AN: Happy new year, everybody. So, here it is, the next installment. No more boring blabla from me today. Just thanks to all those who reviewed. I find your response very encouraging.
Apparently there was some confusion about the "Fys guy" last chapter. The following quote from chapter 7 should clear that up:
A few people later, the platinum blonde girl they had come to dislike at the space port was called forward. "Falger, Noemi" was put in Slytherin without hesitation. Immediately after her, it was her boyfriend's turn. "Fys, Daniel". And he, too, was put in Slytherin without much ado.
And now on with the story...
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Chapter 10: ... A New Day
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Draco Malfoy wasn't the only one to pace a hole into Hogwarts floors. Sirius was looking forward to seeing his godson and his friends again, yet , he was also preoccupied. This would be the first time he (being himself) saw his godson again, after that incident in the Department of Mysteries. Harry and his friends were bound to ask about his ordeal. How was he to answer? How was he to keep what he had learnt a secret, when it could mean so much to Harry? But then, how could he not, if his revelation had such dire consequences?
He was so tired of all this. And it didn't really help that his mate was angry with him for attacking that brat… Yeah, he might have gone a little too far, but still…Remus had given him the cold shoulder, after he had been unable to really explain his behaviour. And he himself had been too miffed to apologise. Therefore they had slept at the far ends of the bed, with their backs to one another, when all Sirius wanted was for his lover to hold him. His love's arms around him were the only thing that kept his nightmares away, gave him shelter from the shadows from behind the veil… Remus was always patient with him, but he was no mind-reader. So how was the werewolf to know just how much he needed him, when he simply couldn't - mustn't - talk about it…
And then there were his worries for Harry. He wasn't inclined to dismiss the boy's nightmares. The past had proven often enough that things like that should not be taken lightly.
Energetic knocks on the door tore him out of his musings and he couldn't help the smile appearing on his face as he heard the cheerful voices of the young Gryffindors. He opened the door carefully so that no random passer-by would accidentally see him and embraced the three friends in a bear hug.
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Transfiguration was a whole different story from History of Magic. Professor McGonagall immediately established her authority and not even Duo dared to challenge it. She gave them an overview of the nature of magic and Transfiguration in particular, impressing them with a short demonstration as she changed her desk into a zebra and back. Now that was more like what they expected from a school of witchcraft and wizardry. The new Hogwarts students had to hurry to keep up with their notes, until, finally, they were allowed to try their own skills at McGonagall's usual beginners' task. They were given matches and had to try and change them into needles. The task wasn't quite as easy as they had imagined and even the students who had more experience with magic were struggling.
Toward the end of the lesson, Duo suddenly felt a strange sensation coming from his wand and thought he got the hang of it. Indeed, with his next try his match turned all silver and definitely pointy - the fact that it lacked the eye of the needle could be neglected - and he let out a whoop of joy, jumping from his chair at the same time.
"Yay, I did it! Who's the man? I'm the man!" he rejoiced doing a little victory dance.
"Well done, Mr Maxwell." Professor McGonagall for once seemed surprisingly lenient. "But now you've informed us all of your success, you might want to sit down and practice some more."
"Aw, come on. Isn't there a prize for the first to make it?" Duo switched on his most charming smile.
"I am sorry to disappoint you. There is not. And anyway, you were not the first."
The students looked around surprised. No, there were nothing but matches on the various desks.
"Mr Yuy, would you please…" the Transfiguration teacher prompted.
All eyes turned to Heero who bestowed one of his friendlier glares on the head of Gryffindor house. Duo couldn't help smiling at the former Wing pilot's reluctance to draw all the attention to himself.
"Yuy, we are waiting." McGonagall repeated in a slightly impatient tone.
Wiping his expression blank, Heero grabbed his wand and gave a lazy flick of the wrist. The majority of the students gaped. There on the table lay a shiny, flawlessly shaped needle. Another tap of the wand changing it back into a match and Heero laid his wand down again, under the admiring looks of his fellow students, some girls in particular.
