Authors note: Hi there my lovely readers, hope you are all doing well. Hmmm I don't have much to say today... Oh well, here is Chapter 36! Enjoy :D
Summary: See Prologue for full summary.
Warnings: Violence, bad language and BoyXBoy romance, self made spells, Oh and I'll just apologize beforehand. If any characters appear to be a bit OC sorry, since I am not the brilliant and talented J.K. Rowling I do not possess the ability to capture the true essence of the Harry Potter characters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to J.K Rowling and The Warner Brothers. I am simply playing around with the characters to satisfy my Drarry desires.
Thanks to:
SerpensPrincess- Thanks for the review. The slash is definitely between Draco and Harry :) Glad your enjoying it so far!
kitty tokyo uzumaki- Hugs received with gratitude :D haha thanks. I just enjoy torturing poor Draco hehe thanks for reviewing!
natsuki23- Awwww thank you so much, your review really just warmed my heart. So many compliments. :D Aha our dearly despised Feranight, I would love to answer your suspicion yet that would give too much away, but don't worry. Soon all will be reveled (By soon I mean the chapter after this one, maybe...) I know how you feel, it is such a mission to find decent stories. What type of Draco/Harry stories do you prefer? Maybe I can recommend some. Oh and please if you know of any good ones don hesitate to tell me! As always, thanks for the review. Enjoy!
Tblu2326- May I welcome you to my story. Hope you sticked with us long enough to read this 'Thanks to' for you. :D I'm happy the line intrigued you so, lets hope I don't disappoint. And yes I do have a tendency to over explain things, not sure if it got better as the story progressed. Thanks for the review!
I give to you...
Chapter 36
The Shadow watched its prey as the boy looked out of the large glass windows, which rested upon the castles walls. Though the Shadow could not see, it could feel the agitation which had assaulted the wizard. The pace of its prey's heartbeat, the rhythm of its breathing and even the rustling of cloth as its prey moved slightly, all indications that the boy was distressed and thus vulnerable. Though the Shadow did not wish to hunt its prey, its prey who had been there during its creation and shared its voice. The creature was startled when the magical power of the castle wavered, the stones quivering as the power shifted, all moving toward its prey.
In an instant it all vanished, along with the presence of its prey, which puzzled the Shadow creature. The creature hid in the shadows as other beings entered the room, and tilted its head in confusion at the sudden reappearance of its prey. It observed the interactions, listening and feeling the unknown magic heal the lungs of its prey, freeing them from the corroding which had appeared. An unfamiliar emotion bloomed within the Shadow creature, taking root in its splinted being and a fear sprouted when it felt the other two beings trying to take its prey away from its surveillance point.
Acting on impulse the creature detached itself from the safety of the shadows. Its tall, dark, skeletal frame startling the ones who wished to steal its prey. Its shredded black skin, pooled around its feet, meshing with the actual shadow of a tree which leaked in from the same window its prey had been standing at. "It is alright, Shadowed One. Stella will be fine and no harm shall come to him. You know I speak the truth." One of them whispered to it, and the Shadow tilted its head, enjoying the soft restful tone with which the words were carried. The being's heartbeat never faltered, thus the creature could believe that it had told no lies. The Shadow returned to the darkness, fading within the shadows. Though it was far from gone…
It listened as its prey awoke, the rhythm in which air entered lungs changing and its heart rate picking up. The small sighs indicated its prey's return to the wakened world. The Shadow stayed, observing the humans' interactions, listening to the words as they drifted toward it in soft, soothing tones. How it yearned for such gentleness…
The Shadow Creature followed after its prey, never far behind, following the commands of the unknown emotion which had taken control of it. It didn't wish to leave its prey's side. The castle seemed restless, even the shadows in which the creature voyaged quivered with an unease. The Shadow could feel it upon its thin skin, feel it upon the air which surrounded it and even hear it in the creaks and groans of the castle.
It was the feeling of being hunted…
The Shadow flinched, wrapping its long clawed arms around itself as a pain shot through its skull. Joined by a stabbing pain which was travelling through its very bones, causing an sensation of them shattering.
"You've failed my pet…" The silken voice resonated within the Shadow's mind, poisoning it with its wavering tone. A gentle harshness and furious calm. "Ah but do not despair. Failure is to have been expected." The voice chuckled mockingly, causing the creature to curl in on itself and it whimpered as the chuckles ceased. Only to be replaced by a voice as cold as ice and as piercing as the sharpest lance.
