I guess I should have posted this chapter on Halloween and have been all like "Halloween present!" But in Australia we don't celebrate Halloween and if someone knocks on our door and yells "Trick or Treat." We're all just like, hide in the kitchen and reassure the chocolate that the scary people aren't coming to kidnap it. Kidding, we're actually really nice people, trust
Before I begin, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am changing Pansy's personality. When I introduced her in this story I portrayed her as a nuisance. I don't think that that kind of Pansy suits Brave Ambition. I am going to be writing her as a confident character with lots of personality and a very close friend of Draco's, someone who has grown up with him. I also know that I said he thought being with her was feral but I'm seeing her more as…a friend with benefits. As in, something did happen but they're just bbfs now. For some reason I see the Slytherin's as a really laid back bunch that hex each other for a laugh. She will be more outgoing and 'chillaxful', perhaps even kind of a 'therapist', we'll just roll with it.
Thank you to all the wonderful girls in my class who helped me record our debate at school and incorporate it with Brave Ambitions, Maddie, Chriso, Saskia, Sophie, Cyndi, Rosie, Alex, Ella, Malavika, Klimonce and Mia.
CHAPTER 8 – THE BLUNT TRUTH
"Tuck in!" Dumbledore announced. The tables then revealed masses of delicious food that was practically begging to be eaten.
"This," Ron said in an awe filled voice "is why I love Halloween." His hand dived into the ice cream cones coated with hundreds and thousands. Harry looked eagerly at the food too. He filled his plate with roast potatoes, a blue and pink leaf salad, lemon marinated chicken and tempura pumpkin.
Ginny and Hermione looked at the boys with disgust. "You're as bad as each other." Ginny sighed putting her hair behind her shoulders.
"Wha?" Harry and Ron both asked, almost spraying the girls with their food.
"Can you both please act less like post hibernation bears?" Hermione scolded.
"Women," Ron rolled his eyes before swallowing half a chicken drumstick.
Harry grunted in agreement as this was all he could manage with a full mouth; if only Ron knew how much Harry agreed with that statement.
After dinner the students waddled off to their common rooms all filled to the brim with food.
Harry stopped.
"Are you coming Harry?"
Harry hesitated before saying, "It's the 31st of October. My parents died tonight. If you don't mind I'm going to go down to the lake for a bit."
Hermione's smile left her face. She walked over and embraced Harry, "Oh Harry, why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't want to make a big deal out of it." He shrugged.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Ginny asked taking hold of his hand and giving it a squeeze.
"No, I think I just need to be alone for a while." Harry gave them a weak smile before adding, "Thank you anyway."
"We'll see you later mate." Ron said giving him a nod which Harry returned.
He walked the opposite way to the flow of sleepy students. Why the lake? Harry asked himself. Why not the peaceful Astronomy Tower or the Room of Requirement? Maybe Harry knew that both his parents had been there despite it had not been a positive gathering. Maybe the water rippling on its surface was surreal and brought a moment of beauty to Harry's life. He didn't know. All he knew was that he had to be there tonight.
When he reached the lake he sat down on the grass and ran his hands over the soft green blades. He thought of a life with his parents. Every summer would be spent with them. Perhaps Ron would have come to his house for a few weeks. There would have been no cruel Dursley's. Just a loving mother that told him the she loved him a million times a day and a father that he would play Seeker with. He would have had brothers and sisters, he knew this for sure. Younger brothers and sisters to look after, Harry smiled at that thought. Although Harry didn't know what they would have been but he knew that he would have had special moments in that life. Good moments, happy moments. And then Harry thought of the moments that hadn't happened yet. Discussing career options with his mum and dad, introducing them to Draco…
Harry blinked out of his fantasy for a moment. How would his parents react to that news? To Harry being attracted to boys? To Harry being in love with Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin prince herself? He thought of all the people who had told him things and stories about his parents; lovely Lily and mischievous James. He imagined how his mother was: compassionate, caring, brave, strong, loving, clever. And his father: smart, daring, playful, funny, fearless. He somehow knew that it would make no difference to Lily, that she would love him all the same if not even more. However his father, Harry was uncertain. But didn't they give their lives for him? Didn't they sacrifice themselves so that Harry could be here right now? That was proof of their love and Harry knew that if their love was that strong that they would love him no matter whom he was or what he did or the choices he made. They still loved him now even though they weren't there to tell him, Harry knew it. He also knew tha–
Snap!
Harry broke out of his track of thought and whipped his head around to see what broke the silence.
"It's just me," The Slytherin said softly as he sat down crossed legged behind Harry. He placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and gently eased him backwards so that Harry's head was in Draco's lap. Draco began to stroke Harry's dark hair rhythmically. Draco's touch acted as a liaison between the two and Harry felt his emotions being picked up by Draco. As the blonde brushed his fingers along the raven's forehead he felt Harry's tension release. Harry closed his eyes and embraced the sensation of Draco massaging his head. Electricity ran down Harry's spine. It felt so erotic.
"How's this?" Draco asked quietly as he watched Harry's smooth face in his lap.
"Really sensual," Harry breathed out honestly he felt calmer, more relaxed.
Draco smiled down at Harry who still had his eyes closed. He moved his fingers through Harry's hair softly applying pressure.
