Chapter 25: Friendships starting, ending and a terrible order
A few weeks later. . .
The first snow was falling, and most Hogwarts' students were enjoying themselves having snowball fights on the grounds. But yet, the wizarding world did not really feel like celebrating the Christmas that was coming up. The spirits were low, everywhere.
Reasons for that were mainly the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic, who were 'telling people what was going on'.
According to what the newspaper and the Ministry said, Harry Potter had - after his first attack on a Muggle family - been roaming about both the Wizarding and the Muggle world, killing various people - Ministry officials and other random wizards and witches, to take revenge on the wizarding world - and some Muggles. . . for no apparent reason but to have fun, it seemed.
Both the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic had earned themselves high respect by enlightening people on how exactly the Dark Wizard Harry Potter committed all those terrible crimes, what evil dark magic he performed, who he killed, and why.
After all, it was important that people knew about things. . .
** +++++ **
Harry Potter and Severus Snape were once again sitting in their favourite restaurant in Muggle London, enjoying their breakfast. They looked like normal Muggles and they behaved like normal Muggles - except, perhaps, for the strange things they sometimes talked about, but they talked rather quietly, and even if you caught something of what was being said, you wouldn't understand a thing.
"You look rather tired today." Harry said.
Snape smirked. "I know. I haven't slept much last night."
Harry shook his head, but smiled. "You've been working on that potion of yours again, haven't you? You really spend all of your time on that thing. . ."
"I can assure you that I didn't spend any more time on it than is necessary." The elder man replied. "And you should really respect 'that thing' more, for it's not some kind of rubbish, but the best healing potion that I've ever heard about. And if it works, Evans, then I'm sure you'll be the one consuming all of it, with all the trouble that you're always getting yourself into."
Harry smiled again. "Possibly, yes. But you kind of. . . make me feel bad when you're always hanging around in that super potions lab of yours. You see. . . I'm the one supposed to kill Voldemort one of these days, so I should be the one studying all day and all night, not you."
Snape smirked. "But you do. All day, at least. I hardly see you around. And I'm not working on the potion all day and all night. You see, there are certain times when the potion needs certain things. . . like a new ingredient added, for example. You can't just add all things at once. That's a problem with complex potions. But. . . we're driving off subject. So tell me. . . have you discovered anything interesting since supper yesterday?"
Harry grinned. "Actually, I have found a curse that sounds very. . . well yes, interesting. Not easy to perform, but I think I'll have no problem with it."
"You don't have a problem with any curse, do you?"
Harry ignored that comment. "Anyway, it slowly drains the energy off your enemy with every move he does, every spell he casts. You can watch him get weaker and weaker. A very dark and dangerous curse, but interesting, don't you agree? You know. . . I'm searching for somebody to test in on. . ."
Snape sent him a mock glare. "Don't you dare, Evans. . ."
Harry grinned.
** +++++ **
Hermione was sitting on a seat in the Quidditch stands, watching the Gryffindor team train for an approaching match against Ravenclaw. They were playing well, she thought. Harry really had done a good job on them.
"So, Hermione. . . got yourself a new hobby training the Gryffindor team in Quidditch? I thought you were not a fan of broomsticks?" asked a voice from behind.
Hermione turned and looked straight into the eyes of the last person she had expected to meet up there.
"Actually, I am not. . . that's why I'm sitting here and just watching them, instead of flying along. All I can do is do research about some moves and teach them about different strategies. But you know what? I think that they'll do just fine after everything that Harry taught them so far. I mean, look at them fly, Draco."
Draco did. "They really have made some process. Slytherin has got some serious competition now."
Hermione sat back down and Draco took the seat next to her. Together, they watched the team play for a while, in silence, until Thomas Weasley went for a dangerous looking dive straight towards the ground.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Hermione, "It scares me off to watch this, really, and it isn't even anything compared to what. . . certain people. . . used to do when I was younger. God, I think I'd die if I was Thomas right now. . . I haven't been on a broom in years."
Draco looked at her. "Really? In years?"
She nodded.
"It really isn't as bad as it sometimes looks, Hermione. Actually, it's fun. I think you should try. And it isn't too dangerous at all. . . because we would, of course, fly very slowly, and not too high. . . and I promise you that we won't do any dives." Draco said.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Is this an offer to teach me to fly again?"
Draco actually smiled. "Yes, it is. How about it? I mean, when I'm with you on a broom, you're a lot safer than when you are all on your own, I guarantee."
"Yes. . . yes, I agree it probably is. And since you offered, I guess I'll take the chance to try some flying again after all these years. So. . . when and where?"
Draco deliberated. "On the pitch, after supper?"
"Yeah, that's perfectly fine with me."
Again, they were silent for several minutes, watching the children fly, until Draco excused himself, saying that he had some essays to read through.
