A/N from Sage: Thanks to my reviewers! And thank you for waiting^^ (lovely
vacation by the way ^^)
A/N about the rose guy: Sorry! Can't tell ya who he is yet!
A/N about 'Moldie Voldie' (that's so great! I've never heard him be called that before!): Voldemort will be in this, but his involvement isn't untill the middle of the fic.
A/N about Lockhart: I dunno... I just love the Lockhart/Snape pairing, it cracks me up^^ I'll have to do more of those.
A/N about misspellings: WAH! I can't believe I spelt his name wrong! I'll have to go fix those past errors, thanks for the heads up^^ Er, I hope words aren't too badly misspelled in this chapter, I'm at a computer which doesn't have a spell checker.
A/n about posting chapters: So far what I have been doing is combining small chapters to make larger ones (Has 3/4 of the fic written so far). Downside=Longer to edit, so longer time to post :( What I could do is put up the smaller chapters that I finished already. It wont take long to edit those. So you guys decide, tell me if you want long or short ones and I'll do what you want^^ Anything to please my readers!
~~~
~Chapter 10-Enchanter's Gifts~
Harry knew Hermione had a laptop. The thing was, how was he going to explain to her why he needed it? "Hermione, I need to ask you a favor."
"What is it, Harry? Can't you see I'm very busy trying to finish my essay for Transfiguration?" She said, a bit agitated to be bothered while doing work.
"I need to borrow your laptop. If it's a problem, I understand completely!"
Hermione handed him the computer, and gave Harry a quizzical look. "Why would it be a problem? You do know how to use it right? Then, it would be a problem, because I would have to teach you."
"No, I know how to use it. I was expecting to get the third degree in all. I know how expensive these things are." Harry thought back to when Dudley had begged and whined for one, then how he had broken it after an hour later. He mentally winced, also recalling that he was blamed for it. "You aren't even going to ask me why I need it?"
"No Harry, I trust you. I mean, it's not like you're going to look up filth or anything."
He smiled. "Of course not."
Harry sat back, his pocket heavy with the seven galleons he gotten. Snape did look pretty upset when Lucius had unexpectedly dropped in...
Lucius sure looked surprised. But that was only because of what Draco had told him about his father a day or so back.
Clicking on the 'search' bar, he typed -Gifts+Magic+Expensive- and got one site.
http://enchantersgifts.com
Clicking on enchantersgifts.com, he waited while the site finished. His eyes grew wide in astonishment at how nice the site was. Harry never had seen gifts quite like these ones before...
Browsing down a list of descriptions of items, he found the perfect one.
Dragon Athame- A two-edged knife with the handle made in the shape of a dragon. It is made of a mixture of silver and hematite to give it that black look, but still have the essence of high quality. The athame is a wonderful tool for cutting ingredients, especially for those bound for a career in potions. Cost- 6 galleons add one extra for engraving.
Draco did have a love for potions.... Harry thought, tapping his chin. That was definitely a perfect gift... He scrolled down looking for the order form, but found something very interesting.
-Order on line, or for you eager witches and wizards, come to our shop in Hogsmeade! Only a stone throw's a way from Hogwarts.-
Harry stood up, and handed the computer back to Hermione. "Thanks! I owe you a favor!"
"You owe me a hundred favors, but who's counting?" She asked, and turned around. "Harry? Harry! He was sure in a hurry..."
Harry burst into the boy's dormitory, shouting "Ron, Ron!"
Ron jumped half a mile, upsetting Crookshanks from sleeping on his bed. "Jeez Harry! What's going on?!"
"Enchanter's Gifts! They have an outlet in Hogsmeade! WE HAVE TO GO!" The frantic boy said, rummaging around for his invisibility cloak. "Come on, come on!"
Elsewhere~
Dear Journal,
I'm terrible confused. Yesterday, I recieved a pendent from my father in apology for being so upset with me. I'm not sure I understand why... He never did tell me what happened in that meeting with Lockhart.
Hah, maybe the stupid git tried to hit on father! I wouldn't be surprised. I just feel a bit sorry for Lockhart. My father's homophobic after all. Ever since I could remember, he's always treated any sexual advance by a man with extreme disdain and malice...
Draco sighed, sticking the journal under the bed.
