Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am just borrowing the characters for some fun.

Warning: This story will contain swearing, scenes of torture and sexual innuendo. Eventual Slash.

Summary: Nothing is going to plan. The order is three days late to pick him up and Lucius Malfoy has somehow managed to get out of Azkaban. Remus always wants to talk, but Harry can't bring himself to even think of what happened in June. It was time to face facts: Harry's life belongs to the cause and his own feelings don't matter. Begins after Order of the Phoenix. Eventual Slash.

Chapter 36: A New Perspective

"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, but the Headmaster has denied your request to have a Beltane ritual." Said McGonagall. "Professor Dumbledore does not think it is a good idea."

Harry leaned forward. "What do you mean? Does he know that Draco and Professor Snape think that it will help bring the neutral people to our side?"

"I explained your goal, and he disagrees that it will make a difference. He believes that this may actually push people towards He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named." Her face was pinched.

Harry glared. "That's stupid. They need to know that our side is accepting of the traditional magic."

McGonagall sighed, opened her desk drawer and pulled out a tin of cookies. She held it out to Harry. "Eat a cookie, Potter."

"I'm not hungry, thanks." Said Harry in confusion.

She stared at him and gestured with the tin until he slowly took a shortbread. It was only when he took a bite that she continued to speak. "It is his decision and he say's no. He believes that this brings attention to the traditional magic that we are trying to distance ourselves from. This school has not had a Beltane ritual since before he was the headmaster. His decision is final."

Harry angrily shoved the rest of the cookie in his mouth. "He's wrong. This is so stupid. Thanks for nothing professor."

He stood and stormed out of the room. He was surprised that she let him get away with talking to her like that, but her pinched face and reluctant tone made him think that his head of house agreed with him.

Draco ran up to him as he walked. "Well what did she say?"

"She said that Dumbledore doesn't want us to do it." Harry growled.

"What!" Draco looked angry now too. "Did she explain to him that he will get support from the neutrals?"

"Yes and apparently he thinks it will make people more likely to join Voldemort because it shows people how important the traditional magic is." They were still walking at a brisk pace towards the dungeons as they spoke.

Draco touched Harry's arm and made him slow. "That's stupid. I'm sorry Harry I thought it was a good idea. I always knew Dumbledore was an idiot, but this is…." He sighed. "I guess we'll find some other way for them to join."

Harry stopped all together and looked at Draco with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I said that Dumbledore doesn't want us to do it, I didn't say we weren't doing it."

Harry had become famous for breaking the rules. It was about time he did for something bigger than himself. If he could get one person to reconsider their place in the war it was worth it.

Draco smirked back. "We're doing it anyway?"

"Definitely." Harry smiled. "I'm going to need your parents help to teach me the spell. Probably best not to tell Snape, he'll side with Dumbledore."

Draco nodded. "They'll help. I'll just ask Severus if I can use his office to meet with them, I'm sure he'll let me. We'll need four people to be the elemental anchors. I have done water before."

"I can do one one if they teach me how. Maybe I can ask some of the purebloods to do the others." Said Harry thoughtfully. "Do you think that Terry could do one? He seems to know a lot about the old rites."

"Boot probably could be helpful." Said Draco. "He's a half blood but one of his ancestors was related to Slytherin, so that side of his family is still pretty traditional."

"Slytherin? Really?" Said Harry, surprised.

"Well, Webster Boot was Isolt Sayre's adopted son. So they're not blood related." The blond said smoothly. " Father taught me all the ancestry of the old families."

"Okay." Harry trusted that Draco knew these kinds of things in and out. This was Lucius Malfoy they were talking about. "So assuming he will do it, we just need one more person. I'm sure we can find someone, I'll ask around."

"We only have 4 days to plan this." Draco looked contemplative. "We'll need to do it by the lake. I'll start spreading the word in Slytherin."

"I'll go spread the word in Gryffindor." Harry smiled. It was exhilarating planning things with Draco. He finally felt like he was making plans in the war and not just sitting back idly. And he was excited for the ceremony. The rush of magic he had experienced at Christmas had been like nothing else he had every felt before. He could only imagine how powerful it would be with many of the Hogwarts students taking part. "I guess I'll see you later. Maybe we can meet in Ingenium after dinner?"

Draco nodded. It was that awkward 2 hours after classes and before dinner. "I'll go message Father."

They didn't dare kiss in the hallway, even if it was empty, but Harry chanced brushing his knuckles across Draco's leg. "See you later then."