Back in his chambers, he laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He would meet her after supper on the pitch. They would fly together. Together, on one broom.
Draco thought that if Voldemort knew what he had just done, what he was thinking. . . he would probably have this new invention of 'his lord'. . . this stupid "Worse-than-Cruciatus" thing. . . already on him.
But he would not let that monster stop him this time. He would not let that monster suppress his feelings. Not ever again.
** +++++ **
Harry was sitting at his desk in his study, in a rather bad mood. He had been learning curses, doing some exercises (since he knew he had to be in top physical conditions if he wanted to duel Voldemort), learning curses, doing some transfiguration research, learning some extraordinarily dark, dangerous, complex and exhausting curses. . . and similar things. . .
All morning.
And now, he was plainly tired. And it wasn't even evening yet.
At the moment, he was writing down some notes about interesting duelling spells and curses that he had read about. He sighed in frustration when his tired body tipped over a the bottle of ink, and the ink spilled all over the desk.
He actually swore aloud as he realised that the ink was now all over his precious Gryffindor book that he had placed there earlier.
"Clumsy, Potter." snarled Snape from behind him, looking amused.
"God, can't you knock before you come in?" Harry snapped.
"Well, the door stood open, and I did actually knock on the frame. You were a bit too deeply into your work here, I think, Potter."
Harry said nothing as he picked up the book while he cleaned up the desk with a single wave of his hand.
"I hope that book will be as easily cleaned as the table, Potter. It's a powerful magical object. Any spells could harm it, or activate. . . whatever secrets and dangers it conceals." Snape said.
"I am perfectly aware of that." Harry answered, irritated, and opened the book to look how the pages had reacted to the ink.
He almost dropped it when he saw that they were perfectly clean.
** +++++ **
It was a Friday afternoon, and both Sirius and he had had a very hard week. Even though Potter had not showed up anywhere near Hogwarts so far, the attacks he had done on several families - both wizard and Muggle - had made the students' parents fear for their children's safety again. Letters of complains were coming in, letters of reassurance were being sent out again.
But now that Christmas was approaching, Remus decided that 'Deputy Minister Black' would have some fun like the rest of the world - in spite of whatever that Potter traitor was doing.
Remus knocked at the door to the private chambers of the man he considered his best friend. He did not have to wait long, and a rather happy looking Sirius opened the door.
The happy expression turned to irritation when the man saw who had knocked.
"Remus." Sirius Black acknowledged.
Remus ignored the coldness and offered a warm smile. "Hi, Sirius! I thought we could go out for a while and relax from all the. . . work. Go flying or something. . . or a trip to Hogsmeade. . . or whatever you feel like. I mean, you've been working very hard lately, and Christmas is approaching. . ."
"Actually," Sirius interrupted, "I have already planned to meet Cornelius and Neville with some other aurors in Honeydukes to spend the afternoon with."
"Good." Remus said. "I'll come along. When will we. . ."
"I don't think that's such a good idea."
Remus frowned. "Why?"
Sirius just looked at him saying nothing. But Remus understood anyway.
"What's your problem, Sirius? Am I suddenly not good enough to be a friend of yours anymore? We haven't spent any time with each other in months, Sirius! Months! And now that you finally decide to allow yourself some free time, you don't want to share it with me! What the hell is wrong with you?!"
The Sirius Black's eyes and voice were cold as he answered: "Perhaps, Lupin. . . perhaps the problem is not me, but you. You're constantly hanging around me, constantly asking when we could spend some time together. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the Deputy Minister of Magic in these days, and there's a hell lot of work for me to do. I don't have much free time, Lupin, and I certainly won't spend the little that I have with you, flying around on a broom, talking about childhood adventures or other such nonsense. Perhaps, if you cannot cope with that, you should go looking for a new little friend to play with. I'm sure you will find one with a bit less responsibility, and a bit more free time."
Remus just stared. This was not the Sirius Black he knew.
"Sirius," he whispered, "please tell me that you didn't mean any of what you just said."
Black just looked at him coolly. "I meant every word of it, Lupin."
"So it's Lupin to you now, is it?"
For a moment they stood there, silent, just gazing into each other's eyes.
It was that moment when Remus Lupin, after years of getting cold looks and being avoided by his best friend, decided to let go. He had always tried to be a good friend for Sirius, he had always been there, he had always tried to cheer him up. Now, Sirius had made it clear that he didn't want any cheering up, or anyone other than those stupid aurors around him.
'Fine with me.' Remus thought. 'You want to push me away? That's your decision, and I must accept it. I'm okay with it. I will give up fighting for you. Just rot in your bitterness, Black. Just stay what you are now, I don't mind. But I know that you will regret it, eventually.'
