Chapter 12: How does one get in Snape's "To be taken care of" list
Harry stood in the shower and let the cold water wash him. What was that dream all about? After all that had happened that day he could expect anything- from flying on a broom to Ron attacking him, but that... And that feeling he had in his stomach - it didn't go away with his dream; it was still there and just stubbornly wouldn't go! He didn't like Draco that way, was what he kept repeating to himself. It was just a dream, provoked by a confused and tired mind. Yes, that had to be the case. He didn't know the blond that well. It was just that kiss with Blaise in the Hall that interested him. Come to think of it, it was the first gay kiss he had ever witnessed and... it was hot, he had to admit it. But he didn't want to be with Draco; that was absurd! But why? Why absurd? Draco was kind, funny, incredibly smart, powerful wizard, sensitive, and a good friend, handsome, gay... Oh fuck! Harry hit his head in the wall! He was falling for the blond! How could he be so stupid? And now what?
He didn't have the time to think that over, though, since an irritated knock on the door startled him.
"Harry, get out of there already! Some of us need to shower too!" An angered Draco in the morning was something to beware of; Harry had learned that the hard way. He quickly dried himself with the towel and got out of the bathroom. He made a point of not looking at the blond and proceeded to dress himself and make his bed. When he was finished he pulled the curtains that were hiding his bed and saw that everybody was ready and waiting for him. Muttering and apology he went to Nott and all of them parted for breakfast.
---
An amused Blaise watched his best friend drag himself through the common room and outside in the dungeon's hallways muttering under his breath something that suspiciously sounded like: 'Who the hell was the idiot that thought that school should start before 10', under his breath. The Italian almost laughed out laud. Mornings were never boring with a grumpy Dray. At least for him, since he found it incredibly amusing. For all the rest who suffered the blonde's wrath it was anything but fun.
They arrived at the Great Hall early. Blaise and Theo had talked last night and they had decided that it would be best if they could eat their breakfast and leave before the rest of the student's population even arrived. Pansy, who had obviously thought of the same thing, was already waiting for them, eating her breakfast. Pansy was an early riser and she was almost always hyper early in the morning-something, which irritated Draco to no end and gave Blaise even more occasions to laugh. As expected, when Pansy waved them over and the blond finally noticed her, he groan.
"Somebody up there must really hate me."
"Good morning, boys! Dray, come sit next to me! I've already poured you some coffee."
With a sour expression Draco slumped next to the overly-cheerful girl and grabbed the cup she offered.
To Theo's surprise Harry wasn't the happiest person either. Of course, he couldn't have forgotten about yesterday's events, but after the talk with Draco till late last night Theo had supposed that some of the brunet's bitterness would pass. That didn't seem the case, though, so Nott decided to do something really out of character.
"Harry, are you still thinking about yesterday? Come on, give it a break!"
Startled by the usually silent Theo, Harry watched him a couple of seconds in amazement and then, slightly blushing, answered.
"No, I got over it. Don't worry, Theo. I'm sorry I've been spacing out."
The redness on the brunet's face didn't escape Pansy's eyes, though.
"Oh, oh, oh, Harry, honey what do we have here?! Care to share with your big sister Pansy why are you blushing?" The girl's eyes were gleaming with curiosity and mischief.
Harry almost groaned. Why was she always so perceptive? And now, with his guilty conscious he couldn't think of a lie quickly enough. That's why he simply glared at the girl and said:
"Not now, Pans," and continued poking his pancakes.
Pansy thought for a while and then decided that in light of yesterday's events she would leave him alone...for now.
Suddenly and owl landed next to Blaise's plate. The boy looked at it quizzically and murmured to himself:
"I wonder who this might be from. I didn't expect any mail today." He gently removed the letter from the animal's leg and the bird flew away. Blaise turned the envelope in his hands, but didn't find anything written on the outside. He shrugged and started opening it.
Draco's attention was solely focused on his mug and the coffee inside and in his still sleepy state he didn't noticed the arrival of the owl that delivered Blaise's letter. He heard the rustle of feathers when the bird flew of though. What was that? It was too early for the post to have arrived. Post...there was something important about the post today. Something he had to remember at all costs. Something...Draco's eyes suddenly widened in realization. No! He turned quickly to Blaise and shouted:
"Blaise! No! Don't open..."
It was too late. For Draco everything started moving in slow motion. His voice came out muffled and slower than usual. He saw Blaise's eyes turn up to him painfully slowly and his best friend regarded him quizzically. But his hands haven't stopped moving fast enough. The letter was opened...a loud bang reverberated from the Great Hall's high ceiling.
---
Harry turned around at Draco's yell and at that moment saw Blaise in flames. The boy fell to the ground and a scream that made his blood freeze startled the early risers that had been in the Great Hall. Draco was on the ground, muttering spell after spell in a desperate attempt to save his friend. Harry felt robed figures run next to him and saw Snape and McGonagall. The witch started chanting spells and soon the fire ceased. At the same time the Potions Master was making attempts to get Draco away from the Italian boy, who was now lying unconscious (to Harry's hope) on the floor.
Screams were heard from the few students that were there. Before he could stop himself Harry stood up and ran to the lying boy only to find himself restrained by Lucius Malfoy, who had just arrived.
"Minerva, get the boy to the Hospital wing. NOW!" Snape shouted and led the still struggling Draco out of the Great Hall. He was followed by Harry, Lucius, Pansy and Theo.
