Chapter Three: Trickery for Truth
Sorry that it took so long for this to come out but my family and I just got home from a vacation to Disney World and I didn't have net access there so this is about a week late. Nevertheless it's here and ready to go. Same warnings as before people. This'll be the last chapter for Summer Break unless I decide to redo it since I really don't like the ending but we'll see. Anyway have fun with this chapter and tell me what you think. (And I know the ending sucks so if you think so to please don't bother to leave a review that tells me something that I already know.) Other than that, thanks and enjoy! ^_^
Chapter Three: Trickery for Truth
It was the third night since Harry, Draco, and Rai had arrived at the Burrow but only one of the three slept peacefully.
Draco sighed as he pushed back the covers to his bed and stood. Padding lightly to the door, the blonde made sure that he didn't wake Rai as he stepped out into the darkened hallway. Making his way silently down the stairs and into the living room, Draco checked the muggle clock and sighed again when he noticed that it read four thirty in the morning. /What the hell am I doing up this early?/ He rolled his eyes. /You know perfectly well why. You've gotten used to having Harry with you and you can't sleep without him./
Deep in thoughts about the raven-haired Gryffindor, Draco didn't notice that he had exited the house until the cool night air wrapped around him. Closing his eyes, Draco leaned against the wall of the house having decided to remain outside just for a bit longer. It would have been no use returning to his bed anyway without having Harry there with him.
Unbeknownst to Draco there was already someone else out in the shadows of the porch and ironically it was the one person that now occupied Draco's thoughts, Harry Potter.
Harry on the other hand had not missed the arrival of the Slytherin. He studied Draco for a few moments before hesitantly moving out of the shadows. "Malfoy?" Harry waited for the blonde to notice him before continuing. "What are you doing out here?"
Slowly Draco opened his eyes and turned to Harry, his breath catching at the sight of the other boy silhouetted in the moonlight. "I couldn't sleep. Why are you out here?"
"Same. Couldn't sleep." Harry didn't add that it was because he missed the warmth of the Slytherin.
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes until Draco spoke again. "You know? The Weasleys are very nice."
Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise but mutely nodded. "I seriously don't know what I would do without having them caring for me." Admitted the emerald-eyed Seeker.
Draco sighed. "You're lucky you know. You'll always have somewhere to go after you graduate from Hogwarts."
"So do you. You're going to be a Death Eater after all. I'm sure Voldemort will take care of you." Answered Harry bitterly, slumping down on the porch swing.
Taking the seat beside Harry, Draco frowned. "Actually, I don't think that'll happen anymore."
"What?"
Leaning back in the chair Draco eyed Harry as if considering whether or not to reveal the real reason why he was there. /I can't tell him I love him. I don't even know if we're friends./ "Me becoming a Death Eater. Why do you think I'm here Potter? It's not exactly my picture of a vacation. I had told my father that I didn't want to be a servant of the Dark lord and he basically threatened to have Voldemort kill me."
"I-" Harry stared at Draco with amazement in his eyes. "I-Draco. I'm sorry. I just never expected that out of you."
Draco almost smiled when Harry called him by his first name but managed to keep his expression neutral. "Don't worry about it. If I were you I probably wouldn't have expected that from me either." He paused and took a deep breath, casting a small glance in Harry's direction. "I am sorry Harry."
"Huh?" Harry looked up startled to hear Draco apologize for something. "About what?"
"The way that I've treated you and your friends these past years. I'm sorry."
The sincerity in Draco's voice made Harry seriously consider the apology. "Look at me and say that Draco. Then I'll believe you."
Raising his head, silver locked with emerald. "I'm sorry." He watched as Harry studied his face carefully and his heart skipped a beat as a brilliant smile crossed the Gryffindor's face.
"Thank you Draco. That means a lot to me." Smiling Harry turned his gaze to the stars.
This time the silence that came over them was comforting.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, in the house Rai had also awoken when he had heard Draco exit the room. Worried about what the Slytherin was up to at this time at night, Rai mumbled a few curses as he swept aside his blankets and stood. Not bothering with robes or slippers, the young professor waited a few minutes before following Draco downstairs.