When Remus finally spoke, there was none of the pain, betrayal and sadness that he felt in his voice.
"If that's how you want it, I'll have to accept it. And you know what? I think I'll take your advice and seek the company of others. . . not necessarily with more free time, but with a friendlier attitude. But I want to tell you something, too: You ought to keep some true friends next to all the false ones you collect, or you might find yourself all alone if you ever need someone."
With that he walked off, fast.
** +++++ **
Harry and Snape stared at the Gryffindor coloured book.
"Potter. . . I don't think that this is normal, even for a magical book."
"I know." Harry answered. "But I've seen this before."
"Where?"
"Tom Riddle's diary."
Of course, Snape knew about that incident with the Chamber of Secrets in Harry's second year, and its background. Albus had told him all about it, and though he had never shown it to anyone - least of all Potter -, he was quite impressed with how the twelve year old boy had taken out a Basilisk with nothing but a sword. . . and the help of Dumbledore's Phoenix.
Harry grabbed the feather he'd been writing with and dipped it into another bottle of ink. Snape watched, startled, as he began to write into the empty- paged book.
'Hello. Who are you?'
"Why did you do. . ." Snape started to say, but stopped immediately as an answer appeared:
'I want to know your name before I give you mine.'
Harry looked at Snape, who looked a bit shocked. "You said that Riddle's diary worked the same way?"
"Yes. Shall I give him my name?"
Snape thought about it. . . "Yes. . . I don't think that could do any harm."
Harry wrote: 'My name is Harry Potter'
'Did you open this book?'
'Yes'
'Then you are my heir. Only my heir can open this book.'
'Who are you?'
'I am Godric Gryffindor'
Harry stared at the book. Snape stared at Harry. For both, these news had been totally unexpected.
After a while, Harry looked up at Snape.
"I am the heir of Gryffindor!" he whispered.
Snape offered a short smile, imagining what it must be like to suddenly find out that you are the heir of a person like Godric Gryffindor.
"That seems so, Potter. Always in for a surprise, aren't you? But this, I think, is a good one. If you can. . . chat. . . to Godric Gryffindor all you want. . . Imagine, Potter. The knowledge of Godric Gryffindor. This might be the key to destroying the Dark Lord."
Harry slowly nodded. Then he turned back to the book.
'I am glad to get to know you, Godric. I have a big problem here which I am sure you can help me with.'
** +++++ **
"My loyal Deatheaters."
The kneeling figures bowed their heads in 'respect', making sure not to move or to make too much noise, by breathing too loudly.
"It is getting time, my followers. I am very strong now, we can set the plan into action. We will take over Hogwarts. It will not be long, and the worthy ones will rule the world. All mudbloods and all in our way will get what they deserve. But first. . . there is one more little problem so solve."
He laid in a dramatic pause, sending shivers down the spines of every single Deatheater.
"There are certain. . . individuals. . . that I want to know taken care of first. The most important one being Harry Potter."
The Deatheaters wondered what their 'master' had in mind this time.
"We shall get them all, and we shall get them all at once. I have the plan already figured out. We will. . . kidnap. . . certain people. Knowing Fudge, the blame will be put onto Potter."
The monster smirked. "An interesting side effect, isn't it? Anyway. . . Potter, being the perfect hero that he is, will of course come to their rescue. I do not doubt that he will manage somehow, that annoying tick. And when he comes. . . I will be here, as will you. Potter will never return, never get into the way again. Any objections to the plan?"
Those who were confident that the 'Boy-Who-Lived' would somehow find a way to escape again - because he always did - didn't dare to say anything.
"Good." Voldemort hissed. "Now, for carrying it out. I think that we have just the perfect person to do this. Draco!"
"Y. . . yes, my Lord?"
Draco crawled nearer to his 'master' not once raising his head to look into those cruel red eyes.
"This is a list of people who I want here. Bring me one each day, in the exact order on the list. You will start tomorrow. Bring them here by portkey, and be careful not to attract any attention to yourself. Will that be a problem?"
"No, my Lord."
"Good. See that it won't, or the consequences will be yours to bear."
"Yes, my Lord."
Voldemort handed other lists to other people, giving them the same instructions.
"Meeting dismissed. I will see you here tomorrow, together with our new. . . guests. You can look forward to it. . . for I think that I will let you spend some time with them."
"Thank you, my Lord." The Deatheaters chorused, then apparated away.
** +++++ **
Hermione was just turning to leave when she noticed Draco walking up towards the castle - from Hogsmeade.
"Where the hell have you been?! I've been waiting for you out here in the snow for half an hour!" she called as the man approached.
"I'm sorry." he muttered, his voice weak. "I had to. . . business, you know."
"Business?! What sort of business does a man like you have in Hogsmeade. . ."