---
Hermione was on the steps, which led to the ground floor when she heard some kind of explosion, followed by shouts and terrified screams. The first thing that came to her mind was that something had happened to Harry and she ran at full speed down the rest of the stairs and towards the double doors. But before she could reach out a hand they flew open and she jumped to make way for professor McGonagall. To Hermione's terror next to the Transfiguration teacher, suspended in the air and guided by the woman's wand, was an unconscious Blaise Zabini. He was followed by a wide eyed Draco struggling to free himself from his father and professor Snape's hold on him. As they passed her she could hear the blond muttering like a man possessed.
"No...no...no...that can't be happening...no..."
Hermione felt her heart stop. She ran after the crowd and found an equally terrified Harry.
"Harry, HARRY, what happened? How is Blaise? What was that bang? What...?"
"It... it was a cursed mail, Hermione. It was sent to Blaise. Before... before Draco could react he...he had opened the letter. He was in flames. I..." The brunet was shaking his head in disbelief at what he had just witnessed. He knew that was caused by yesterday's article. So, briefly put, it was his fault for Blaise's condition. He had no time sulking, however.
Harry put his arm around Hermione's waist and tried to comfort her, since she was now in a state of shock too. He looked behind to check on Pansy and was glad to notice that Theo was taking care of her.
They all walked in silence until they reached the Hospital wing, where they were not permitted to enter until Madam Pomphrey allowed it.
---
Draco couldn't feel, couldn't think. The only thing he knew was that his best friend in the whole damn world was in the Infirmary, unconscious and probably in pain, and that if he had reacted faster, if he had paid more attention if he...then maybe...maybe.
He was still being held by his father and Severus. Lucius was stroking his hair murmuring something that Draco couldn't quite understand. Then his legs gave out and the two men lowered him to the ground where he sat trembling slightly. He was a Seer wasn't he damn it! Why didn't he see that? Why was it that whenever something important happened, something that concerned his loved once his ability just...wasn't there.
Lucius watched his son with immense worry etched on his face. Draco was as pale as a ghost, his eyes big and empty, watching without seeing in space, his irises dilated as if he was drugged and his whole body trembled as a leaf. He didn't know what to say to him to pull him out of this state of shock. He looked pleading at Severus asking his friend for help, advice, anything.
Snape, however, knew too well what was going on in his best friend's son head. He knelt before him, took the boy's face in his hands and made him look in the professor's black eyes.
"Draco, listen to me very carefully. It's not your fault. You cannot see everything. It's alright. Blaise is going to be fine. Just calm down and breathe with on - one. Two. Three." The Potions Master had to count to 20 until Draco came around.
After a minute or so the blond was finally able to snap out of it (well he actually just pushed it to the back of his head and rearrange his priorities). He stood up on shaky legs and managed to get himself to Pansy who was sobbing on Theo's chest. The dark-haired boy looked kind of lost on what to tell her so that she would calm down so he gratefully nodded to Draco when the blond carefully pried her fingers from Theodor's robe and moved them to his own chest. Once she saw who was pulling her away from her supporting pillar she cried out and flung her arms around Draco's neck sobbing uncontrollably.
"Oh, Merlin, Dray. Blaise...he's...I can't believe what happened. Who could do something this cruel to a 17 year old boy? I can't...I don't...I..." The girl was breathing difficultly and was grasping with one hand onto Draco's neck with all her might, fingers of the other locked in his blond hair.
The Malfoy heir held her tight to his chest, his heart constricting with hers and his own pain.
"It's gonna be ok, Pansy. He's gonna be ok. I'm sure. Madame Pomphrey will fix him up in no time and this evening he'll be bouncing of the walls of the Common Room as he usually does. Don't worry."
Pansy managed to calm down a little, but was still crying quietly hiding her face in the crook of Draco's neck.
Harry was still hugging Hermione, who was also sobbing in his robes. He was making shushing noises and was drawing circles on her back but neither seemed to help.
This time, he was going to kill Ron. Nobody could convince him that the red head didn't know what was going to happen. When the article about Harry and Hermione appeared during the Triwizard Tournament the hate-mail almost caused the same damage to Hermione. The brunet felt he was squeezing the girl too hard in his anger and quickly loosened his grip. Then, he saw a shadow next to him. When he turned he found himself face to face with his Head of house.
"Mister Potter, could we have a word?"
Harry turned his eyes pleadingly to Theo, who got the idea and moved to hug the crying girl.
Snape motioned for the raven-head to follow him and they went a few meters away from the suffering group of friends.
"Could you explain to me what exactly happened, since I wasn't paying attention at the moment?"
Harry gulped and started his tale.
When he finished the Potions master had an unreadable expression on his face. The moment he spoke, though, rage was evident in his every word.
"A cursed letter in Hogwarts! This place is supposed to be the safest at this moment! What are all those wards for? Thank you, Potter, go back to your housemates, I have to have a word with the Headmaster."
The silence, disturbed only by the sounds of the girls crying, stretched. Draco felt restless. He needed to pace to calm himself down and to stop himself from thinking, but he couldn't leave Pansy's side. He thought that hours have passed since Madame Pomphrey closed herself in there with Blaise when in fact it had only been around 20 minutes. Finally the door to the Infirmary opened and a worried nurse got out. When the Slytherins saw Pomphrey's face they thought that the worse had happened. Pansy wailed hysterically and her legs gave out. Draco wasn't able to hold her up and they both collapsed on the ground. Hermione's reaction was similar to the one of the Slytherin girl and she was now in heap on the floor too. The nurse quickly realized what they must have thought and hurried to calm them dawn.
"Shush, children, shush. Mister Zabini is going to be alright." She then quickly went inside and came out with five calming potions which she gave to each of the children.
After hearing that his friend was alright a huge weight fell down from Draco's chest. His heart, which seamed to have stopped the first time the nurse came out, started to come slowly back to life.
Once everyone had finally been able to stand up properly and gather their spirits, Madam Pomphrey started talking again.