"Later, Potter." The Slytherin winked and turned on his heel.

Harry had an extra spring in his step as he made his way to the Gryffindor Common room. He was doing something. He was being proactive for once instead of waiting for something to happen to him.

The common room was full of Gryffindors relaxing and Harry found Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny sitting at a table by the stairs to the girls dorm. He pulled up a chair and sat down.

"You look happy." Said Ginny.

Ron gave him a horrified look. "We don't want to know why."

Harry rolled his eyes. Things had been tense between Ron and him ever since he had learned that Draco was his boyfriend. Ron hadn't dared suggest that Harry was under a spell again, but Harry knew that his best friend was still questioning things. An idea struck him and he looked at Ginny and Ron. "Do either of you know how to do the Beltane ritual?"

"No." Said Ginny. "Our parents tried to do it a few times but they could never get Fred and George to sit still long enough. We haven't done it in years."

"I can do it." Said Neville. "Gran's pretty traditional. Why?"

Harry's smile go wider. "Perfect. Would you be willing to help with something? I want to do a Beltane ritual in a few days." Harry quickly explained what they were up to. "We can show them that our side doesn't mean rejecting the old magic."

Neville looked contemplative for a moment. "I'm in."

"Wait a second. What does Professor Dumbledore say?" Said Hermione, frowning. "What if this just makes people think that these old rituals are important, and pushes them towards Voldemort? They're for show mostly anyway. I've read about them, and we stopped doing them at Hogwarts years ago."

"Have you ever participated in a magic ritual before?" Said Harry, side stepping her first question on purpose.

"No, but I read-"

"Come and see it Saturday. If you still don't like it and feel nothing we can debate it then." Said Harry with finality knowing that nothing would stop Hermione's support of a book except personal experience.

She sighed. "Okay, but I'm not sure it will do anything."

"Just come and see." Insisted Harry.

"I've always enjoyed the rituals." Said Neville. "The feeling in the airs is just...wow."

"Can you do the earth element? We need an anchor. I'm doing air and Draco is doing water. I want to ask Terry Boot to do fire."

"Sure." Said Neville. "I've done it before. Terry will probably be able to do fire."

"Great." Harry gave a wide smile to his friends. "Hermione do you think I could borrow some of those books you've read about ritual magic? I only have 4 days to learn this."

She laughed. "I'll get them for you from the library."

"This is going to be amazing!"

HPHPHPH

"This is going to be a disaster." Said Harry 4 days later. He was standing by the lake 15 minutes before they had said they would start the ritual with Neville, Draco and Terry. The nerves had kicked in. He wasn't sure he could do it. If he messed up the incantation even a little bit it would not work. A sizable amount of students had begun milling about. Word had quickly spread that Harry Potter was organizing a Beltane ritual and people seemed curious to see if it was true. A group of particularly critical Slytherins, Pansy Parkinson in the lead, were glaring at him.

"You know the spell inside and out." Said Draco, he looked handsome in his white robes. "Boot, why don't you start lighting the fire. Longbottom, you can put out the incense."

It had taken some work for Harry to convince Draco that Neville could do the spell but finally he had relented when Harry had insisted. When the others backed away his boyfriend moved forward slightly so no one could hear them.

"It will be fine. You can do this." Draco whispered. "Mother was impressed by how quickly you picked it up."

"Really?" Said Harry

"Really. Relax and enjoy this." Draco gave him a little smile before turning away from him and speaking to the crowd that had gathered. "If any of you would like to join in the ritual please begin to sit and meditate. You can join in later if you want, but we will not break the central circle, so only those who want to stay the whole time should sit now."

Harry looked pleadingly at Ron, Hermione and Ginny and they all sat down in front of the insene. Pansy whispered something to the Slytherins, they snickered and then moved to sit as well. He saw Luna come over and take a seat, moving as if she was already in her meditation. Other members of the DA and friends of Terry were the next to follow suit. Some of the younger years stood back, ready to watch. When Harry saw that everything was ready he moved forward to take his seat between Neville and Draco. The warm fire was dancing in the middle of the circle. Harry could swear that the wind already felt more restless, as if it knew what was coming.