Her expression turned from furious to shocked and concerned when Draco looked up from the ground and met her gaze for the first time. "My God, Draco, what's wrong with you? You're deathly pale!"
Draco was shaking. "I've just. . . had a very bad day. I don't. . . want to talk about it. . . please. . ."
Hermione had never seen him so upset, so out of control. She wondered what the hell had just happened to him in Hogsmeade of all places, but if he didn't want to talk about what was on his mind, she would respect that.
"Come on, we'll get back to the castle." she said.
Draco just nodded, and together they walked in silence all the way, he breathing rather shakily, shivers running through him occasionally, and she with her arm around his shoulder, giving him wordless support that he appreciated more than he could show.
Though his mind was still full of the meeting he had just attended, Draco enjoyed the moment, just being close to her, without having to explain himself.
But then, he thought, he'd never be able to tell her what was troubling his mind, because he was sure that if she knew what he was, what he had done and was he was about to do for his master the next day, she would hate him.
He would lose her, and he couldn't afford to be alone again.
Hermione stayed with him until they were standing in front of his private rooms, in the dungeons. After they had said goodnight to each other, Draco whispered a soft "Thank you" and went straight to bed, knowing what he would dream about that night. But he didn't have a choice, he had to do what his master wanted. And he'd do it early. Having to think about what he had just done was a bit easier than having to think about what he had to do.
** +++++ **
Next morning. Remus Lupin was standing in the snow at the frozen lake, watching the sun rise. He hadn't got much sleep, but he didn't feel very tired at all. Well, not physically anyway.
Remus had spent most of the last night thinking about what had happened to the man he had used to call his best friend in life. He doubted that Sirius would ever come back to his old self, that their relationship would ever become what it used to be. And one thing was clear.
If Sirius ever decided that he wanted Remus' friendship again, he would have to give him a huge apology first.
Remus didn't move as somebody walked up from behind him, and he didn't turn around as the person was standing directly behind him.
"You're up very early, Lupin. Had a bad night?"
Lupin nodded, recognising the man's voice. "Yes. . . a lot to think about."
"So had I. Very much to think about indeed. And I came to a result after thinking through things for a long time. Do you know what that result is?"
Remus shrugged, wondering why the man was telling him all this.
"The result of all problems is, Lupin, that when something is really bothering you, you must find a way to accept it, or it will crush you. You need to accept things, sometimes. Do you understand that, Lupin?"
Remus was a bit confused. "Yes. . . I guess I understand that in some situations you must just accept things and go on."
"Good." The man said, his voice strangely emotionless. "I'm glad you understand. It makes things a lot easier for me, you know, knowing that you understand."
Remus didn't have a clue what he had meant by that last sentence, so he said nothing.
"I don't know why he chose you. I've been wondering about that, too. Perhaps he thinks that choosing you will hurt Black a lot. Because hurting the Ministry, and the general public of course, is all he wants. Or perhaps he just thinks that you're the perfect man for this because you're so average on the one hand, and on the other hand, so. . . loyal, and innocent. Everybody will grieve about you once it's public, you know. And they'll hate Potter even more. Another thing he'll like."
Now Remus turned around. "What are you talking about?"
"You won't be alone, you know. There'll be several. Several innocents, that will make the public grieve. The newspapers will have a lot to do. But think of it this way. . . you won't be alone."
He pulled out something from a pocket of his pants. A galleon.
"Can you see this, Lupin? I charmed it, just for you. Spent a lot of energy on it. And yet, it won't be of any use to you. Ridiculous, isn't it?"
Remus' emotion turned from utter confusion to concern for the man before him, who was doing and talking complete nonsense.
"What the hell are you talking about, Malfoy? Are you feeling alright?"
Malfoy laughed, making Remus frown.
"No, Remus, I'm not feeling alright. My master makes sure I can never feel alright. And he'll be doing you that favour, too."
He tossed the galleon in his hand - which was gloved - over to Remus.
"Catch"
** +++++ **
Author's Note:
Cliffhangers Rule!!!
Here we go again. A bit of action, a bit of angst and even a little hint of romance. I hope you liked it; I certainly was satisfied, though it's shorter most. So Draco has started to fulfil his terrible task, Sirius is being more of a git than ever, a lot of Remus (as I promised) and of course, Harry and our dearest Snape. Hope you like where this is going.
I'm sorry that I haven't updated for so long (though you'll probably have got used to it by now), but I've been having a lot on my mind lately (I've got this big plan, you know, but I'll tell you all about that once everything is certain).
I was asked if I had any recommendations for 'Harry-wrongfully-accused- fics'. I have. The best I've read so far is "Betrayed" by "kateydidnt". A brilliant fic. So go and read. . . but not before you have reviewed this one!!!