"Mister Zabini is resting now, but you can all go and see him provided that you don't make too much noise. He needs his sleep. I regret to tell you that the curse that was woven inside of the letter he opened was a very dark one. Mister Zabini's hands and arms have been gravely injured and they'll take some time to heal completely. But they will, the injury is not permanent. He had obviously lifted his head just a second before the letter exploded and that is the reason why his face was saved from the flames and is uninjured. If he had been looking down he would have probably lost his eyesight. He's incredibly lucky. You may go and see your friend now, my dears. Just be careful not to wake him up.
They all hurried inside, but were able to hear the nurse's question directed to Lucius.
"I can't believe that something like that has happened! A cursed letter! Is the Headmaster informed?"
"Yes, he is." The voice made the nurse jump. Professor Dumbledore was making his way towards the students, who were looking at him strangely. They were just too happy that their friend was going to be alright. Everyone, but...
"Sir, how could this happen? Weren't there supposed to be some wards or something? How can a letter this dangerous even get inside? I don't understand!" Harry's voice startled everyone since they seemed to have forgotten about him. After his talk with Snape he had preferred to stay away from his friends. They seemed all too shaken and he didn't want to disturb them. Speaking of Snape, now was the first time in history that the Potions Master was agreeing with Potter. He had stormed the headmaster's office some minutes ago with almost the same words and the apologies and reassurance didn't calm him down one bit - what's more, they angered him more, if it was possible.
"Harry, I understand your concern and fear. And I have no excuse. It seems that the letter had some kind of spell on it that made it untraceable. I made some arrangements and now the security is at its best."
Draco ignored the Headmaster completely. He didn't want to hear any of the attempts the old man he made to free himself from guilt. The only thing that mattered for him now was to get to his friend and see if he was alright. His legs however didn't seem to want to listen to him. They were as heavy as stones and he was walking towards Blaise's bed torturingly slowly. Finally he reached it, but instead of relieve fear gripped him. The Italian's face was devoid of any color and his breathing was ragged. Draco reached a shaking hand and put it on his friend's too hot and sweaty forehead. He winced at the contact. Pain. Burning. That was what Blaise was feeling right now. Draco couldn't take it and he drew back his hand. He was going to break down if he was alone. But he wasn't so he just put up his unreadable expression. His silver eyes froze and seamed unfeeling, unmoving.
The others haven't noticed him separating from them and were still listening to the Headmaster's explanations.
But soon Hermione left too. She couldn't listen to all this. Yes, great, now everything was fine. How could it not be fine two hours ago? Hell, if one jealous witch/wizard could break through Hogwarts' security, then they were all doomed! That and the worry for Blaise were the reasons she was now standing next to Draco.
The Italian's face looked in pain. Suddenly the girl felt a great need to hug him, to cradle him, to tell him that everything was going to be fine. She almost laughed at herself - her maternal instinct was too strong. And then she saw the blonde's face. It was expressionless. And Draco wore that face right after the Ron incident in the Trophy Room...
"Draco, don't tell me... Did you touch Blaise?"
The blond looked down at the witch.
"I don not need to touch him to be able to feel what he's feeling." His voice was as cold as ice, but he couldn't bring himself to talk in any other way. If he did then the words would come out shaky and filled with Blaise's and his own pain.
Hermione was taken aback. For the first time since the beginning of the year she saw the Draco Malfoy she detested for 6 years. After the initial shock, however, she reasoned that this had to be a mask - maybe the blond was just too shaken? Probably so. That's why she decided not to pester him with questions.
Nobody had said that to Harry, though.
"How is he?" The brunet asked, meaning Blaise. Hermione rolled her eyes, but for Draco that was too much.
"How do you think he is, Potter?! Isn't it obvious! Can't you tell just by looking at his face! Or do we have to spell that out for you too." The blond sneered. His head was held high and he looked down at his new House mate.
Pansy was still talking to her Head of House and the Headmaster. They have decided to cancel the morning classes since the rumor about what had happened had spread and everyone was pretty shaken. Even if most of the student's body didn't like Blaise Zabini after all a cursed letter getting into Hogwarts was something to be afraid of. If she wasn't still discussing this she would have heard Draco's remark and she would have been able to interfere in some way. But as it was it seamed that things were getting bad around Blaise's bed
Harry's expression could not be read. He had listened to Draco's outburst with his mouth almost open but now he was silent. Just like Hermione earlier, he had seen the Slytherin Ice Prince in action. He knew, however, that if it was his best friend on this bed, he would probably have reacted the same way at a question this stupid. But knowing all that, why did it hurt so much? Damn, he was letting his emotions go wild these days. What was he - an emo? He had to stop, or by the end of the week he would be despising himself.
Instead of returning a sneer, the brunet turned around and proceeded to the door with only one thought in his mind - Ron. Soon, however, he was stopped by Theo.
"Harry, where are you going?" Then, shooting a concerned gaze in Draco's direction, the boy suggested. "Did Dray say something?"
The brunet just shook his head.
"No, he didn't. There's just something I need to do. I'll be right back."
Faith wasn't on his track of mind, though. He hadn't made two steps when he was stopped once again, this time by Pansy.
The teachers had went to talk in the hallway and now the girl was standing alone at the door way looking small and vulnerable. For the first time Harry noticed that Pansy was in fact shorter than him with almost a head. Now her whole body was trembling and her big blue eyes were looking pleadingly at him.
"Harry, honey...will you...will you come with me to Blaise's...to Blaise's bed? I don't think I can d-do this alone and D-Dray...I can't ask this of him now. Please, Harry?"