"Thank you for coming today." Said Harry, He and Draco had rehearsed this part. "Over the last year I have learnt a lot about traditional magic and I believe it is an important part of our heritage that every witch and wizard should share in. I organized this to introduce this ritual to the muggleborns and to let the more traditional of us partake in an important part of our culture." He smiled nervously, it was dead silent. "Okay, so please start your meditation now, I will start the spell in a moment. If any of the bystanders wish to join as we go, please create another circle around us. Those of you that are in the circle now, cannot leave without breaking the spell. Thank you."

Harry closed his eyes and tried to settle his hammering heart. He was sure some of the Slytherins were smirking. He could feel Hermione's scepticism as well. He wished he could hold Draco's hand. Pushing all his worries aside he focused on the feeling of his magic curing through him, it was second nature now. When he felt more steady he began to chant.

The moment the incantation began he knew that everything would be fine. The words flowed out of him instinctually and the wind picked up to meet him. Within moments Draco, Terry and Neville's steady voices joined him. There seemed to be a moment of wonder from the others and then he could hear other voices join them. Feeling more comfortable Harry opened his eyes to focus his gaze on the fire that was dancing in front of him. It was shifting and changing colors in response to the swift latin. He could also hear the sounds of the lake, which had been calm moments ago, begin rushing. Most impressive of all was the buds that began appearing on the nearby trees.

Harry locked into the magic and let it flow through him. He lost track of time and place. He totally lost himself to the elements and their magic. His magic was responding even more strongly than it had at Christmas. This time, he was the one who led the change in rhythm. When the chant changed, he swiftly reached for his magic and pushed outwards. His six colored ball spun into existence. Beside him he could see the silver, turquoise, black and blinding white light of Draco's magic come to life. To his left Neville's magic rose up to meet him with reds, blues, yellows and a base of grey. Harry briefly registered that other beautiful balls of lights were manifesting around the circle. The smirk had been wiped of the Slytherin's faces and they were focused on their own display of magic. Hermione's face was slack with awe and she started at her own ball of purple and yellow.

The latin sped up. It was running out of his mouth now without a chance to think. The displays of power moved inward and began to spin together. Mysteriously a ball zoomed over his shoulder. It seemed like others had joined them in a larger circle around them. The wind was frantic now. His hair was blowing everywhere and Harry could not even hear himself speaking. The fire had grown to be taller than them standing up. The smell of incense spurred him forward.

And then the words changed cadance again and the magic spread outward in the most beautiful dome of magic that Harry had ever seen. It had every color, in every shade and looked like blown glass. The dome moved out until it encompassed them all. Flowers bloomed and the trees exploded with greenery. Nothing mattered but the here and now and the display of how powerful they all were together.

After an entity, that also somehow did not feel long enough, the chanting slowed. The wind calmed. The rushing of the water was replaced with a stillness, and the fire shrunk. Finally, with a nod from Harry, they all stopped.

For a moment no one moved. It felt as if they were invigorated. Alive again. Everyone looked shocked and delighted. Harry looked around and noticed that he had been right. Other students had made another large circle around them. He was sitting at the centre of 3 concentric circles. Slytherins, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws alike were smiling and looking around in awe.

"Harry Potter, Come with me this instant."

That broke the spell. That broke the magic. Dumbledore was standing outside of the circles, looking as disappointed and displeased as Harry had ever seen him. Professor McGonagall was standing next to him looking stern. Harry looked at Draco who, who rolled his eyes and mouthed 'Snape's office after'. Harry slowly stood and began to walk towards his teachers. Whispers erupted around the circles and people began to move. Ron was giving him a concerned look and the Slytherin's seemed to be having an intense discussion.

By the time he stood in front of Dumbledore the whispering had turned into loud discussions. McGonagall motioned for him to follow her and they began walking briskly towards the castle.

Harry trailed behind them. He wasn't sure how to feel. Sure he had broken their rules, but that had been amazing. His magic felt renewed and he felt more complete. It was by far one of the most impactful displays of magic he had ever taken part in. This magic was old and it spoke to the soul. And somehow he felt more connected to his class mates. He felt like their colors told him something. Most people only had 2 or 3, but they were beautiful and everyone's was different. If Dumbledore wanted him to feel bad, then it was just not going to happen.

Finally they made it to the gargoyle statue. It jumped out of the way for the Headmaster without a password and McGonagall motioned for Harry to follow him. By the time Harry got to the office Dumbledore was seated behind his desk with a piercing stare. He took a seat in one of the chairs and McGonagall stood to Dumbledore's left.

