A/N: Yet another chapter to please the masses. Lol. If you can call ten people 'the masses'. Well, at the very least someone appreciates my fabulous work. Lol. Well, here's the next cliffha-er-chapter! Adios!

-CatJetRat

WARNING: Character Death. No one important, but someone who was mentioned in the books.

'"But will we have a single pupil after this?" said Slughorn, now dabbing his sweating brow with a silken handkerchief. "Parents will want to keep their children at home and I can't say I blame them. Personally, I don't think we're in more danger at Hogwarts than we are anywhere else, but you can't expect mothers to think like that."' —Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Pages 627-628, paragraphs 8&1

Chapter 10

Harry the Fool

Normal POV

With a thud, Draco, Ron and Hermione landed on the doorstep of the Riddle House. Draco grasped the door handle quickly and turned it, but it wouldn't budge.

"Merlin," Draco hissed from between his teeth. "Alohomora!" There was a click and the door unlocked. Draco pushed the door, but it refused to open.

"What the hell is the matter with it!" Draco exclaimed, and Hermione pushed him gently aside to examine the door.

"It's just stuck," she said calmly. "This house hasn't been lived in for years. Hold on." Hermione turned the doorknob, took a deep breath, and shoved. Hard. Then door gave way and the three of them fell in.

"So that's how Muggles deal with things," Draco commented dryly, standing up and brushing the dust from his robes. Hermione rolled her eyes.

Draco placed his wand on his flat palm, and said firmly, "Point Me Harry," a handy little spell he had learned from one of the spell books Hermione had retrieved for them. It could lead the person casting the spell to the person they were seeking. The wand spun around aimlessly on his palm, and Draco frowned.

"He must not be here," Draco said. "Maybe he just went out to get something to eat, and forgot to leave a note. We might be over reacti—"

"Draco!" Hermione said. She had wandered over to the stairs and was examining something on the ground. "Come here."

Draco walked over to Hermione, frowning slightly. "What is it?"

"Footprints in the dust. I think Harry might have come here," Hermione said, glancing back up at Draco, who was shaking his head.

"Well, if he was here, he's not here now. My finding spell, which can find the person I'm looking for within a mile, didn't work." Draco paused, and thought for a moment. But he did say that he thought the Horcrux might be here." Draco began to hurry up the steps, following the footprints. "Harry might be locked in a battle with a piece of Voldemort's soul right now. I read about some Horcrux protection spells a person can place on their Horcrux which can make a person who's trying to hurt their Horcrux invisible to finding spells. Come on."

The three of them followed the tracks carefully to the room at the end of the hallway on the second floor. Ron pushed open the door and they entered to room cautiously. However, the room was empty.

"Harry?" Ron called. "Mate, are you in here?"

Dead silence met their ears. Ron sighed loudly. "Well, if he was here, he's gone." Ron turned and began to tramp out of the room.

Draco ignored Ron, though he felt his lip curl slightly at the thought of Weasley giving up so easily on his best friend. Draco scanned the room carefully, his lip curling more at the sight of the room, far too Muggle and boring for him. But Draco pushed aside these old prejudices and walked around, examining the room carefully. Nothing interesting about the four-poster bed, or the boxes and trunks around the wall. Draco had paused to inspect a desk when Hermione's shrill cry made his head snap up and his body whip around.

Hermione was standing over by a fairly large, Muggle painting on the wall of what looked like just water and sky, but her eyes were fixed on the painting and wide in horror.

"Harry!" She exclaimed. Draco swept over to where she was standing, and shoved Weasley and her slightly to the side in order to examine the painting in closer detail. There could be no doubt that the painting was moving, the little waves splashing around, and several large dark shapes swimming around quickly. There was also one, rather small shape, firing bursts of light at the other, dark shapes, which Draco realized sickly were sharks, and the smaller shape was undoubtedly Harry.

Hermione reached out to touch the painting's surface, but Draco grabbed her hand quickly and pulled her away. "Don't," he said firmly. "If you touch its surface you'll get sucked right in with him. Stand back, both of you," Draco said, pulling out his wand. Hermione and Ron backed away quickly. "I've read about these. I know how to get him out of there."

Draco began to whisper and hiss incantations quickly, moving his wand rapidly. Ron stared at him in slight fear, hand gripping his wand, but Hermione had only admiration for his spells, and a determination to learn them when they returned to the inn.

A few minutes later, Draco returned his wand to his pocket, and Ron relaxed. Draco rushed over to the painting and grabbed one end of the frame.