Never in his life had Harry felt that needed by anyone. His anger disappeared in a blink and now the raven-head had the girl in his arms. He squeezed her shoulders reassuringly and led her towards the bed. On the way there he murmured.
"Don't worry; he looks worse than he is. You heard what Madame Pomphrey said - he's going to be just fine. Oh, and don't pay attention to Draco - he's worried sick." The words were meant for Pansy, but surprisingly helped him relax too.
When the young witch saw her friend on the bed she took a deep breath, which sounded like a hiss. Worriedly, Harry looked at her, but saw that she was no longer afraid of the unknown. She had this determined expression Harry wore just a couple of minutes ago.
Draco, who had been staring at Blaise's face after he had snapped at Harry, looked up when he heard Pansy's hiss. When he saw the look on his best girl-friend's face it was like a wake up call for him. He looked around. Blaise was lying in the bad in front of him. Next to him Hermione was looking at the Italian, hands shacking. Theo was very pale and he was pulling on his hair in a nervous, worried gesture. Harry was hugging Pansy in a protective manner and Pansy... Draco could see the tear tracks still visible on her cheeks. Suddenly something in him snapped. It was all Weasley's fault- his mate getting hurt, all of his friends suffering like that. He'll pay! Draco would make sure he did.
In an angry haze, but with a still stony expression the blond made for the door. At Theo's question where he was going he declared:
"I'm going to take some of Blaise's things and bring them here. I'll be back in a minute." With that said he left the Infirmary.
Something stopped Draco, something which he hadn't foreseen- Snape. After Dumbledore had left Severus had decided to stay with Lucius, who saw Blaise as his own son. When the Potions Master saw Draco's face he knew where he was going. That's why he stepped in his way.
"Draco, I believe that killing Weasley now won't solve anything. Right now Blaise needs you. Go back to him, I promise you, that stupid boy will get what he deserves." The smile on Snape's face was a sure proof this man was a Death Eater.
Draco however didn't hear exactly what the professor was saying to him. He looked briefly at his father and then Severus. They were staying in front of the door giving the students some time with their friend, but still too worried to go farther away from the injured boy. By the look on the men's faces it finally registered with him that they have said something to him and since he wasn't sure what exactly it was he just repeated what he had said to Theo.
"I'm going down to the Common Room. Blaise will need some of his stuff when he wakes up." With that said he walked away, down the hallway.
Snape cursed silently. He couldn't leave Lucius alone, not now, but he couldn't let Draco go and do something he would regret later. He sighed in defeat and did something so out of character that if the moment wasn't so critical, he would jump from the Astronomy Tower.
"Potter, come here for a second."
Harry, who had been watching the blonde's actions, but didn't want to leave Pansy's side, looked confused. Theo saw his hesitation and quickly went to his friend.
'Thank Merlin Theo is here to always save our asses.' Harry thought and hastily made his way to an impatient Potions Master.
"Potter, listen to what I have to say and don't you dare comment. Draco went downstairs, claiming to be at the dungeons. I have my reasons to doubt that. I want you to follow him and to prevent him of doing any harm of whatever nature to Ronald or Ginny Weasley. I say this as your Head of house - take it as an order. I hope for your sake to succeed. Go!"
Harry didn't even take his time to nod in confirmation. He ran out of the wing and down the hallway. He didn't know if he would be able to control himself if he saw Ron at that moment, that's why he hoped to catch up with Draco before that. But what was he going to say? It wasn't like he hadn't had the same instinct a few minutes ago! He had to think of something quickly, though, since he saw a familiar blond head right in front of him.
"Draco!"
---
The Slytherin Prince was out for blood. His head was empty the only think he felt was Blaise's pain and the only think he wanted was revenge. His anger was all consuming burning inside of him. Burning...Blaise was burning up. They would pay! He wasn't aware where he was heading he just knew that in that direction he would get his revenge. In his trance like state he didn't even hear Harry calling for him.
---
Pansy saw Draco leaving and then Harry, following him. That wasn't good! Two hot tempers like those two. Dray usually wasn't like that, but he was probably crazy with anger. But...she couldn't just leave Blaise. She looked up.
"Mia!" The Ravenclaw looked at her with a startled expression. She obviously hadn't noticed the two boys leaving. Pansy stopped in mid track...did Hermione know? Did Draco tell her? There was only one way she could find out. "Draco left. Only Harry is with him."
At first Hermione just stared at her. Then comprehension shone in her eyes and in a second she was running.
---
Hermione was panicking. How could she not notice this? Oh, God, let them not have done something stupid. May Dray be alright... and Harry too. Draco must be furious. And with his empath abilities, that anger was a thousand times multiplied. Hell, this was not good. And if Harry tried to get in his way - he was dead meat. But where were they?
And then Hermione heard.
"Draco, stop!"
She turned around the corner and saw Harry, who was trying to get into the blonde's way, who seemed to ignore him completely. It was as if he didn't see the brunet. This was bad; they had to make him snap out of it.
"Harry, try to restrain him. He's out of his mind with anger. Just catch him!"
The raven-head looked at his friend incredulously.
"What do you think I've been trying to do in the last minutes? Have a chat?" He couldn't continue, though, since he hadn't seen a crack on the floor and fell hard.
"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione came to him running and tried to help him up. The moment the boy got on his feet he ran after the blond wizard. The girl tried to follow but just wasn't fast enough - she was not into sports, after all. She had to think of something, something powerful enough to overpower the anger Draco was feeling at the moment. And the only thing stronger than hate was...
"Harry, kiss him!"
"WHAT?"
"Don't argue, just KISS HIM!" Hermione was running faster than she had ever imagined she could. She saw that her friend was not listening to her at all; he just shook his head murmuring "Now is not the time for these games" and jumped to catch the blond. This time he succeeded and Draco started fighting back.