At first, Duo wanted to jump up and congratulate his friend, but at the last second he kept himself in check and mumbled tetchily: "Figures…" The Perfect Soldier just had to create the perfect needle, and on top of it, he had to do it before anybody else.
For the remaining ten minutes of the lesson, every student gave their best to at least achieve the same level as Duo, but in the end only about half of them actually managed to turn the match into something that looked remotely like a needle. Among them were Hilde and the former Gundam pilots, which made their doubts concerning their magical talent dissipate somewhat. If the other classes were similar to Transfiguration, life at Hogwarts would be interesting and they would be able to survive Professor Binns' tedious lessons. Right now, however, the loud rumbling of several stomachs made it clear that it was time for lunch break.
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On their way from Lupin's room back to the Great Hall, the three friends were each deep in thought. They had been so excited to finally be able to talk to Sirius in person again, to finally hear all about the secrets of the veil, but now… Not that they weren't glad to have him back, but something was wrong. Sirius had been evasive and hadn't actually told them anything about what had happened to him. Instead he had only wanted to talk about what they themselves had been through and what they had done over the summer.
Then it had been quite a shock for Ron and Hermione to learn about Harry's dreams. Why couldn't Sirius keep that to himself? Especially Hermione was livid that he hadn't told them and then, to top it all, the both of them had agreed with Sirius, when he had brought up the idea of taking up his occlumency lessons with Snape again. Occlumency with Snape! Harry would rather jump off Gryffindor tower…
Luckily, he had been able to postpone a decision on that matter and had distracted the others with a much more gratifying topic - the new students. Sirius seemed very interested in what they had to say about the newbies. Of course Hermione couldn't let the opportunity slip to reprimand him for his behaviour on the previous night. Sirius was obviously uneasy, but he told them that he had his reasons for acting that way. He refused to go into details, nevertheless, that was enough to boost Harry's distrust of Heero and apparently Ron's, too. Hermione, on the other side, found their attitude unjustified and rebuked them for being prejudiced since they didn't even know the boy. This only led to a heated argument between Ron and Hermione in which he eventually accused her of letting good looks interfere with her judgement. As a result, the Gryffindor girl sputtered and sported an interesting shade of red which did not go unnoticed by the others.
To diffuse the tension in the air Harry tried to coax more information out of his godfather who at least conceded that Remus had been sent out to find the colonial boy pretty much like Hagrid had been sent to get him. In the end, under the calming influence of a cup of tea, they settled on more harmless topics like Quidditch. However, Hermione and Ron remained slightly cross with one another. Eventually, Harry had actually been glad to leave for lunch, but he promised to visit Sirius as often as he could.
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At lunch break the new and old students reunited. However, the urge to eat all the delicious things waiting for them on the tables was delayed, as a crowd formed in front of the tutor list which was arranged by house. The gang consisting of the former pilots, Hilde, Harry and his friends decided to send Trowa, him being the tallest of the bunch, as their scout. It turned out that Hermione was to tutor Hilde, while Quatre was paired up with Ginny and Trowa and Duo with Fred, George, Harry and Ron.
The younger of the Weasley brothers muttered only for Harry to hear: "I'm sure they didn't trust them to do it right and now I have them on my back again…"
At the same time Trowa, Quatre and Duo whispered softly but animatedly. Finally Duo turned to their new friends.
"Uhm, Neville's last name is Longbottom, right?" He asked quietly, so that Neville himself wouldn't hear. "Do you think he will be a good tutor?"
"Why are you asking?" Hermione seemed doubtful.
"If he's not… he's as good as dead." Duo deadpanned. "He has to tutor H-… Yuy."
There was a short puzzled silence.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked.
"How do you know Yuy?" Harry added.
"Oh, come on, he can't be that bad." Hermione cut in.
"Um, well, you'll see what I mean. And… we have… met... before…" Duo stuttered uncharacteristically.