Checking the large grandfather clock that stood in the living room, Rai paused. /I think I have definitely lost it to get up at four thirty in the morning./ Shaking his head, the wintry-eyed wizard silently crept to the window. Pulling back the curtains just slightly, one silver-blue eye peeked out from behind the drapes as Rai listened intently through the partially opened glass.
After what seemed like only a few moments, but had actually been half an hour, Rai moved away from the window with a smile on his young face. /Perfect. Now that they've solved their problems, time to get them together. Now how to do it?/ Lost in his thoughts of scheming, the Dark Arts professor slowly ventured back up the stairs and into his bedroom.
* * * * *
When morning came, Rai found himself lying haphazardly across his bed, in the exact same position he had fallen asleep in last night while he was running plans through his mind. He grinned when he remembered that he had finally come up with something that seemed functional and in good spirits, Rai dressed and made his way down to breakfast.
After their morning meal, Rai pulled both Harry and Draco back to his bedroom to speak with them. "Alright. This will be my final lesson before we return to Hogwarts next week. I shall be teaching you a Binding Charm Harry. As for you Draco, this charm is in need for another person so you are to be the volunteer." He glanced sharply at Slytherin. "Consider this your payment to us for rescuing you Draco."
At this, Draco couldn't argue and Rai continued, pleased that his plan was working. "This charm was used to bind together the minions of the Dark Lord and their enemies so that Voldemort could gain information without trouble. I shall teach you the spell for this charm but you will have to perform it yourself, Harry. I assure you that this is not fatal in any way but it requires some strength in magic to perform. Is that understood?"
Harry nodded and Rai began to teach him the proper pronunciation of the spell. Draco remained silent. Even though Rai had not elaborated on some of the other outcomes of the charm, the blonde knew perfectly well what they were. The charm would not only allow Harry to read his thoughts but his feelings and he was frightened of what the Gryffindor would discover but he could not go against the orders of a professor. So steeling his mind, Draco braced himself as Harry started the incantation.
Rai smiled and nodded as the Binding Charm was completed. "Everything seems do be alright since neither of you seem to feel nauseous which will be the only other possible effect of the charm if it had not worked properly." He checked his muggle wristwatch. "I have some business to take care of for a few minutes. I want both of you to remain here until I return." Glancing from one boy to the other, Rai quickly stood and exited the room.
However, both boys had missed Rai's departure, too caught up in the memories and emotions that raged through their minds. Images of their childhood mingled with those of their years spent in Hogwarts. Feelings of hate, anguish, happiness, hope, fear, and. . .Harry and Draco both gasped as a last fleeting emotion coursed through them, stronger than any of the others. . .love.
A shock silence followed as the two previous enemies stared wide-eyed at one another. Finally, it was Harry that broke the uncomfortable calm. "Is it really true?"
Slowly, Draco nodded, looking in wonder at the raven-haired Gryffindor. "It has been for a long time. What about you?"
"The same." Smirking, Harry stood and moved to the sit on the sofa next to Draco. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"
Eying Harry, the blonde raised an eyebrow. "I suspect the same reasons as you."
Harry smiled and again they fell into silence.
"Do you think this could work?" This time it was Draco that spoke, catching Harry's attention.
Emerald locked with silver and carefully they studied each other. Both seemed to search for some sign of the other's feelings and as they found the mutual love in their eyes, the two boys gradually gravitated toward one another.
"Draco. . ." Harry whispered just as their lips met. A pleasant shiver ran down the Gryffindor's spine as his scooted closer to Draco's heat. The kiss was one of passion, love, and promise and to Draco and Harry, there was no other reality except for the boy across from them.
Eventually they slowly and regretfully parted, panting from the lack of air.
"What are we going to do when we get back to Hogwarts? I hardly think this will go by well with anyone there." Harry said as he buried his face in Draco's neck.