Thank you,
OTTILCHEN
A few weeks later. . .
The first snow was falling, and most Hogwarts' students were enjoying themselves having snowball fights on the grounds. But yet, the wizarding world did not really feel like celebrating the Christmas that was coming up. The spirits were low, everywhere.
Reasons for that were mainly the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic, who were 'telling people what was going on'.
According to what the newspaper and the Ministry said, Harry Potter had - after his first attack on a Muggle family - been roaming about both the Wizarding and the Muggle world, killing various people - Ministry officials and other random wizards and witches, to take revenge on the wizarding world - and some Muggles. . . for no apparent reason but to have fun, it seemed.
Both the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic had earned themselves high respect by enlightening people on how exactly the Dark Wizard Harry Potter committed all those terrible crimes, what evil dark magic he performed, who he killed, and why.
After all, it was important that people knew about things. . .
** +++++ **
Harry Potter and Severus Snape were once again sitting in their favourite restaurant in Muggle London, enjoying their breakfast. They looked like normal Muggles and they behaved like normal Muggles - except, perhaps, for the strange things they sometimes talked about, but they talked rather quietly, and even if you caught something of what was being said, you wouldn't understand a thing.
"You look rather tired today." Harry said.
Snape smirked. "I know. I haven't slept much last night."
Harry shook his head, but smiled. "You've been working on that potion of yours again, haven't you? You really spend all of your time on that thing. . ."
"I can assure you that I didn't spend any more time on it than is necessary." The elder man replied. "And you should really respect 'that thing' more, for it's not some kind of rubbish, but the best healing potion that I've ever heard about. And if it works, Evans, then I'm sure you'll be the one consuming all of it, with all the trouble that you're always getting yourself into."
Harry smiled again. "Possibly, yes. But you kind of. . . make me feel bad when you're always hanging around in that super potions lab of yours. You see. . . I'm the one supposed to kill Voldemort one of these days, so I should be the one studying all day and all night, not you."
Snape smirked. "But you do. All day, at least. I hardly see you around. And I'm not working on the potion all day and all night. You see, there are certain times when the potion needs certain things. . . like a new ingredient added, for example. You can't just add all things at once. That's a problem with complex potions. But. . . we're driving off subject. So tell me. . . have you discovered anything interesting since supper yesterday?"
Harry grinned. "Actually, I have found a curse that sounds very. . . well yes, interesting. Not easy to perform, but I think I'll have no problem with it."
"You don't have a problem with any curse, do you?"
Harry ignored that comment. "Anyway, it slowly drains the energy off your enemy with every move he does, every spell he casts. You can watch him get weaker and weaker. A very dark and dangerous curse, but interesting, don't you agree? You know. . . I'm searching for somebody to test in on. . ."
Snape sent him a mock glare. "Don't you dare, Evans. . ."
Harry grinned.
** +++++ **
Hermione was sitting on a seat in the Quidditch stands, watching the Gryffindor team train for an approaching match against Ravenclaw. They were playing well, she thought. Harry really had done a good job on them.
"So, Hermione. . . got yourself a new hobby training the Gryffindor team in Quidditch? I thought you were not a fan of broomsticks?" asked a voice from behind.
Hermione turned and looked straight into the eyes of the last person she had expected to meet up there.
"Actually, I am not. . . that's why I'm sitting here and just watching them, instead of flying along. All I can do is do research about some moves and teach them about different strategies. But you know what? I think that they'll do just fine after everything that Harry taught them so far. I mean, look at them fly, Draco."
Draco did. "They really have made some process. Slytherin has got some serious competition now."
Hermione sat back down and Draco took the seat next to her. Together, they watched the team play for a while, in silence, until Thomas Weasley went for a dangerous looking dive straight towards the ground.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Hermione, "It scares me off to watch this, really, and it isn't even anything compared to what. . . certain people. . . used to do when I was younger. God, I think I'd die if I was Thomas right now. . . I haven't been on a broom in years."
Draco looked at her. "Really? In years?"
She nodded.
"It really isn't as bad as it sometimes looks, Hermione. Actually, it's fun. I think you should try. And it isn't too dangerous at all. . . because we would, of course, fly very slowly, and not too high. . . and I promise you that we won't do any dives." Draco said.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Is this an offer to teach me to fly again?"
Draco actually smiled. "Yes, it is. How about it? I mean, when I'm with you on a broom, you're a lot safer than when you are all on your own, I guarantee."
"Yes. . . yes, I agree it probably is. And since you offered, I guess I'll take the chance to try some flying again after all these years. So. . . when and where?"
Draco deliberated. "On the pitch, after supper?"
"Yeah, that's perfectly fine with me."
Again, they were silent for several minutes, watching the children fly, until Draco excused himself, saying that he had some essays to read through.