"Time's up… For the both of you."
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Draco followed Damian, having just finished a quick breakfast, which consisted of a well-buttered croissant and cup of tea. Hunger had eluded him and a slight nausea overcame him at the very sight of the dishes prepared for the students' consumption. The blond Slytherin had to force the food down his throat, if only to appease his concerned friend. Damian glanced at him worriedly every now and then, which was slowly starting to annoy the Malfoy heir. It was as if the boy feared that he would disappear right in front of him.
Hogwarts was oddly silent, which confused Draco. Usually the castle wouldn't stop annoying him, poking and prodding at his magical core to gain his attention. Filling him with a warmth or a coolness depending on the castle's mood. Yet today the castle's presence hung around him like a dark cloud, growling at every attempt the wizard made to converse with it.
Draco had also realized that there was something odd with the bond… Previously the bond had been like a connecting pathway, a long corridor which was separated by two doors on either side. The one leading to Draco and the other opening to Hogwarts. Even though they both could travel through the doorways freely, the doors would always remain as the separation between them. Now it was as if the doors could no longer close. No matter how hard Draco tried, the stubborn doors refused to shut, remaining open. This change made Draco nervous though he didn't quite know why.
"You alright?" Damian asked, his voice startling Draco from his thoughts. "Maybe we should take you to Madam Pomfrey…" Draco shook his head to get rid of his puzzling ponderings as well as to answer his fellow Slytherin's suggestion. "I'm fine." Draco answered, trying to walk past the other boy who had decided to block his path with his taller frame.
"Please Draco, you're not, look at how you're shaking." Damian commented, watching as the blonde's eyes grew larger, the grey orbs conveying his shock as he looked down at his quivering hands. How could it be that Draco himself had not even felt the tremors which was assaulting him? Hogwarts whined and Draco could feel the tremors of his body being replicated by the stone halls of the magical building.
Students gasped, a few losing their footing and others holding onto whatever they could find to help them keep their balance. Paintings panicked as the walls behind them shifted, causing a few to tumble down. Unnerved Draco quickened his pace, rushing past frightened students and ignoring Damian who was calling his name. He covered his ears with his hands in hopes to block out the frightened sounds from the students.
Not knowing where he was heading, Draco barged through the first door he could find and shut it behind him, resting his back on the dark wood whilst he regained his breath. Once his breathing had regularised, he finally opened his eyes to see where he was. The dark, grimy room was mostly bare, a few cabinets and tables pushed against the walls and covered in dusty white cloths to preserve them as much as the fabric could. Draco's attention was drawn to the far end of the room where a large white cloth covered something which seemed to be fixed to the wall. The material was falling to the ground like a cotton waterfall, pooling at the bottom where it met the stone floors.
Curious, Draco walked towards it and reached out to touch the cloth, feeling the layer of aged dust on his fingertips. In an act of impulsiveness he pulled the material loose from where it had been tucked in and watched as the cloth fluttered down to reveal which it had concealed for ages. A giant mirror gleamed from where it rested in between an archway, carved from a shimmering white marble and ornamented with beautiful engravings of a forest, filled with all matter of different creatures. Gold and silver runes were etched upon the open plains at the top of the arch, glimmering in the darkness of the room.
In awe of its beauty, Draco failed to see the reflection which was staring at him from the mirrors surface. Movement caught his attention and when the blond boy turned his gaze toward the mirror, his breath caught in his chest. Large misty silver eyes looked up at him, peaking at him through long blond lashes. A fringe of platinum blond hair escaped from a hood, which was formed like a dragons head. Draco fell to his knees, reaching out with a quivering hand. His fingers grazing upon the cool reflective surface of the mirror, resting close to the image within. The small child reached back, his small pale hand reaching for Draco's larger one.
"This, how, why…?" Draco whispered, the words leaving his mouth as no more than an exhaled breath. "What is this?" Draco asked his voice quivering and Hogwarts moaned in response. The small child was speaking to him, his small lips forming words which held no sound. Tears rolled down the small child's pale cheeks and Draco could not prevent his own from falling. The snowy scenery in the background started shattering as tendrils of darkness spread upon the white landscape. Draco watched in trepidation, as the darkness grew, consuming whatever it came in contact with.