Hermione was desperate. She saw that Harry couldn't restrain the blond for much longer, so she decided to do the only thing Harry couldn't. The witch stood in front of the struggling Slytherin, caught his face firmly and placed a kiss on his lips.
---
The world came back into focus. Draco's eyes, which were until now stony grey, turned back into their usual silver. He could feel his body tensing and then just as quickly going almost wax. The anger that was burning inside of him, trying to take over, to make him lose himself in it just a second ago was now quickly dissipating. It disappeared completely in a moment or so and Draco was finally able to take in his surroundings. There was a flustered Hermione standing in front of him. He registered that her hands were on the sides of his face and she was looking with both concern and dread. He looked to his right and saw Harry gaping at them with his shock written all over his face. And then at last he understood what had happened and he let a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He had his consciousness, his sanity back. And he had only one person to thank for that.
"I...thank you, Hermione." His voice came out raspy as if he had been shouting for ours on end. He realized that in his head he had been.
When he saw that Draco was back to normal Harry slowly loosened his grip on him (not without some regret, which he was in no way admitting). Then he realized just how tired he was and sat down on the stony floor, breathing heavily. He was soon joined by an equally exhausted Hermione, who had her faced flushed (from the effort or from the kiss, Harry didn't want to know).
Draco looked down at them. Were they..? No that was impossible, right? But they were, he could just tell. They were worried about him! That shocked the blond. In just a couple of days they've become close, very close (mostly because of the many troubles they've had experienced together for that short time), but still... His gaze swept over Hermione's pink cheeks and ruffled robes. She have kissed him-him the enemy Slytherin, just to save him from himself. He then looked at Harry. The other boy was breathless, his robes crumpled, his hair disheveled (more so than usual). He had chased after him to stop him. Even if he (for that Draco was sure), didn't know exactly what was happening with the blond.
The Malfoy heir was at a loss for words. He felt utterly ashamed of himself for having them see him like this and having them run after him like he was some stupid 5 year old. But he also felt something warm well up in his heart.
"Thank you." He muttered again, this time to both of them and lowered his face, to hide his expression from the two on the floor.
Harry smiled up at him.
"You're welcome. Just... next time you go to kill Ron, remember to take me with you. Going alone is too selfish, even for a Malfoy." At the last the raven-head laughed only to show that it was a joke. He didn't want to see an angered Draco in the following... couple of years?
Hermione hit him on the hand, but smiled.
"Yes, I believe we all want to take part in his public lynch."
Draco gritted his teeth.
"If I know anything about Dumbledore, then Weasley will go unpunished."
He swirled around. "I still have to go to the dorm." Just when the two were looking at each other with a horrified expression, afraid that they had a mad Malfoy on their hands again Draco turned around and smirked at them, as if reading their thoughts. "Are you coming?"
---
The three friends walked, mainly in silence, to the dungeons, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Something had been bugging Harry since they parted, so he decided that now was the time to ask.
"OK, I know that I'm missing something important here. Draco was absolutely out of control, then you, Hermione, kissed him and - pop - he's back to normal. How did that happen? And how did you know?"
The witch looked at Draco, who was looking curiously at her, smiling, and then at Harry, who was watching the exchange of glances.
"It's a long story - I'll tell you while Dray collects what he needs for Blaise. Which is what, if I dare ask?"
"The usual stuff, which one would provide for his hospitalized friend- pajamas, his favorite book, a music globe, sweets; anything that he might want or need."
Once again it was Harry who asked the question - if he wasn't careful he was going to become annoying.
"A Music globe? What's that?"
The blond looked at him strangely.
"Harry, you've been in the Magical world for six years already, not to mention that you're a teenager, and you still don't know what a music globe is? Haven't you ever wandered how do wizards listen to music if they don't use muggle...gadgets?"
Now that he thought about it it was strange. He had seen Mrs. Weasley listen to the radio, but it was not possible that to be the only possible way to listen to music. Still, neither Ron, nor Neville, nor anyone from his friends had ever listened to music, so he didn't really have the chance to think.
"So, is this something like a... MP3 player?" The blond looked at Hermione for support.
"Yes, it is. You see, it's like a... a rememberall. It just remembers the songs you choose and plays them for you. More like a stereo of sort. The reason why not everybody has them is because they're really expensive."
They've finally reached the Slytherin Common Room and Draco said:
"I'll be back in a minute," and then he disappeared towards the seventh year boy's dorm.
The common room was full of people. Since classes have been canceled and the security was at its maximum, every student was supposed to stay in his House. That's why Harry decided it was unwise to stay there, where everybody looked curiously (and/or with disgust) at him. He took Hermione's hand and they waited for Draco in front of the door, leading towards Slytherin.
"Can you tell me now what you know?"
The girl took a deep breath, placed a couple silencing charms around them, and proceeded with her tale.
"Remember yesterday, when Ron attacked Dray? I found him replacing his mental shields and he told me that he was an empath and a Seer." Hermione waited to see shock or question in Harry's eyes, but since this didn't occur, she continued. "I guess you already knew about this, then. Ok, so in our free period, I went to the library, to look into it. You know me, I can't stay ignorant, and especially about something that concerns my friends. And there, I found this book - it's about mind control and protection. There was a whole chapter about empaths. I was really concerned about Dray, since he said he hadn't been sleeping well and that's why his protection cracked. I was worried and wanted to help him somehow. But I ended up learning something else. You see, empaths are highly sensitive people. They feel emotions, moods, everything. And it affects them - if somebody near them is happy, they're happy too, if he's angry - they're angry. That is if they don't have their protection, of course. But if they are that sensitive to others, do you imagine what they become when they feel strong emotions? Their emotions magnify about a hundred times. This is what happened today with Draco. He was so furious that he snapped. The only way to get an empath out of his trance is to make him feel another emotion, as strong as the first one. I... I guessed that only a kiss or something in that area could distract him. And, thank God, it did."
