus!" Snape asked, bewildered. "Do you have any idea what you're even asking? Did you not listen to a single thing I've been telling you?"

"Yes, I'll help." Malfoy said.

Harry glanced sideways, half expecting what he heard to be a prank.

"Excuse me?" Snape said.

"As much as you'd like to think, my family is not evil," Malfoy said, ignoring Harrys quick thought-comment about how completely untrue that was. "Kidnapping is not a style we'd like our name to be wrapped around. We don't need to be bribed or hold some sort of ransom to get what we want."

Harry was glad Malfoy added that last point in. For a second, a split second, he figured Malfoy was actually trying to be sincere but felt there was an important fact missing from his statement.

Just then Harry noticed a sudden tension between Malfoy and Snape. It was as if Snape was mentally begging Malfoy to keep quiet about something, judging by the wide-eyed look the professor was sending. But what…

"So, you'll help rescue Sirius?" Lupin asked, breaking the silence.

Malfoy shook his head. "I'm simply helping you prove that there is no Sirius Black being held in my home, that is all. If, for the sake he really is there, then all bets are off. I do have some of my own problems to deal with as well, you know." Harry noticed Malfoy looking at Snape the entire time.

Lupin blinked. "He is there, I saw-"

Harry watched as Lupin muttered a quick ow as if he'd been hit somewhere.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy." Snape concluded, standing up. "We will continue this conversation on Monday before class. I will converse with the headmaster on what I've learned today, and discuss this further later on. Until then, I expect the both of you to steer clear of each other to avoid any unnecessary fighting between you. Do I make myself clear?"

Both Harry and Malfoy nodded.


Harry stumbled out of the classroom, stopping to stay by the door to wait for Lupin. A million questions were blazing through his mind right now. What was going on between Malfoy and Snape? Harry had a gut wrenching feeling that Malfoy was up to no good. It wasn't a new feeling, he was constantly thinking the blonde was up to no good but this time it felt different. Hermione was right about Malfoy being different this year. He seemed older, more mature - if that was possible - and a lot more secretive. Obviously Malfoy was hiding something, and Harry needed to find out what it was. On another note, why would they want Malfoy to help, if there was a possibility Malfoy knew all along? It could be some sort of a trap, but if it weren't then Harry would understand why Malfoy could be a big help. He knew the manor, he knew where everything was and if by chance they did become trustworthy of each other, perhaps Malfoy would change his mind and save his Godfather. They could use this to their advantage, but a lot would be on stake. Malfoy would have to be willing to fight against his own father, and even Voldemort if this was a trap. He would have to trust Harry, and put his own life in danger. Harry knew this would never happen, so he let himself believe that this would never work anyway. In the end it would be up to Harry, and probably his two best friends who were most likely waiting for him to have breakfast…

"Ahem!"

Harry looked up to see Malfoy standing beside him with his hands in his pockets. "I'd like to propose a truce with you."

"What kind of truce?" Harry asked, stepping away from Malfoy.

The kind where we attempt to put aside our differences for the sake of not killing each other.

Harry smirked. "There wouldn't need to be a truce if you hadn't have started this mess in the first place with your stupid potion. Are you suggesting we actually work together?"

"No, I'm simply asking for you to stay out of my head in exchange for me staying out of yours."

"You're lying, Malfoy." Harry said, dropping his grin. Harry could feel the lie bubble underneath Malfoys tongue, and he couldn't explain how he knew but he just did. "You have no intentions of staying away from my head."

"Ah, you're right." Malfoy laughed, and at that point Harry felt as if he were talking to a human rather than his rival. Malfoy never laughed- well, he did but when the rare occasions occurred it would be out of an evil snicker or mocking tones. The moment didn't last long, Malfoys face was back to normal in a matter of half a second. Though the human part remained, Malfoy said something next that could of well landed Harry in the hospital wing in a state of shock.

"I'm sorry to hear about Sirius."

Harry turned his head and dropped his eyes to the floor. Malfoy wasn't lying at that time. Was he really trying to be sincere, or was he brainwashed? "Er.."