Hogsmeade~
A kindly old woman sat behind the counter of an eccentric looking gift shop. It was a few hours till closing. It was a considerably slow day, and she took to reading a mushy romance novel.
The door swung viciously open, making her drop her book in surprise. "Hullo sir, how can I help you?" She asked, sticking the book in a near by drawer.
The man looked more than a little forbidding as he approached her. "I need a gift. Not an ordinary one. One that would be extremely expensive, rare, and being coated in gold wouldn't help either..."
She nodded meekly, going behind the counter to where I keep the more expensive gifts. As the woman rummaged, she happened to notice the man's robes. "Hogwarts professor?"
"Yes." He said, rather shortly. "Are you finished yet? This is very important!"
"What about this self-writing quill? Takes wonderful dictation. Also writes in 24-karat gold!"
The man eyed the quill with renewed interest. "That's perfect... I'll take this card too. You write it, my handwriting is illegible."
She smiled, taking a quill to start. "Shoot."
He looked rather uncomfortable, not really wanting to repeat what he had in mind in front of another person, especially an elderly woman.
"Lucius,
I'm sorry that you witnessed that last night. I have no feelings for that idiot. He's impossible, and won't stop bothering me. I hope you can forgive me. I do apologize.
Severus."
"No 'with love?'" She asked surprisingly cynical. "No pet names? Wow, you're unimaginative."
He glared down at her annoyed. "Just deliver that card and gift." He hissed, leaving money for everything on the counter.
She sighed in relief after he had left, feeling sorry for his students. Leaving the card and gift down in the 'To be delivered' bin, she went back to cleaning.
Later still, the woman was just about done cleaning the rare and endangered familiars cages when she heard the door open. "I'll be right with you!" Removing her gloves, and walking out into the front of the store, she found her most favourite customer. "Mr. Lockhart!"
"Hello there, Mrs. Pennyfeather." He said, rather glum.
She blinked at the unhappy man. Never have I seen him frown... Not even in any of his books does he mention ever being upset. She thought, pulling out a plate of cookies. "What's wrong?"
He sighed, looking around the shop before taking one. "I messed up with a potential boyfriend... He's so shy and always gets mad when I try to advance things further... Last night, I went a little too far... You see, we were mud wrestling-"
This was quite a story to take in all at once. She sat with her elbows propped up on the counter, listening excitedly for this was far more interesting than her romance book anyway.
"Well, that's when Lucius walked in. Severus got all upset; he kept trying to apologize to him..."
She nearly fell off of her stool. "Severus? You mean the guy with the black hair, and really pale face?! That Severus?"
Lockhart nodded a few of his golden tresses falling into his eyes. "Oh, I need to patch things up... I don't want to loose him!" He said, desperately.
"Uh.... Don't worry, I'll fix it dearie! He seems like the practical sort, doesn't he?"
He nodded. "Yes, very much so! And dedicated too! It seems after every time I talk to him, he goes off to gather potions ingredients!"
She smiled. "Then I think I know exactly what you need then." The woman walked into the back room, pulling down a huge basket of rare potions ingredients. Teatering side to side because of the weight, she dragged the heavy thing out into the front.
"Oh! What's that?" Lockhart asked excitedly.
"This would be a basket of rare potions ingredients that have long since been used because of their scarcity."
"I'll take it! I'll take it!" He said nearly dancing in place, over-joyed. "Can I-"
"No, you can not pay with an autographed picture of you. I have one already."
"Well, what about a-"
"I already have all of your autographed books. Please pay me with money."
Lockhart groaned, shoveling out the money for the expensive basket.
"Do you want to have it delivered?" She asked, trying to be helpful.
"No,..." He said grunting as he picked up the basket. "I'll take it my self. Good day to you!"
Smileing, she waved as he left the store, glad that he was back to himself.
Later still, the doorbell ring, a bit upset to be roused from her romance book again, she came out to see who was there. To her surprise, she saw no one. "...Hello?"
"Oh right! The invisibility cloak's still on!"
"Harry, where's your head tonight?!"
She watched as the two boys became visible. Bringing a hand to her heart, she exclaimed, "Harry Potter and Ron Weasly? In my store? Oh my! What... What can I get you tonight?"
"Those athames! The dragon ones! Do you have any left?"