From afar it was a beautiful scene.
"My parents died tonight," Harry said aloud.
"I know," Draco replied as he cupped Harry's cheek with his hand. Harry's green eyes opened and looked up at Draco.
"You do?"
Draco nodded; he was Harry's boyfriend after all.
"I don't really talk about them much." Harry reflected.
"I didn't want to pressure you to talk about something you might not have wanted to talk about. But if you'd like to talk about them more then you should."
Harry felt a bit guilt. He was, after all, the one who always pushed Draco to talk about the hard stuff.
"It's just I didn't really know them." Harry's hands which were placed on the grass picked at a few blades. Draco's eyes flitted over to them.
Draco didn't say anything. He knew that Harry wasn't looking for a 'that must be hard,' or a 'you poor thing,' Harry wasn't looking for pity, he was a Gryffindor like that. Draco let Harry continue.
"I meet all these people that who knew them, who tell me about them. They tell me stories about what they were like. All these personal memories that they get to keep like a souvenir and I've got nothing. I've got a few photos, a few memories that I have to create to accompany the stories, their final words as they were being killed. It's…it's unfair that I didn't know them, that I don't know them, that I never will know them. And –" Harry stopped abruptly. He felt a lump in his throat. He tried to take a breath and swallow it away but that just provoked his eyes to well up.
"And…" Draco prompted gently. Harry always made him get everything out so Draco assumed that that was what Harry needed now. Draco had never done this before; he had always been on the receiving end.
"And…and sometimes I need them so so much, Draco." His voice broke and a tear leaked from his eye and slid down his cheek.
With his thumb Draco gently brushed Harry's cheek, wiping away the stray tear. Even though it killed his back he found the action necessary; he leaned forward and kissed Harry on the forehead and then once again. Harry felt a bit embarrassed truthfully.
"They haven't left you," Draco told Harry as he resumed stroking the Gryffindor's hair "they'll never leave you. You are them…their love created you…and saved you. And I know this isn't a comparison but…you've got me and I'm here for you. Always."
Harry took a few slow breaths to calm down and bring his breathing back to a normal pace.
"I wonder what he's up to now." Harry said into the darkness.
"Who?"
"Voldemort," Harry said as he looked up at the stars "I wonder what he's doing now. Whether he remembers what happened tonight, whether he's planning something for me?"
Draco's blood ran cold and his hand froze between the black strands of Harry's hair.
"Whatever he's doing," Draco said trying to hide the shake in his voice "I'll keep you safe."
"I know," Harry said with a small smile as his face relaxed as Draco ran his fingers over the creases that Harry's frown made on his forehead. Remaining blissfully unaware of what Voldemort had planned for him.
o - O - o - O - o - O - o - O - o - O - o
Ron's head slumped on the desk. "This is so boring," he complained quietly to Harry "I can't wait for tonight. I wonder what we're doing? Do you think we're dancing like last time? Seriously, transfiguration is so f–"
"Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said sharply "if you would be so kind to take yourself and your eager mouth over to Mr. Malfoy's desk."
Harry covered his mouth to muffle his laughter at the sight of Draco's face. He knew the blonde had taken the "eager mouth" comment the same way that he had.
"And Mr. Malfoy if you would please sit next to Mr. Potter," McGonagall instructed. Pansy who had been sitting next to Draco groaned as did Ron. Harry and Draco's looks of annoyance and loathing were a bit delayed but better late than never. Hermione gave him a sympathic look. Draco picked up his books and walked all the way to the back of the classroom where Harry was sitting.
"Hey sexy," Draco winked his comment drowned by the sound of his books being put on the desk.
Harry did a quick scan of the classroom before running his hand up Draco's leg and grazing the blonde's inner thigh, "Hey."
"Merlin Potter," Draco hissed "now is not a prime time to get a boner." He warned the Gryffindor playfully.
"It's not my fault that the mere sight of me gets you hard." Harry's green eyes flashed seduction.
Fucking hell, Draco thought. Don't get hard, don't get hard, don't get hard, he chanted in his head.
"Yes well, you practically grabbing my crotch doesn't help." He retorted. "If I get an erection here it gives us both away." He said much to Harry's displeasure.
"Are you going tonight?" Harry asked "To the sixth year's party?"
"Of course," Draco said lowering his voice so that McGonagall didn't notice them "it might be a bit dangerous for us though."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"This time, it's magical truth. Ever played it before?" Draco's eyes flashed mischievously.
"No," Harry replied with a note of worry in his tone.
"Oh it's charming." Draco said struggling to keep a laugh out of his voice. "Once you agree to play, you're bound. Until the game is over you have to answer truthfully to the question asked. Like I said, it could be dangerous for us. Especially if Weasley's dying to know who you're shagging. And if Pansy would still give anything to know who gave me those hickies."
Harry ran his hand through his hair. To which professor McGonagall took as a different gesture.
"Ah yes," she called out "Mr. Potter could you please tell us the answer?"
Harry hadn't been listening nor had he put his hand up to answer the question.
"Ampsurphia is the incantation used," Draco muttered under his breath.
"The incantation is Ampsurphia, Professor." Harry said loudly so that she could hear.