Draco screamed at the small boy, telling him to flee, yet the child was deaf to his pleas. The young boy looked up with tearful eyes, his thin pink lips quivering yet he forced them to smile. The child exhaled onto the mirrors face and used one of his tiny fingers to write on the foggy surface. His small hands quivered and once he had traced the last letter he looked up at Draco, the forced smile still in place as the darkness grew behind him.
And then… he was gone. Leaving only Draco, staring at his own tear-streaked face. Though the words the boy had written still remained. 'Su em tegrof t'nod' Draco stroked a finger across the non-sensible words, though they stubbornly remained. Only after he had traced the words a few times did he grasp their meaning. They were but the reflection of the words the child wanted to give to Draco, cast through a mirror, which meant that they should be read from right to left.
'Don't forget us…' Draco whispered, his hand falling to his side and his body growing cold.
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Damian followed Draco as the other boy sprinted down the hallway. Though it was no easy task finding his footing with the tremors which was causing all of Hogwarts to shake. Students were panicking, and though the young Slytherin wanted to reassure them that all would be alright, he was more concerned over Draco.
He saw a streak of blond head for a door which was slightly hidden behind a set of stairs, though when Damian reached the door he could not open it. The doorknob wouldn't even turn, and no matter what spells he cast, nothing would allow him entry. Fear gnawed at his insides causing an unease to settle within his chest.
"Draco!" The blue eyed boy tried calling, yet received no reply. He bang a hand on the wooden door, hoping that the loud thumping would gain Draco's attention, yet to no avail. "Merlin Draco, please answer me!" Only silence answered. Damian was tired of not knowing what was happening to his friend, he might have had some inklings but now things were too jumbled up to make any sense. There was one person he could think of that might know what was happening.
Damian gave one last glance towards the door before rushing of with determination.
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Hogwarts quivered, dust wafting into the air as the castle itself shivered. Harry was holding onto Hermione, grasping onto one of the many pillars which were located in the corridor with his free arm. He watched as students panicked, their frightened faces reminding him too much of the time during the war. Memories he had buried deep inside decided to resurface, causing the young Hero to tremble from their intensity. It took him a while to shake of the nightmarish reminders and realise that Hermione was speaking to him.
"Sorry?" He apologized, the bright witch knowing him well enough to grasp that his attention had been elsewhere. She tightened her hold on his arm comfortingly and repeated what she had said previously. "I don't like this Harry, it's much worse than last time." As if to emphasise her point the castle rumbled, the bricks bristling like the fur on an agitated cat's back.
"So it is… What should we do 'Mione?" Harry asked, his emerald gaze focused on the castle walls. It was odd to see how the stones shifted. Each separating individually, never parting fully but still to a point which caused a sense of unease. The Saviour wondered if Hogwarts's walls would unravel themselves at this stage, for it truly seemed to be the castle's intentions.
"We should gather the students in the Courtyard. Could you send a Patronus to Ron and the others? We need them to help us to get all of the students to the Courtyard safely. I'll send one to inform the Headmaster and other Professors." They both nodded before whipping out their wands to perform their tasks. A magnificent stag galloped off, while a small otter swam through the air gracefully and Harry and Hermione set to trying to control the chaos.
Everything after happened in a flash. All Harry could remember was gathering as many students as possible, guiding them to the Courtyard and casting many 'Protego's' and levitation charms in the process, when stones decided to crumbled and rain down on them. Many of the older students helped out when they finally got over the shock and grasped the necessity to evacuate to a safer location. Harry was quite impressed at the charge they took and though they looked up at him for leadership, they were all quite capable themselves, which was a great help.
Harry could see all of his friends taking charge as well, Luna already helping Madam Pomfrey to check on the students and tend to the few scrapes and bruises some were unlucky to have suffered. Ron and Neville were bringing in more and more students whilst Hermione and Ginny did a head count with the help of Professor McGonagall, who had taken control of the list of students, and thus made sure everyone was accounted for. Dean and Seamus where helping many of the other older students and other Professors to cast a few protection spells around the Courtyard to protect them all from tumbling stones and the worst of the quakes.