Combing slim, graceful fingers through ebony strands, Draco sighed. "We'll figure out something, love. Don't worry."
Both boys jumped when someone cleared their throat. Looking towards the door, Draco and Harry blushed when they found Rai leaning against the door jamb, watching them with amusement. "You know. If you wanted privacy you could have just asked for me to share a room with Ron instead."
"Err. . ." Harry turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Did you plan all of this?" Draco interrupted.
Rai's grin became even wider as he nodded. "You bet. After both of you told me close to the exact same thing I couldn't leave you guys to torture yourselves for another year. And both of you do deserve some happiness in your lives." Pushing away from the wall, the professor gave one last smile and a wink. "Dinner's in two hours. Have fun." With that he left the room, leaving behind the shocked couple.
* * * * *
Before they knew it, the remaining week had passed and they had again found themselves standing at platform nine-and-three quarters giving their good byes to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Fred and George had already left a few days ago for Hogsmeade to start their new shop and as Rai and the others entered the train, they noted that it seemed much quieter now.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Rai, and to the witch's surprise, Draco situated their belongings in a cabin together before they settled for the ride to Hogwarts. Like usual, Harry bought an enormous load of sweets, which he shared with everyone. So, as a result, the issue with the Slytherin and the Gryffindor were forgotten for now.
A week flew by without incident and everything appeared to fall back into routine until one afternoon during Defense Against the Dark Arts.
The seventh year Slytherins and Gryffindors had been scheduled the same class and Rai had predicted trouble before school had even begun but nothing like this. He had been reviewing the uses of a Unicorn's horn when a commotion had started in the back of his room and to his surprise it was Harry and Draco fighting madly on the ground.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Malfoy! What-" He stared wide-eyed along with the rest of the class as the two previously arguing boys kissed each other furiously. Although after a few seconds his surprise passed and Rai chuckled as he shook his head.
"What-is going on here?" At the door stood a pale Professor McGonagall.
"Err. . ." Rai shrugged. "It seems as though they have settled their differences." Rai frowned when McGonagall leaned against the door. "Are you alright Minerva?" Making his way over to the Transfiguration teacher, Rai steadied her.
Slowly, Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'm fine. It's just that this is- shocking." She raised an eyebrow in question at Rai. "You seem to be taking this well."
Rai winked and grinned. "Well, I've had some time to prepare." He continued before the other professor could ask him about his last statement. "Now I do believe I have a class to settle." Waving, Rai hurried to the back of his classroom to separate Harry and Draco before they carried their activity any further and then he tried to calm the rest of the class.
The dark-haired professor had managed to finish his lesson and as the students were filing out of the room, Rai looked up and grinned as the two still red faced boys approached his desk.
"I. . .we'd like to apologize for what happened earlier." Draco began.
"Well. . .apology accepted. That was definitely not meant for the classroom but it now seems that you two will have some explaining to do for the rest of the school." Replied Rai, setting down his quill.
Harry's face showed surprise as he gazed at his professor. "You aren't going to punish us?"
"What for?" Sighing, the wintry-eyed teacher smiled. "Remember, I was sort of responsible for putting you two together. I will not punish you for something that I helped to cause. Although, what I will do is give my assistance in explaining everything if you need it."
Both Harry and Draco grinned widely and nodded. "Thank you Professor." Said Harry. "We'll ask if we find the need for it."
Rai gave one small nod and quickly ushered his two students out of the classroom. "Both of you better hurry. You have Potions next and I hardly believe Professor Snape will be too thrilled to have you walk in late."
He watched as Harry and Draco raced down the hall and shook his head when two furiously whispering Hufflepuffs walked past him. It was no mystery what they were gossiping about. /News sure does travel here./ Rai chuckled. /I will without doubt have fun at the next staff meeting./
Owari
Ok. . .*sigh* Here's the last chapter. I'm not really satisfied with the ending cause it just doesn't sound finished to me. In the future I may end up even redoing the ending but that depends on how much time I have. *shrug* We'll see. Please review and tell me how I did on the story. Thanks.
