TITLE: The Seven Wonders of the World

RATING: This is R – Do Not Read if you are NOT mature enough.

PAIRING: Harry/Draco

WARNING: This is slash. It means boys in sexual situations. If this is not your cup of tea, I urge you to click the back button, and that way we're both happy. I repeat, this story contains homosexual relationships - don't say I haven't warned you.

SUMMARY: A Harry balancing between misery and all-consuming rage, and an (for now) unsympathetic Draco go looking for a mysterious artefact for Dumbledore, hidden somewhere in one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. But they're not the only ones looking for it.

DISCLAIMER: Don't own nufink.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Again – apologies for being MIA for a while. But I find juggling an IB education and going to Justin concerts and End of Terms and Nickleback concerts and Lord of the Rings marathons, does tend to take the wind out of one's sails…however, I hope this chapter makes up for lost time. Next chapter: progression in the plot.

CLAUD: Ahoy there, Quartermaster! This be, finally, the finished chapter, of which half was lingering on my hard drive for aeons. I know you've waited for it and I've been waiting for it and I hope it suffices your high demands *grins* Now I just have to get cracking on that Christmas story of yours…*sigh* You want to see blood, don't cha? Who's the Captain here anyway, huh? *guzzles rum*

JENNIPENNY: I'm so glad I've convinced another one of my friends to attempt to read slash - spread the love, I say. But I guess you're reading it more because you like my writing style, than the actual boy on boy action, aye? I love my Hermione too - and I know we've discussed Harry's attitude before - Harry kicks ass *grins* Hope you enjoy this chapter.

ANN: I don't see how you score higher in English when you use language like that, young lady *sticks out tongue* Have I officially converted you now? I'm glad you like Mione, I quite like her too *grins* You're dying for the next chapter? You can help me with my bloody World Lit as I wrote this instead of that *gulps* I am so dead. Hope you like this chappie. (Oh and I am *not* secretly Jewish, you dodgy Liverpuddlian you)

CURIOUS DREAM WEAVER: *blushes* I completely agree reviewing is the right thing to do, and I'm grateful for every review I get, especially yours. I like Draco very much, they're both extremely cool, but Harry's just my boy, you know? I hope you like this chapter, especially since things lighten up a little for Draco and there is, dare I say it, PROGRESS. *gasps* Can't wait to hear your reaction!

ALICIA: I'm glad you feel up to date! I hope you like this chapter - and yeah, Hermione is definitely a kick ass character. Draco scared…doubtful, but Draco intimidated, HELL YEAH - I think someone's going to think twice before messing with her again. I'm trying to write a credibly interaction between Hermione and Draco, as Draco is a bigot and Hermione does have issues with that. Not too much of that here though - Draco/Harry interaction. Hope you like!

EADON: Yeah, Hermione fits into the story quite well, I believe. I like long fics, and this will be of a considerable size, but they will eventually find their artefact. I may write a sequel to this once it's finished, but there are a couple of other stories I've got mapped out in my head. When's your next chapter!! Huh!!! Come on!!! *grins* Hope you enjoy this part as much as the others – Harry/Draco interaction *smiles happily*

SAPPHIRE: Harry is very loveable. As Hermione said, it's very easy to love Harry. But no worries, all your questions about Harry, Lucas and Draco will be answered in this chapter, at least most of them, I hope. Hermione makes a nice addition, doesn't she? Sorry for the wait *blushes* Hope you like it.

FLAMMY: Okay - I know I made you wait - but look! *points at chapter* Harry and Draco are warming to each other. Or rather, Harry is healing, little by little. I'm quite proud of Hermione's actions, and had a lot of fun writing that scene. Hope you enjoy this chapter, thanks for you lovely review, as always!

KATY KINNEAS: Thanks for reviewing! Here's some warming up between Harry and Draco and some wise words from Hermione. I try to give everything shades of grey instead of black and white. Sorry for the wait - hope you enjoy this chapter!

