Draco sat in Snape's office, Slughorn had administered him a tonic for his nerves, but otherwise deemed him healthy and sent him on his way; advising sugary foods for shock. Draco knew the Potions Master did not have a clue what he was going through right now. Crabbe and Goyle were now most likely pigging out in the Great Hall. The door behind him echoed with a bang and Snape strode round him.
"Draco, I think you realise that the Dark Lord is not happy with you."
Draco snarled and sat up in his chair, eyes flashing with defiance.
"Well I think HE realises that I am not happy with HIM!"
Snape hissed inaudibly as the ice blonde uttered those words, a dark scowl upon his face; Draco rarely saw this expression directed at him, however he glared back just as forcefully. Snape suddenly stood in front of the blonde.
"Don't be foolish Draco. You are no match for him; he breached your mind so easily. I'm sure you are aware he used the Cruciatus Curse upon you?"
Draco shut his mouth, forbidding the argument on the tip of his tongue and nodded. The pain had been terrifying. He shivered and it was not because the dungeons were cold- he was used to it- he shivered again, more violently this time. The young Slytherin for the first time in a very long time, saw pity and affection flit across his Godfather's eyes; the ex Potions Professor just now hadn't seen him as he was of present, he had seen Draco Malfoy as a child- the little helpless child- the child that had been ignored, beaten... Abused. Snape sank to his knees in front of the teen so that their faces were level.
"Do it quickly. Then it'll be over, I swore to your mother, of my own accord and of her own love for you, that I would protect you."
Draco stood up flushed, his expression stony and furious- he had not known that Snape had promised his Mother specifically- he had thought his Father, had made his godfather promise to Narcissa. The humiliation burned his throat and Draco blinked back tears- his mother had willingly…
"I don't need your help! I don't want your help! The Dark Lord can piss off; I don't want to do this anymore!"
Draco then felt the familiar pain burn through his arm coupled by a strangely euphoric feeling, Snape shielding his mind carefully from his dark master, cursed colourfully as he saw a blank look enter his godson's piercing gaze- rendering said gaze to a peaceful and dazed look.
Imperio.
Draco was now under the Imperius Curse.
Harry paused outside the gargoyle in front of Dumbledore's office, he didn't know the password. He pulled out the neat message from Hedwig that afternoon. Nothing, sighing Harry began listing off several sweets that first came to mind.
He turned when footsteps rang behind him. He did a double take, what on earth was Draco Malfoy doing here? He looked strangely blank but at the same time like he needed to say something. Harry raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"Need something Malfoy?"
Harry frowned, no biting retort had been flung back, and Harry peered at the blonde carefully. He definitely had a vague aura about him. But then the spell, whatever it was- was broken. Draco stood for a moment taking in his surroundings, he paled when he realised where he was and with whom his company was.
"Potter! Who, wha-! Where the bollocks am I?"
"Have you been under a Confundus, Malfoy?"
"I most certainly have not, I would definitely know!"
Draco sniffed haughtily; he then narrowed his eyes at Harry, his lip curling in a sneer.
"More importantly, what is St. Potter doing outside the Headmasters quarters?"
"I could ask the same thing to you Malfoy."
"I'm telling you Potter, you ask me, I haven't a bloody clue why I am here!"
Harry raised an eyebrow, highly doubtful that Draco was telling the truth, ignoring the Slytherin, Harry turned back to the gargoyle.
"Jelly worms… Acid pops, oh for heavens' sake! Bat bogey nuggets! Liquorice wands!"
"I'd try something else Potter."
Harry shot the blonde a dirty look over his shoulder, Draco had crossed his arms now and was leaning against the corridor wall, his expression amused.
"I know it's a type of sweet alright!"
"Then there must be thousands of confectionary items out there, all of which the Headmaster could be partially fond to. Good luck."
The Slytherin Prince drawled as he idly poked the fire with his wand, on the bracket near his head. Harry felt his temper flaring, it did not help that he needed to see Dumbledore but the man had forgotten to give him the password; matters were not made any better by the untimely arrival of a rather blank Draco Malfoy who now finally coming to his senses, decided to rile him further. It was not a good day- especially with half his peers in his year finding out he was a vampire.
"Shove off Malfoy."
"Temper. Potter, you do realise that the Headmaster is not in tonight? Did it not occur to you when his seat at the High Table during dinner was vacant? His office has sealed itself against any intruders."
"Namely you."
Harry hissed, and Draco looked mildly surprised.
"Impressive skills of analysis as always Potter- and you wish to become an Auror, dear me. At the slightest alteration of routine- blame it on the pureblood Malfoy. You are so pathetic at times 'Golden Boy'."
Harry flushed, that is not what he had meant- it was just all the signs pointed to the Malfoy heir. Draco smirked at him from his relaxed pose against the wall- mocking him. Harry saw red and had crossed the two metre gap dividing them. He shoved the blonde up against the wall, his hands fisting in the clean pressed collar of his antagonists' shirt.
"Shut. The. Fuck. Up!"
"I didn't say anything."
"You fucking smirked at me you twit! That speaks louder than words!"
