10. You asked for this.
There was dead silence in the Headmaster's office, and when Snape and Harry walked in, it has not changed for a while, and then they started at the same time:
Dumbledore:
- Harry, my boy, Lord Malfoy wanted to talk to you...
...And said Lord Malfoy:
- Mr. Potter, I know that you saved my beloved son, when he was attacked this morning by the Death Eaters. Thank you very much. - He said it sincerely and emphatically, looking all dignity and gratitude, that none of those present could not doubt that he meant every word. For a while he even considered shaking boy's hand, but he thought that it would have been an exaggeration.
Harry nodded and looked down modestly.
- But there is nothing to talk about, Lord Malfoy, anyone in my position would have done the same thing. - Here he looked up, rightly foreseeing that Malfoy would want to deny it, and when he opened his mouth, he continued. - Besides, Draco did not really need that much help, he was doing very well himself. - He gave Draco a smile full of appreciation, after which blond angel brightened up with pride and joy...
... Responding equally simple:
- Thank you, Harry. – And the two boys exchanged warm smiles.
Lucius was quite surprised, but even more pleased that his son and Potter are already on first name base - it meant that his plan was working. He looked with undisguised happiness at both of them.
Snape felt a very strong gag reflex from the sweets, he would not be surprised if a unicorn just ran through the office with the white dove flying over with a sprig in its beak. A... yuck!
Meanwhile Headmaster, who with first impulse smiled just as sweetly and happily, with the second was as surprised as Malfoy - but he was not at all pleased.
It's true, that he always said that students should be friends regardless of their homes - but he had absolutely not meant that his Golden Boy should be friends with that young Malfoy, who certainly was the same dark, manipulative, scheming liar as his father.
He did not like that, he did not like that at all. This must be definitely an insidious plan of You-Know-Who - a trap to lure and destroy Harry Potter.
Probably he would be surprised knowing that said You- Know- Who also would not like it, though for quite different reasons, but fortunately Lord Voldemort did not see that, and did not need to know such details, or at least none of those present did not feel the need to let him know about it.
Having enough of watching happy faces Lucius decided to return to scold Headmaster – there is small chance he would have a chance for that again.
- Both Draco and Mr. Potter behaved very bravely and successfully got rid of these monsters, but why no one else even tried to fight them?! Why did my child have to stand alone, until he got help from another student? Where were the professors, where the Aurors?! - He clenched his jaw glaring at the old man.
... And he answered his own question:
- They neglected their duties, just like you did, Dumbledore! You will not get away with it. I already notified the School Board, and if there is need I will file a complaint to the Wizengamot! - He spoke with fire heavily gesticulating - a true picture of righteous anger and the Blond Angel of Vengeance.
Harry had pretty good time watching how Headmaster recoils after each sentence Malfoy said - usually too snooty today old man had surprisingly little to say. He did not pity him, after what he did lately to his beloved he deserved that - and even more, but when the wizard began to speak not only of the School Board but also Wizengamot, he decided it was time to intervene.
If Dumbledore gets removed from school Voldemort will finish him off quickly, and he could not afford that, especially since he was one of the directors of this play and the guilt will be his as well – even if he was the only one to know ... and Draco ... and Snape...
Enough is enough!
He cleared his throat to draw attention wizards and spoke conciliatory:
- Mr. Malfoy, it just was not Headmaster's fault. I stopped the Aurors, who wanted to attack - if they came in there would be a bloodbath. Draco is a capable fighter and those Death Eaters were not too strong, I knew that it would be better if we do that two on two.
Malfoy had to admit he was right - if Aurors then interfered, he and Snape would be screwed – not that he could admit it. Fortunately he did not have to, because Harry has not finished.
- There's no point now to initiate a fight between us. In the end, we have a common enemy.
When everyone looked at him distracted he explained.
- You-Know-Who. - They only blinked like owls, so inwardly Harry rolled his eyes and clarified. - Voldemort - We all fight with Voldemort.
Malfoy would gladly continue blowing off steam on the director, but this time, unlike before, he did not want to make trouble for Potter. On the contrary - he wanted to get his sympathy and to have the boy on his side. Therefore he bowed his head, admitting the boy was right and lowered it, as if ashamed.
- You are right, Mr. Potter. I might have reacted to this a bit too emotionally - but it's about health - about the life of my Draco...
Severus coughed hiding snort, while Dumbledore also nodded.
- Yes, my boy, you are absolutely right. Lord Malfoy, however, rightly says, we need to carefully analyze what happened and make sure that nothing like this would happen ever again.