TYRINI: I was Mexico! I had an amazing time, and made a couple of really cool friends. *blushes* You want to write like me…that means so much to me to hear you say that! I'm sorry - I have to remain tight-lipped about when and how - but there will be a when, I hope that's good enough for now. *grins* In the meantime, amuse yourself with this chapter? Hope you like!

BRENNA8: *grins* Yeah - I loved that scene. I could have read it over and over. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you like this chapter too. Thanks for reviewing.

BERRY-BERRY: You're right - there can never be enough Harry/Draco stories. I'm glad you like the approach, I'm trying to make it as realistic as I can, which accounts for the long time they're taking in getting together. Hope you like this chapter.

EL: Well, your hinting worked *grins* I'm afraid I'm not such a big fan of original characters, only as back-up to the main story, so Anthony definitely won't be appearing again, and Lucas will leave after the next two chapters or so. However, I'm glad you like them, as I'm trying to write them as authentic as possible. Hope you enjoy this chapter - and I apologise for the wait. I know what it's like to check back to a story and see it's not updated…But now it is!!!

SHARADE, BOB, LOVE-GIRL01: Thank you so much for you reviews, they mean a lot to me!!

REVIEW: You people inspire me. It's appreciated. But if you don't…there's not much I can do, eh?

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Chapter Twelve: Something wicked this way comes…

"Mione?" Hermione looked up at her best friend.

"What did you say to Dra…Malfoy?" Harry had his elbow propped underneath his head and was lying on his side looking at her. She rolled over to face him, snuggling comfortably into the warm covers of the bed they had shared.

"We had…words." She grinned and Harry shook his head amusedly.

"Words, huh?" A self-satisfied smile.

"Yeah…words. We came to a truce." Harry snorted.

"Oh yes, and we've all seen how well Malfoy sticks to those." There was pain in his eyes, but Hermione felt he was slowly coming to terms with what had happened. She sat up and tied her hair back, gazing at him.

"Har, I want you to break off whatever you have with Lucas." Harry looked at her, non-comprehending.

"Why?"

"Because it's hurting Romulus. Because you don't really love each other. Because currently you are confused, and are using Lucas as a way to not think about––don't shake your head at me, Harry Potter, because that is EXACTLY what you've been doing!"

Harry stopped shaking his head and instead put it in his hands.

"And to think I was happy to see you at first." He groaned and turned his back towards her. She huffed slightly and got up, padding towards the door.

"You know I'm right," she said and walked out of the door. Harry threw two very uncomplimentary fingers after her, and was about to stalk out of the room when the door opened.

"Lucas…what a…surprise." Ten minutes. That was all he asked for - ten minutes without anybody barging into his me-time.

"Hello little Raven. Are you very busy?" He looked at the sheets and grinned. Harry sighed, wondering if people actually wanted a genuine answer to such a question instead of the automatic:

"No, of course not. Come in." Lucas came in, but instead of settling himself on the bed he sat in a nearby chair."

"I overheard your conversation just now." Harry's face remained blank. "Is she right?" Harry didn't answer, and Lucas smiled at himself.

"What am I saying– of course she's right. A very clever friend you have there, Harry." At this, Harry finally cracked a smile.

"I like to think so too, when she isn't being so horribly self-satisfied," he growled. They remained in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Then Lucas stood up and stretched his legs.

"Little raven, I think this is where our paths part." Harry looked at him, confused.

"You're still coming with us to the temples, aren't you?"

"Of course, but I will be going as your guide and friend…not as your lover." Harry's smile was bittersweet. Then he sighed softly and raised his eyes to the other man's.

"Is there any way you and Romulus could ever – you know?" Lucas rubbed his eyes and frowned.

"I don't have to answer you, little raven…" Harry remained silent.