Professor Snape was still missing, as well as a few students, which included Damian and Draco. Heart racing with worry, Harry removed the Marauders Map from inside his robe. He had come into the habit of carrying the magically shrunken map around with him. Using his wand to enlarge the map to its original size, he hoped to find this missing few quickly, yet his plan was ruined. The Gryffindor stared flummoxed at the old parchment, watching as the magic ink warped and twisted. It reminded him of a TV with bad signal during horrible weather. The image just wouldn't become clear, names and rooms mixing together.
"Fuck!" Harry swore, raking a hand through his dark mop of hair. It was then that Harry spotted the Potions Master, walking out of the castle and entering the Courtyard with a deep frown on his stoic face. A few students were with him, their faces pale with fear, whether it was from Hogwarts or Snape himself one couldn't say. The Head of Slytherin was frantically searching the Hall, and Harry could only guess whom the man was searching for. Spotting Harry, the Potions Professor glowered, lifting his nose ever slightly with distaste as he strode towards the green eyed Gryffindor. Though before Snape could even open his downturned mouth, Harry was answering the question which the other man wanted to ask.
"He's not here… I'm going to go find him." Harry stated, already heading in the direction of the entrance. "The Ministry are on their way. I received an owl just before Hogwarts decided to start falling apart." Snape informed him whilst crossing his arms. Harry could see that the other man was beyond the normal realms of worry, even though the man appeared cool and collected. The Potions Master was paler than usual, his eyes sifting ever so slightly with unease and not to mention the fierce grip he had on his arms to prevent others from seeing how they shook.
"I won't let them take him." Harry stated, his voice hard. Snape snorted though Harry seemed unfazed by the condescending sniffle of disbelief. "You won't have a choice Potter, having the title, 'Saviour of the Wizardry World' does not provide you with the authority to challenge the Unspeakables or doubt Dumbledore's decision, which I might add, is the Ministries jurisdiction, a responsibility which is not yours." Snape hissed, though he couldn't help but be unnerved by the unconcerned attitude the Gryffindor had adapted. Usually the raven haired Gryffindor would be losing control of himself, not to mention the control of his magic with the influence of his raging emotions. Yet at this point, Harry was looking at him with his clear viridian eyes, determination glimmering within the emerald pools. His face was void of tension, his jaw held high, and his whole posture radiated confidence and an aura of dependability. It truly was unnerving, Severus thought to himself.
"I won't let them take him." Harry repeated, walking past the older man and striding towards the large doors leading to Hogwarts. "I'll hold you on to that then, Potter. Let's hope you don't fail him." Snape mumbled, not caring if the young wizard heard him or not.
"Harry?" Ron called, catching up to Harry just before he reached the entrance. "You off to find the Ferret?" The red head asked, his blue eyes swirling with hidden concern. Harry nodded, placing a hand on his best mate's shoulder. "Please take care of everything here. I'm not sure what might happen…" Ron smiled at him reassuringly. "Don't worry mate, you just bring that pouncy git back safely. Can't let him get away with slithering into our circle and just leaving." Harry chuckled at that and with a final wave over his shoulder, he opened the large doors, leaving the safety of the courtyard behind him.
Harry rounded a corner, his hand placed on the stone wall for balance, though he didn't know how much that was helping, seeing as the walls where moving just as much as the floors. He was knocked off his feet, a large body colliding with his. Groaning in pain, the Gryffindor lifted his head, rubbing at the back of his scull which had banged against the stone. It was with great relief that he stared into dark blue eyes, strands of honey brown hair falling across them. "Damian!" Harry exclaimed, sighing in relief. "Ginny's been worried sick, everyone has been evacuated to the Courtyard. You should head there yourself." Harry informed the younger boy, helping the panting Slytherin up from the floor. Damian's chest was heaving and Harry could see a few scratches and bruises on the other boy's face and arms.
"Damian?" Harry tried again after a few seconds of silence. His concern of the younger boy battling with his impatience to find Draco. The raven haired boy was shocked when two hands fisted into the front of his robes, panicked blue eyes glaring into his forest green orbs. "What is happening to Draco!?" The younger wizard shouted, his usually calm and soothing voice suddenly harsh. Harry gaped, still stunned at the sudden aggression the Slytherin was showing. Though it only lasted a minute, as Damian's hold loosened and his eyes gleamed with unshed tears. "Please, tell me… I feel like I'm losing him again." Voice breaking, Damian rested his forehead against Harry's shoulder, shaking faintly.