McGonagall's eyebrows furrowed. Hermione turned her head and looked wide eyed at Harry, her mouth opened in shock.
"So you believe that the charm to increase sexual pleasure is the incantation to transfigure a flower into a walnut tree, Mr. Potter?" she asked as sternly as she could manage in a situation like this.
Harry's face flushed with heat as he blushed furiously. Draco clamped his jaw shut to stop himself from bursting out laughing. The class however did not have Draco's restraint and laughed loudly.
"I'm going to fucking kill you," Harry hissed under his breath. Draco couldn't hold it in any longer and laughed along with the rest of the class.
"Well Mr. Potter?" McGonagall pressed.
"I'm sorry Professor, I was thinking about something else." Harry's eyes widened as he realised how that came across, "I mean…no…I…"
The class howled with laughter. Draco had tears in his eyes as he buried his head in his hands that were propped up by his elbows that were on the desk. His whole body was shaking with laughter as that not-as-familiar-as-Harry-would-have-liked-it-to-be sound of Draco's laughter shimmered around him.
Harry closed his eyes in horror.
And was saved by the bell.
"You can all go," McGonagall sighed with a shake of her head.
Draco picked up his books and turned to face Harry. "See you Potter," Draco laughed with a wink.
"Nice one Harry," Dean smirked, clapping Harry on the back.
"So what were you thinking of Harry?" Seamus laughed.
"Oh shut up," Harry glared.
"You're so gullible Potter," Pansy Parkinson laughed as she headed to the door "Draco's not just good looks is he?"
Harry was sorely tempted to respond, he's also a walking Duro charm. Instead Harry fixed her a look to which she just laughed in response.
"Oh mate," Ron said clutching his stomach and wiping the tears from his eyes "that was fucking hilarious!"
"No," Harry said sourly "it was not."
"Harry's right it's not funny Ron," Hermione said seriously "and Harry you know better than to listen to Malfoy."
"Yeah well…"
"Let's just go and get ready for tonight," Hermione said taking her books and heading towards the door.
"So what were you thinking of?" Ron smirked.
"It wasn't me!" Harry exclaimed "Dra–Malfoy whispered the answer to me, by the way I didn't actually put my hand up, and I just repeated what he said. It was stupid, I know."
"It was a bloody classic!" Ron laughed "The look on McGonagall's face when she realised that it's a spell we're all familiar with…because we use it."
"Ron!" Harry protested screwing his eyes shut.
"Sorry, too much information?" Ron asked apologetically.
"Way too much information." Harry agreed.
o - O - o - O - o - O - o - O - o - O - o
Harry looked around the Room of Requirement. It had transfigured into something completely different from last month. It was more of a room than a dance floor for one and the floor had cushions that were laid out in a large circle. Not everyone showed this time. There was Hermione, Ron, Neville, Seamus, Dean, Lavender, Padma and Parvati, Pansy, Blaise, Draco, Susan, Theodore, Ernie, Zacharias and Hannah. It was a small but comfortable group of 16 people from all four houses.
Everyone sat down on a large cushion.
"So this is how it works," Blaise Zambini began with a sly smile "everyone puts their wands in the middle. They will be placed under a charm that will bind you to the game. So basically once you sign up, you have to play until the game is over. This is Magical Truth. This is how it's played: when it's your turn your wand will rise from the pile in the centre and fly to someone else. This means that they get to ask you a question…any question they like. You have to answer truthfully. The charm breaks at 8:30pm, in one hour. "
"What happens if we don't answer truthfully?" Dean asked. He was echoed by many murmurs of agreement.
"Well the effects vary depending on the person," Blaise replied with a glint in his eye "the effects last for 24 hours, so keep that is mind."
"Yeah but what happens?" Seamus pressed.
"Put it this way Finnigan," Blaise said looking at Draco "Draco and I played this last year–"
"–and it makes sitting on a broom more painful than shoving a cactus up your arse. So don't lie–" Draco continued.
"–because it's not worth it. But anyways, the point is it's very, very hard to lie; you feel really nauseous, like you're fighting an urge. But it's still possible." Blaise finished. "Whoever wants to play put your wands in…whoever doesn't now is your cue to leave."
Hannah looked a bit hesitant but didn't move. Harry on the other hand was so nervous that he couldn't move.
"Potter, you look like you're going to be sick," Pansy teased "where's that Gryffindor courage?"
Harry's pride flared up and he threw his wand into the centre and it looked like it was grasped by a gravitational pull as it glided in the air. Pansy grinned triumphantly. Everyone in the room followed, their wands gliding into the air. The air around the group of wands shimmered and then went still. The room fell silent. A wand in the clump twitched slightly and then glided out. It had vine carvings around it; Harry's eyes flew over to Hermione who looked pale. Her wand slowly made its way over to the left side of the room where in hovered in front of Padma Patil's hand.
Padma thought for a moment. "What has been the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you this year?"
Hermione's mouth opened and then she closed it. She sort of gave a weak heave forward. She looked at Ron apologetically.
"Oh Merlin no," Ron groaned but then looked at Hermione's obvious discomfort and sighed "just say it."
Hermione's voice was filled with smoothness, like the words were relieved to escape her mind. "When Harry came into his room and found Ron and I shagging on his bed."