"Mr. Potter, What part of the conversation we had did you fail to understand?" barked his head of house. "I thought I made it very clear that you did not have the Headmaster's permission to perform this ritual."

Harry licked his lips. He didn't feel sorry, but McGonagall snapping at him and the disappointed look in Dumbledore's eyes still got to him. "You did make it clear."

"And yet you went ahead with your plans anyway?" She questioned.

Harry looked at the floor and nodded.

"Harry, look at me please."

He looked up into the eyes of the Headmaster and had to fight the urge to look away. Dumbledore looked pissed.

"I am very displeased." Said the Headmaster with weight in his voice. "Not only did you disobey myself and your head of house willfully, but your actions probably hurt the Order in its war effort. I have worked very hard to distance the wizarding world, and by extension this school, from the archaic pureblood rites. Most of these are purely rituals and do not have a practical use, but they look impressive. What you did today may have handed Voldemort more supporters. He is well known for his love of the old ways, and I am in direct opposition to that. You have pushed some of your classmates towards him unwillingly."

Harry glared at that. Why was he so against the old ways? "That's not true. This is old magic for a reason. I felt the power today and I felt how powerful we were together. Being on our side should not mean giving up traditions, it should just mean that you believe that muggleborns are equal."

Dumbledore's face twitched. "I fear I have let you spend too much time with the Malfoys. Do not be confused Harry, embracing tradition inherently means that you believe that muggleborns have no place in our society."

"You let me spend time with them?" Harry glared. " Well it's a damn good thing that they did because now I know defense and I know occlumency, no thanks to you. It's not like you were planning on doing anything. And just because I like the rites does not mean I think Hermione deserves to die. She's still the cleverest witch I've ever met and my best friend."

"That is not how it works, Harry." Dumbledore's face was hard. "I can see now that the Malfoys have been grooming you. They may not be on Voldemort's side anymore but they are seduced by the power of the old rites. You do not know what powers you meddle with . Did you even realise that the castles wards were affected by what you did this afternoon?"

That made his pause. " We hurt the wards?" Harry whispered.

Dumbledore looked away momentarily and Harry felt his intuition click into over drive.

"Did we hurt the wards, sir?" He asked with more force.

Dumbledore looked back with hard eyes. "The wards will be fine."

"You didn't really answer the question. Did the ritual hurt them?" Said Harry. If he was right Dumbledore was being awful Slytherin.

"You strengthened them, Potter." Said McGonagall. Dumbledore was giving her a look of reproach, but she continued. "They became visible for a moment and when your dome dissipated the magic added to the castles protections."

Harry twisted his lips in grim satisfaction. "So you're complaining that we made the castle safer? Are you serious?"

Dumbledore was so mad that you could feel the magic cackle around him, but it didn't deter Harry. He planted his feet and glared him down. His hands were gripped so tightly Harry could feel his nails biting into his palms. He was sick of being manipulated. He wouldn't be passive anymore.

"Harry, you do not understand what you have done!" Barked Dumbledore, with surprising fury.

Harry jumped up. "I understand, but I fucking well don't understand your problem."

"Language." Snapped McGonagall.

Dumbledore was glaring. "You put our whole side of the war at risk."

"That's bullshit." Harry almost felt like destroying his office again. "Maybe if we don't seem so against the old ways some of the purebloods will want to be on our think you want to destroy their way of life."

"If their way of life includes hurting others then it deserves to be destroyed. Do not be naive, Harry." Dumbledore had reigned in some of his anger and looked disappointed again. "I thought you had matured enough to understand this."

"I've matured enough to understand that you're trying to control me!" Yelled Harry. "You didn't hide the prophecy to protect me, you hid it from me so that you could tell me what to do! You make no sense. So what I did the Beltane rite? That doesn't mean I want to get rid of the muggleborns. And maybe there's something too all this if it actually strengthens the wards! You Just don't like that I didn't do what you said and that I have my own opinion about things now. And you especially don't like that I am right!"

"Mr. Potter, You are on very thin ice." Said McGonagall. "I would advise you to watch how you speak to the Headmaster."

"I have tried to protect you, Harry." Said Dumbledore, and there was that sad look on his face. The same face he had when he told Harry that Sirius was dead.

"Protect me?" Said Harry in a deathly whisper, his anger only intensifying. "Protect me by not giving me defense classes? Protect me by letting me be in the Triwizard Tournament even though I didn't put myself in? Protect me by keeping me in the dark about the Horcruxes? Protect me by suggesting that I save Sirius from a horde of dementors? Should I continue? How exactly have you protected me? I see it's gone really well because every year I seem to be fucked by Voldemort right under your nose!"