"And? What next? Will the great, FAMOUS Harry Potter order me to stop breathing next?"
"I wish I could!"
Harry growled, pushing the blonde so far back he was sure that the stone wall was hurting him. Draco sighed gustily and he eyed the riled teen holding him up- Harry really was sexy when angry- his molten green eyes (strangely enough Draco didn't find those eyes awful nor frightening anymore) blazed with passion, his pretty pink lips drawn back in a snarl showing just a hint of razor fangs, the way his messy jet black hair fell so enticingly into his face, his rough hands groping- Draco blanched. Shit.
Harry stared, watching as steel silver eyes widened, pupils dilating, aristocratic nostrils flaring delicately as he took in the close proximity of their rather compromising position. Crying out Harry bodily flung the blonde away from him. Draco tumbled to the hard unforgiving floor; the raven gasped forgetting his enhanced abilities and backed away, not trusting himself and his Gryffindor tendencies to help- lest he attack. He stifled a chuckle however when Draco pushed himself up with a wince and set about doing his now rather messy ice blonde hair. Harry found himself irrevocably attracted to the Slytherin's lips, watching how they parted slightly in concentration as he sorted out his appearance. The chosen one felt a hot flush creeping up his features as a small pink tongue darted out to moisten pale lips, Draco was still oblivious.
"Boys! I hope you two are not fighting again!"
McGonagall hurried up to them her arms full of heavy scrolls of parchment. Harry dazed snapped out of his -Draco Malfoy induced- trance and looked to his Transfiguration teacher. Draco slowly picked himself up off the floor, shooting Harry a filthy glare.
"Mister Malfoy, I highly doubt you should be wandering the castle at this hour. Go back to your common room please, off with you. Potter may I have a moment?"
Draco sneered at Harry as he passed, purposefully shoving the brunette aside as he did. Harry fought down the childish urge to fling a hex at the ice blonde's retreating back. Little did Harry know that he was also fighting down the urge to stalk his prey. His stomach growled quietly, sulkily- that its fun had been ruined. Harry, blushing lightly put a hand on his stomach, McGonagall raised an eyebrow.
"Tonight's dinner did not appease you Potter?"
Harry shook his head and the clever witch stood a little straighter, her lips drawn into a small line.
"I am aware that Professor Dumbledore sent you a note earlier to ask you to come to his office as of now. However he has received urgent business elsewhere and he is terribly sorry that he cannot be here tonight. Your meeting has been rescheduled for next Monday. Oh and good luck on assembling a Quidditch team on Friday, Potter."
Harry nodded, feeling irritated. But it couldn't be helped; if Dumbledore had urgent business he had no right to feel so bitter.
"Professor? What exactly will he and I be doing?"
"Occulmency; unless you would prefer Professor Snape?"
Harry felt a small grin cross his face and shook his head, she smiled faintly back and waved him away.
"I thought as much. Now off with you, back to your dormitory. And just so you know, the password is Rhubarb Crumble- I highly doubt Dumbledore remembered to tell you that."
Harry thanked her and set off back to Gryffindor Tower, as soon as he rounded the corner and was out of sight of the wizened lady, he gave a small whoop and broke into a reckless sprint back to the tower.
NO OCCULMENCY WITH SNAPE!
Harry grinned and even waved to Peeves as he passed, who was so shocked at the salutation; fell mid-hover. Harry finally reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"My goodness boy, where have you been?"
"Gilly-"
Harry halted midsentence, he didn't sound remotely out of breath. Why? His stomach rumbled at him in smug victory. Harry glared down at his abdomen. The fat lady looked rather miffed as Harry poked himself in the stomach- mainly to get it to shut up.
"Dearie, you have a fine trim middle so stop worrying, password?"
"Gillyweed,"
Sighing the portrait opened up and Harry climbed through the port hole. He had lots to tell Hermione and Ron.
Friday came round and it was a clear day, but mist was rolling in, with a grey sky that promised not rain, but something heavier. True to this a bout of hail streaked down as Harry stood out on the Quidditch pitch. He sighed as the little pieces of ice stung his cheeks, the weather thankfully had not deterred many from wishing to play for the team. However it made them restless. Blowing his whistle Harry managed to catch their attention finally.
"Okay… If you are NOT here to try out, please go sit in the stands or leave."
A HUGE group of giggling girls teetered off the pitch to go to the stands, Harry rolled his eyes- just as he had expected. Ron stood next to him looking nervous.
"Calm down Ron."
Ron looked a little less pale as his little sister; Ginny came up beside him to pat him on the arm. Harry cocked his head to one side, the girl turned to him- she had been a seeker- his replacement last year.
"Chaser."
Ginny shortly answered for him. Harry made a small 'oh' and turned back to the gaggle of students all milling about in the standard Quidditch robes. He needed two new chasers, two beaters and a keeper.
"Alright, I want those who wish to try out for keeper on the right, chasers over to the left and beaters stand next to me."
Ignored…
Harry rubbed his temples, feeling a headache building up. This was why he wasn't fond of being the one in charge. The lack of interest was astounding to him- no one really wanted to know him for him. They just wanted it for that fact they had met the famous Harry Potter, or Breathed-the-same-air-as-Harry-Potter.