However the moment the words left her mouth her face flushed. Her wand glowed a truthful blue and then retreated back into the cluster.
Lavender giggled. That was the ice breaker. The whole room filled with hysterical laughter.
"Potter," Pansy grimaced "I actually feel sorry for you."
Harry caught Draco's eye and blushed. That had been an amazing night for the two for them.
There was a rustle amongst the bunch of wands. A black wand drifted over into Blaise Zambini's hand.
He twirled the wand in his hand with a cunning smile, "Parkinson, Parkinson."
"You never did know how to get on with it did you?" Pansy said with a grin and a shake of her head.
"Out of ten," Blaise began still twirling the wand with his feather light fingers "how good was last night?"
"Oh fucking hell that was you two?" Draco's face screwed up in revoltion.
"You heard us?" Blaise asked.
"Are you serious?" Theo Nott laughed. "The gits from Gryffindor Tower heard you. Everyone heard you. I'd be surprised if Snape who was curled up in his fluffy pink nightie didn't hear you."
This earned snickers from the group.
"Your ego is as big enough as it is without me stroking it." Pansy told Blaise.
"Out of ten…" Blaise pursued.
"Eight."
Blaise grinned triumphantly giving Pansy a wink. Her wand rejoined the others.
"Wait a second," Harry said in a confused voice "I thought Pansy was obsessed with Draco?" Harry looked between Pansy and Draco and then Blaise.
"You're so slow Potter," Draco said shaking his head with mock disapproval.
"Draco and I have never been more than best friends," Pansy told Harry and gave Draco a wink "but his heart belongs to some neck sucking girl who I have yet to meet."
"To some neck sucking girl?" Ron repeated mystified.
"Please don't ask how she knows what's on my neck Weasley." Draco implored.
"It's a public bathroom Draco," Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Yes, public to males, it's a male bathroom." Draco reminded her. "Last time I checked I was pretty sure you weren't a guy."
But last time he checked I was, Harry thought naughtily.
Next, a tan coloured wand flew over to Lavender. She looked at the wand in confusion but then her eyes opened in realization as if the wand had whispered who its owner was.
"Hannah," She announced. Hannah Abbott looked over at her meekly and gave her a friendly smile.
Lavender looked thoughtful for a few moments, considering her question.
Finally she asked, "What's your deepest, darkest secret?"
Hannah's face fluttered into a worried mask. She bit her lip anxiously. Harry wondered whether she would take the chance and not answer. He was proved wrong when she spoke.
"I…I masturbate." She said blushing furiously.
"Everyone does," the other fifteen students said in unison. They all looked at each other and burst out laughing at their synchronized answers.
"Don't get your wand in a not," Parvati said to Hannah "it's not a bad thing. If you ask me, better to do yourself than wind up pregnant or heartbroken." Hannah gave her a small smile.
The next wand that was chosen was dark brown wand with a bumpy handle. It glided over to Zacharias.
"It's mine," Seamus called out to Zacharias in an unconcerned voice.
"Bit cocky there Finnigan," Pansy commented "got nothing to hide huh?"
"Like you can talk Parkinson," Seamus retorted "you've fucked half of Slytherin house."
"Have not!" Pansy glared defensively.
"Have so," Draco, Blaise and Theo all said together.
"Yeah but you all liked it." Pansy said evenly.
This didn't bother Harry anymore, he knew that Pansy and Draco had done it on more than one occasion. But when Harry and Draco had officially decided to date each other they had resolved things like that. Besides, Harry knew that it hadn't meant anything to Draco.
"Is it true that you're a homophobe?" Zacharias asked. Harry had to admit it was a good question. He didn't know that Seamus felt that way.
"Yes," Seamus answered immediately. Harry's eye turned to Draco and he was surprised to find that Draco was already looking at him. They both looked away to avoid detection.
"Did you know that 75 percent of all homophobes are actually gay themselves?" Hermione asked him with a slight edge to her voice.
"No I didn't," came Seamus' honest answer "I guess I'm the 25 percent then?"
Suddenly all the wands in the middle of the room began to vibrate. And then they dispatched to their owners. Harry checked his watch, it wasn't eight thirty yet. He looked around in confusion.
"What's going on?" Dean asked.
"The charm senses a…well…a discussion…that could be assisted with truth. We all have to answer honestly as long as this topic holds." Blaise said unsurely. This didn't reassure Harry.
"Let's keep this calm as possible alight?" Hermione said firmly.
"Why don't you start us off then Hermione?" Neville asked quickly as he too wanted to keep the peace.
Hermione nodded and shrugged, and then directed her question at Seamus, "Why are you against homosexuals?"
"It's not normal. Girls should be with boys and boys should be with girls. The same gender shouldn't be allowed to get married."
Harry's temper flared up. Harry understood that people had their own opinions but to judge in that manner was being exceptionally hurtful. He kept a straight face.
"Okay," said Susan Bones speaking for the first time tonight "Gay marriage – for or against. Let's argue it."
The wands suddenly began to glow. Hermione, Harry, Neville, Parvati, Pansy, Blaise, Draco, Susan and Hannah all had blue glowing wands. However Ron, Seamus, Dean, Lavender, Theodore, Ernie and Zacharias all had red glowing wands. What was even more surprising was that Padma's wand was glowing purple.