"Detention, Mr. Potter." Said McGonagall, looking white, but sounding just as firm as always.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine. Whatever. I don't care and I'm done."

He spun on his heel and marched towards the door. Part of him was worried that Dumbledore would lock him in again but the doorknob turned at his touch. He didn't pause to consider what he was doing, he just charged down the stairs and out into the corridor. He stalked the whole way to the dungeons.

By the time he made it to the entrance of the potions classroom he had settled into a calm determination. He couldn't hear the others inside, but that didn't surprise him, they would use a silencing charm of course. Harry moved into the classroom and moved towards the light under the office door. Sure enough, Narcissa and Lucius were seated on the small couch and Snape was behind his desk. Draco was perched on the arm chair and jumped up upon seeing Harry.

"You look pissed." Said Draco, "It went that well?"

"I am done being controlled." Said Harry with finality. "Dumbledore's pissed that we strengthened the bloody wards."

"I imagine he is upset that you disobeyed him." Snape had an eyebrow raised.

"Well, he's going to have to deal with it." Harry crossed his arms. "He has some stupid idea that I pushed people towards Voldemort because now they know how powerful the old rites are."

"Nonsense." Said Lucius. "You have given those who appreciate the old ways another place to go rather then right into the Dark Lord's arms."

"Harry, That was amazing!" Draco reached out to him and squeezed his shoulder. "Really amazing. I think most of the school was there in the end. I heard some of the Slytherins talking; they were seriously impressed. I'll be surprised if you don't get approached by the end of the week."

Harry smiled at Draco's enthusiasm. "I hope so. I want to give them another option. I think I understand why some many purebloods don't like Dumbledore now. But it doesn't have to be Dumbledore or Voldemort. There should be another option."

"That is quite wise for a 16 year old." Said Narcissa. She was smiling. "Draco say's you performed the spell perfectly."

Harry heart soared at the praise. "I just seemed to know it. It was like I did not even have to think about the words, they just flowed."

"That does sound like you did it admirably then." Narcissa said.

"Speaking of old rites," Said Snape, "I have yet to hear back from your relatives to organize a pick up for the Ingenium."

Harry tensed. How could he go from so happy to so mad so quickly? He had sent the damn letter weeks ago. It wasn't his fault that they weren't fond of owls, or magic for that matter. If Snape thought he would get the Dursleys to come to Hogwarts he was dreaming. "I sent the a letter, but they don't like owls."

"They have not responded to you?" Snape's voice had an edge to it. "And you did not think to mention it?"

"No." Harry looked away and crossed his arms. "They won't want to come to Hogwarts; I know them. But it's not a big deal. I means it's not like my mum was even really a Potter by blood, so I can't inherit from her anyway."

"Oh really." Snape sounded like a viper ready to pounce. "And you did not think it important to explain your entirely idiotic conclusions to those who were preparing you for the rite?"

"How is it idiotic?" Said Harry, frustrated again. "Her maiden name is Evans. She wasn't born a Potter. So why should the Dursleys even need to be there?"

"What do you know of wizarding marriage?" Said Lucius.

Harry snorted and shook his head. "Two people love each other and get married. I know that much."

"Of course." Said Narcissa, she gave Snape and Lucius a look that told them to back off. "But a traditional wizarding marriage entails more than that. There is a spell and a potion. Blood is exchanged. I am quite literally a Malfoy by blood now. Lucius and I are bound for life as are our family heritages. I take on the Malfoy history, and Lucius takes on the Black family ancestry. It is almost impossible to divorce with a traditional wizarding marriage. Your mother was a Potter in more than name."

Harry felt like he couldn't breathe. All his frustration had been replaced by fear. "So I need a family member from my mom's side even though she's a Potter by marriage?"

"Precisely, Potter." Snape's dark eyes were on him again. "Which is why your aunt's presence is imperative. We don't have any family from your father's side as it is, so we are hoping that Lupins close relationship with him will satisfy the spell. But we need your aunt there for your mother's side of things."

He licked him lips and looked at the floor. "Well you can forget about that then. She won't come to Hogwarts."

"Of course she'll come!" Said Draco, his voice sounded kind. "I know she's a muggle and they usually can't see Hogwarts but there are ways around that. The Ingenium is a big deal, your family will want to be there."