Back in his chambers, he laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He would meet her after supper on the pitch. They would fly together. Together, on one broom.
Draco thought that if Voldemort knew what he had just done, what he was thinking. . . he would probably have this new invention of 'his lord'. . . this stupid "Worse-than-Cruciatus" thing. . . already on him.
But he would not let that monster stop him this time. He would not let that monster suppress his feelings. Not ever again.
** +++++ **
Harry was sitting at his desk in his study, in a rather bad mood. He had been learning curses, doing some exercises (since he knew he had to be in top physical conditions if he wanted to duel Voldemort), learning curses, doing some transfiguration research, learning some extraordinarily dark, dangerous, complex and exhausting curses. . . and similar things. . .
All morning.
And now, he was plainly tired. And it wasn't even evening yet.
At the moment, he was writing down some notes about interesting duelling spells and curses that he had read about. He sighed in frustration when his tired body tipped over a the bottle of ink, and the ink spilled all over the desk.
He actually swore aloud as he realised that the ink was now all over his precious Gryffindor book that he had placed there earlier.
"Clumsy, Potter." snarled Snape from behind him, looking amused.
"God, can't you knock before you come in?" Harry snapped.
"Well, the door stood open, and I did actually knock on the frame. You were a bit too deeply into your work here, I think, Potter."
Harry said nothing as he picked up the book while he cleaned up the desk with a single wave of his hand.
"I hope that book will be as easily cleaned as the table, Potter. It's a powerful magical object. Any spells could harm it, or activate. . . whatever secrets and dangers it conceals." Snape said.
"I am perfectly aware of that." Harry answered, irritated, and opened the book to look how the pages had reacted to the ink.
He almost dropped it when he saw that they were perfectly clean.
** +++++ **
It was a Friday afternoon, and both Sirius and he had had a very hard week. Even though Potter had not showed up anywhere near Hogwarts so far, the attacks he had done on several families - both wizard and Muggle - had made the students' parents fear for their children's safety again. Letters of complains were coming in, letters of reassurance were being sent out again.
But now that Christmas was approaching, Remus decided that 'Deputy Minister Black' would have some fun like the rest of the world - in spite of whatever that Potter traitor was doing.
Remus knocked at the door to the private chambers of the man he considered his best friend. He did not have to wait long, and a rather happy looking Sirius opened the door.
The happy expression turned to irritation when the man saw who had knocked.
"Remus." Sirius Black acknowledged.
Remus ignored the coldness and offered a warm smile. "Hi, Sirius! I thought we could go out for a while and relax from all the. . . work. Go flying or something. . . or a trip to Hogsmeade. . . or whatever you feel like. I mean, you've been working very hard lately, and Christmas is approaching. . ."
"Actually," Sirius interrupted, "I have already planned to meet Cornelius and Neville with some other aurors in Honeydukes to spend the afternoon with."
"Good." Remus said. "I'll come along. When will we. . ."
"I don't think that's such a good idea."
Remus frowned. "Why?"
Sirius just looked at him saying nothing. But Remus understood anyway.
"What's your problem, Sirius? Am I suddenly not good enough to be a friend of yours anymore? We haven't spent any time with each other in months, Sirius! Months! And now that you finally decide to allow yourself some free time, you don't want to share it with me! What the hell is wrong with you?!"
The Sirius Black's eyes and voice were cold as he answered: "Perhaps, Lupin. . . perhaps the problem is not me, but you. You're constantly hanging around me, constantly asking when we could spend some time together. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the Deputy Minister of Magic in these days, and there's a hell lot of work for me to do. I don't have much free time, Lupin, and I certainly won't spend the little that I have with you, flying around on a broom, talking about childhood adventures or other such nonsense. Perhaps, if you cannot cope with that, you should go looking for a new little friend to play with. I'm sure you will find one with a bit less responsibility, and a bit more free time."
Remus just stared. This was not the Sirius Black he knew.
"Sirius," he whispered, "please tell me that you didn't mean any of what you just said."
Black just looked at him coolly. "I meant every word of it, Lupin."
"So it's Lupin to you now, is it?"
For a moment they stood there, silent, just gazing into each other's eyes.
It was that moment when Remus Lupin, after years of getting cold looks and being avoided by his best friend, decided to let go. He had always tried to be a good friend for Sirius, he had always been there, he had always tried to cheer him up. Now, Sirius had made it clear that he didn't want any cheering up, or anyone other than those stupid aurors around him.
'Fine with me.' Remus thought. 'You want to push me away? That's your decision, and I must accept it. I'm okay with it. I will give up fighting for you. Just rot in your bitterness, Black. Just stay what you are now, I don't mind. But I know that you will regret it, eventually.'