"Blue wands show for," Susan spoke "and red wands show against." She stopped and looked at Padma's wand, "Purple wands show…well if red and blue make purple…it would make sense that she's in undecided."
Many eyebrows were raised at the blunt truth.
"That was extremely stupid Zacharias," Padma pointed out "to ask Seamus that question when you're a homophobe yourself."
"I was just curious." Zacharias said defensively to which Padma rolled her eyes.
"Susan," Padma said "perhaps you ought to be the adjudicator?"
"Adjudicator?" Blaise asked confused "I speak English not Ravenclaw."
"Referee, judge, order in the court…ringing any bells you idiot?" Padma snapped.
"Adjudgicatty what?" Theo asked perplexed.
"Why don't you Slytherin's invest in a fucking dictionary?"
"Guys!" Parvati called out loudly.
"Sure, I'll adjudicate." Susan nodded as the glow around her wand disappeared symbolizing her peace keeping duty. Harry gave a small smile that translated into 'good luck, you'll need it.'
"Blue, you can start." Susan told the group that was for.
Everyone looked around at each other, not sure who to start with.
Harry felt a prickle of fear ooze down his spine. What if someone asked the question 'who is gay here?' He would have to answer honest wouldn't he? Harry just wasn't ready for that, for everyone to know. He looked over at Draco who looked similarly concerned.
"Should I start?" asked Hermione bravely "Since it looks like no one else will?"
"Just shut up and start Gryffindor." Theo called out.
After a quick glare across the room Hermione straightened up and spoke, "I firmly believe that gay marriage and love is nothing to be ashamed of. I believe that true love is becoming rarer and rarer. So if someone is lucky enough to find their life partner who cares if that person is of the same gender they should just enjoy each other and be happy instead of living a life that is 'socially unacceptable' and being miserable. Love is a beautiful thing and, in my opinion, everyone has the right to find and enjoy it no matter what. If we truly live in a just society that claims fairness and equality for all then why isn't society more accepting of gay people?"
She pushed her fringe to the side slightly and glanced around the room.
Harry considered himself lucky for the first time in a while. Hermione had given him the ability to reflect on what he had; to be grateful. Most people didn't find genuine love and Harry had his right here. And Harry did have the right to love.
"Red?" Susan looked over at the people sitting on the opposite side of the circle. When no one volunteered Susan asked, "Ernie could you start?"
"Sure," Ernie nodded "In my religion marriage is about a man and a woman joining together in matrimony. Changing that would be changing thousands of years of history. If maybe homosexuals wanted their own ritual then sure, but marriage is about a man and a woman, not two people of the same gender."
Harry's eyebrows were not the only ones that were raised. Harry had never actually thought about that at all. When put like that, it almost sounded…well not reasonable but it was a good argument even he had to admit. It wasn't hurtful or discriminative or in anyway judgmental.
"Blue do you have an argument to oppose that?" Susan asked looking around. Her freckled face looked like a mother asking her child a question. However Harry and his team just sat there looking like gaping fish. "Okay then, who's next for blue?"
Blaise looked around hesitantly and then looking a bit apprehensive he raised his hand. Pansy turned around to face him on the side. Draco seemed easy going but Harry knew that he was interested with what Blaise had to say. Just as Harry was of Hermione and Ron.
"I think gay marriage should be allowed because everyone has the right to love whoever they want. If two people seriously love each other they should be allowed to get married. I want to be able to marry the person I love so I guess, so should everyone else. If people keep going on about fairness and equality and all that shit then they should include gay rights. " Blaise said with a shrug. "Look, I'm not gay," Pansy's face broke out into a smirk to which Blaise tried his best to ignore to keep his straight face "so who am I to decide? It's about their marriage so shouldn't it be their decision?"
Draco's eyes were gazing off into the distance, deep in thought. Harry would have pondered more on Blaise's point if not for the negative groan from the opposition.
They all clutched their stomachs in discomfort.
"Oh," Susan realised "Blaise who were your questions directed at exactly?"
Blaise looked plain dumbstruck, "Oh erm…Seamus, since he asked the question to start this."
A collective sigh of relief issued from Dean, Lavender, Theo, Ernie, Zacharias and Ron.
"No, it shouldn't be their decision. Because it's not normal. If it's not normal for them to be together then it's definitely not normal for them to get married. Look, just think about it. Girls are born the way they are and guys are born the way they are. Males and females are born to…well…fit into each other. So obviously homosexuality isn't natural. It's not normal." Seamus concluded his say with a shrug. He said this shamelessly. Though, harry thought, if you thought about it he couldn't exactly lie could he?
"Blue team do you ha–"
"That's the shitest argument I've ever heard."
"Why don't you share your thoughts with the group Parvati?" Susan sighed.
"I'm sorry," she huffed, clearly not sorry at all "but that's bullshit. 'It's not normal' my arse. What is normal?" She challenged.
Harry broke into a smile, he had never seen this side of Parvati. She looked so passionate. Plus she was right…what the hell was normal these days?