Hermione was talking very quickly, excited as always, when she learned something new. Harry had barely kept up with her and at the end needed a couple of seconds to rearrange his thoughts. Slowly, he nodded to his friend.
"I see. Thank Merlin it's you, Hermione, or I wouldn't have been able to stop him." He smiled at her. Then it hit him. If all this was true, then the pain of Blaise being hurt and the fear of losing him - it must have been unbearable for the blond. And the loss of his mother... Suddenly Harry shivered. He couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of pain was that. He realized that the witch was looking at him, but the boy had no intention of telling her anything - it was Draco's life, not his to share. And speaking of the wolf - the blond had left the common room and was heading their way. Hermione quickly removed the charms around them and the three teenagers made their way back to the Hospital Wing.
A worried Lucius met them in front of the door. It was obvious that he was ambushing Draco. The blond sighed irritated and declared that he'd take just a minute to leave Blaise's thing and come talk to the man. In the mean time the DADA professor turned to his son's companions.
"I see you've managed to stop him. I'm ashamed to say that I myself have never really succeeded in that. I don't seem to be able to call the right emotions out. How is he?" The man had the most defeated expression the teenagers had ever seen. He hoped they never knew how it felt to be unable to help your child when he's in the most need of it.
Harry felt for the man. He looked weak and lost. It must have been awful to have to watch your son in pain and to not have the means to stop him.
"He's fine now. Hermione is the hero of the hour - she caught up with us at the right moment and did the right thing." The boy tried to smile at the ex-Death Eater. Strangely, but after all he knew about the man he was no longer scared or suspicious of him. Probably the fact that he was Draco's father was one of the reasons for this change of perception.
Hermione, however, still felt a little awkward in the presence of Malfoy Sr. She blushed under his gaze and looked at the floor, studying the stones.
Lucius put his hand on the girl's shoulder and made her look him in the eye.
"Thank you, Miss Granger. My son and I are indebted to you. If you ever find yourself in any kind of need you can turn to us. We'll do all in our power to help you. Thank you." He was smiling and his dark blue eyes were looking at Hermione kindly and warmly.
The girl felt her face becoming even redder as she mumbled.
"But please, you're welcome, it's not as if I..." What else she said was not audible; the girl was so deeply embarrassed. Harry smiled, nodded to his professor and turned to see how Blaise was doing. Hermione quickly followed him - she didn't want to be alone with Lucius Malfoy, since she wouldn't know what to say, and her worry for the Italian had grown drastically and she wanted to know the latest news.
"How is he? Did he wake up?" The witch asked Pansy.
The Slytherin girl shook her head.
"Madame Pomphrey said she'll keep him asleep the whole day today since he couldn't feel the pain like this and healing would be quicker. But he...looks like he's in pain none the less. He's so badly hurt...I..." Pansy's voice shook and she stopped talking. Draco's arm immediately was around her shoulders, offering comfort. His jaw was sat but his eyes were warm as he looked at his best girl-friend.
"He'll be alright, Pans. The Madame knows what she's doing." The shift towards coldness that occurred in his eyes didn't escape his father though who had entered the room after Draco hadn't come out.
It didn't escape Harry either, who was not completely calm after the outburst his friend had not so long ago. He knew that if they weren't careful they risked having an out-of-control Draco once again. That's why he leaned towards the blond and whispered in his ear so that he was the only one to hear.
"Don't worry; I'll make sure Ron gets what he deserves. And from the look on your father's and Snape's faces, they won't let this go either. Just... control yourself, alright?"
Draco looked at the other boy gratefully. It meant a lot that Harry was here and that he was offering his strength to them all even if he himself needed comfort too. The blond then looked at Pansy, who was holding Blaise's hand in hers. He needed to be strong and calm for her. She needed him now. He would have the time to concentrate on himself and his feelings tonight. And Blaise wouldn't need him until tomorrow when he woke up. For now it was better to leave the Infirmary. They only risked getting in the way of the nurse.
"Dad, are you going to stay here with him?"
Lucius nodded.
"I will. Today I only had class with you and it was canceled so I'm free all day. Don't worry. You can go and leave him to me."
"Go?" Pansy looked up. "But he..."
"He's sleeping now, Pans. So many people in the room may even disturb his rest." Draco explained softly. "We should go some place quiet and rest too. With all that emotions we're already pretty tired and we have potions this afternoon, when classes resume. With the Gryffindors no less." The blond spat the last words with disgust. "The best thing we can do now, both for Blaise and for us, is leave."
The girl nodded slowly and stood up from the chair she was until now occupying.
Hermione didn't want to leave. The boy on the bed looked so fragile and in so much pain. She was afraid to leave him; she felt that there must be something else that she could do for him. The girl reached out and caught his hand. He was so cold. Why was that? She started breathing heavily, she was panicking. Then a hand was placed on her shoulder and turned her. Nott was a lot paler than usual; he looked older with at least 10 years. He didn't say a thing, just gently removed her hand from that of Blaise and, hugging the girl by the waist, led her out of the wing.
---
Draco led the way towards the Room of Requirements still hugging Pansy. It was better to go to the Room than Slytherin since Hermione was with them and here would be a lot quieter. They needed to be by themselves, undisturbed by others. Draco once again marveled at the fact how quickly Hermione and Harry had become part of the group.