Harry shook his head. He didn't know how to respond to Draco. How could he explain that his family hated him? That his family wanted nothing to do with him? Draco's parents loved him; they loved him so much they had changed sides in a war for him. They loved him so much that the biggest thing Draco ever complained about was that Lucius wanted him to do too well. Harry's family wasn't like that- not at all.

"Need I remind you what is at stake here, Potter?" hiss Snape. "If you do not inherit your powers, then the prophecy cannot be fulfilled, or do you think you can fight him off now?"

Harry couldn't look up. He stared at the ground. Of course he knew the stakes. If he didn't do Ingenium then he was as good as dead. But unfortunately for them, Aunt Petunia probably wanted him dead. She hated him more than she cared about the fate of the wizarding world. There was no way in hell she would come to Hogwarts. "I know."

He heard a chair scrape back and looked up to see Snape putting on his cloak and grabbing his jar of floo powder.

"What are you doing?" Said Harry.

"We are going to solve this now, Potter." Said Snape, he threw a bit of powder into the hearth so it turned green "Get in."

"Where are we going?" Harry eyed the man, unsure if he wanted to listen.

"I should think that is obvious. We are paying your relatives a visit." Snape was looking at him in challenge. "Get. In."

His shoes suddenly felt weighed down by bricks. Narcissa and Lucius looked happy to let Snape take care of things.

"Go on, Harry." Draco was smiling at him. "They're muggles right? It will be easier to explain in person."

Harry almost laughed at that, but he didn't have the heart to explain it. Snape would see, so what? Snape had never liked him anyway, even if he had been halfway decent this year. He would probably bond with the Dursleys over how much they hated him.

"Fine." He bit out. "But they're not connected to the Floo."

"Yell out for Arabella Figg's residence." Instructed Snape.

Harry sighed. "Arabella Figg's house."

He was spat out on the hearth of Ms. Figg's living room. He was getting better at managing floo travel, but he still ended up on all fours. 3 sets of cat eyes were staring at him judgingly from the couch.

"Harry dear, I wasn't expecting you." Ms. Figg was coming back into the room with a glass of water and a book. Harry stood hurriedly and tried to brush the soot off.

Snape chose that moment to materialize in the fire and step out imposingly. "We are in a rush this afternoon. We needed to use your floo for Order business. Let's go, Potter."

Harry trailed behind him quietly and Ms. Figg made assurances that they could use her fireplace anytime. He felt like he was going to see the executioner.

The beauty of the day was in sharp contrast to his mood. It was a bit chilly, but spring had definitely begun. The grass was a bright green from all the rain from the past week, but today the sun had finally decided to come out of hiding. It was Saturday afternoon, so some families were out going for a walk or mowing the lawn. No one paid them any mind, which made Harry wonder if Snape had cast a notice me not charm. His teacher wasn't exactly unremarkable in his long teaching robes.

They arrived at number 4 far too quickly for Harry's comfort. Snape did not pause in his stride and Harry was forced to follow. The potions master was knocking on the door before he even had a chance to make it up the walk.

"Dudley, dear, would you get the door for mummy?" They heard Aunt Petunia say.

"I'm busy!"

The TV was blaring with the sound of the news.

After a several moments the door swung open to reveal his aunt wiping her hands on an apron. She froze at the sight to them. "What are you doing here? Aren't you meant to be at that freaky school for another 2 months?"

"Hello, Aunt Petunia." Said Harry, despondently.

"We need to speak to you about something urgent." Said Snape, stiffly. It was downright polite for Snape.

His aunt's eyes narrowed. "You're that horrible boy! I remember you. Figures you would be with the freak. Get off my property now. I'll pick him up in 2 months, but I'll not put up with him until then."

Harry eyed Snape. He knew Aunt Petunia? Well that was new. She went to shut the door, but Snape's hand reached out and held it open. With his other arm he had drawn his wand. "Let us in, Petunia. Now."

Her face lost its color upon seeing the wand and she stepped back. Snape pushed past her and Harry followed. Oh God, it's Saturday. Uncle Vernon must be home…

Right on cue, his uncle came waddling out of the living room. He was in his sweat pants and carried a beer. His face went red with rage when he saw them. "Get out of my house! This freak is not our problem for another 2 months."

Harry glanced at Snape. He wondered if the man had realised yet that it would be impossible to get the Dursley's to Hogwarts unless they kidnapped them, but his teacher's face was impossible to read.