The boy's eyes were so full of hope, she prayed that there was one left. "Hey, I still have the article from when you two crashed the flying car!" The woman said, trying to make conversation. "It's up on the wall behind me!"
Ron groaned. "That's a memory that I would not like to remember, thank you."
"Here we are! One athame left. You've got the last one!" She put the knife down triumphantly on the counter.
"Can I have it engraved please?"
"Yes of course, Mr. Potter! What do you want written on the blade?"
Harry looked deep in thought. "Huh... I'm not sure... To Draco Malfoy, light of my life?"
Mrs. Pennyfeather giggled watching Ron as he made all sorts of choking and gagging noises.
"Quiet Ron. Um... My dragon! That's what I want."
"Mmhmm.." She said, writing it down so I wouldn't forget. "Do you want that delivered?"
"No, no... I don't have the money for the charge. I'll take it with me please." Harry smiled, putting down the payment. "Can I wait for the engraving to be done?"
"Yes of course! It won't be but a moment."
A few minutes passed, while she was engraving. The woman handed him the knife with a smile, and bid them both a fond farewell.
Closing time came around, as she had just finished a very romantic part. "Dear me, and I thought I was going to close shop early." She went to lock the door, only to have it slammed open in her face. "Ow..."
"Shop keeper! Do you sell silver roses?"
"Silver roses?" Mrs. Pennyfeather asked, stepping out from behind the door. "No, some man came in and bought the only dozen we had a few days ago. He gave me one to deliver to a man named Lucius Malfoy."
"I am him!!" He said, shaking her by the apron violently. "Did you see his face?! Did he tell you his name?!"
"STOP SHAKING ME, GOD DAMN IT!" The woman screamed, but then calmed down, prying his hands off her apron. "Well, no. He didn't even speak to me. Just wrote down what he wanted." With that, she went to the delivery box, and gave him the flower. "There."
"Yes.. YES! 9 more to go!" Lucius said, laughing and looking a bit on the insane side. "Well, good bye."
"Oh wait, there's another package for you." She pulled out the quill which was just gift wrapped moments before.
"Is it from..."
"No, it's from Severus."
"..I don't want it. I don't love him. I don't want his gifts."
She gritted my teeth, not looking so much like the kindly old woman anymore.. "Now look here! You barge in here at the very last second, nearly breaking my nose; you're taking this package! You're going to like this gift, and not be so bratty about it!"
The man glowered at her, his grey eyes dancing dangerously.
"Fine." He spat venomously, before stalking out of the store with the package.
Mrs. Pennyfeather shook her head, double locking the door before going leaving.
Hogwarts~
Harry examined the knife, admiring it.
"Well, how do you propose to give it to him?" Ron asked, crawling into bed.
He remained quiet for awhile. "I hadn't thought about that..."
Ron groaned, knowing that they probably would be making a trip into the slytherin house in the near future.
Harry got out of bed, and threw on his invisibility cloak. "No Ron. I'll do it alone... There's no reason for you to go and risk getting in trouble too."
"But Harry..."
"No buts Ron. I'll be back in a bit." He said, leaving the Gryffindor house. Harry walked down to to the Slytherin dorms, and waited outside the portrait. Beginning to wish that he had thought this out better, he sat to wait for some one to enter. If any one comes... Harry thought to himself.
He began to nod off, slipping into his subconscious.
Harry looked around. Where was he now? It wasn't medieval times again. Everything, everything around him, over him, beneath him was pitch black.
A finger tapped his shoulder, and the damsel Draco appeared behind him. Harry turned, and looked at his sad expression. "Why haven't you saved me ye, brave sir knight?"
"My name is Harry-"
"What kind of a name is Harry for a brave knight..." he sighed, rolling his eyes. Brave sir knight Harry, then! Save me from the two-headed dragon before it's too late..." Draco said, clutching Harry's robes. "Please, please.. Before it's too late..." the boy vanished slowly, disappearing into the blackness.
Harry woke up, blinking. Oh shite, he was sweating... What a nightmare... He rubbed his eyes, looking around. What time is it? He thought, looking to his watch. 3:33 A.M....
Snape turned the corner, looking both ways.
"Severus... Where are you?" Harry heard Lockhart whisper.
The frantic potions master mumbled 'elephant toe nails' to the portrait. It swung open allowing both Harry and Snape to enter.
