Disclaimer: Blah blah blah, blah blah JK Rowling owns everything blah blah
except the stuff I made up blah blah blah blah and maybe I didn't even make
that up blah blah blah so get over it already!
Warning; this story finally ends up with a HP/DM pairing slashy thingy, and some other stuff, so if you don't like male male pairings, turn back!
Chapter Three: Grey is a colour between light and dark.
"I think its time to have our little chat with Mr Malfoy Severus." Dumbledore said placing his hand on the professor's shoulder. "Minerva, could you inform the students that its time to get settled in for the night, and get ready for tomorrow." "Of cause Albus." She said. Dumbledore then left for his office, while Severus started off towards the Slytherin table. "I would appreciate it if you informed them after I have told Draco, Professor McGonagall. Wouldn't want to be caught up in the stampede now would we?" "I'll do my best Severus." She said, calculating the risk to humour quotient. Better not chance it so close to the beginning of the term, she thought, he's been acting a bit strange of late. And what with a young woman taking the spot as Defence Against the Dark Arts position, anything might set him off.
* * *
Draco watched as Dumbledore walked out the hall through the teachers entrance, and then as Snape walked towards him. Professor Snape's face was blank as he put his hand on Draco's neck and said. "Come Draco." The table went quiet as they looked at Snape and then at Draco. Only Crabbe, Goyle and Zabini knew that he was going to go see the headmaster, and for some reason Draco thought that this should be kept as quiet as possible. If it did come out he would have to rely on Vincent and Gregory to spread the rumour that he was being reprimanded for the Pansy incident, again.
He followed Professor Snape out the Great Hall and up the main staircase and onwards to the stone gargoyle that protected the entry to the headmaster's office. The whole way the professor had been quiet, Draco couldn't even gain an insight from his body language. Draco didn't know what to think. Usually the Professor was an inspiration, even offering a comforting word now and then, always offering advice. Now he was quiet.
They stopped at the gargoyle and the Professor said "Romany Creams." It jumped aside revealing a doorway and a set of stairs. Draco had heard that the Headmaster always used the name of a sweet, this one must have been Muggle, he hadn't heard of it. They proceeded up the stairs and the Professor knocked on the office door. "Come in." They heard the Headmaster on the other side say. Just before opening the door the Professor said in a quiet voice. "Just be yourself Draco, that's all I ask." With that he walked in. Well Draco, be yourself, come on where's that Malfoy sneer?
It didn't affect the Headmaster though. He greeted Draco warmly and even offered him a cup of tea. Tea wasn't that bad, so he accepted as he sat in the comfy chair facing the Headmaster's desk. Draco's mother had gotten him addicted to tea this summer, making him one every morning while he still dosed in bed. She had probably felt sorry for him with his father's outbursts and all. Professor Snape declined the Headmaster's offer though.
"Well then as we're all settled then, let's get started." Dumbledore said overly cheerfully. Draco just nodded. "Well Draco after a long discussion with Professor Snape and after recent happenings that I'm sure you know about, I have decided to take the fight to Voldemort sooner that I had planned." Shock was straining to get free and show itself on Draco's face, but he managed to keep a straight face as his father said he must in situations like these. Dumbledore must be getting very senile and stupid in his old age, Draco thought. For him to reveal such a piece of information to a practically known death eater's son and a death eater spy. unless.
Draco looked over at Professor Snape. "Ahh I see the reports that you have a very quick and cunning mind are true young Draco." Dumbledore said quite pleased. Professor Snape is a double agent? Draco thought. When Voldemort found out. "I know that you don't want to be a death eater Draco." Professor Snape said to him. "I was there at the last meeting. You caused quite a stir when you didn't bow to Voldemort when your father introduced you." Draco looked back at Dumbledore in a desperate movement. He looked back just as hard as Professor Snape was looking at him.
"Let me guess my boy," Dumbledore said grandfatherly. "Your father has been giving a lot more propaganda to you, in some form or another, promoting Voldemort's cause?" Draco thought back to his father's rants about Voldemort's traitors meeting a timely death. had that been a warning? And all those father son talks that had sprung up; 'Be a true Malfoy son, uphold the Malfoy's name Draco.' Well what were the Malfoy's know for? Voldemort supporters.
Both Dumbledore and Snape were looking at him expectantly. Both kind looks, both warm looks. When had he ever received looks like that? Draco suddenly thought. From his father? No, Draco knew that his father cared for him, but his father also cared for power just as much. He was a cold man. His mother? Draco's mother was too scared to do anything that was not on her 'things my husband says is ok to do' list. Draco thought with a lump forming in his throat that the only people who had actually really and truly cared for him were probably these two men looking at him.
They had hit home when they said they knew he didn't want to be a death eater. Yes it was cool having the power that his father's position in the death eater's afforded him. But unlike his father Draco thought of himself as his own master, born free and all that crap. Fuck what were these guys making him think! Betray his father. Turn against an evil wizard who killed people for just looking at him wrongly. Don't lie to yourself Draco, they've only brought up a subject that borders on what you've been thinking for a while now.