"Damian…" Harry started, placing his arms on the younger boy's shoulders and gently pushing him away. "I don't have the time to explain. I need to find Draco now, it is of the utmost importance. Please understand." Harry explained, squeezing the taller boy's shoulders, hoping to make him understand. Harry was about to continue his search for the blond, but was stopped as a hand grabbed his arm.
"His locked himself in a room which is behind the second floor stairs, closest to the Charms classroom. The door is between the portraits of a Lady in a large red dress and a herd of Pegasus." Damian whispered, not meeting Harry's gaze. "Thank you." Harry said, his voice soft. The young Hero moved passed Damian, rushing off towards the second floor. "Oh and Damian. Ask Hermione to explain to you what has been happening." Harry called over his shoulder, already skiving around another corner.
"Please save him Harry." Damian whispered, the silent words lost within the groans and rumbles of the ancient castle.
"Please…"
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Draco listened listlessly at the concerned whimpering of Hogwarts, the castle growling and crying. The castle was losing control of its emotions. Draco could feel his magical core burning, turning into an inferno and casting his body into a feverish state. His skin prickled, he could feel how the students exited the interior of Hogwarts. Feel how their magical cores sparked as fear consumed them, yet a few remained bright. 'Probably Potter's bunch.' Draco thought to himself with a smile, which quickly faded. He realised he could determine which magical core belonged to whom, as strange as it was. Hogwarts knew each of the students and through her knowledge of their magical cores and Draco's knowledge of their personalities, he could easily identify those he once believed were friends.
The gentle and soothing, yet wispy core was definitely Luna. The girl's core twinkled much like a star at night, tending to a large group of magical signatures, which Draco didn't know by name. The small power sources were flashing haphazardly. 'The poor frightened students I gather.' Draco scoffed, folding even more into himself. There was the warm and dependable core of Hermione Granger, always remaining balanced, yet he instinctively knew that if that core caught onto something, it would be almost impossible to get loose, much like the girl herself when her academic side was intrigued. A fiery flare bouncing alongside her could only belong to Ginny, the movement causing Draco some motion sickness. He could see the core flashing and sparking, much like a firecracker, yet with the tenancy of a wildfire. "Pft, annoying me as always, stupid bint." Draco snorted closing his eyes.
There were the two dancing flames of Seamus and Dean, the cores flaring alongside each other comfortably and strong. Draco couldn't prevent the smile as he came across the blinding bright flash which wavered between being warm and scalding. "Could only be the bloody Weasel." Ron was guiding another large group of magical chaos, though his magic seemed to try and cover them for some reason. A soft warmth was trailing behind the jumbled group, this core radiating a heat which was pleasant and constant, thus faithful. "Always loyal aren't you Longbottom."
Draco cringed a bit as Hogwarts whined, it was growing restless for it could no longer contain its emotions. Taking a deep breath he tried to ignore the pain in his chest, concentrating again on the magical cores of the others. Draco tried to ignore the magical presence which was like cold water rushing down a stream, though slightly murky and dark, it was cleansing. How he had once sought comfort by this existence. "Uncle Sev…" Draco shook his head, holding his damp hands over his ears as if to deafen himself from his own words. Ignore it… Just ignore it.
Trying to distract himself, Draco focused on Damian's core which was closest to him. A calm and cooling essence, much like a soft breeze. Smiling he let himself get lost at the comforting feeling, though at the moment it was wavering, almost as if it was shivering which was concerning. Draco followed it, hoping that his childhood friend would be alright. Draco nearly cried out, trying to block the sensation which next assaulted him. More striking than all the others, this core was like a small sun, its large flames, lighting up all in its path and casting a lasting heat. It held a warmth one craved, yet it could scorch you just the same. Confident, caring, dependable yet scared and fragile. There was a small patch on the aura which blazed black and seemed to fester, though it was usually hidden behind the heat the fire emitted. The flames around this patch were burning softly, tinged with green at the edges. It was but a warm protection and explosive hazard, held in a wavering balance by a golden scale. "My Harry…"
A large tremor erupted and Draco watched as the mirror in the archway shattered, the shards falling to the quivering ground. His sight was wavering, flashes of crumbling corridors and collapsing columns flashing before his vision. He rubbed his tired eyes. "Fuck Hogwarts, calm down already. At this rate you're going to break down to nothing but ruins. " The castle growled and Draco could feel the building's magic rushing over his heated skin, the cool touch chilling the sheen of sweat which coated him, causing him to shiver. The castle moaned loudly, the sound almost deafening.