"I don't think so Harry. Some things are just not meant to be. I enjoyed almost every moment Romulus and I shared, but sometimes love just isn't enough. My feelings have aged over time, and only left room for friendly affection and a tinge of regret on my part."

"But I don't understand. You fell in love with him, didn't you? Can't you do it again?" Lucas shook his head.

"I don't want to. I don't think it's worth fighting for, Harry. It's my decision, and it stands. Maybe someday…but definitely not now."

Harry growled and walked up to him.

"So that it?" He gestured wildly with his hands. "It's so long, see you later? You didn't strike me as a coward, Luce."

Lucas regarded him appraisingly.

"I'm not a coward. I just don't have the conviction you seem to have. Don't turn your back on love when you find it, Harry. Because there's too little of it as it is."

Harry snorted and walked away, turning at the door.

"Words are nothing, Lucas, you, of all people, ought to know that. I think you're afraid. But it's your decision. I hope you don't wake up some day and realise time has passed you by."

Lucas tipped an imaginary hat to Harry.

"Same goes for you, little one."

Harry left.

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"Did you talk to Lucas?" Hermione whispered, as she regarded the violet-eyed man walking some distance in front of them.

"Yes – don't nag, Herm," Harry pouted childishly. Hermione giggled and poked him in between the ribs. He started laughing and danced out of her reach.

"Foul play, Mione!" The morning was fresh and light as the little group made their way from Romulus's palace towards the temples. Out of nowhere, Cyrus had showed up and tagged along, walking next to Maximus, speaking in slow, measured tones. Lucas walked up front, and was followed by Romulus, who was gazing at the other's back hesitatingly.

Harry and Hermione walked everywhere and anywhere, weaving in between the half dozen guards that accompanied them. Draco's silvery blond hair shimmered near the front, although he occasionally glanced back towards the couple laughing.

Out of breath, Harry slowed back to walking and slipped his arm through Hermione's.

"I'm so glad you came," he said to her and flashed a happy smile. Hermione grinned back.

"Me too. We missed you Har…but I think this trip is doing you good." Harry frowned briefly, but then his face cleared up.

"Did you say you broke into McGonagall's office?!" He crowed with glee. "Why, Ms. Granger, you voluntarily broke a rule?"

Hermione slapped him gently on the arm.

"Oh hush you. Idiot boy." But she grinned and all was well. For the moment.

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The sun was high in the sky by the time that the group decided to break for lunch. Harry gnawed on an apple, sitting against a tree that offered him solace from the shade. Hermione had gone forward to get her own lunch, and Harry waited contentedly until she returned.

A figure cast a dark shadow over his face, and Harry looked up to see Romulus's uncle, Maximus, staring down at him.

"Mind if I rest here a while, young one?" Harry nodded and moved up, looking curiously at stoic man with his intriguing voice.

"That was a noble thing you did this morning, Harry." Harry blushed, and shook his head.

"Not really – it wasn't even my idea. Hermione thought it would be better for me…and I like your nephew. He's intelligent, and humorous. He listened to me and gave me the benefit of the doubt. I only hope that maybe in the future, Lucas and he can work something out."

Maximus nodded gravely.

"Indeed, my heart wishes for it too. Romulus can be quite impulsive, and Lucas was always a grounding factor for him. Nevertheless, it took courage to end something in which you can find your escape."

Harry lowered his eyes, and bit his lip.

"I didn't want to…I like feeling safe. I like not thinking about – things. It's easier like that."

Maximus gave him a small smile.

"Somehow, young one, you don't strike me as someone who takes the easy way out." He patted Harry on the shoulder, and stood up, stretching, then walking away. Harry's eyes searched for Hermione, but couldn't spot her. Instead, he spotted Cyrus, and beckoned the fat little wizard over to him.

"Will you be needing something, Sir?" Harry shook his head, and opened his mouth.

"I was curious, however, why you are still here – no offence meant, of course…I just don't understand."

Cyrus smiled and tapped the side of his nose.