"Weasley!" he barked. "Come here and help me break this. Touch the frame, but whatever you do, don't touch the painting."

Ron hurried over to help Draco and grabbed the other end of the frame. "Ready?" Draco demanded. Ron nodded. "All right. One, two, three!" The two boys yanked the painting back, and it broke.

Harry backed up on the shore until his back hit the wall. And still the water came, rushing around his sneakers. Harry swallowed, shaking. His wand, gripped in his right hand, felt useless against the sharks. Harry briefly closed his eyes, berating himself for being such an idiot. He really should have brought someone along with him. The water wasn't too high yet, just up to his knees. The sharks began to swim towards him, and Harry fired an Avada Kedavra at one. It fell still briefly, but then began to swim towards him again. Harry fired curse after curse at the sharks, Unforgivable after Unforgivable, but none of them worked. The Cruciatus only managed to subdue a shark for a couple of minutes, and then they were back at him.

The water was about up to his waist when he heard someone call his name. Harry looked up, and as if he was seeing it through a window, saw Ron, Hermione, and Draco standing in the doorway of the room he had found the painting it. Relief coursed through Harry's body, and he began shouting and waving his arms at them. Unfortunately, it seemed as though they could not hear him. Frustration filled Harry, and then pain, as one of the sharks took advantage of his lapse of attention to try and bite off his leg. Harry bellowed in pain and performed Crucio on the shark, which let go of him and swam away, twisting angrily. Harry glanced down at his leg, which was still there, just badly bitten.

Harry would have to ignore the leg for now, and continued the task of firing curse after curse at the sharks, who only seemed enraged by the smell of his blood. A few minutes later, though, they began to disappear. Harry looked around nervously, waiting for them to pop up again. The water was up to his chest now. Soon he would need to perform the Bubblehead charm on himself to live. Harry kept firing curses at the rapidly disappearing sharks though, and kept his wits about him. After a few more minutes, though, there were no sharks left. Harry looked about wildly, but he didn't see them anywhere. Unfortunately the water level was still rising. Harry swam about, trying to raise his body higher, but then his head scraped the top of the painting.

Just as the water was reaching his neck though, he felt the painting give a great shudder, and all the water began draining. Harry felt himself get pulled along with it, and though he tried to fight it, he just wasn't strong enough when match with many thousand tons of water. Harry inhaled, and held his breath, surrendering himself to the flow of water, deciding that there were worse ways to die.

But die he did not. Harry fell, spluttering, onto a hardwood floor, with a great deal of seaweed and seawater coming with him. Harry looked up blearily, and saw Draco splash through the water and engulf him in a hug.

"Don't you—" Draco hissed in Harry's ear. "Ever do. That to me. Again." Harry nodded, and Draco pulled away from him, his normally glittering silver eyes a dark and stormy gray as he gazed at Harry, and Harry was reminded vividly of a time a year before when he had run across Draco in Madam Malkin's and insulted his parents. Draco looked even angrier now than he had been then.

"What in Merlin's name, were you thinking?" Draco snarled.

Harry lowered his gaze to the ground, past reminisces forgotten. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't want to endanger any of you. I thought I could handle it on my own."

"Are you insane?" Ron asked loudly. "We've all been studying Horcruxes, and their curses. We know how dangerous they are. I thought you did, too!"

"Besides, Harry," Hermione added sternly. "We've put a lot into fighting Voldemort too. Don't you think we deserve to be beside you when you battle a Horcrux?"

Her hurt tone hit Harry's heart, and he felt his cheeks flush with shame. "You're right, all of you. I'm sorry. I know it was stupid. Next time I'll be sure to bring all of you along."

Draco's eyes still looked unforgiving. "Not to mention how much you scared all of us? And—" His voice stopped, as he caught sight of Harry's leg.

"Merlin, Harry!" Draco exclaimed. "What happened?"

" A shark bit me," Harry mumbled.

Hermione zoomed over and a second later was examining the wound. "We'll have to clean that before I can heal it. And it looks like some shark teeth might be stuck in there." Hermione murmured a few words and the wounds were wrapped up in white gauze. "Come on. We've spent enough time in this place. Draco, can you Apparate Harry?" Draco nodded. "Good. Let's go."

Hermione paused long enough to repair the painting, and vanished the water and dried the wound. Then, the four of them Apparated out of the Riddle House leaving the lonely house behind, the house where death haunted its rooms.