Sorry that it took so long for this to come out but my family and I just got home from a vacation to Disney World and I didn't have net access there so this is about a week late. Nevertheless it's here and ready to go. Same warnings as before people. This'll be the last chapter for Summer Break unless I decide to redo it since I really don't like the ending but we'll see. Anyway have fun with this chapter and tell me what you think. (And I know the ending sucks so if you think so to please don't bother to leave a review that tells me something that I already know.) Other than that, thanks and enjoy! ^_^
Chapter Three: Trickery for Truth
It was the third night since Harry, Draco, and Rai had arrived at the Burrow but only one of the three slept peacefully.
Draco sighed as he pushed back the covers to his bed and stood. Padding lightly to the door, the blonde made sure that he didn't wake Rai as he stepped out into the darkened hallway. Making his way silently down the stairs and into the living room, Draco checked the muggle clock and sighed again when he noticed that it read four thirty in the morning. /What the hell am I doing up this early?/ He rolled his eyes. /You know perfectly well why. You've gotten used to having Harry with you and you can't sleep without him./
Deep in thoughts about the raven-haired Gryffindor, Draco didn't notice that he had exited the house until the cool night air wrapped around him. Closing his eyes, Draco leaned against the wall of the house having decided to remain outside just for a bit longer. It would have been no use returning to his bed anyway without having Harry there with him.
Unbeknownst to Draco there was already someone else out in the shadows of the porch and ironically it was the one person that now occupied Draco's thoughts, Harry Potter.
Harry on the other hand had not missed the arrival of the Slytherin. He studied Draco for a few moments before hesitantly moving out of the shadows. "Malfoy?" Harry waited for the blonde to notice him before continuing. "What are you doing out here?"
Slowly Draco opened his eyes and turned to Harry, his breath catching at the sight of the other boy silhouetted in the moonlight. "I couldn't sleep. Why are you out here?"
"Same. Couldn't sleep." Harry didn't add that it was because he missed the warmth of the Slytherin.
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes until Draco spoke again. "You know? The Weasleys are very nice."
Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise but mutely nodded. "I seriously don't know what I would do without having them caring for me." Admitted the emerald-eyed Seeker.
Draco sighed. "You're lucky you know. You'll always have somewhere to go after you graduate from Hogwarts."
"So do you. You're going to be a Death Eater after all. I'm sure Voldemort will take care of you." Answered Harry bitterly, slumping down on the porch swing.
Taking the seat beside Harry, Draco frowned. "Actually, I don't think that'll happen anymore."
"What?"
Leaning back in the chair Draco eyed Harry as if considering whether or not to reveal the real reason why he was there. /I can't tell him I love him. I don't even know if we're friends./ "Me becoming a Death Eater. Why do you think I'm here Potter? It's not exactly my picture of a vacation. I had told my father that I didn't want to be a servant of the Dark lord and he basically threatened to have Voldemort kill me."
"I-" Harry stared at Draco with amazement in his eyes. "I-Draco. I'm sorry. I just never expected that out of you."
Draco almost smiled when Harry called him by his first name but managed to keep his expression neutral. "Don't worry about it. If I were you I probably wouldn't have expected that from me either." He paused and took a deep breath, casting a small glance in Harry's direction. "I am sorry Harry."
"Huh?" Harry looked up startled to hear Draco apologize for something. "About what?"
"The way that I've treated you and your friends these past years. I'm sorry."
The sincerity in Draco's voice made Harry seriously consider the apology. "Look at me and say that Draco. Then I'll believe you."
Raising his head, silver locked with emerald. "I'm sorry." He watched as Harry studied his face carefully and his heart skipped a beat as a brilliant smile crossed the Gryffindor's face.
"Thank you Draco. That means a lot to me." Smiling Harry turned his gaze to the stars.
This time the silence that came over them was comforting.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, in the house Rai had also awoken when he had heard Draco exit the room. Worried about what the Slytherin was up to at this time at night, Rai mumbled a few curses as he swept aside his blankets and stood. Not bothering with robes or slippers, the young professor waited a few minutes before following Draco downstairs.