Lockhart ran in seconds after the portrait had closed. "Oh.. He isn't here..."
Snape sighed heavily, sinking to the ground. He still had 999 dates left. The dark man hoped that Lockhart counted the little mud incident from last night as one, feeling quite foolish for his rash promise.
Harry, as quietly as possible went around the distraught professor, and up into the dorms.
Now faced with another problem, Harry cursed himself again for not planning this venture. Which bed was Draco's?!
He quietly opened each of the curtains, peering in. Yeesh, there are allot of ugly people in Slytherin...
Upon opening Goyle's curtain, he shuddered. He closed them quickly wishing he could gouge out his eyes. Why must hideous people sleep in the nude?
Harry made his way to the last bed, opening the green curtains. Draco... At last. The blonde looked so heavenly while asleep. He sat down on the edge of his bed, just watching Draco as he slept.
Draco's chest rose and fell, causing ripples in his silk pajamas. He draped his arm over his ribs, as he rolled on to his side.
Harry gently smoothed some of the hair from Draco's eyes, and kissed him softly on his cheek. "For you..." he whispered, placing the athame on the nightstand.
Draco stirred. "Professor Snape...?" He asked, still asleep. "I love you.." He mumbled.
Professor Snape?! Harry thought, instantly standing up. He blinked, a little jarred. The boy left, things beginning to dawn on him. All of those days he'd be staring at Draco, the other would be staring at Snape... Every thing made sense now...
"So?" Ron asked, sitting up when he heard Harry enter the room.
Harry sat on the edge of the bed. "Well... I found out some interesting things... Goyle sleeps... oh Merlin. He sleeps naked."
Ron looked mortified. "I didn't need to know that!"
"AndDracohasacruchonSnape.."
"Ugh, I think I'm going to vomit. I really didn't need to know that about Goyle. Really, I-What now?" Ron asked, looking at the other. "I'm not quite sure I heard that last part."
Harry cleared his throat. "Draco has a crush on Snape." He said bitterly.
Ron cracked up, rolling on the floor in hysterics. "Oh man, Harry! That's so funny! No.. No wonder why he looked so enchanted with Snape during that speech in the first year!"
"It's not funny Ron!!"
"Yes it is! Oh Harry..." he said, looking at Harry's crestfallen expression. "Don't take it so seriously. Hermione's got that silly crush on Lockhart she's been harboring since our 2nd year! It's the same thing with Snape."
Harry rolled his eyes. Apparently, Ron didn't know what he knew about Severus Snape. Though he severely doubted that Snape would ever make a move on his Draco. Lucius would probably decapitate him if he did. There had to be some way to get Draco to notice him. Though the athame was a nice idea, it was going to take allot more to court a Malfoy.
Back in Slytherin, Draco sat up slowly. What an oddly realistic dream he had about Professor Snape! He opened his bed curtains to see the glimmering athame on his nightstand. Quickly, he picked it up to examine.
This will come in handy for potions... Only Snape could have given it to him! He had to have!
The boy put on his slippers on, and quietly walked out of the dorms to see if the professor was still there. His eyes widened, seeing Snape sprawled out on the stairs leading to the common room.
"Professor Snape! Professor Snape!" Draco said, frantically shaking the man.
"Hmm? What is it Lucius..?" Snape asked, groggily. "Be a good love and fetch me a glass of water?" He said, not even opening his eyes.
Father? Why is he dreaming about father? Surely, he must be mistaken. But if the man wants a glass of water, I won't deny him it. Draco went up to the bathroom, getting him a glass. "Here you are!" He said, dumping the entire glass on Snape's head.
The man sat up, wide-awake now. "Draco?" He said, his eyes growing more focused. "What are you doing out of bed at this hour?!"
"Why are you dreaming about father passed out on a staircase?!" Draco said, stamping his foot like a child having a temper tantrum.
Snape rubbed his temples. "That's none of your business!" He said quite sharply, while blushing. His voice softened, seeing the hurt expression on Draco's face. "I'll make you a deal. You didn't see me, and I didn't see you."
The blonde boy's bottom lip trembled. He bowed his head and nodded. Quietly, but with more sulking then he had came, Draco made his way back to his bed. Throwing the covers over his head, he spent a very restless night trying to figure out why Snape was dreaming about his father.