Hilde tried to save the situation: "Oh, don't listen to him. They've known each other for some time and they just had an ugly quarrel. Yuy won't be a problem, he's just not very patient." She sent Duo, Quatre and Trowa a warning glare that shut them up.
The others accepted the explanation (for now) and tucked into the abundant food.
At the Ravenclaw table Wufei wasn't too occupied with his food and his conversation with Cho to notice the worried postures of his pilot friends. Unfortunately, they had their backs to him, so he could only lip-read Hilde's final statement in the exchange. Interesting… They had a problem with Yuy? Even more interesting was the fact that the one in question was obviously following their conversation from the far end of the table, a much better position than Wufei's own. Heero's expression was characteristically unreadable, but the fact that he was "listening" in… The Perfect Soldier shouldn't be showing any interest at all, should he? Unless…
"More spaghetti?" The boy sitting across from him asked.
"No, thanks. Um, what I was saying…" Wufei returned his attention to the girl beside him.
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After lunch break it was time for the first tutorial session under the supervision of Professor Flitwick. The groups were allowed to disperse on the Hogwarts grounds and the more experienced students were supposed to teach the newbies the basic Charms. Professor Flitwick and assistant teachers Lupin and Tonks would go from group to group to have an eye on what they were doing.
The tone among the Slytherin groups was rather harsh, as the older students considered teaching the Wingardium Leviosa and the likes beneath their dignity. Draco Malfoy was rather glad that he had been paired up with a student, a bit younger than himself, who could be easily intimidated and showed at least a fraction of magical abilities. He kept an eye on Fys and Falger, however. That guy seemed relatively capable… but the girl? She was the living proof that (unlike what the pureblood advocates proclaimed) lineage did not automatically entail great talent. Malfoy could only smirk at that.
The Ravenclaw crowd worked methodically and with great dedication. The veteran students had a thorough grasp of what they were doing and most could explain it quite well. The newbies were eager to learn and fast to understand. Wufei even had the advantage of having two tutors, Cho Chang and a 7th year called Thomas Beans, and was one of the first to master the different charms. Overall, Ravenclaw was the first house to complete all the tasks for the day.
Hufflepuff students did not excel like Ravenclaw, but there was a very positive atmosphere among them and they didn't forget to have a little fun amidst the work.
The Gryffindor crowd was rather diverse. Pairing up Hilde and Hermione was a good choice as was putting Ginny together with Quatre. The two girls had contrasting characters, but they worked together well. Hermione managed to keep Hilde's hyperactive interest and put things understandably, so Hilde could prove her talent without trailing off. Quatre and Ginny were more or less on the same wavelength and worked with deep concentration, so they were soon done for the day. Both groups then decided to have a look at what the group of their six friends was doing.
Duo, Trowa, Harry, Ron and the twins were mixing fun and work, with the more level-headed
members of the group balancing out the mischievous ones. Their visiting friends were
astonished to see that, despite everything, the group was making good progress. It didn't
really matter that Duo was sometimes accidentally (?) setting the leaves, he was supposed
to let fly around, on fire. They got there in the end, under the friendly mockery of their
friends.
When Tonks appeared to check up on them, Hermione took her time to consider the
change the new students had brought on. She never would have thought she would feel at ease
if her group of friends enlarged. Yet here she was and there was no denying that those
colonials surrounding her had become friends in no time. Her eyes came to rest on Quatre
who had a strange look on his face. Hm, what…? She followed his gaze to Trowa. Oh,…
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Whoever had decided to pair up Neville Longbottom and Heero Yuy ought to be shot. That was Remus Lupin's honest opinion as he neared the tree where the two of them were working. They were complete opposites and he doubted if the young colonial would learn anything this afternoon. And he hoped Neville wasn't having a nervous breakdown. However, the werewolf was about to witness what he would later call a little miracle, as he watched hidden from view.