"Nothing is normal," Seamus said unwillingly his face lined with reluctance as he spoke the truth "everyone is different because there is something original about all of us."
"Yeah," Parvati sneered "that's what I thought. Can I speak?" She asked Susan.
"Go for it." Susan waved on.
"What's wrong with gay marriage? It's still two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. The only difference is that they are the same gender. When I think the word 'gay' I don't think anything of it, it's completely normal and not irregular to me. I think that it's only criticized because it is a minority group in our society and that if we lived in a world where the majority of people were gay/lesbian then straight people would be out cast. I think that It's ridiculous how much people can dislike someone when they find out their sexuality even if they really liked them before. I think our world needs to grow up and become more compassionate. I am one hundred percent for gay marriage and I think everyone else in this room should be too!"
"Well said," Hannah grinned approvingly at Parvati to which Parvati returned the smile. She brushed her long black hair from her neck behind her shoulders.
"My question was issued at Lavender," She added, the smile now gone from her face. Harry realised that this could actually cause some disruption between friends. Lavender and Parvati were best friends, this was general knowledge to all.
Lavender looked over at Parvati with a small frown. She swallowed grudgingly and looked at everyone in the room. When she spoke it was as if she had been holding back for all her life due to the truth charm, "Well really my opinion is I just don't like gay marriage it turns me off when I see guys like that…It disgusts me when I see gay people like, eww get the fuck off."
Harry's eyes flashed to Draco. Draco looked at Harry knowingly, undoubtedly thinking of one of their many times together and thinking of how not disgusting it was. Draco unnoticeably, other than to Harry, bit his lip and looked at the Gryffindor. Harry's eyelids shuddered. If It weren't for the situation he would have taken Draco right there and then.
"You need a NO DIVING sign on your head because that's about as shallow as you get." Pansy pointed out with a sneer. Harry let out a laugh which he did his best to pass as a cough.
"That was very Ravenclaw," Padma grinned.
"How insulting," Pansy replied a look of mock offense on her face.
"It's my opinion and I'm entitled to think what I like and so are you," Lavender said rather defensively. "Do you honestly think that two guys together is…pleasant?" She asked Pansy with a look of repulsion.
"Fuck yes," Pansy laughed and then pointed out "and gays aren't just guys, it's girls too."
"Do you want to keep going with that Pansy?" Susan asked.
"Sure," Pansy shrugged and shifted into a more comfortable sitting position.
"If you don't like gay marriage, then don't get gay married. Humans are born with the right to be equal and have equal opportunities, people who are attracted to the same sex should those rights too. People should be encouraged to love who they love and making that love official is the right thing to do. Plus…it's so hot." Pansy rolled her eyes into her head just to punctuate the point. She looked over at Blaise with a naughty expression, "What do you think?"
"Hey, whatever turns you on." Blaise said returning the wink. He then turned to Draco, "What do you reckon Draco?"
Harry's face tensed as he became alert. Acid ran through him. He tightened his jaw together and looked at Blaise darkly. He didn't have anything against the Slytherin but Draco was his. He looked at Draco. You wouldn't, he thought with reassurance. He knew Draco wouldn't. He thought back to the night at Grimmauld Place, Draco had told him "I'm not telling anyone," There was no way Draco would do it.
Draco laughed and rolled his eyes. "I love you Blaise," he said "but, ah, I don't love you that much." Draco clapped him on the shoulder. "All the best though." He added with a laugh.
"Well since Smith is such a git I'd like to hear what he has to say." Parvati suggested.
Smith lifted up his middle finger, "Says the bitch herself. You know what, you can suck mine."
"Sorry, I grew being told not to put small objects in my mouth." Parvati retorted.
Padma laughed, leaning back on her cushion.
"Mate," Dean laughed "you just got owned." Smith glared. This broke the tension and before anyone knew what had happened the whole room was filled with laughter. Hermione was curled over and clutching her stomach, Harry had tear filled eyes and Draco's white blonde hair framed his face as he hunched over with laughter.
Susan had a smile spread on her freckled filled face. Now that Harry thought about it she looked rather pretty when she wasn't being shy. Susan tried to keep the laugh out of her voice unsuccessfully, "Keep going Smith."
"As long as I don't see it, they can do whatever they want. Marriage is just a piece of paper, if they seriously loved each other as much as everyone is bitching that they do then it shouldn't matter." Smith said out loud.
Harry frowned; marriage was more than 'just a piece of paper'. That was why everyone who found love did it.
Draco seemed to be thinking along those lines too.
Draco drew a deep breath and spoke, "If marriage is just a piece of paper then why don't you not get married?"
Smith shifted uncomfortably.
"Exactly," Draco said simply "it means more….because it is more."
Draco looked around the room and then flushed a barely noticeable shade of pink, realizing that he said something meaningful, something no one realised the Slytherin was capable of. Harry knew him better.
"Well, keep going." Hermione ushered.
Draco gave Hermione a look before shifting into a more comfortable sitting position. A thought occurred to Harry, he and Draco had never talked about getting married. Why would they, they were seventeen and still at school. They were both very committed but marriage struck Harry as something older people than himself did. Unconsciously he tilted his head to the side slightly, all of a sudden very interested in what Draco had to say.