A/N about the rose guy: Sorry! Can't tell ya who he is yet!
A/N about 'Moldie Voldie' (that's so great! I've never heard him be called that before!): Voldemort will be in this, but his involvement isn't untill the middle of the fic.
A/N about Lockhart: I dunno... I just love the Lockhart/Snape pairing, it cracks me up^^ I'll have to do more of those.
A/N about misspellings: WAH! I can't believe I spelt his name wrong! I'll have to go fix those past errors, thanks for the heads up^^ Er, I hope words aren't too badly misspelled in this chapter, I'm at a computer which doesn't have a spell checker.
A/n about posting chapters: So far what I have been doing is combining small chapters to make larger ones (Has 3/4 of the fic written so far). Downside=Longer to edit, so longer time to post :( What I could do is put up the smaller chapters that I finished already. It wont take long to edit those. So you guys decide, tell me if you want long or short ones and I'll do what you want^^ Anything to please my readers!
~~~
~Chapter 10-Enchanter's Gifts~
Harry knew Hermione had a laptop. The thing was, how was he going to explain to her why he needed it? "Hermione, I need to ask you a favor."
"What is it, Harry? Can't you see I'm very busy trying to finish my essay for Transfiguration?" She said, a bit agitated to be bothered while doing work.
"I need to borrow your laptop. If it's a problem, I understand completely!"
Hermione handed him the computer, and gave Harry a quizzical look. "Why would it be a problem? You do know how to use it right? Then, it would be a problem, because I would have to teach you."
"No, I know how to use it. I was expecting to get the third degree in all. I know how expensive these things are." Harry thought back to when Dudley had begged and whined for one, then how he had broken it after an hour later. He mentally winced, also recalling that he was blamed for it. "You aren't even going to ask me why I need it?"
"No Harry, I trust you. I mean, it's not like you're going to look up filth or anything."
He smiled. "Of course not."
Harry sat back, his pocket heavy with the seven galleons he gotten. Snape did look pretty upset when Lucius had unexpectedly dropped in...
Lucius sure looked surprised. But that was only because of what Draco had told him about his father a day or so back.
Clicking on the 'search' bar, he typed -Gifts+Magic+Expensive- and got one site.
http://enchantersgifts.com
Clicking on enchantersgifts.com, he waited while the site finished. His eyes grew wide in astonishment at how nice the site was. Harry never had seen gifts quite like these ones before...
Browsing down a list of descriptions of items, he found the perfect one.
Dragon Athame- A two-edged knife with the handle made in the shape of a dragon. It is made of a mixture of silver and hematite to give it that black look, but still have the essence of high quality. The athame is a wonderful tool for cutting ingredients, especially for those bound for a career in potions. Cost- 6 galleons add one extra for engraving.
Draco did have a love for potions.... Harry thought, tapping his chin. That was definitely a perfect gift... He scrolled down looking for the order form, but found something very interesting.
-Order on line, or for you eager witches and wizards, come to our shop in Hogsmeade! Only a stone throw's a way from Hogwarts.-
Harry stood up, and handed the computer back to Hermione. "Thanks! I owe you a favor!"
"You owe me a hundred favors, but who's counting?" She asked, and turned around. "Harry? Harry! He was sure in a hurry..."
Harry burst into the boy's dormitory, shouting "Ron, Ron!"
Ron jumped half a mile, upsetting Crookshanks from sleeping on his bed. "Jeez Harry! What's going on?!"
"Enchanter's Gifts! They have an outlet in Hogsmeade! WE HAVE TO GO!" The frantic boy said, rummaging around for his invisibility cloak. "Come on, come on!"
Elsewhere~
Dear Journal,
I'm terrible confused. Yesterday, I recieved a pendent from my father in apology for being so upset with me. I'm not sure I understand why... He never did tell me what happened in that meeting with Lockhart.
Hah, maybe the stupid git tried to hit on father! I wouldn't be surprised. I just feel a bit sorry for Lockhart. My father's homophobic after all. Ever since I could remember, he's always treated any sexual advance by a man with extreme disdain and malice...
Draco sighed, sticking the journal under the bed.