Harry and Draco arrived in their room on the floor a second later. Harry groaned and sat up. They were alone. Harry sighed, figuring that Ron and Hermione were in their room. Draco was gazing at Harry silently, his gray eyes dark and brooding. He let out a sigh.

"Did you at least find the Horcrux?" Draco asked.

"Yes," Harry said quickly. He pulled the cup out of his pocket and enlarged it. Draco's breath caught in his throat. He reached out towards it, then paused.

"Did you destroy the portion of the Dark Lord's soul that was in it?" He asked.

Harry nodded. Draco reached out a pale hand and picked it up reverently, and carefully ran his fingers over the smooth surface. He touched Helga Hufflepuff's marking on it and exhaled.

"It's beautiful," he said simply. "I can see why V—" Draco hesitated.

"Go on," Harry urged him. "It's just a name. Not saying it will weaken you. I mean, if you can't say his name, you won't stand a chance in battle against him."

Draco smiled ruefully. "But I don't have to battle him. You do. But, I suppose…." Draco took a deep breath. "I can see why V—Volde," he paused, took another breath, and said, "Voldemort would want this cup to be one of his Horcruxes."

Harry smiled, and there was a knocking at the door."That's probably Ron and Hermione," Harry said. Draco stood up and helped Harry to his feet. Harry limped over to the door with Draco's help, and Draco opened the door.

It was Severus Snape.

Snape raised one eyebrow, staring at Harry's bandaged leg. "What happened to you, Potter?" He asked, only the slight trace of a sneer in his voice.

Harry stared at him, struggling with the dislike still in his heart, and finally said, "A shark bit me. It's a long story. Why are you here?"

Snape's eyes widened slightly, and he looked at Draco. "It is a long story, sir," Draco said apologetically.

Snape nodded once, and said, "The reason I am here is because Hogwarts has been attacked by the Dark Lord."

Harry inhaled quickly. "What?" he gasped. "When? Why? How many were hurt?"

"He and his Death Eaters attacked us last night. Why he did so was apparent. He wished to collect the children of the Death Eaters Hogwarts was hiding and protecting, such as Ms. Parkinson, Mr. Goyle, Mr. Crabbe, and others. Also to find and kill me. Fortunately, he did not succeed in his attack on any of us, however, he did manage to wound twenty of the students and kill three others."

Harry closed his eyes. Twenty-three casualties. Harry allowed himself one minute of preparation, and said, "Who did he kill?"

Snape paused, then said, "Two first year Muggleborns, and…" Snape hesitated, and Harry wanted to strangle him. "Susan Bones."

Harry inhaled sharply. Susan Bones, the pretty Hufflepuff brunette who had joined the DA in his fifth year. The niece of Amelia Bones, whom Voldemort had killed. Harry hadn't known her well, but she had been a casual friend. Harry blinked several times, and said, "Does he have something against the Bones?"

Snape nodded. "Indeed. The Bones were one of the most prominent families working to oppose him in the First War. The Dark Lord spotted her on the grounds when he attacked, recognized the family resemblance, and killed her. The teachers and many sixth and seventh years had put a lot of power into the wards around the school, and managed to repel him and his Death Eaters long enough for the Aurors to arrive, and they left the grounds quickly. They were far outnumbered at that point. But Headmistress McGonagall is convinced that he will try again, and the next time with more Death Eaters. She is closing the school."

Harry stared at Snape in shock, vaguely noting that Ron and Hermione had come out of their room and were listening to the conversation. "But—" he protested weakly, "The said that they wouldn't close it as long as there was one student who wanted to learn there."

Snape shook his head, and he looked rather sad. "No, Potter. The Headmistress said that she cannot continue to run the school if she cannot ensure the protection of the students."

"Then reinforce the wards!" Harry shouted.

Snape gave him a disapproving look. "Do not shout at me, Potter. It is not my decision, and the Headmistress is set, and so are the school governors. I am sorry," he added, and his voice was almost gentle. He glanced at Ron and Hermione. "I was sent to tell you this, so that you may hear the information from me. And also because your sister—" He directed the statement at Ron, "—was injured in the Dark Lord's attack."

Ron stood up straight. "What?" he hissed. Harry also looked at Snape in some concern. "Will she be all right?" Harry asked.

"She ran to the front of the battle, convinced that she could do some good. One of the Death Eaters—Dolohov, I think—attacked her with the same Dark Arts spell he used on you, Ms. Granger," Snape said, glancing at Hermione, who nodded to him. "But she was rescued by Zacharias Smith, who took her to the Hospital Wing. He too, participated in deflecting Voldemort's forces."