Checking the large grandfather clock that stood in the living room, Rai paused. /I think I have definitely lost it to get up at four thirty in the morning./ Shaking his head, the wintry-eyed wizard silently crept to the window. Pulling back the curtains just slightly, one silver-blue eye peeked out from behind the drapes as Rai listened intently through the partially opened glass.
After what seemed like only a few moments, but had actually been half an hour, Rai moved away from the window with a smile on his young face. /Perfect. Now that they've solved their problems, time to get them together. Now how to do it?/ Lost in his thoughts of scheming, the Dark Arts professor slowly ventured back up the stairs and into his bedroom.
* * * * *
When morning came, Rai found himself lying haphazardly across his bed, in the exact same position he had fallen asleep in last night while he was running plans through his mind. He grinned when he remembered that he had finally come up with something that seemed functional and in good spirits, Rai dressed and made his way down to breakfast.
After their morning meal, Rai pulled both Harry and Draco back to his bedroom to speak with them. "Alright. This will be my final lesson before we return to Hogwarts next week. I shall be teaching you a Binding Charm Harry. As for you Draco, this charm is in need for another person so you are to be the volunteer." He glanced sharply at Slytherin. "Consider this your payment to us for rescuing you Draco."
At this, Draco couldn't argue and Rai continued, pleased that his plan was working. "This charm was used to bind together the minions of the Dark Lord and their enemies so that Voldemort could gain information without trouble. I shall teach you the spell for this charm but you will have to perform it yourself, Harry. I assure you that this is not fatal in any way but it requires some strength in magic to perform. Is that understood?"
Harry nodded and Rai began to teach him the proper pronunciation of the spell. Draco remained silent. Even though Rai had not elaborated on some of the other outcomes of the charm, the blonde knew perfectly well what they were. The charm would not only allow Harry to read his thoughts but his feelings and he was frightened of what the Gryffindor would discover but he could not go against the orders of a professor. So steeling his mind, Draco braced himself as Harry started the incantation.
Rai smiled and nodded as the Binding Charm was completed. "Everything seems do be alright since neither of you seem to feel nauseous which will be the only other possible effect of the charm if it had not worked properly." He checked his muggle wristwatch. "I have some business to take care of for a few minutes. I want both of you to remain here until I return." Glancing from one boy to the other, Rai quickly stood and exited the room.
However, both boys had missed Rai's departure, too caught up in the memories and emotions that raged through their minds. Images of their childhood mingled with those of their years spent in Hogwarts. Feelings of hate, anguish, happiness, hope, fear, and. . .Harry and Draco both gasped as a last fleeting emotion coursed through them, stronger than any of the others. . .love.
A shock silence followed as the two previous enemies stared wide-eyed at one another. Finally, it was Harry that broke the uncomfortable calm. "Is it really true?"
Slowly, Draco nodded, looking in wonder at the raven-haired Gryffindor. "It has been for a long time. What about you?"
"The same." Smirking, Harry stood and moved to the sit on the sofa next to Draco. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"
Eying Harry, the blonde raised an eyebrow. "I suspect the same reasons as you."
Harry smiled and again they fell into silence.
"Do you think this could work?" This time it was Draco that spoke, catching Harry's attention.
Emerald locked with silver and carefully they studied each other. Both seemed to search for some sign of the other's feelings and as they found the mutual love in their eyes, the two boys gradually gravitated toward one another.
"Draco. . ." Harry whispered just as their lips met. A pleasant shiver ran down the Gryffindor's spine as his scooted closer to Draco's heat. The kiss was one of passion, love, and promise and to Draco and Harry, there was no other reality except for the boy across from them.
Eventually they slowly and regretfully parted, panting from the lack of air.
"What are we going to do when we get back to Hogwarts? I hardly think this will go by well with anyone there." Harry said as he buried his face in Draco's neck.