Hogsmeade~
A kindly old woman sat behind the counter of an eccentric looking gift shop. It was a few hours till closing. It was a considerably slow day, and she took to reading a mushy romance novel.
The door swung viciously open, making her drop her book in surprise. "Hullo sir, how can I help you?" She asked, sticking the book in a near by drawer.
The man looked more than a little forbidding as he approached her. "I need a gift. Not an ordinary one. One that would be extremely expensive, rare, and being coated in gold wouldn't help either..."
She nodded meekly, going behind the counter to where I keep the more expensive gifts. As the woman rummaged, she happened to notice the man's robes. "Hogwarts professor?"
"Yes." He said, rather shortly. "Are you finished yet? This is very important!"
"What about this self-writing quill? Takes wonderful dictation. Also writes in 24-karat gold!"
The man eyed the quill with renewed interest. "That's perfect... I'll take this card too. You write it, my handwriting is illegible."
She smiled, taking a quill to start. "Shoot."
He looked rather uncomfortable, not really wanting to repeat what he had in mind in front of another person, especially an elderly woman.
"Lucius,
I'm sorry that you witnessed that last night. I have no feelings for that idiot. He's impossible, and won't stop bothering me. I hope you can forgive me. I do apologize.
Severus."
"No 'with love?'" She asked surprisingly cynical. "No pet names? Wow, you're unimaginative."
He glared down at her annoyed. "Just deliver that card and gift." He hissed, leaving money for everything on the counter.
She sighed in relief after he had left, feeling sorry for his students. Leaving the card and gift down in the 'To be delivered' bin, she went back to cleaning.
Later still, the woman was just about done cleaning the rare and endangered familiars cages when she heard the door open. "I'll be right with you!" Removing her gloves, and walking out into the front of the store, she found her most favourite customer. "Mr. Lockhart!"
"Hello there, Mrs. Pennyfeather." He said, rather glum.
She blinked at the unhappy man. Never have I seen him frown... Not even in any of his books does he mention ever being upset. She thought, pulling out a plate of cookies. "What's wrong?"
He sighed, looking around the shop before taking one. "I messed up with a potential boyfriend... He's so shy and always gets mad when I try to advance things further... Last night, I went a little too far... You see, we were mud wrestling-"
This was quite a story to take in all at once. She sat with her elbows propped up on the counter, listening excitedly for this was far more interesting than her romance book anyway.
"Well, that's when Lucius walked in. Severus got all upset; he kept trying to apologize to him..."
She nearly fell off of her stool. "Severus? You mean the guy with the black hair, and really pale face?! That Severus?"
Lockhart nodded a few of his golden tresses falling into his eyes. "Oh, I need to patch things up... I don't want to loose him!" He said, desperately.
"Uh.... Don't worry, I'll fix it dearie! He seems like the practical sort, doesn't he?"
He nodded. "Yes, very much so! And dedicated too! It seems after every time I talk to him, he goes off to gather potions ingredients!"
She smiled. "Then I think I know exactly what you need then." The woman walked into the back room, pulling down a huge basket of rare potions ingredients. Teatering side to side because of the weight, she dragged the heavy thing out into the front.
"Oh! What's that?" Lockhart asked excitedly.
"This would be a basket of rare potions ingredients that have long since been used because of their scarcity."
"I'll take it! I'll take it!" He said nearly dancing in place, over-joyed. "Can I-"
"No, you can not pay with an autographed picture of you. I have one already."
"Well, what about a-"
"I already have all of your autographed books. Please pay me with money."
Lockhart groaned, shoveling out the money for the expensive basket.
"Do you want to have it delivered?" She asked, trying to be helpful.
"No,..." He said grunting as he picked up the basket. "I'll take it my self. Good day to you!"
Smileing, she waved as he left the store, glad that he was back to himself.
Later still, the doorbell ring, a bit upset to be roused from her romance book again, she came out to see who was there. To her surprise, she saw no one. "...Hello?"
"Oh right! The invisibility cloak's still on!"
"Harry, where's your head tonight?!"
She watched as the two boys became visible. Bringing a hand to her heart, she exclaimed, "Harry Potter and Ron Weasly? In my store? Oh my! What... What can I get you tonight?"
"Those athames! The dragon ones! Do you have any left?"