"You wanted to talk, so talk." Aunt Petunia had shut the door and was standing by the door with her arms crossed.

Snape's mouth twisted and his eyes took in the pictures in the hallway and the pink wallpaper. "Potter say's he sent you a letter and you did not respond."

"Like we give two twits what the boy has to say." yelled Uncle Vernon. "He's your problem now, not ours. You'll pay for that owl business this summer, Boy."

"You did not read it." Hissed Snape.

Aunt Petunia lifted her chin. "Why should I? As Vernon said he's your problem now. We don't deal with his unnaturalness any more then we have to."

Snape looked like he was fighting an internal battle to hex them. "Your presence is required at Hogwarts next month for a ceremony."

Harry couldn't look away. It was like watching a car crash. He had never thought of Snape as an optimist, but if he thought that they would agree to come to his school he was dreaming.

"Not bloody likely!" Shrieked Uncle Vernon. "We'll not go anywhere near that ruddy school!"

"If you do not, your nephew will not receive his inheritance and will likely be killed." Snape's voice was clipped.

"What's that got to do with us?" Said his Aunt Petunia. "It's your lots job to protect him, not ours. I'll have no part in any unnatural ceremony. The way I see it is the boy was meant to die when he was a child anyway, and it would have been a lot less trouble for us if he had."

Harry winced and looked at the floor. He should have expected that, but it had been a while since she had been so blunt. When he was a child she had liked to remind him that he should have died often, but she had backed off at the Orders warning. And really he shouldn't care anymore, but it still stung.

He looked up at the bang that followed. Snape had physically pinned his aunt against the wall.

Vernon started shrieking. "Get off her, you freak! Get off my property! I'll call the police!"

Snape nudged Petunia with the tip of his wand. "Give me one reason, muggle."

Vernon stilled.

Harry stared. Was Snape standing up for him?

His aunt Petunia somehow looked terrified and furious at the same time. "Let me go."

"Legilimens," Hissed Snape.

Harry's heart threatened to beat out of his chest. This couldn't be good. Snape looked ready to kill someone. He had never even looked at Harry like that. Sure, he hated the Dursley's, but he didn't want them dead. "Sir, we should leave. Let's just leave."

Snape stayed in her mind for another few more moments and then abruptly let her go. Petunia crumpled onto the floor. Vernon seemed to be unable to decide if he should try to help her up or not. Snape was breathing heavily and was glaring at the spot where Petunia's head had been.

"Sir?" Said Harry tentatively

Snape spun and yanked open the door. "We're leaving, Potter."

Harry rushed to follow. You didn't need to tell him twice.

Snape walked across the street like a hurricane. He didn't even acknowledge Ms. Figg as he walked through her house and disappeared into her floo. Harry gave her a tense smile and then rushed to follow.

When he landed on the hearth in Snape's office, the potions master was standing behind his desk with his back to the room. Narcissa and Lucius were giving their friend curious looks. Draco came over to help him stand up.

"I'm going to have to teach how to use a floo one of these day." Said Draco with a laugh. "This is going to stop being fun to watch soon."

Harry gave a weak smile and stood up. He felt emotionally wrung out.

"Is everything settled then?" Said Lucius, seeming to read the room much better then his son.

"They will not be coming to Hogwarts." Said Snape in a deathly whisper. "I will stand in for Lily."

Harry sucked in a breath. Remus had told him that Snape had been friends with his mom, but this was the first time that his teacher had acknowledged it in front of him. They must have been very close if Snape thought he would be a good stand in for family.

"Your families not coming?" Said Draco. He sounded surprised.

"No." Harry could not keep the annoyance out of his voice. He didn't want to talk about this. "They don't want to come to Hogwarts. I told you they won't."

"But it's your ingenium!" Said Draco aghast. "You should have your family there. You probably didn't explain right. You should try to talk to them again."

"Draco." His mother looked at him meaningfully and shook her head.

But Draco didn't take the hint. It was something Harry loved about Draco, he would fight for what he believed in, and there was nothing Draco believed in more than family. But right at that moment Harry needed him to stop. Harry felt like his stomach was twisted into knots and he couldn't figure out how to feel or what to think.

"No, mother, it's not right." Said Draco, taking on the aristocratic lilt that became more pronounced when he was upset. "It's his Ingenium his family should be there. They need to be there."