He watched young Malfoy, who looked again, or rather kept staring at Harry in awe and grimaced. He will have to do something about it, but not now. When the right time comes.
- You can go boys, we have to talk. Thank you. – You both did great.
Harry smiled shyly and awkwardly ruffled his hair - dragging through them with his left hand - his special gesture. Headmaster looked at him tenderly and Snape shook his head, sighing over human naiveté - his own as well.
Now that he knew how to look he could only marvel at how great a boy pretended to be poor little naive orphan making fools of everyone and thanked Merlin that at least he stopped using this on him - unless there was something he didn't know about.
Draco made an elegant bow, and Harry very awkwardly imitated him, but lifting his head winked knowingly to the professor. Severus coughed again.
Harry looked at him with alarming attention and visible concern.
- You cough very often lately, Professor. Could you catch cold in those dungeons? I recently saw in a book supposedly very effective warming spell - I could try to help you. - Shy smile...
Severus narrowed his eyes - he did not need any of Potter's spells. Merlin knows what he came up with this time. Unfortunately, before he could "culturally" refuse, the Headmaster interfered, speaking with concern.
- Harry is right, my boy, you do not look so good recently. - And with a slight reprimand in his voice - I told you that I can throw a permanent heating spell on your rooms.
Snape straightened and even more squinted drawled.
- I can take care of myself and of my dungeons! - Harry clucked with care, but in his eyes were devilish twinkles. Severus smirked. - Of course, if Mr. Potter cares so much for my health, he can do that during the detention. How about right now in my office? - He smiled maliciously. - What do you think, Mr Potter?
Dumbledore wanted to intervene, but did not get a chance: Golden Boy smiled as if Christmas came earlier this year.
- Thank you, Professor. - It's the end of the World, to have students thanking for detention. - I'll wait downstairs. - He turned to Draco. - Are you coming, my friend? - In response he received radiant smile and an enthusiastic nod. After another awkward bow from Harry and perfect one from Draco and the boys disappeared.
Immediately after they left one of the portrait's residents did the same -. Phineas Nigellus Black - the former Headmaster of Hogwarts - from the dark family and definitely on the Dark Lord's side. He noticed an unexpected intimacy between Draco Malfoy and the Boy Who Lived and saw fit to visit his portrait in the Dark Castle and inform it's Lord about this happy fact.
After descending the stairs Harry shook Draco's hand for goodbye and so the blond had no other choice but to leave. But he stopped in a niche behind a tapestry just around the corner, waiting for Harry and Snape. Soon he heard the approaching voices.
- No need to go for that detention, Harry – don't you want to go now to your boyfriend, instead? - Severus considered that since Harry stopped pretending he can also speak directly.
Standing quietly behind the tapestry Draco strained his ears to hear. So Snape knows Harry's boyfriend and he is all for it...
And in general since when Snape calls him: Harry? What is with this friendship and kindness?
Invisibly for Draco, Harry shook his head with a smile.
- Thanks very much, but no thanks! I really know a cool warming spells and would like to try them out. - He took a deep exhale. - Anyway, I can not go to Him. He hates alcohol and I drank two butterbeers at the Three Broomsticks, and then another one after returning to the tower. He will sense it.
Severus nodded understandingly. That's a fact that the Dark Lord hates any stimulants. While He does not forbid it to His servants, recognizing their weaknesses and just looks at them with pity when he notices them drink, but his Chosen One - that is quite another matter...
- I know a very good spell which removes all traces of alcohol - you'll be sober as a baby. – He tempted skillfully.
Harry knew why he wanted that so much. - Satisfied Dark Lord means easier life for his servants.
Headmaster Black appeared at the Great Hall of the Dark Castle in the most appropriate moment, because it was not only the Dark Lord in there, but also a large group of Death Eaters giving daily report.
Everyone accepted the news with the proper satisfaction, everyone but the Lord Voldemort, who kept a stern expression, but politely thanked the portrait and ended the meeting. After his servants left, he apparated to his bedroom - where there were no portraits.
He threw the secrecy spell and howled with rage. - His Harry made friends with this little snake, exchanging smiles and praise – He calls him a friend! He wanted to break the room into smithereens. He wanted to destroy the whole castle to smithereens!
Furiously he hissed in Parseltongue - at the same time calling the boy with his soul:
- Harry Potter - We need to talk! Now!
Harry smiled at him, but instead of the expected humorous answer he only winced - at first Severus thought with derision - then saw the pain in his eyes.