Heero had brought along (smart thinking)a book on charms which they were now studying. Remembering the gist of the conversation he had "overheard", the former Wing pilot took care not to intimidate the other and try to be friendly. Neville, on the other hand, was completely clueless as to the fears for his life and was only slightly apprehensive that he was not up to the task. And indeed, he had trouble explaining things and when he tried to show the Wingardium Leviosa charm, well, suffice to say it was a complete disaster. Neville was just glad that the other didn't mock him. In fact, the boy was awfully quiet and his eyes seemed to look through him, but to his own surprise that didn't really bother the clumsy Gryffindor. It would have been much worse if those cool blue eyes scorned or pitied him, yet he could read nothing but perhaps mild interest in them.
"Hn," was Heero's only reaction at which Neville dared to show an embarrassed smile.
"I… I'm not very good at practical magic," he admitted shyly as he moved over to the strange boy who had grabbed the textbook.
After a short time of studying the necessary passages, Heero took out his wand and told Neville curtly how they would proceed.
"I'll give it a try and you tell me what you think I'm doing wrong."
Surprised by the tone of command, Neville simply nodded and watched.
"I think the movement has to be more swishy." Neville remarked.
And gaped. Heero had it right on the second try - incredible, the leaf he had practised on floated in the air. The boy cast him a questioning glance and Neville gave him the thumbs up. But he wasn't done with that, Heero ordered him to do it himself. With trembling fingers he gave it a try - failure. How awkward... Yet the other boy just ignored that, corrected him as he saw fit and showed him how he had done it once more. With a slightly impatient nod of the head, Heero indicated that it was Neville's turn again. And this time the leaf moved… Neville tapped his test subject again - and it floated into the air. He grinned from ear to ear and thanked the other boy enthusiastically.
Thus, the two had found a method to work together efficiently and they continued this way until even Neville had managed to apply all the charms they had been set to work on.
Remus could hardly pick up his jaw again, after he saw Neville putting the leaf afloat. It seemed that Dumbledore had had the right idea, after all. He apologised silently for ever having doubted the unconventional headmaster. That definitely had been interesting. He tried to withdraw from his lookout without attracting attention, but before he even moved, he found two narrowed blue eyes focused on his own. The half-glare seemed to indicate "You could have been more helpful" and he answered with a shrug and a smile. The other just narrowed his eyes more, nodded and returned to practising with Neville who hadn't noticed the exchange.
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Once all of the gang 1 were finished with their tutorial, they enjoyed the rest of the mild afternoon hanging out near the lake.
"I wonder how Neville fared with Yuy," Duo said suddenly.
"He'll be fine," Hilde answered with emphasis and a look that the former Deathscythe pilot should drop the subject.
"Why don't we go inside for dinner," Quatre suggested. "Then you can see for yourself, what fate had in store for him." The last part was spoken with mock severity.
They didn't have to search for Neville long, as they met him halfway to the castle. Everybody was flabbergasted to hear him humming softly to himself.
"Um, Neville? Are you alright." Hermione asked worriedly. She had never seen him that happy before. Maybe something had gone wrong and he had hit his head or something of that kind…
"Oh, hi there. I'm fine." He beamed and skipped off toward Gryffindor tower before they could inquire any further.
The others traded uncertain looks. Well, at least he was still alive and that was that. They went directly to the Great Hall and wolfed down their dinner. The new students exchanged tales of their achievements of the day, accounting for the high level of noise in the hall, but soon everything quieted down. They had had an exhausting day after all. The rest of the evening passed uneventful and most students retired for an early night.
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It was deep into the night, when Harry suddenly woke from his nightmare. Sometimes he wondered if something was seriously wrong with him. It couldn't be normal to have so much trouble sleeping. This time it had been one of his old nightmares. The one where he heard his parents last screams and saw the green lightning. Yet this time had been different. He actually saw his father and his mother hit by the deadly curses, but they didn't just crumble and fall - they… faded… Strange.