The boy's eyes were so full of hope, she prayed that there was one left. "Hey, I still have the article from when you two crashed the flying car!" The woman said, trying to make conversation. "It's up on the wall behind me!"
Ron groaned. "That's a memory that I would not like to remember, thank you."
"Here we are! One athame left. You've got the last one!" She put the knife down triumphantly on the counter.
"Can I have it engraved please?"
"Yes of course, Mr. Potter! What do you want written on the blade?"
Harry looked deep in thought. "Huh... I'm not sure... To Draco Malfoy, light of my life?"
Mrs. Pennyfeather giggled watching Ron as he made all sorts of choking and gagging noises.
"Quiet Ron. Um... My dragon! That's what I want."
"Mmhmm.." She said, writing it down so I wouldn't forget. "Do you want that delivered?"
"No, no... I don't have the money for the charge. I'll take it with me please." Harry smiled, putting down the payment. "Can I wait for the engraving to be done?"
"Yes of course! It won't be but a moment."
A few minutes passed, while she was engraving. The woman handed him the knife with a smile, and bid them both a fond farewell.
Closing time came around, as she had just finished a very romantic part. "Dear me, and I thought I was going to close shop early." She went to lock the door, only to have it slammed open in her face. "Ow..."
"Shop keeper! Do you sell silver roses?"
"Silver roses?" Mrs. Pennyfeather asked, stepping out from behind the door. "No, some man came in and bought the only dozen we had a few days ago. He gave me one to deliver to a man named Lucius Malfoy."
"I am him!!" He said, shaking her by the apron violently. "Did you see his face?! Did he tell you his name?!"
"STOP SHAKING ME, GOD DAMN IT!" The woman screamed, but then calmed down, prying his hands off her apron. "Well, no. He didn't even speak to me. Just wrote down what he wanted." With that, she went to the delivery box, and gave him the flower. "There."
"Yes.. YES! 9 more to go!" Lucius said, laughing and looking a bit on the insane side. "Well, good bye."
"Oh wait, there's another package for you." She pulled out the quill which was just gift wrapped moments before.
"Is it from..."
"No, it's from Severus."
"..I don't want it. I don't love him. I don't want his gifts."
She gritted my teeth, not looking so much like the kindly old woman anymore.. "Now look here! You barge in here at the very last second, nearly breaking my nose; you're taking this package! You're going to like this gift, and not be so bratty about it!"
The man glowered at her, his grey eyes dancing dangerously.
"Fine." He spat venomously, before stalking out of the store with the package.
Mrs. Pennyfeather shook her head, double locking the door before going leaving.
Hogwarts~
Harry examined the knife, admiring it.
"Well, how do you propose to give it to him?" Ron asked, crawling into bed.
He remained quiet for awhile. "I hadn't thought about that..."
Ron groaned, knowing that they probably would be making a trip into the slytherin house in the near future.
Harry got out of bed, and threw on his invisibility cloak. "No Ron. I'll do it alone... There's no reason for you to go and risk getting in trouble too."
"But Harry..."
"No buts Ron. I'll be back in a bit." He said, leaving the Gryffindor house. Harry walked down to to the Slytherin dorms, and waited outside the portrait. Beginning to wish that he had thought this out better, he sat to wait for some one to enter. If any one comes... Harry thought to himself.
He began to nod off, slipping into his subconscious.
Harry looked around. Where was he now? It wasn't medieval times again. Everything, everything around him, over him, beneath him was pitch black.
A finger tapped his shoulder, and the damsel Draco appeared behind him. Harry turned, and looked at his sad expression. "Why haven't you saved me ye, brave sir knight?"
"My name is Harry-"
"What kind of a name is Harry for a brave knight..." he sighed, rolling his eyes. Brave sir knight Harry, then! Save me from the two-headed dragon before it's too late..." Draco said, clutching Harry's robes. "Please, please.. Before it's too late..." the boy vanished slowly, disappearing into the blackness.
Harry woke up, blinking. Oh shite, he was sweating... What a nightmare... He rubbed his eyes, looking around. What time is it? He thought, looking to his watch. 3:33 A.M....
Snape turned the corner, looking both ways.
"Severus... Where are you?" Harry heard Lockhart whisper.
The frantic potions master mumbled 'elephant toe nails' to the portrait. It swung open allowing both Harry and Snape to enter.