"Ah, young Master, Cyrus promised he would take you to the temples, and take you to the temples he will. Only then is my work here truly done. Fear not – I don't think you will notice me much."

Harry smiled as he trotted off, but by now was getting rather impatient. What in Merlin's name could Hermione be doing? He stood up, chucked his apple core into the bushes and walked out onto the path again.

Finally he spotted her bushy head bending over something, next to Draco. He scowled momentarily as a shiver scuttled across his back, but he shook his head resolutely. Soon he, Hermione and Draco would be on their own again, and Harry was strong…Harry was strong. He would try to forget. He wouldn't let this stupid – thing – control his life.

Determinedly he strode over to where his friend was sitting in a patch of grass. Both heads looked up as he approached; a pained look on Draco's face, a warning one on Hermione's.

"Hello Harry." He nodded and sat down, making sure to stay on Hermione's good side. No pun intended.

Draco nodded, just a dip of his head, but Harry noticed it anyway. He nodded back.

Romulus walked past and smiled at the three.

"Ready to go soon? We can be there this time tomorrow if we keep up the pace of this morning."

They nodded and Hermione got to her feet. Harry did as well, and then, biting his lip, he stuck out his hand towards Malfoy.

'Pull it back! Pull it back! You don't want him touching you, do you? What the hell are you doing?'

But Harry ground his teeth together and remained holding his hand out. Next to him he heard Hermione suck in her breath, whilst Draco looked at him with an aghast expression. Slowly he put his own hand forward and Harry pulled him up.

Fighting the urge to linger, Draco released him immediately. That had not just happened. That had…

"Thanks, Potter."

"You're welcome Malfoy."

'Well well well' Hermione smiled. 'Looks like we're finally getting somewhere.' She cast a warning look at Draco, and he dropped behind.

Harry hadn't said anything, but he was walking at a brisk pace, his back stiff. After a few seconds he grabbed Hermione's hand tightly, and she squeezed back. He didn't say anything, but he remained holding her hand the entire time they walked. And she was so proud of him.

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'That – was completely unexpected,' Draco mused as he walked along the path towards the temples. Looking at Harry's back he saw the way the boy was holding himself painfully upright, and felt a stab of annoyance.

'If he didn't want to he didn't have to' he growled but then berated himself. 'Well done Draco, why don't you just harass him again. He's making an effort. So could you.' Draco scowled and mimicked his thoughts.

Yeah right. He was making a bloody effort – he hadn't even SPOKEN to bloody Potter in ages. Just this stupid head nodding that the both of them seemed prone to. And he was a Malfoy for Merlin's sake, he didn't grovel. Hadn't he apologised right after? Hadn't he said he was sorry?

'Well of course Draco, an apology right after attempted rape will surely make Harry feel all fluffy towards yourself.' Draco ran his hands through his hair, musing on the fact he'd missed his weekly haircut, and he probably looked a complete mess.

Suddenly he yearned to go home. There he wouldn't have to worry about his actions, because nobody would expect him to be all friendly and sweet. He could go back to hating Potter and Harry could go back to hating him and there would be no more remembrance of what he had done…AND WHY THE HELL DID HE FEEL SO DIRTY????

'It was a fucking accident. A goddamn mistake.' His mind sniped back at him and he furiously tried to ignore it.

'Was it a mistake when you told Granger you loved Harry? Rather large mistake to make. And you call yourself a Malfoy – what makes you think she hasn't already told him?'

'But I'm not in love with Har-Potter…am I? Am I?' His gaze drifted to Harry's back, and he watched as the boy gripped his friend's arm tightly.

'Am I?'

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"We make camp here, for the night," Lucas called out, and everybody thankfully dumped their packs on the ground.

Harry pulled his pack a little away from the others, and set about creating his own makeshift bed. The warm night air was sweet, although a soft breeze carried in a salty flavour. Harry curled up under his covers, and watched the others mill around their campsite. A large fire was being made, and people were gathering around it, talking and laughing whilst they waited for something to eat.