The sound of soft footsteps reached his ears. Then he heard a shower being turned on. Who in their right mind was taking a shower in the middle of the night? Harry risked a glance outside. The curtains on one bed were drawn and the bed was empty. But why… Harry was sure the other boy had showered only that evening. Weird. The shower seemed to run for hours, its sound almost lulling Harry back to sleep. Just as he was drifting off, he heard the night-owl return. He dared to peek through his curtains once more and was surprised to see the boy sit down on the window sill instead of going back to bed. He couldn't make out his face, but the other hugged his knees to his chest and seemed to stare off into the night. Harry lay back down again and yawned quietly. That guy was a mystery. Harry drifted back to sleep.
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Far away, someone else was plagued by strange dreams. These, however, were considered much more pleasant by the dreamer. Anybody else would find them dark and disturbing…
Friction. Warm naked skin. Sweat. A still body. Another one moving… slowly… faster… Nails scraping. Traces of blood. Dripping sweat. Changing rhythm… Rising heat… Ecstasy… Release…
His hands trailed the lines his passion had left on the soft skin. The other lay limp, almost like dead, those beautiful eyes closed, but he didn't care. The body might suffer, but the wounds would heal. The soul? That didn't matter. He had no use for an unblemished soul…
He didn't care that there was no mutual give and take. That the other did not respond. It
made things even more enjoyable for him. Utter domination… He wanted to taste the evidence
of it…
He traced the thin lines of dripping blood with his tongue. The other twitched slightly, a
reaction suppressed immediately. But he noticed… Well, well… Couldn't have that, could he?
he thought pleased and annoyed at once. But he'd let it slide… There was enough time to
weed out unwanted reactions in further training… Yet, if he could make the other respond to
his ministrations… A smirk. That would be like double punishment… and doubly pleasing for
himself. He felt his body reawaken at the thought. He repositioned himself…
The dreamer awoke with a groan. What a dream…or rather a memory... His body might largely consist of spare parts, but here he had the proof that one important portion was still very much alive.
It had been part of the training. It had been punishment. And then he had been unable to stop himself. Never before had he realized how dead his body felt, how cold. Then he had relished in the heat the other unwillingly provided him with. Nothing else made him feel so alive. Complete. Despite his bodily shortcomings. There was no phantom pain, no cold…
He sighed at the memory. Maybe it hadn't been the end of the cold, he mused, maybe it had been the start. Maybe he had been suffering from withdrawal symptoms. That enticing body had been like an addiction… He took all the warmth he could get. How he had enjoyed having the other completely at his mercy… He felt his need rise. Unfortunately there was only one cure for his itch, and it wasn't at hand… Maybe he had made a mistake…
Reluctantly he got up to take a cold shower. The situation was utterly frustrating. Then, however, he remembered what he was about to do the next day and a cruel smirk appeared on his face. His report had had the desired effect and he had been asked to give his testimony via a video-conference. Maybe everything would go the way he hoped… And then he would be relieved of two problems at once… Satisfied with himself he grinned like a cat who got into the cream and went back to bed. He felt like things were looking up again.
After all, his little pet obeyed orders…
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1 I've had it with naming Duo, Quatre, Trowa, Harry, Ron, Hermione and changing additional cast separately - they are the gang, and I guess you're smart enough to recognise who belongs and who doesn't.
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TBC!!! (alright, silver cateyes? ;-))
AN: Hope you like it. Did I say no boring blabla? Well, here it comes. Once again
I took my time to update. Sorry about that. And maybe you should know that I didn't use that
time to work on the story - adding those nice finishing touches or ironing out the weaknesses
(bad style, I know). I usually have all those ideas spinning in my head and turn them over
and over without writing a single word. When I actually sit down, writing goes rather fast and
once it's written, I can't wait to get it out (right now I'm just adding the rambling in the hope
that, when I'm finished, I'll finally be able to connect to the damn net). I didn't edit this
chapter properly and I don't have a beta, so you do the math. Sorry, if parts of the story
remained more sketchy than any of us would like. But now enough of that.
On a not so different note, remember to point out my mistakes (wrong word, wrong
preposition, confusing sentence structure... anything), okay?
And as always, thanks for reading and reviewing.