"Yes, yes I'm alright you godforsaken piece of construction." Draco muttered but gave an exhausted sigh when Hogwarts continued to caress his skin comfortingly. "We seriously have to calm down, you and I. Can't afford to be unstable now can we?" Draco winched, grasping his chest tightly. "Don't think I can take much more…" The blond panted, leaning back and resting his eyes on the roof. His chest was on fire, at this point every breath felt like inhaling flames and if he dared to sallow it would be the same as gulping down hot liquid iron.
Distracted by the pain, the Slytherin failed to notice the other presence which had joined him in the room. The door which had been locked tight by Hogwarts, was leaning to the side, hanging off of its hinges. Hogwarts rumbled but was much too preoccupied with its concern for Draco, as well as the puzzling emotions which wouldn't stop flowing from it, to actually pay attention to the new arrival.
"You're losing yourself, little one." Draco started at the rough voice which reverberated through his mind. The words were said in more of a growl than anything else and when he opened his eyes, his dull grey gaze grew large. Within the mirror's shattered pieces he could see the distorted image of a long scaly snout, bright eyes glowing upon the dark hide, staring straight at him. The thin slit pupils contrasting the light irises, which were swimming with all matter of emotions. Anger, sorrow, pain… Though through all the negativity which radiated from that single gaze, an understanding was hidden. "Losing myself?" Draco repeated questioningly, yet no answer was given. The image within the mirror shifted and before Draco could stop himself he reached out to grasp one of the shards desperately, the sharp fragment tearing into the flesh of his palm. "Wait! Don't leave." It was too late, the image was gone, leaving the shattered reflections of the room and Draco's bloody hands in its desertion.
Draco was startled once again when a hand suddenly curled around his wrist. "What the hell are you doing, you fucken moron!" It took the blond a moment to recognize the voice and it had taken him even longer to calm down his frantic heart. "I don't believe it's any of your concern, Potter!" Draco retorted, though the detestable tone he had intended on failed him. Replaced instead by an indigent sounding, (which he blamed on shock) reply.
The other boy was gazing at the Slytherin's injured palms and wiping away some of the trickling blood. Draco couldn't help but stare at the Gryffindor's face, how those dark, forest green eyes glimmered behind ridiculous, round framed glasses. Said glasses was sliding low on the bridge of Harry's nose and slanted crookedly when it met with a small imposition, probably caused by being broken a few times. Lips where drawn in a displeased frown which was joined by his furrowed brows. Dark hair, unruly as ever, curled around his ears and a few tresses where sticking to his forehead.
Draco noticed that Harry was paler than usual, which made his gut twist with concern though the feeling was short lived. Ripping his hand out of the Gryffindor's grip, Draco clambered to his feet trying his best to avoid any eye contact with the other. Harry ignored the stung feeling he received by the action, knowing that Draco still felt that he had betrayed him and turned to stare at the archway which rested against the wall. He couldn't help but feel that he had seen the beautiful arch somewhere before. His mind wanted to follow the familiar twinge the archway conjured, but he forcibly directed his attention back to the blond in front of him. Taking a deep breath he turned back towards Draco.
When the young Hero first laid his eyes on the blond, after kicking in the previously locked door, he had been surprized by the sight of the Malfoy heir sitting with his knees against his chest, next to the shattered shards of what appeared to be a mirror. Draco looked flushed, his cheeks coloured a dark pink. His platinum blond hair was sticking to his face and his thin lips were open as he inhaled. The Slytherin's chest was rising and falling slowly, almost reluctantly and it looked as if breathing was agonising. Harry wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around the blond, hoping to ease whatever pain he was experiencing but knew that the action was unwanted. It was surprising how much that small piece of knowledge could hurt. When Draco suddenly reached out to grasp one of the broken pieces, cutting his hands in the process, Harry couldn't hold himself back.