The moment Harry felt in his head reflected Voldemort's fury he immediately thought that probably one of his servants made a mistake and it's going to be hell in there. In this situation, all the more he should not appear in Dark Castle... although maybe later - after such… situations, his lover was sooo hot...
But before he got lost in that pleasent thoughts, he heard his own name hissed in his mind - it's him the Dark Lord was furious with and he wanted to see him, now... For a moment, he consider whether it is reasonable to go there right away. It might be better to wait until he cools down – only, the cold fury of the Dark Lord was much more dangerous.
- I think we need to postpone that detention, and I have to ask for that spell. - He said, his voice strained.
Severus immediately realized what was happening and without question cast a sobering spell. Harry nodded thanks and goodbye at the same time and without wasting time for hiding in the Room (as a professor already knows all about it and will cover for him) - he took out the ring, put it on, turned and disappeared.
The sudden silence made eavesdropping Draco worried - could they discover his presence? But then, he heard footsteps disappearing in the corridor, he waited a moment, and dared to leave his hiding place. The corridor was empty.
Draco headed for the Slytherin House, lost in his thoughts.
So Harry actually has a boyfriend, and uncle Severus knows him and what's more –he likes this!
Draco decided that he must discover the identity of this mysterious individual. There's no way that his boyfriend (even future one... and just by name) could cheat on him and even worse - with full acceptance from the Head of his House.
No, no and no! Such things don't happen to Malfoy.
When Harry appeared in the bedroom Voldemort circled the space like a caged tiger. Seeing him he immediately stepped forward and pinned him against the wall, clutching his chest with an elbow while the other hand pinned his hands over his head, demanding explanations:
- Apparently you made friends with the young Malfoy, exchanging smiles and looking into each others eyes. - His eyes glowed bright red.
Harry tried to free himself from his hands, but he had no chance, so he just snorted angrily, and as furiously squinting hissed.
- You asked for this.
The loosening grip of the startled Dark Lord gave him a chance to shove his hands away. He twisted and got out from his grip, stepping behind the wizard and forcing him to turn around, so now the man stood with his back to the wall and Harry before him, piercing his eyes furiously.
- I told you it was not a good idea, but it is you who insisted that I should be friends with this asshole, and even pretend to be boyfriends.
Voldemort bit his lip and scratched his bald head. Okay, Harry was right - indeed, when he heard about this from the portrait, jealousy made him feel dizzy and he forgot about the whole thing ... He cleared his throat and began calmly, pretending that nothing had happened.
- So I see that you're doing pretty well...
But Harry was not going to just forgive him. Better to clear this once, not to have such scenes after each meeting with Malfoy. He have not softened so expressive face and eyes and hissed furiously, this time he pressed his lover's chest with left elbow pinning him against the wall, and with right forefinger stabbed him with every word:
- It was your idea and do not you dare forget that. Do you think it is a pleasure for me, making friends with the Malfoys? I do not intend to additionally explain myself to you for every move that I make to meet your wishes. - He hissed back at him like an angry cat and let him go reaching for the ring to leave the Dark Castle.
Voldemort quickly grabbed his hand, making it impossible to use a Portkey and again turned them.
- I'm sorry! - He shouted, and then leaned forward, resting their foreheads together. - I'm sorry – he said in a whisper now. - I miss you so much and I go crazy when you are away and when I think that you can then be with someone else...
Harry relaxed and hugged him with a sigh.
- I know. - He really knew, but he could not just leave it. - I was not alone with him, we were in the Headmaster's office, all together. I never met Malfoy outside public places and I would never behave like that if it wasn't your plan. It's just a play.
He leaned back disconnecting their foreheads and looked at his Lord, until he too raised his head, looking into his eyes.
- I'm here because I want to. I want you, nobody else. - He said simply, confirming it through the eyes and mind. – Don't doubt me! And if you hear any rumors again, remember that it's only a game - our game, nothing more.
Voldemort nodded, still looking at him with the hunger in his eyes and squeezed Harry tightly, as if he was going to disappear...
- I know, I'm sorry. - The Dark Lord never ever apologized, and today he did it the second time. Harry could not leave it unnoticed. He gave him for a gentle kiss, and then buried his face in his shoulder. He breathed deeply.
After a moment he raised his head with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
- I now have some time ... I could stay, if you want me... - He raised an eyebrow. In response Voldemort moved closer and gave him a lot hotter kiss, unbuttoning his shirt and moving his mouth lower and lower, bending until he dropped to his knees...
Shaken by waves of delightful chills Harry leaned heavily against the wall clutching fingers firmly on the shoulders of his lover.
Why would he want to be with anyone else...?