Combing slim, graceful fingers through ebony strands, Draco sighed. "We'll figure out something, love. Don't worry."
Both boys jumped when someone cleared their throat. Looking towards the door, Draco and Harry blushed when they found Rai leaning against the door jamb, watching them with amusement. "You know. If you wanted privacy you could have just asked for me to share a room with Ron instead."
"Err. . ." Harry turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Did you plan all of this?" Draco interrupted.
Rai's grin became even wider as he nodded. "You bet. After both of you told me close to the exact same thing I couldn't leave you guys to torture yourselves for another year. And both of you do deserve some happiness in your lives." Pushing away from the wall, the professor gave one last smile and a wink. "Dinner's in two hours. Have fun." With that he left the room, leaving behind the shocked couple.
* * * * *
Before they knew it, the remaining week had passed and they had again found themselves standing at platform nine-and-three quarters giving their good byes to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Fred and George had already left a few days ago for Hogsmeade to start their new shop and as Rai and the others entered the train, they noted that it seemed much quieter now.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Rai, and to the witch's surprise, Draco situated their belongings in a cabin together before they settled for the ride to Hogwarts. Like usual, Harry bought an enormous load of sweets, which he shared with everyone. So, as a result, the issue with the Slytherin and the Gryffindor were forgotten for now.
A week flew by without incident and everything appeared to fall back into routine until one afternoon during Defense Against the Dark Arts.
The seventh year Slytherins and Gryffindors had been scheduled the same class and Rai had predicted trouble before school had even begun but nothing like this. He had been reviewing the uses of a Unicorn's horn when a commotion had started in the back of his room and to his surprise it was Harry and Draco fighting madly on the ground.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Malfoy! What-" He stared wide-eyed along with the rest of the class as the two previously arguing boys kissed each other furiously. Although after a few seconds his surprise passed and Rai chuckled as he shook his head.
"What-is going on here?" At the door stood a pale Professor McGonagall.
"Err. . ." Rai shrugged. "It seems as though they have settled their differences." Rai frowned when McGonagall leaned against the door. "Are you alright Minerva?" Making his way over to the Transfiguration teacher, Rai steadied her.
Slowly, Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'm fine. It's just that this is- shocking." She raised an eyebrow in question at Rai. "You seem to be taking this well."
Rai winked and grinned. "Well, I've had some time to prepare." He continued before the other professor could ask him about his last statement. "Now I do believe I have a class to settle." Waving, Rai hurried to the back of his classroom to separate Harry and Draco before they carried their activity any further and then he tried to calm the rest of the class.
The dark-haired professor had managed to finish his lesson and as the students were filing out of the room, Rai looked up and grinned as the two still red faced boys approached his desk.
"I. . .we'd like to apologize for what happened earlier." Draco began.
"Well. . .apology accepted. That was definitely not meant for the classroom but it now seems that you two will have some explaining to do for the rest of the school." Replied Rai, setting down his quill.
Harry's face showed surprise as he gazed at his professor. "You aren't going to punish us?"
"What for?" Sighing, the wintry-eyed teacher smiled. "Remember, I was sort of responsible for putting you two together. I will not punish you for something that I helped to cause. Although, what I will do is give my assistance in explaining everything if you need it."
Both Harry and Draco grinned widely and nodded. "Thank you Professor." Said Harry. "We'll ask if we find the need for it."
Rai gave one small nod and quickly ushered his two students out of the classroom. "Both of you better hurry. You have Potions next and I hardly believe Professor Snape will be too thrilled to have you walk in late."
He watched as Harry and Draco raced down the hall and shook his head when two furiously whispering Hufflepuffs walked past him. It was no mystery what they were gossiping about. /News sure does travel here./ Rai chuckled. /I will without doubt have fun at the next staff meeting./
Owari
Ok. . .*sigh* Here's the last chapter. I'm not really satisfied with the ending cause it just doesn't sound finished to me. In the future I may end up even redoing the ending but that depends on how much time I have. *shrug* We'll see. Please review and tell me how I did on the story. Thanks.