Once they reached the wall, behind which the Room was hidden he left Pansy in Harry's hands and started walking back and forth thinking 'We need a safe comfortable room, where we'll feel calm and we'll be able to rest undisturbed.' Finally a small wooden door appeared and they all entered.
The Room suspiciously resembled the living area in Draco's chambers at Malfoy Manor, the blond noticed. There was an enormous fireplace at the far wall and in front of it there were two couches and a couple of plush chairs in dark green. The fire was lit which made the room warm and inviting, homey. There was a rich dark carpet on the floor so soft and thick that your feet sank into it. There were a couple of shelves with some interesting looking books on them and a beautiful painting of a country side, sunny landscape. On a side table, near one of the couches, there was a tea pot, cups and some sweets and sandwiches.
All in all it was inviting and relaxing- all that Draco had hoped for.
Harry didn't have much desire to look at his surroundings. He walked in last and sat on the first sofa his eyes saw. The realization of what had happened had hit him hard, now that everything in their power was done. He felt his hands tremble, that's why he clenched his fists. The boy couldn't decide what was worse - his guilt or his anger. He shook his head barely as if to chase all of that away and looked around to find everyone lost in their own thoughts. Harry noticed Hermione and Pansy holding hands, pressed to each other. Theo was sitting on the floor, his back to the wall, hugging his knees. And Draco - he was in an armchair, head resting on one of his hands, studying his friends. Grey eyes met green and the raven-head gulped. Quickly, he looked away.
Draco didn't want to think. If he thought too much he would either break down from his pain and guilt or blow up from his anger. He settled on just watching the others. When Harry evaded his eyes he sighed and sat straighter. They'd have to discuss what they'll do about the two Weasleys sooner or later. And in his opinion the faster they got over it the faster they'd calm down. If only his head hadn't started killing him slowly yet again...the moment he thought it a potion appeared on the side table next to the tea pot. He stood up and took it. Then he proceeded on pouring tea in the 5 cups. This should help calm them all down. And the girls had to eat something. He gave Pansy and Hermione their cups and pushed the plate with sandwiches their way.
"You should eat something. You didn't have breakfast and right now we're missing lunch."
The girls lifelessly accepted the cups, but neither made a move for the plate. They just couldn't put anything in their mouths even if they knew they should.
Harry watched as Draco stood up and took things under control. How did he have the strength for that? The raven-head admired silently as the blond went from one friend to another, gave them tea and sandwiches and talked with them trying to give them comfort. When the other boy finished he looked around, as if at a loss for a moment, and then sat down at the armchair, once again.
Harry sighed and voiced his thoughts.
"What are we going to do with Ron and Ginny?" He admired the coldness in his voice. For a day, two of the closest people in his life had become like strangers, or more like enemies. He hadn't forgotten about what they had had together, but in the light of the recent events everything looked different.
Draco immediately stiffened at the mention of those two, but then forced himself to relax. He was about to bring that up himself so he shouldn't have reacted like that. He took a deep, calming breath and looked Harry straight in the eye.
"If it was up to me I'd say torture them and then kill them, but I don't think it's such a good idea in the given situation. May be we'll just keep the torturing." In any other situation this would have sounded like a joke, but now Draco sounded deadly serious and his words were more of a threat and a plan of action than anything else.
Once again surprising himself, Harry agreed with the blond. He nodded but then reasoned.
"Either way, we cannot do it. It's not like we can walk into potions and Crucio them over and over - it's not realistic. Not to mention that that way they'll become the martyrs, and we - the sadistic, debauched Slytherin bastards." Harry ran his hands through his hair and let go a frustrated groan. "Fuck, we can't pretend as if nothing happened, but there's nothing for us to do!"
Theo, who was listening quietly till now, decided to butt in and calm down the two.
"This conversation is pointless. As much as I would enjoy ripping the Weasleys molecule by molecule, we're to become fellow Order members. At some point our lives may depend on them. We can't risk giving them another reason to dump us on the battlefield. I hate to say it, but I suggest we leave things to Snape and Dray's father - if I know them even in the slightest, they'll make those two's lives miserable!"
Draco confirmed.
"Indeed they will. But that just isn't satisfying enough. I guess though, we don't have a choice."
At that point Pansy joined too.
"Oh, I have a choice, if that Weasel so much as opens his mouth I'll deprive him of the possibility to ever reproduce. Wait...I might just do that even if he doesn't open his dirty mouth."
Harry and Hermione laughed and silently agreed with her. Where was humanity going if people like Ron were reproducing? Then Harry looked at his clock and said.
"Potions start in twenty minutes. If we leave now we'll just make it."
---
Indeed they arrived in front of the potions classroom just 5 minutes before the class started. Blaise wasn't there and Draco decided to sit alone so Harry sat next to Theo. Just after they sat down Ron entered and dumped his bag loudly on the last desk.
Harry clenched his fists. He thought he would be able to control himself but now it seemed impossible. He turned around and glared at the redhead. He didn't seem disturbed at all! No guilty conscious then. Harry felt himself get up, grabbing the front of Ron's robes and pulling him up.
"I hope you're happy with yourself, huh?"
"Actually I am, Potter." The redhead sneered and pushed Harry's hands off himself. "What? Sad that one of your lovers can't screw you tonight?"
Before he could stop himself Harry had his wand out and pointed at Ron's chest.
"Ignis!(1)" he shouted. But he wasn't the only one.
Draco had barely been able to control himself and not kill the Weasel immediately after he walked in, but the moment the redhead opened his mouth he just couldn't anymore. He hadn't noticed that Harry had drawn his wand together with him. Now every open patch of Weasley's skin was covered in nasty burns thanks to the same dark curse they both used.