"I know what it's like, losing someone you care about not knowing if they're alive or not."

"You do?" Harry looked back up, and met Malfoys eyes. This is Malfoy you're talking to, just quickly turn away before he tries to hex you or trip you down the stairs.

I could teach you how to quiet your thoughts Potter. You obviously need the help.

"Er, sorry." Harry managed, feeling his face blush from embarrassment. He constantly let the fact that Malfoy could hear his thoughts, slip his mind. "I don't need you to teach me, I'll get used to it."

"Potter, stop being so daft. Honestly." Malfoy stood up straight and stretched his shoulders. "Look, I'm willing to try if you are."

Harry arched his eyebrows. "You're willing to try to work with me? For what? To save your own arse from me making you slap yourself? To hide some deep dark secrets you have swimming in your head? Or to prove your scum of family really are as guilty as they seem?" Perhaps that was a little too harsh, but at this point Harry didn't give much thought into being nice to Malfoy.

To Harrys surprise, Malfoy didn't flinch. Though his voice was bitter cold. "First two, actually. There's things you don't know about my family that you do not want to mess with Potter, so I'd advise you to watch yourself when insulting them to my face."

"I'll have you know your father is part of the reason I almost got my friends killed a few months ago." Harry said darkly.

"And I'll have you know, that you're the reason I was parentless this summer yet I still seem to be the only mature one actually trying to do something for the better cause."

Better cause? Harry already knew that he was the reason Lucius was in Azkaban. He remembered when he learned about it over at the burrow during the summer. But Malfoy had said parentless, meaning something has probably happened to Narcissa as well. Harry didn't bother asking about it, he didn't exactly care too much at this moment. He would have no pity for any of the Malfoys.

"I never said we had to be friendly about it Potter," Malfoy said, lightening up. "All I ask is to put aside our differences until this mess gets sorted out. It would do neither of us any good to argue constantly and find ways to humiliate each other. I can almost say I'm positive you were thinking the same thing."

Harry pondered that for a moment. Malfoy wasn't lying this time, and he was sure of that. He was before, probably just joking around trying to tease Harry. A sigh escaped him, and he bit the side of his cheek before nodding. He wasn't exactly sure if this was the best idea. It wasn't a safe thing to do to side with Malfoy even only for a short while (hopefully). We could use this. Lupins words rang through his mind, and maybe this would help his former teacher in whatever plan he was thinking of.

We're more alike than you know, Potter.

Those words didn't come from Malfoys mind at the time, but Harrys memory from last nights happenings. What Harry didn't understand, was how they were alike at all. Apart from being students at Hogwarts, everything else seemed impossible.

"How do I know you aren't just going to turn around later and hand me over to Voldemort?"

Malfoys face went pale. Not that it already wasn't, just the last bit of color seemed to drain from every spot when Harry spoke. "Don't be silly, Potter. I could have done that years ago if I wanted to."

That made sense. Sort of.

Harry was still unconvinced. "No forcing images on my mind."

"None."

"And no making me say or do stupid things."

"Never."

"And…" Harry hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not he should add it. "And no one needs to know about this."

Malfoy pondered that for a moment. "I suppose, on one condition."

"What?"

"That the 'no one knows' includes your two followers."

"Er…" No way was that happening. "I've told them everything else, what's wrong with them knowing about this?"

"Not everything, I could care less if they knew I could read your mind," Malfoy stated. "I'm referring to us working together. I have a reputation to mantain Potter, I couldn't dare let anyone else find out about it."

"Of course you do, you prat. I trust them with my life, I know they wouldn't tell anyone."

"That's dandy, but I don't." Malfoy spat.

Harry shrugged. "They'll find out eventually…"

"They don't need to be told, though."

"Alright. Then you should keep treating me like dirt to not seem suspicious."

A grin crawled on Malfoys face. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Potter. Wasn't planning on stopping anyway."

"Whatever Malfoy. You've got yourself a deal, for now."