"I strongly believe that people should marry for love no matter what you are or where you come from, even if you fall in love with the same sex. But," Draco paused, his eyes automatically stopping on Harry's for a few mere moments "on the other hand I have been raised in a family where if you carry the family name, meaning that you represent the family, being gay means that you have brought shame to our family."
Harry hadn't realised that he had been holding his breath. He let it out heavily.
"But if you truly loved someone that your parents would disapprove of," Harry said to Draco impulsively as he forgot for a moment that there were people around them "would you marry them regardless?"
Draco's stomach tightened, what was Harry playing at?
"You're not thinking of lying to me are you Malfoy?" Harry said half playful half challenging.
"Yes," the words slid out of Draco's mouth.
Harry's heart began to race; he fought to keep a poker face. "Yes you're thinking of lying or yes you would marry them?"
"Yes, I was thinking of lying." Draco admitted. Harry's shoulders dropped slightly.
"Yes, I would marry them anyway." Draco said followed by a small sigh of relief.
Harry felt his whole existence glow. He felt like a butterfly; wrapped up in a suffocating cocoon, desperate to show himself. Instead, Harry shrugged like it meant nothing in the world to him when in fact it meant everything.
Harry wasn't listening to Susan or to the person speaking on the red team. Whilst everyone's eyes were on Theodore Nott Harry's and Draco's were locked. Harry's breathing became heavy.
Draco's stormy grey eyes looked into Harry's bright green ones.
'You would?' Harry mouthed discreetly. He looked at Draco with a certain desperation, why hadn't Draco said anything before?
'I love you,' Draco mouthed back slowly he looked around at the groups absorbed faces and double checked Hermione's before mouthing, 'I would do anything for you.'
Harry smiled, not only with his mouth but with his eyes. Draco seemed glow, like those stormy eyes had a flash of brilliant lightening in them for a moment. All too soon it was over.
"I don't agree with that," Neville said as assertively as he could manage. Susan had evidently given up running this; she was just the peacekeeper if it was needed.
"It is no one else's business if two men or two women want to get married. Two people of the same sex should be allowed to publicly celebrate their commitment." Neville said evenly.
"I agree with that," Harry said.
"So do I," Hermione followed.
"Padma, what do you think?" Hannah asked. Padma sat in the middle of red and blue as a lone purple, an undecided. Draco inclined his head curiously.
"Yeah Ravenclaw," Seamus said "what do you think?"
Padma looked around the room. She pursed her lips in thought, considering the things she had heard. "Firstly I want to say that I have nothing against gay people and I'm in no way trying to be purposefully discriminative. Basically the whole gay marriage equalization thing has been very controversial, overshadowing other important issues and therefore, I personally believe less important than other concerns in the world. However these people have done nothing wrong and generally are good people who deserve to be equal as others. I personally am torn between agreeing and disagreeing. This is something I cannot decide on," She looked over at her sister "I'm sorry."
Oh, Harry thought. Well that made sense. No wonder Parvati was so…passionate about this subject. No one else seemed to realise this exchange between the two sisters except Harry. And Draco. The blonde looked over at Harry with raised eyebrows. Harry nodded in agreement; he too was surprised at this. He wondered who she liked…
"How can you not decide?" Dean asked exasperatedly. "I'm against it because it makes me feel uncomfortable and I just don't like seeing people the same sex like that together. I don't think it's normal for people to be doing that stuff."
This was exactly like Lavender.
"Dean, as Lavender said before everyone here has a right to their own opinion," she began slowly and cautiously "but if you are going to be on that side I think you should at least have a proper reason. Not just that you can't handle the fact that two people of the same sex like each other."
"Well excuse me for being into girls," he said in a harsh tone.
Hannah blushed. Neville scowled at Dean. Harry quite frankly agreed with Hannah.
"Dean, settle down," Susan warned calmly "Hannah, keep going." She encouraged.
Hannah looked very apprehensive but spoke anyway, "We are told that we have freedom of speech and of our actions so why is it different for people who are gay and want to be married? It is their choice not ours so we should accept that and respect it. We don't stop people if they decide to wear a shoe on their head or believe blimbering hummdingers, so why should we stop people from marrying who they want?"
Hermione blushed a little, she did stop people believe in blimbering humdingers. Harry caught her eye and shared a smile with her.
"Ron," Susan smiled "you're last on the red team."
Ron looked like he had been avoiding this all night. He looked at Harry and Hermione who were on the opposite team to him.
"I just don't feel comfortable with it. It's just…not…look, I'm straight, and I have a really amazing relationship with the girl I love and sure, I believe everyone should have that love. But…two guys shagging is just…" Ron trailed off unsure of how to finish and not wanting to start a conflict.
Ron won't understand, this was Harry's first fear streaked thought. If he won't understand about me how will he understand about Draco?
"You're a big boy Weasley, I'm sure you can get over it." Someone said coldly. Harry looked up. It was Draco. He was trying to hide an angry look but Harry picked it up instantly.
"Draco," Susan said warningly.
"No," Draco said bluntly "I wouldn't expect any less from a Gryffindor but maybe before saying something stupid like that maybe you should stop and think who you're hurting Weasley."