"OI YOU LOT LISTEN UP!"
Ron bellowed, Harry himself was taken aback by the sudden roar. This worked. Harry repeated his previous order, he watched with grim satisfaction as the students sorted themselves out.
"Right, we're going to… WILL YOU SHUT UP?"
Silence. Harry exhaled slowly, through gritted teeth, his hands clenched into fists now. Even Ron was looking intimidated, and the redhead told his friend so as he muttered near him: 'Mate, you look kind of scary like that with your… err snarl face y'know?' Harry rearranged his 'snarl' into an expression of bemusement.
"I repeat myself. If you aren't here to play Quidditch, leave now. I don't have time for morons."
A burly teen stepped forward slightly aggressive in his stance. He had curly hair and a cocky smirk in place.
"And what about the Seeker position?"
Harry pinned the teen with an icy glare- disliking him already, he had an impertinent voice. The raven replied with an equally biting tone, the hail fell faster, pelting them now. Harry ignored the weather and kept his gaze upon the male challenging him.
"I am the Seeker."
"The whole team has to try out Potter that also means the Seeker too."
"I happen to be the captain of the Gryffindor Team. What did you say your name was again?"
The tall male squared his shoulders and flashed brilliant white teeth. Harry felt the animalistic urge to respond with a growl and bare his own teeth- no his fangs. Fighting it down, Harry did not make a move as the muscular wizard before him extended a hand in salutation.
"Cormac McLaggen."
"Well McLaggen-"
Harry was cut off by a low sneering tone.
"Look monkey face, I highly doubt you should even try for Seeker. Potter could beat you to that position in his sleep."
Harry blinked, was that who he thought it was? If so why was he defending…? McLaggen flushed darkly and glared at the intruder as he crossed the pitch.
"You are a hypocrite Potter. No time for morons, what's Weasel then?"
Harry closed his eyes, why oh why now! As the signature slow purr (PURR!) that only could belong to Draco Malfoy cut through his haze of irritation. Harry turned to face the fellow Seeker or Slytherin- keeping his temper in check, his stomach was humming now and Harry ignored it- he couldn't cause a scene. Draco ignored McLaggen who was shooting daggers at the blonde.
"What do you want Malfoy?"
"I hate to say this, but I just wanted to wish you good luck Potter."
"Piss off."
"Let me finish. Good luck on loosing, that is- the turn out here is atrocious... Let me rephrase that- repugnantly dismal."
Draco surveyed the hail stricken lot of Gryffindors huddling together as they battled the elements- his haughty eyes lingering disdainfully upon McLaggen whose expression only turned uglier- Harry had to admit they did look a rather depressing sight. The blonde himself had a funny little shield shimmering above his head, most likely a repelling charm to prevent the worst of the hail.
"If that's all you can leave us alone now, Malfoy."
"Of course Potter."
Draco responded primly, oblivious to the hostile glares from the Gryffindors- mainly Ron and McLaggen- strode off to the stands where he settled himself in a sheltered section with the rest of the onlookers. Harry realised the Slytherin was alone, no cronies trailing behind. Shrugging Harry addressed the to-be chasers.
"Right we're going to do some warm up exercises, then I want to see each one of you fly with the Quaffle and score as many goals as you can within one minute. Katie I want you to try deter them as much as possible."
Katie Bell nodded and took to the skies.
Harry landed with practiced grace and felt accomplished- he now had two new Chasers, Ginny Weasley and Demelza Robins. The two girls had out flown every other person- Ginny mainly for her agility, which would be useful against Ravenclaw and Demelza because she was a fantastic scorer, her ability almost rivalled Angelina's skill. Harry turned to the trunk Ron had been guarding; he then turned to the group of students wishing to become beaters.
"I'm sure you all know what bludgers do am I correct?"
Murmurs of yes reached his ears through the clinking of hail. Nodding with satisfaction Harry passed a bat to a second year, who paled a little as he rose a few feet and hovered on his broom. He waved to Ron who unlatched a bludger- it rocketed out of its position and sped towards the second year who panicked. Harry winced at the sickening thud. Jerking his head at a failed chaser near the stands the dazed second year was led away to the infirmary.
Harry sighed; finding two beaters with enough guts to hit the damn bludgers had been aggravating. The session had ended with multiple broken teeth, a broken nose and a shattered broomstick. Several had left crying when Harry had yelled at them for messing about- because one silly girl had knocked herself out with the bat.
But he had succeeded in getting two rather good boys; Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Cootes. The two obviously were not as good as Fred and George had been, but the two had brilliant aim- Harry winced at the bruise slowly developing on his shoulder. Courtesy of Cootes; who had really lashed out at the bludger- sending it into Harry who had been hovering nearby.
"Right keepers, Demelza I want you to act as an opposing chaser and McLaggen will go first."
Harry schooled his features into a perfect expression of blank politeness as the cocky arse sauntered past to take up his position in front of the hoops. Harry looked over to the stands, Hermione waved at him and he waved back, the hail seemed to be thinning out now. The raven was surprised at how Draco hadn't already sabotaged the try outs yet.