When Remus finally spoke, there was none of the pain, betrayal and sadness that he felt in his voice.
"If that's how you want it, I'll have to accept it. And you know what? I think I'll take your advice and seek the company of others. . . not necessarily with more free time, but with a friendlier attitude. But I want to tell you something, too: You ought to keep some true friends next to all the false ones you collect, or you might find yourself all alone if you ever need someone."
With that he walked off, fast.
** +++++ **
Harry and Snape stared at the Gryffindor coloured book.
"Potter. . . I don't think that this is normal, even for a magical book."
"I know." Harry answered. "But I've seen this before."
"Where?"
"Tom Riddle's diary."
Of course, Snape knew about that incident with the Chamber of Secrets in Harry's second year, and its background. Albus had told him all about it, and though he had never shown it to anyone - least of all Potter -, he was quite impressed with how the twelve year old boy had taken out a Basilisk with nothing but a sword. . . and the help of Dumbledore's Phoenix.
Harry grabbed the feather he'd been writing with and dipped it into another bottle of ink. Snape watched, startled, as he began to write into the empty- paged book.
'Hello. Who are you?'
"Why did you do. . ." Snape started to say, but stopped immediately as an answer appeared:
'I want to know your name before I give you mine.'
Harry looked at Snape, who looked a bit shocked. "You said that Riddle's diary worked the same way?"
"Yes. Shall I give him my name?"
Snape thought about it. . . "Yes. . . I don't think that could do any harm."
Harry wrote: 'My name is Harry Potter'
'Did you open this book?'
'Yes'
'Then you are my heir. Only my heir can open this book.'
'Who are you?'
'I am Godric Gryffindor'
Harry stared at the book. Snape stared at Harry. For both, these news had been totally unexpected.
After a while, Harry looked up at Snape.
"I am the heir of Gryffindor!" he whispered.
Snape offered a short smile, imagining what it must be like to suddenly find out that you are the heir of a person like Godric Gryffindor.
"That seems so, Potter. Always in for a surprise, aren't you? But this, I think, is a good one. If you can. . . chat. . . to Godric Gryffindor all you want. . . Imagine, Potter. The knowledge of Godric Gryffindor. This might be the key to destroying the Dark Lord."
Harry slowly nodded. Then he turned back to the book.
'I am glad to get to know you, Godric. I have a big problem here which I am sure you can help me with.'
** +++++ **
"My loyal Deatheaters."
The kneeling figures bowed their heads in 'respect', making sure not to move or to make too much noise, by breathing too loudly.
"It is getting time, my followers. I am very strong now, we can set the plan into action. We will take over Hogwarts. It will not be long, and the worthy ones will rule the world. All mudbloods and all in our way will get what they deserve. But first. . . there is one more little problem so solve."
He laid in a dramatic pause, sending shivers down the spines of every single Deatheater.
"There are certain. . . individuals. . . that I want to know taken care of first. The most important one being Harry Potter."
The Deatheaters wondered what their 'master' had in mind this time.
"We shall get them all, and we shall get them all at once. I have the plan already figured out. We will. . . kidnap. . . certain people. Knowing Fudge, the blame will be put onto Potter."
The monster smirked. "An interesting side effect, isn't it? Anyway. . . Potter, being the perfect hero that he is, will of course come to their rescue. I do not doubt that he will manage somehow, that annoying tick. And when he comes. . . I will be here, as will you. Potter will never return, never get into the way again. Any objections to the plan?"
Those who were confident that the 'Boy-Who-Lived' would somehow find a way to escape again - because he always did - didn't dare to say anything.
"Good." Voldemort hissed. "Now, for carrying it out. I think that we have just the perfect person to do this. Draco!"
"Y. . . yes, my Lord?"
Draco crawled nearer to his 'master' not once raising his head to look into those cruel red eyes.
"This is a list of people who I want here. Bring me one each day, in the exact order on the list. You will start tomorrow. Bring them here by portkey, and be careful not to attract any attention to yourself. Will that be a problem?"
"No, my Lord."
"Good. See that it won't, or the consequences will be yours to bear."
"Yes, my Lord."
Voldemort handed other lists to other people, giving them the same instructions.
"Meeting dismissed. I will see you here tomorrow, together with our new. . . guests. You can look forward to it. . . for I think that I will let you spend some time with them."
"Thank you, my Lord." The Deatheaters chorused, then apparated away.
** +++++ **
Hermione was just turning to leave when she noticed Draco walking up towards the castle - from Hogsmeade.
"Where the hell have you been?! I've been waiting for you out here in the snow for half an hour!" she called as the man approached.
"I'm sorry." he muttered, his voice weak. "I had to. . . business, you know."
"Business?! What sort of business does a man like you have in Hogsmeade. . ."