Sighing, the bespectacled boy squashed down his hurt and focused on the boy he had come to love. "Draco, please listen to me. Just give me a chance to explain…" Harry tried but the glower he received cut him off. "Why? So that you can once again feed me a bunch of lies. I might have fallen for it once Potter but…" Harry interrupted the blond by grabbing the angered boy and catching him in a tight embrace. "I beg of you Draco, just listen. If after, you still wish for me to leave you alone… I will." Harry pleaded, his voice quivering at the end. The Gryffindor honestly believed that if Draco never wanted to see him again that he would break down right there.
Draco wanted to shove the boy off of him, wanted to struggle and shout at the insufferable Gryffindor who dared touch him so intimately. It reminded him too much of how close they had been before, the touches they had shared and how their lips would meet, first shyly, a gentle brush which would transform into a passion filled kiss. The feeling of being connected to someone he grew to love… He longed for it, craved for all of the other boy and wished that he could be everything the other boy deserved. Feeling those strong arms around him was starting to break the protective shield which the Slytherin had built around himself. Though he stubbornly refused to give in to his heart's desires and fought against the urge to wrap his own arms around Harry's broad shoulders.
"Please Draco?" Draco closed his eyes tightly, trying not to give in to the beseeching voice. His resolve was breaking fast and it seemed no matter how hard he tried to focus on the hurt and betrayal he felt from the other boy, he could not help but love him all the same and thus he finally met Harry's gaze. Fear, pain and worry was swirling within his emerald orbs as he stared at Draco. Draco was about to reply when Hogwarts suddenly shrieked, the castle lurching and nearly throwing the two boys to the ground.
"What the…" Harry exclaimed, holding onto Draco and gazing around the room. The walls were bristling like a cat, the stones shifting individually causing a disturbing image of distortion. Draco on the other hand had to close his eyes tightly, the pain which had shot through his scull much too great. He held onto Harry tightly, oddly feeling protected in the other's hold, which his rational mind was cussing at him for. Really am pathetic aren't I… Focusing on Hogwarts's chaotic emotions, the blond finally detected what had disturbed the castle so. There was an odd presence which had entered Hogwarts's wards. Locating this unknown entity, Draco lurched out of Harry's hold. That presence… There was something that frightened both him and Hogwarts about it and Hogwarts had a faint recollection that she had felt it before, but she could never understand it like she could her students. The pale boy blanched as he thought about Harry, his Harry, who had talked with his Uncle Sev- no, Professor Snape and Draco felt panic from deep inside his unconscious soul rise up to battle against his rational thought.
"What aren't you telling me Potter!" Draco yelled, quivering with supressed rage and shocking Harry with his sudden ferociousness. Harry could only blink in puzzlement, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to think of what to answer. Draco was glaring at him, yet his gaze shifted around the room franticly and he started stepping backwards, away from Harry. "Draco, we don't have time!" Harry tried to reach Draco yet the pale blond kept moving away from him. Hogwarts's was making unnerving grinding noises, as it shifted stones and rubbed them against one another. Harry started to panic, he could sense how the air was growing static, the tremors increasing. They needed to find a safer location immediately.
"Tell me what your hiding, you fucken bastard!" Draco exclaimed, he concentrated on the magical core of the intruder, but the presence was protecting its identity. All the Slytherin knew was that it carried a core which held ancient and powerful magic. Hogwarts was agitated by its mere presence, an indication that it was posing great danger! Whatever it was, they were closing in on the Courtyard, where everyone was gathered. Draco felt the warring feelings, of Hogwarts' protective instincts and his fleeing instincts clash and he felt as if his body was being pulled in multiple directions. He couldn't even pay attention to what Harry was doing at the moment. Harry, however, was growing impatient and annoyed. Draco kept demanding answers from him, yet didn't give him the chance to answer, even if he didn't actually know how or what to say. All Harry knew was that they were in danger and the bloody Slytherin wasn't helping by constantly backing away from him.