This caught Ron's attention. And Draco realised it too and immediately regretted it.
Harry thought fast. "I'm the last one." He told the group.
"Okay, Harry." Susan said eager to interpret the argument that Ron and Draco were initiating.
Harry swallowed. He thought about how to word this, to not give anything away, to get the message across all the same, "I don't see why gay marriages shouldn't be allowed. It doesn't matter who you love or how they look or what sex they are, it just matters that you love them. Gay people are born that way and no matter how many people believe that they should change, they can't. There's nothing wrong with being gay." He looked at Lavender and Dean and then the rest of the group. "There's something I really want to add if I could?" He asked Susan.
She smiled and nodded, giving him the go ahead.
"I've realised something over the past few months." He stopped making sure everyone was absorbing his words and took a breath and continued. "When you have sex with someone sure, it's great." There were a few snickers and giggles which Harry ignored and continued, "It's fun, it feels incredible and so on. But…it's more than that." Harry was speaking from his heart. He meant what he was saying and was about to say. Draco had never been so mesmerized. "You all sit on that side and think of how horrible gay sex is. Who honestly gives a shit whether a dick goes into an arse or two people with tits are naked together?" Everyone gaped at Harry. Harry sighed, "Good Godric everyone here has got one or the other, it's not like you've never heard those words before."
"Don't be shy Potter," Draco grinned. Harry grinned back and rolled his eyes.
Then his face turned serious again. "Like I said before, sex is more than just fun or pleasure. Sex isn't just called sex, it's called making love and I think everyone should have the chance to share themselves with whoever they love. Male, female…they're just barriers…"
The room was silent.
All eyes were on Harry.
"That was really deep Potter," Pansy murmured.
"It's the truth," Harry gave a small smile at the irony of it.
Draco, who was further down the line, brought his hands together and clapped. Harry's heart beamed. He ran a hand through his dark hair. The clapping became louder as other joined in, even Padma and even Ron. Harry shrugged, truthfully a little embarrassed about his love rant.
Parvati quickly and quietly wiped a few stray tears off her cheek. She caught Harry's eyes and looked a little sprung.
"That was really beautiful Harry," She nodded brushing her hair away from her cheeks.
"It needed to be said," Harry said honestly giving her a small smile.
"Harry that was amazing," Hermione whispered giving his hand a squeeze.
"Thanks," He replied sounding relieved.
"I've got a question for Harry," Ron called out suddenly. The room quieted down as to hear the question. Ron gave him a impish grin, "You said before that you had realised this over the past couple of months," Harry's smile vanished a was replaced by a feeling of horror that slowly oozed into his stomach trapping any coherent thought and replacing it with fear "I just want to ask you who you had realised this with?"
Draco's blood ran cold. He had had many years of perfecting his poker face. He kept perfectly casual but on the inside he was shaking with worry. Harry would have to answer honestly. Draco wasn't ready. Not here, he thought, not now.
Hermione shot a look of daggers at Ron to which Ron completely missed. Harry frowned, why would Ron do this to him? Harry felt sick. He knew that the more he delayed his answer the worse he would feel. But his anxiety which was causing his stomach to knot up wasn't helping. He looked at Ron and a clear message of hurt flashed in his green eyes.
There was nothing for it, Harry would have to lie. This wasn't just about him, it was about Draco too. It was about them together and Harry couldn't let them down. His stomach was starting to hurt but Harry determinedly ignored it.
He turned to Draco. "Is it worth it?"
To the rest of the group it meant the punishment; was the punishment for a lie worth hiding a secret. But Draco knew what Harry meant; are we ready?
Draco's mind was racing. How was he supposed to word this without giving it away or giving the wrong message? What he wanted to say was 'Not yet. This isn't the right way to do it.'
Harry waited patiently in his discomfort for Draco to answer. The blonde's face was deep in thought. Harry didn't feel ready. He didn't think it was neither the time nor the place for this to be shared. Harry didn't want all of the people here to know about him and Draco but if he told the truth it would be unavoidable.
Draco looked at his boyfriend in desperation. Give me a sign Potter, he thought frantically. But no such mean of communication could be shared with all eyes on the two boys.
Harry wanted to vomit. His breathing started to heave and he swallowed thickly.
"I'm sure your brave Gryffindor arse can cope with it Potter." Draco finally answered.
Okay, thought Harry, I have to lie. Harry closed his eyes and opened his mouth to say the lie.
The wands that hovered in the air lost their light and cascaded to the floor in a clatter. Harry looked at the watch on his wrist, 8:30:06pm. The nausea had vanished from Harry's stomach; he let out a sigh of relief.
The Slytherin and the Gryffindor looked at each other whilst everyone collected their wands and shared looks of pure relief. They walked over to collect their wands.
"That was too close," Harry whispered.
"Harry?" Draco whispered. Harry looked up at Draco but pretended to be searching for his wand. "I meant what I said."
"I'm so proud of what you did tonight." Harry told Draco sincerely.
Harry and Draco's hands brushed together lightly as they both reached for their wands before they parted…
Whether this is the first time you have read Brave Ambitions or if you follow it, I just ask one simple thing from you: Please tell me who you prefer as a top/bottom and why.
Thank you,
Alli97nomel xxx