"They don't want to be there." Said Harry. He voice sounded dead, even to his own ears,

"Of course they want to be there!" Said Draco dismissively. "It's the biggest moment in a wizard's life, despite maybe marriage. Family always 're muggle's, they just don't get it."

Something snapped inside him. He was tired from the ceremony, had been yelled at by Dumbledore and had to deal with the Dursley's, and Draco wouldn't back off. "No, you don't understand! They don't want to come! They don't care. Hell, they don't even consider me family! I'm just a freak to them. Snape told them that I would die if they didn't come and they did. Not. Care."

Draco looked like he had been slapped. "That can't be right. They must not have understood…"

"Draco, leave it." Snape cut in.

Harry felt rage mount within him. He wasn't going to be able to fulfill the prophecy. And he would die, and that wasn't such a big deal, but everyone he cared about would probably die too. All because he was too much of a freak for his family to care about him. Looking at Draco's confused face he was harshly reminded about how a family should act. They should love him, they should care if he died; but they didn't and Harry was not entirely sure that that was not his fault.

"Just shut up about things you don't understand, Draco!" Harry yelled. "Some of us don't have families that love us so much that they would change sides in a war to save our ass or give a shit what mark they get on their potions test. Some of us have families that lock us in cupboards and forget to feed us for days! Or expect you to play the house elf and smack you around a bit if you don't do a good enough job! Some people have families who wish that they weren't even born!"

Draco looked stricken. His eyes were wide and his cheeks had gone pale. Harry couldn't bare to look at him. It was the first time he had yelled at the Slytherin since they had begun dating. He crossed his arms defensively and looked down at his shoes.

"A Cupboard, Harry?" Said Lucius, he sounded dangerous.

Harry blinked. He had just realized that there was wetness on his cheeks and his nose was stuffy. He didn't want them to know. He had said too much. He didn't want them to know how weak he was when he had just earned their respect. "I was just saying some people. Not me, just some people."

"Do. not. lie." Snape said in a low deadly voice. "I saw inside her mind."

Harry let out a shaky breath. He needed to change the subject. "So will the ceremony work with you standing in for Aunt Petunia?"

The silence was deafening, but Harry refused to look up. They were all Slytherins, they knew a defection when they saw one and he prayed they would just let it go.

"It should work." Said Snape finally. "Your mother and I used to be...close."

Harry nodded at the ground. "Right. Remus said. Anyway, I have a lot of homework to do and it's dinner in an hour so…"

He rubbed at his eyes as imperceptibly as possible and then looked up. Narcissa's lips were pursed and her brow was crinkled. Lucius looked like stone. Snape had turned around and his expression was impossible to read again. Draco was the only one who had an open face. He looked..devastated and confused. It hurt Harry's heart to look at him.

"I'm sorry I yelled." Harry said. He hoped that Draco wouldn't break up with him. It had been fun while it lasted. "I'll see you later."

He got out of there as fast as he could, but before he made it to the classroom door someone grabbed his arm.

"Harry, I'm sorry too."

He turned to look at Draco.

"I shouldn't have pushed." the blonds adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. "You're right I didn't ever think they would be like that. I should have shut up when I saw you were uncomfortable."

Harry forced himself to give an small smile. "It's okay. You didn't know. It's no big deal, let's forget it."

"They hurt you." Said Draco, an intensity in his voice Harry had never heard before. "Why didn't you tell me? You can tell me anything, you know."

Harry siged. "I don't know. I don't really think about them when I'm at Hogwarts. I try not to anyway. I only have one summer left with them anyway. It's fine."

"It's not." Draco's voice was soft but firm. "I love you, Harry, and anyone who hurts you will be sorry."

Harry felt like the room was closing in on him. It was like he had been plunged into the deep end of the pool unexpectedly. "I'm sorry did you just say you-that you-lo- that you-"

"I love you." Repeated Draco. "I've been wanting to say it for a while now. Ever since you spent all afternoon sleeping on me really. I had a lot of time to think. I guess it just slipped out."

"No one's ever-" Harry shook his head. "Don't just say it because you feel bad for me about the Dursleys."

Draco pulled him close. "I love you. And I'm not saying because of anything. I'm a Malfoy and we don't say things we don't want to say. Okay?"

Harry sucked in a shaky breath. "Okay."

And then he was reaching up to kiss Draco with all the passion he could. He wanted to show him with a kiss what he didn't feel strong enough to say with words.

A/N: A nice long one for you! Thanks for reading and please review!