Ron fell on the floor howling with pain. His face, neck and hands burned and he saw white. He had never felt such excruciating pain in his entire life. In that exact moment Snape entered his classroom.
The Potions master didn't need much time to realize what had just happened. The class was looking at him expectantly, still not panicking.
"Mister Weasley, what are you doing on the floor? 20 points from Gryffindor for showing disrespect towards a teacher and another 20 points for disrupting the peace in class. Mister Thomas, be so kind as to escort your friend to the Hospital Wing. But make sure he's in the second room - Madame Pomphrey will understand."
Draco smirked satisfied. As they had all suspected Ronald Weasley was on Severus Snape's "To be taken care of" list.
The rest of the class was shell shocked. They've expected Snape not to punish the two Slytherins, but to take points from Gryffindor! In the given situation it was absurd! It seamed like the Potion Master had it in for Ron.
Snape, of course didn't take lightly to the noise that started in his classroom after the Gryffindor and the Ravenclaw left.
"What is going on? Everybody, return to your seats, or I'll be forced to take more points." Snape sighed as he watched the surprised looks he was getting. Well, it really wasn't the wisest of things he could do, but Weasley got what he deserved. Either way, he was a teacher and had to act like one... at least. "Misters Potter and Malfoy, after the class is over I must ask you to stay behind."
Draco furrowed his eyebrows. Strange...Oh, wait. Appearances, of course. They had to keep that up. He sat on his desk and proceeded on trying to pay at least some attention to what Severus was trying (trying being the key word here), to teach them.
Harry watched fascinated as Snape hastily gave the instructions for the potion they were supposed to make. The Potions master even made an orthographic mistake on the board, for Merlin's sake. He really was distracted.
The raven-head started preparing the ingredients for their own potion with Theo. He noticed that the other boy was eyeing him funnily, so decided to ask.
"What?"
Nott looked around and then whispered.
"That magic you used on Weasel... It was quite dark, Harry. I'm not surprised Dray knew it, but you?"
Never having the time to think about that, Harry now blushed.
"I've been reading quite a lot this summer and now, when Ron said this... I wanted him to feel even partially the pain Blaise was in, so instinctively..."
Before the dark-haired wizard could continue Theo laughed.
"I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm actually quite proud. Every day you prove why the Hat put you in our house." The pale boy patted his friend on the shoulder and, smiling, returned to their now steamy cauldron.
Draco watched the interaction between his old friend and his new one. He was glad that they were getting along this well. He was worried at first that Theo wouldn't be able to get over their past relationship with Harry, but now the boy was proving his suspicions wrong and unneeded. When he thought about it a friendship between those two would be the perfect thing. Theo was just the friend Harry needed now- silent, understanding, someone who was always there when needed. And now that the ex-Gryffindor had lost his best friend for good Theo could be the one to replace Weasley. Draco had to admit that he himself couldn't be that for Harry. They got along fine, but still they were too different and the key point of beeing someone's best friend was to have a lot in common with that person. He should know- he had Blaise to thank for teaching him that, after all.
---
*Three hours later*
Harry, Draco, Theo and Pansy were walking towards the dungeons. They had just had a very tiring and annoying talk with the Headmaster and Ginny and Ron. Dumbledore, like always, wanted to play The Pacifier! He had waited for Harry and Draco after potions and had invited all the students whose "behaviour concerned him" to join him in his office. After all the cliches about unity, friendship, trust and so on and so on, he had made them shake hands! Harry smiled remembering that Ron had still had some burns over him. Well, Dumbledore's actions were understandable - those people were going to join the Order tomorrow - he couldn't have them fighting. But even so…he didn't punish Ron! He didn't even give him a detention! Where was the fairness in all that?
The raven-head was distracted from his thoughts by Pansy.
"It's been kind of a long day, guys so I think I'll be going to bed early. I think that if I don't lose consciousness right now I'm gonna go mad." She went and gave hugs and kisses to all the boys and went for her room. Before she was hidden from view by the corner she turned around. "Let's visit Blaise tomorrow, before breakfast. How about 7 o'clock here in the Common Room?"
After a confirming nod from Draco she disappeared and the boys walked tiredly towards their own room.
When they got there, without a word Draco performed the spell he did last night around Harry's bed again, took two potions which were sitting on his night stands, and hid from his friends behind the emerald curtains on his bed. This was the first night after Harry had arrived in the Slytherin dorm that the blond did that.
Harry felt bad. He had promised to be there for Draco if he had the need to talk, but here he was, sitting on his bed, looking at the green curtains surrounding Draco's bed. He was pathetic, really. Nobody could deny that if it wasn't for him, today's events wouldn't have happened. If Ron didn't want to hurt him he would have never made that article, and the cursed letter wouldn't have arrived... And when did he become such an egoistic bastard? His friend was hurting right there, and he was drowning in self-pity. Just great! But the fact was still a fact - he couldn't go there, pull the curtain and ask "How are you?" or "Do you want to talk?". Any normal person would tell him to fuck off. Harry hoped that tomorrow the blond would be feeling a bit better or that Harry would come up with something that could help.
---
There was fire. Everywhere. It was engulfing everything living or dead. And then there was water, replacing the fire. Life and death were the roots of this power. Ingredients. Lots of them. What were they? He couldn't see but he knew that he needed them. They mixed with the water. Then fire was reigning again. Darkness. And noise. Breathing? A human. But it wasn't quite human. The man before him looked artificial - his eyes were blank, he was moving strangely, as a robot. And then the creature vanished. Turned to dust as if it never existed. A non-human growl could be heart. It was pure rage and disappointment. And fire was everywhere once again.
TBC
(1) Ignis (latin): fire
Another chapter finished ^^ So what did you think? Share your opinions with us ^^