A figure made it's way over to where he lay, and he recognised the Lord of Olympia, greeting him with a smile.

"What now, Harry? Not hungry after such a long day's walk? Most people are famished…" Romulus gave him a benign smile, and crouched down, looking Harry straight in the eyes.

"Not really. I'm more tired than anything else. I wasn't…well, when I started my trip, and I'm still recovering. I guess this day took a little more out of me than I thought. I'll be fine." Romulus nodded and made to leave, but Harry pulled his shirtsleeve.

"Do me a favour?" the man stopped and turned. "Keep Hermione off my back? Otherwise she'll most likely force feed me!"

The young man grinned, and nodded to Harry in parting.

Harry returned to lying on his back, dosing off whilst listening to the muted voices of his companions. The stars above him twinkled and he amused himself for a while by reviewing his old Astronomy lessons, identifying certain Zodiac signs and sometimes even a planet or two.

Heavy breathing near him indicated he wasn't alone. He tensed, but refused to turn his head, waiting until the other person made their presence known.

"Potter."

Harry's heart sank. Of all people…

"Malfoy."

They remained quietly side by side, Draco not daring to make a sudden movement, Harry trying to prevent himself from showing the tingles of fear he was currently feeling. Finally, Draco cleared his throat and Harry jumped slightly.

"What were you doing?"

Harry pointed straight up at the night sky.

"I was remembering old Astronomy lessons. Trying to spot some constellations."

After a short internal battle, Draco moved closer. Leaning over Harry slightly, but not touching him, he looked up as well.

Harry was having difficulty breathing. He wasn't sure if it was because of Draco's proximity or if it was because of Draco's proximity. Either way, there was something decidedly uncomfortable in the pit of his stomach. Furiously, he willed himself to calm down, to get a grip on himself. After all, Hermione had spoken with him, and Draco had apologised. Many times. It was just…hard.

Biting his lip, he pointed at a bright star.

"That's the North Star. Brightest star in the skies. Apparently. And there," he waved his arms a little to the left of the North Star, "that's Ursa Major, the Big Dipper. It's shaped like a pan."

Draco shot him an amused look.

"The Big Dipper? Where's the Little Dipper then?" Harry gave a minuscule smile.

"I'm not entirely sure. But look, see how the Big Dipper is shaped like a pan? Those seven stars? Well, if you take the length of the last two of the 'handle' and move seven times that length to the right, you come to the North Star. That's how they identified North in the olden days."

Draco smiled again.

"Aren't we in the olden days, Potter?" Now Harry gave a real soft smile. He looked rather sheepish.

"Oh yeah." Draco gave a short laugh, and shifted his position. He ended up next to Harry, on his elbows. Harry's breathing stuck in the back of his throat.

'Keep talking Harry, it's okay. Don't panic. Just keep talking. Lots of people nearby, he can't do anything.'

Harry pointed at another cluster of stars.

"See there, they're very hard to spot, that group of stars?" Draco leaned to where his hand was pointing, bringing their faces close together.

"Yes…I can see something. Though barely." He shifted back and Harry released air he didn't know he had been holding.

"Well, there's seven. To train soldiers during the Roman times…" Harry paused, wondering if that would be before or after now "…they would have them look at the stars with a naked eye, and ask them how many there were. If the soldier couldn't identify all seven, he would be disqualified."

Draco snorted.

"I can hardly see them." Harry nodded.

"Aye, it makes you think how the Romans could have had such a large army." They shared a brief smile.

After a few minutes of silence, Draco unthinkingly touched Harry's arm. The reaction was immediate. Harry froze, then flinched away. Draco's face contorted in a horrible grimace for an instant, before it became blank again.

"Sorry. I forgot." Harry smiled bitterly.