Her expression turned from furious to shocked and concerned when Draco looked up from the ground and met her gaze for the first time. "My God, Draco, what's wrong with you? You're deathly pale!"
Draco was shaking. "I've just. . . had a very bad day. I don't. . . want to talk about it. . . please. . ."
Hermione had never seen him so upset, so out of control. She wondered what the hell had just happened to him in Hogsmeade of all places, but if he didn't want to talk about what was on his mind, she would respect that.
"Come on, we'll get back to the castle." she said.
Draco just nodded, and together they walked in silence all the way, he breathing rather shakily, shivers running through him occasionally, and she with her arm around his shoulder, giving him wordless support that he appreciated more than he could show.
Though his mind was still full of the meeting he had just attended, Draco enjoyed the moment, just being close to her, without having to explain himself.
But then, he thought, he'd never be able to tell her what was troubling his mind, because he was sure that if she knew what he was, what he had done and was he was about to do for his master the next day, she would hate him.
He would lose her, and he couldn't afford to be alone again.
Hermione stayed with him until they were standing in front of his private rooms, in the dungeons. After they had said goodnight to each other, Draco whispered a soft "Thank you" and went straight to bed, knowing what he would dream about that night. But he didn't have a choice, he had to do what his master wanted. And he'd do it early. Having to think about what he had just done was a bit easier than having to think about what he had to do.
** +++++ **
Next morning. Remus Lupin was standing in the snow at the frozen lake, watching the sun rise. He hadn't got much sleep, but he didn't feel very tired at all. Well, not physically anyway.
Remus had spent most of the last night thinking about what had happened to the man he had used to call his best friend in life. He doubted that Sirius would ever come back to his old self, that their relationship would ever become what it used to be. And one thing was clear.
If Sirius ever decided that he wanted Remus' friendship again, he would have to give him a huge apology first.
Remus didn't move as somebody walked up from behind him, and he didn't turn around as the person was standing directly behind him.
"You're up very early, Lupin. Had a bad night?"
Lupin nodded, recognising the man's voice. "Yes. . . a lot to think about."
"So had I. Very much to think about indeed. And I came to a result after thinking through things for a long time. Do you know what that result is?"
Remus shrugged, wondering why the man was telling him all this.
"The result of all problems is, Lupin, that when something is really bothering you, you must find a way to accept it, or it will crush you. You need to accept things, sometimes. Do you understand that, Lupin?"
Remus was a bit confused. "Yes. . . I guess I understand that in some situations you must just accept things and go on."
"Good." The man said, his voice strangely emotionless. "I'm glad you understand. It makes things a lot easier for me, you know, knowing that you understand."
Remus didn't have a clue what he had meant by that last sentence, so he said nothing.
"I don't know why he chose you. I've been wondering about that, too. Perhaps he thinks that choosing you will hurt Black a lot. Because hurting the Ministry, and the general public of course, is all he wants. Or perhaps he just thinks that you're the perfect man for this because you're so average on the one hand, and on the other hand, so. . . loyal, and innocent. Everybody will grieve about you once it's public, you know. And they'll hate Potter even more. Another thing he'll like."
Now Remus turned around. "What are you talking about?"
"You won't be alone, you know. There'll be several. Several innocents, that will make the public grieve. The newspapers will have a lot to do. But think of it this way. . . you won't be alone."
He pulled out something from a pocket of his pants. A galleon.
"Can you see this, Lupin? I charmed it, just for you. Spent a lot of energy on it. And yet, it won't be of any use to you. Ridiculous, isn't it?"
Remus' emotion turned from utter confusion to concern for the man before him, who was doing and talking complete nonsense.
"What the hell are you talking about, Malfoy? Are you feeling alright?"
Malfoy laughed, making Remus frown.
"No, Remus, I'm not feeling alright. My master makes sure I can never feel alright. And he'll be doing you that favour, too."
He tossed the galleon in his hand - which was gloved - over to Remus.
"Catch"
** +++++ **
Author's Note:
Cliffhangers Rule!!!
Here we go again. A bit of action, a bit of angst and even a little hint of romance. I hope you liked it; I certainly was satisfied, though it's shorter most. So Draco has started to fulfil his terrible task, Sirius is being more of a git than ever, a lot of Remus (as I promised) and of course, Harry and our dearest Snape. Hope you like where this is going.
I'm sorry that I haven't updated for so long (though you'll probably have got used to it by now), but I've been having a lot on my mind lately (I've got this big plan, you know, but I'll tell you all about that once everything is certain).
I was asked if I had any recommendations for 'Harry-wrongfully-accused- fics'. I have. The best I've read so far is "Betrayed" by "kateydidnt". A brilliant fic. So go and read. . . but not before you have reviewed this one!!!
Thank you,
OTTILCHEN