"Draco for fucks sake! We need to get you to safety." Harry tried again, finally managing to corner Draco against the wall. He grabbed the others arm's, curling his hands around the wrists of the enraged boy. "And where are you planning on taking me! If you haven't forgotten, I can't leave this castle you Fuckwit!" Harry grit his teeth. He could feel his blood starting to boil, too many emotions and worries was consuming him, disrupting the calm he had forced himself to adapt for the situation at hand. The fact that Draco couldn't leave had just added to the mountain of problems which they had to face.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there, but we can't just stand here." Harry hissed through gritted teeth, already pulling Draco towards the door. Draco could feel the other presence move, its magic infiltrating Hogwarts's grounds and spreading like a thick poison. The castle howled, enraged at the challenge presented to its territory and Draco, taking the defence in his hysterics, pushed out with his magic, hoping to push out the unknown threat. He could feel the great rush of power leaving him, streaming towards the enemy, ready to cut the danger out. But instead of the magic travelling through the old stonework and the ancient walls, out into the grounds where the presence waited patiently, it left through the pores of his fingers, lifting off his skin and ruffling his clothes. It headed straight for the only other presence in the room…
"Harry!" Draco exclaimed, blearily seeing the magic hit the other wizard, causing Harry to gasp as he fell to his knees. The Slytherin could feel the magic that he and Hogwarts had channelled being cut off abruptly and he finally regained control of himself. Hogwarts whined in distress and Draco could feel her magic fluttering around her favourite Gryffindor. He stared at Harry who kneeled a few feet away, coughing up blood and clutching at his chest. Draco's eyes grew larger when he spotted the large slice which twisted up the Gryffindor's chest, blood seeping through the material of his robes. The Slytherin looked at his hands, not believing what he had just done. Harry coughed up another glob of blood and stared at the crimson liquid in disbelief. He could not even master the strength to become angry, and a harshness settled within his chest. He was so tired. He didn't know what he could do if Draco hated him this intensely. As hopelessness invaded his mind, the coldness inside him grew and Harry was barely aware of opening his mouth.
"Maybe they should just take you." Harry rasped out, wiping his mouth and succeeding on smearing the blood over his lips, staining them red. He still held a hand over the slash on his chest, wincing as the material of his robe rubbed against it. Draco stared flummoxed, not understanding what the injured boy was saying. "What?" He managed to ask, his voice breaking. Everything felt as if it was moving in slow motion, Draco could hear his heartbeat, the rhythmic thumping conflicting with the chaos which was consuming his mind.
Harry didn't know what had come over him, he was berating himself, his mind screaming at himself to shut up yet it seemed he was already too far gone. Lifting himself off the ground, he stared right into Draco's confused gaze.
"I said that the Fucking Ministry is finally doing something right. Deciding to come remove an unstable prick like yourself!" Harry yelled, waving his arm to the side which caused pain to shoot through his chest. He could feel his chest expanding in quick moments as he gasped, and the pain in his chest grew. Though it couldn't have been worse than the pain he felt in his heart when he saw Draco's hurt expression. Harry wanted to rip his bloody mouth off, wishing that he could take back what he had said. Why was it that he always messed everything up in the end!?
Draco could feel the strength leave his body, his arms falling to his side as he continued to stare at the raven haired Gryffindor. "You're getting rid of me…" Draco stuttered, unable to believe what the other had said. Taking a step closer to Harry. The emerald eyed boy shook his head, trying to deny what he had said. "Draco, I didn't mean…" Harry tried, his voice quivering but it was no use. Draco had become deaf to all that surrounded him. "Am I really such a monster?"
Harry couldn't take it anymore, the dejected look on Draco's face too much for him to handle. He never wanted to hurt Draco, never wanted the boy to suffer yet here he was causing the one he loved more grief. Ignoring the bleeding wound in his chest, the Saviour rushed forward and pulled Draco toward him. His bloody hands gliding through silken blond hair before he leaned in to kiss the Slytherin. Tears flowed down Harry's face, and his lips trembled. "I'd never think you're anything but perfect, Draco…" Harry mumbled against the other boy's lips before he connected them once again.
Draco didn't pull away nor did he take part in the kiss, he simply stood there paralyzed. He could feel Harry trembling against him, could feel his warm breath and lips move as he spoke but all sound had disappeared. He couldn't hear the rumbling of the stone structure, couldn't hear Harry's voice. Nothing but silence. His mind had once again focused on the unknown presence which had entered Hogwarts's wards. It was just outside the Courtyard, waiting.
Waiting for him…
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Oh the suspense! I leave you with this wonderful cliffy :) Just because I'm evil that way mwhaha, Pleeeeeease review, and tell me what you think! Till next time, I bid you all a farewell. :D