"It isn't that easy for me." Draco felt he had been slapped in the face again. Only somehow this hurt much more than the real one.

Shaking it off, he attempted to continue the conversation they'd been having. If either of the boys would have stopped to think, they would have realised that this was one of the first real conversations they'd ever had.

"Do you see that constellation?" He gestured at a shape between the stars. Harry squinted and shook his head.

"There, the curved line, like a snake." He moved closer to Harry, bringing their faces next to each other again.

"Oh…yes." Draco turned to Harry.

"That's The Dragon, or in Latin it's called Draco. My mother had an affinity for Astronomy."

Harry slowly nodded his head as realisation dawned.

"Right, that's why you're called Draco. Dragon. That's really fascinating. I'm quite sure Harry won't be written in the stars anytime soon."

They both shared a small smile again.

"Why is it upside down?"

"Oh! Well, during the Winter, it isn't, but during the Summer we see it like this, because from Earth, it has rotated around the North Star. Something like that anyway."

Harry gaze up at the vast expanse of inky blackness again. It was so beautiful. Then he yawned.

"I think I'm going to go to sleep soon." He hinted at Draco. Draco nodded, put raised his arm one last time.

"One last thing. See there." Harry looked and saw a group of stars twinkling fiercely.

"That's Leo. The Lion. It's one of the thirteen signs of the Zodiac - it's actually the Nemean Lion killed by Hercules. Remember that iron, bronze, or stone couldn't puncture the hide of the lion, so Hercules strangled it instead. The Chaldeans, descendants from the Babylonians, and other peoples from Mesopotamia associated Leo with the sun, since it was seen during Summer Solstice. Also, because the Nile floods about this time of year, the Egyptians worshipped it as well. Pretty nifty for your Gryffindor mascot, no?"

Harry was no longer gazing at the sky, but looking at Draco in awe.

"How do you – oh yes, your mother. I never knew that…thanks for sharing." He gave Draco a happy smile, and Draco realised how easy it was to make Harry Potter happy. It was galling that to know that it was so easy for him to make Harry sad. He gave Harry a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

The smaller boy yawned again and closed his eyes, falling asleep within in minutes. Draco remained seated next to him for a few moments, treasuring the silence. Very, very carefully, he lifted his hand and placed it upon Harry's soft curls. His locks were still as silky as they had been since he last touched them. Threading his fingers through the strands carefully, he brushed some stray hairs out of Harry's face.

As he watched the fragile boy sleeping peacefully underneath the naked sky, underneath the watchful eye of thousands of millions of shimmering stars, he felt a fierce surge of protectiveness lash through him.

"I will make this up to you – I swear to that. I promise you with all that I have that I will never harm you again, ever."

Feeling a little more bold he traced Harry's cheek.

"You're mine." He whispered softly.

"Mine, mine, mine, and I won't let anybody ever do wrong by you again."

'But what can you do, Draco…you're just one person, and there are many stronger than you out to hurt him. You think you can protect him? Even if you can save him from all the other, can you save him from yourself?'

Draco growled, and snatched his hand away. Unbidden, Anthony's words came back to him.

'Can you save him from himself?'

Dejected, Draco made to get up, but couldn't tear himself away from Harry that easily. Glancing around quickly, and seeing no one, he swiftly leant forward and pressed a light kiss on Harry's head. The small boy murmured, and shifted in his sleep.

'Mine.' Thought Draco.

"Coming Malfoy? There's food ready?"

Draco was scared witless when he heard Hermione's voice out of nowhere.

"Don't DO that." She smirked.

"Guilty conscience?" He faltered, looking at the sleeping boy on the ground.

"You could say that." He stated softly. She nodded, and then turned around.

"Come on Ferret, let it go." But there was no malice in her tone.

He sighed and followed her back to the fire.

The scarred boy slumbering beneath the array of constellations rolled over in his sleep.

"Night Draco." He murmured, before falling even deeper into oblivion.