Harry's eyes flickered, as what he knew of Zacharias Smith contrasted with this statement. "But I thought that his parents wouldn't let him return to the school."

"It seems that they changed their minds," Snape responded smoothly.

Harry frowned, as something occurred to him. "Do you still teach at Hogwarts?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Of course," Snape responded, looking at him oddly. "Well—not anymore, of course, since the school is closing, but I had been. Why?"

"What position do you teach?" Harry asked.

"Potions, Potter. What is this about?" Snape asked curiously.

"What happened to Professor Slughorn?" Harry asked.

"He went back into retirement when I was found innocent. What does it matter, Potter?" Snape asked impatiently.

"I just…" Harry said softly. "I was just wondering about the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Who taught it most recently?"

"Kingsley Shacklebolt took up the position. The Ministry agreed to allow him to work there in defense of the school for a year." Snape looked definitely unhappy now. "It didn't help much, though. Now, do you four wish to come with me and check on Ms. Weasley?"

"Yes," Harry and Ron said at once.

"Very well," Snape said crisply. Snape glanced at Harry's leg. "You should probably be able to get that wound healed there." Harry nodded. "Gather some things for the night. I suspect you will not wish to stay long." Snape paused, looking from Harry to Draco. Draco had one arm carefully wrapped around Harry's waist, and Harry was leaning his head on Draco's shoulder. "Do you wish for me to arrange a room where you two can be together?" he asked delicately.

Harry looked startled, but Draco didn't skip a beat. "Yes, Professor," Draco said at once. "That would be excellent." Harry nodded in agreement.

Snape nodded, then turned to Ron and Hermione. Ron took Hermione's hand at once, and Harry saw a strange flicker pass over Snape's face, but he couldn't distinguish the emotion there. "And you two?"

Hermione looked slightly annoyed, but Harry couldn't tell why. "Yeah," Ron said.

Snape looked to Hermione for confirmation. Hermione gave a slight, reluctant nod, but Harry couldn't tell why she would be reluctant. Harry frowned. Something was going on, but he wasn't quite sure of what. Was there, perhaps, another secret Hermione and Snape were keeping from him for his own good? Harry didn't know, but he was determined to find out.

"Fine," Snape said. "I will wait out here for you four, and then we shall Apparate to Hogsmeade."

They all nodded, and turned and went into their respective rooms. Draco carefully sat Harry down on the sofa. "I'll pack," he said shortly. Harry could sense the tension in his voice, and could tell that Draco was still angry with him for plunging himself into a dangerous situation without any help.

"Draco?" Harry said softly. Draco tensed.

"Just…" he said in a strained voice. "Just give me time. I'm not angry. I'm just…still scared. I thought you might have died. When we couldn't find you, I mean."

Harry looked at him in slight wonder. Draco's head was bowed, his blond hair falling over the top part of his face, and his hands were clenched on the sides of the dresser. He was shaking slightly. This amazed Harry. Despite the fact that he knew Draco was falling in love with him, he still found it surprising that Draco could care about him that much, considering their past. Harry said as much to Draco.

Draco whirled around. "None of that matters!" he exclaimed. "I was a prat when I was a kid! I know that now, and I hate it, but I'm different now. You're different. And now that I'm not blinded by prejudice and hate and resentment, I can see you now, and I love the person you are, and I don't—" His voice broke. "I don't want to lose one of the few people that I care about."

Harry stood up shakily and limped over to where Draco was standing, shoulders hunched, visibly trying to avoid tears. Harry wrapped his arms around Draco, and Draco hugged him back, hard. It was then that Harry truly understood what he had done. He hadn't just risked his own life, but he had carelessly ignored what pain others would go through if he died.

"I'm so sorry," Harry whispered, and this time, he truly meant it, with all his heart and soul. "I'll never do something like that again. Merlin, Draco. I love you."

Draco leaned back and kissed him fiercely. Harry kissed back with equal intensity, feeling his heart contract in his chest again, so much that it was almost painful. But all he ever wanted was for it to come again. And as long as he was with Draco, it would. Always.

A/N: No, not quite as long as the last chapter. In the original outline, the story lasted much longer than that, and I included them going to Hogwarts. But I'll just include that in the next chapter, which will likely be a bit mushy. Also, you finally find out who Hermione's true love is! YAY! Lol. Well, ten reviews gets another chapter. Took long enough last time. Grumble. Lol. Adios!

-CatJetRat