Lockhart ran in seconds after the portrait had closed. "Oh.. He isn't here..."
Snape sighed heavily, sinking to the ground. He still had 999 dates left. The dark man hoped that Lockhart counted the little mud incident from last night as one, feeling quite foolish for his rash promise.
Harry, as quietly as possible went around the distraught professor, and up into the dorms.
Now faced with another problem, Harry cursed himself again for not planning this venture. Which bed was Draco's?!
He quietly opened each of the curtains, peering in. Yeesh, there are allot of ugly people in Slytherin...
Upon opening Goyle's curtain, he shuddered. He closed them quickly wishing he could gouge out his eyes. Why must hideous people sleep in the nude?
Harry made his way to the last bed, opening the green curtains. Draco... At last. The blonde looked so heavenly while asleep. He sat down on the edge of his bed, just watching Draco as he slept.
Draco's chest rose and fell, causing ripples in his silk pajamas. He draped his arm over his ribs, as he rolled on to his side.
Harry gently smoothed some of the hair from Draco's eyes, and kissed him softly on his cheek. "For you..." he whispered, placing the athame on the nightstand.
Draco stirred. "Professor Snape...?" He asked, still asleep. "I love you.." He mumbled.
Professor Snape?! Harry thought, instantly standing up. He blinked, a little jarred. The boy left, things beginning to dawn on him. All of those days he'd be staring at Draco, the other would be staring at Snape... Every thing made sense now...
"So?" Ron asked, sitting up when he heard Harry enter the room.
Harry sat on the edge of the bed. "Well... I found out some interesting things... Goyle sleeps... oh Merlin. He sleeps naked."
Ron looked mortified. "I didn't need to know that!"
"AndDracohasacruchonSnape.."
"Ugh, I think I'm going to vomit. I really didn't need to know that about Goyle. Really, I-What now?" Ron asked, looking at the other. "I'm not quite sure I heard that last part."
Harry cleared his throat. "Draco has a crush on Snape." He said bitterly.
Ron cracked up, rolling on the floor in hysterics. "Oh man, Harry! That's so funny! No.. No wonder why he looked so enchanted with Snape during that speech in the first year!"
"It's not funny Ron!!"
"Yes it is! Oh Harry..." he said, looking at Harry's crestfallen expression. "Don't take it so seriously. Hermione's got that silly crush on Lockhart she's been harboring since our 2nd year! It's the same thing with Snape."
Harry rolled his eyes. Apparently, Ron didn't know what he knew about Severus Snape. Though he severely doubted that Snape would ever make a move on his Draco. Lucius would probably decapitate him if he did. There had to be some way to get Draco to notice him. Though the athame was a nice idea, it was going to take allot more to court a Malfoy.
Back in Slytherin, Draco sat up slowly. What an oddly realistic dream he had about Professor Snape! He opened his bed curtains to see the glimmering athame on his nightstand. Quickly, he picked it up to examine.
This will come in handy for potions... Only Snape could have given it to him! He had to have!
The boy put on his slippers on, and quietly walked out of the dorms to see if the professor was still there. His eyes widened, seeing Snape sprawled out on the stairs leading to the common room.
"Professor Snape! Professor Snape!" Draco said, frantically shaking the man.
"Hmm? What is it Lucius..?" Snape asked, groggily. "Be a good love and fetch me a glass of water?" He said, not even opening his eyes.
Father? Why is he dreaming about father? Surely, he must be mistaken. But if the man wants a glass of water, I won't deny him it. Draco went up to the bathroom, getting him a glass. "Here you are!" He said, dumping the entire glass on Snape's head.
The man sat up, wide-awake now. "Draco?" He said, his eyes growing more focused. "What are you doing out of bed at this hour?!"
"Why are you dreaming about father passed out on a staircase?!" Draco said, stamping his foot like a child having a temper tantrum.
Snape rubbed his temples. "That's none of your business!" He said quite sharply, while blushing. His voice softened, seeing the hurt expression on Draco's face. "I'll make you a deal. You didn't see me, and I didn't see you."
The blonde boy's bottom lip trembled. He bowed his head and nodded. Quietly, but with more sulking then he had came, Draco made his way back to his bed. Throwing the covers over his head, he spent a very restless night trying to figure out why Snape was dreaming about his father.