Draco looked up at the two professors again. The same looks. And it seemed they were patient enough to wait for him to come to a decision. Well he had. Draco got up out of the chair he was sitting in, place the cup of untouched tea on the table and started to walk out of the office. Professor Snape caught his arm. Professor Snape, the man who made Hogwarts feel like the home away from home. "You know where to find me whenever you want to talk Draco." Draco just looked at him for a second, nodded his head and walked out the office.
"I hope you know what you are doing Headmaster. The boy is still a Malfoy and does not take to being manipulated very well." "Well this time he shall have to I'm afraid." Dumbledore said soberly. "You know what they say Severus, 'My enemy's enemy is my best friend." Severus chuckled. "If you say so Albus." They were quiet for a minute. "Make sure the boy comes to see you soon Severus, the longer he takes the more likely he'll let something slip to his father." "I know. May I be excused?" "Yes, goodnight Severus." "Goodnight Headmaster."
* * *
Draco took his time in getting to the Slytherin common room. He had a lot to think about. Should he warn his father about Dumbledore and Professor Snape's treachery? No, Draco could not betray the Professor, and if he was with Dumbledore, then he couldn't betray the Headmaster. That meant that he would have to betray his father's trust in him, and that meant betraying Voldemort.
Fuck! He had never said he would side with that infernal git or any of his minions. Those fools were on their own. On the other hand he had never said he would side with the Headmaster, he could not tell on the Professor and still not be on his side.
So what should he do? What was that that the Headmaster had said.? 'I see the reports that you have a very quick and cunning mind are true young Draco'. Well if he had such a quick and cunning mind he should be able to think of something. Well if a fight was coming as the Headmaster had said then he sure as hell wanted people he could trust. People he could depend on, people to watch his back, people who would be loyal?
Draco almost laughed out loud. This year would most certainly be interesting. He would need to get hold of some of that Veritaserum potion that he had read about in one of his father's books. That stuff would make anyone tell the truth. If he took on followers Draco wanted to be sure about where their loyalties lay; and that was with him.
Draco finally reached the entrance to the Slytherin 'dungeon'. Luckily he had heard the password. "The Coming" he said. Stupid seventh years. He would have to change that soon. He entered the common room and thanked his father's prestige hopefully for the last time. A group of couches directly in front of the main fire was occupied by his house mates who were waiting for him. They looked expectantly at him as he walked over and occupied the single large couch that had been left for him. With a smirking smile, he decided that it was time to make his own power.
* * *
Harry had finally convinced Fred and George that it was preferable to give the whole Draco thing a rest. It seemed that quite a few people wouldn't mind seeing him as House Quidditch Captain. In the end they agreed never to mention Draco again in those terms if Harry gave them his vote. They then went about the house common room building up their support.
The common room cleared pretty quickly and soon Harry, Ron and Hermione found themselves alone'ish talking about the up coming year. As usual one or two first years sat 'inconspicuously' on the other side of the room staring at Harry. Then Hermione left, heaving her already full school bag along, leaving a very sleepy Ron and a wide awake Harry. "I'm still going to stay up for a while Ron." Harry finally said. "Go to bed, no one's going to attack me here in our own common room." If Ron could have blushed Harry thought he would have, instead he just sleepily waved goodnight and stumbled up the boys dormitory stairs.
Harry was still wide awake. The prospect that Draco Malfoy was 'interested' in him kept floating around his head. Harry didn't know what to think. He knew what he didn't feel though, and that was disgust. Why? The thought of Draco looking at him a sexual way didn't make him shiver in revulsion like he did when he thought of say Goyle. no wait bad example, that was more likely going to make him puke. lets say Justin Finch-Fletchley.
He knew he liked girls, or thought he did, but then this was the almost the same feeling that he had felt when Ron told him that or other cute girl was checking him out. Draco Draco Draco, Harry thought, why did you have to wink at me in the train. Harry Harry Harry, Harry thought Draco thinking, why didn't you wink back?
* * *
Corven sat patiently in his house's common room. It was dark looking and made him want to brood. He supposed that it fit most of his housemate's personalities. He could grow to like it. It seemed that Draco Malfoy liked it. He sat comfortably in his large couch while all his friends crammed themselves into the rest of the couches surrounding the main fireplace. Malfoy ruled this place for sure. Corven thought that it was probably a good idea to try and get friendly with him. Pity, Corven thought, that Harry Potter had been so nice to me, it might make things difficult with his number one enemy in school.
There were only five new first years in Slytherin, three boys and two girls. Corven had learnt a lot about the politics of the school from listening to them prattle amongst themselves and a couple of second years. Like don't mention that you're a mudblood! So how to make friends with Draco Malfoy? Having someone like that backing you up would open a lot of doors here and there. Corven had heard that Draco had offered to teach a couple of his friends a bit about the Dark Arts. Now if Corven could go to those lessons it would be a start.
Conjuring magic wasn't actually that difficult. Corven could easily remember the words, the only tricky part was the pronunciation and the whole wrist thing. But he was getting better. He already knew one or two spells from his text books.
Draco Malfoy was finally alone, all his friends having gone to bed. Corven had decided to speak to Draco about the whole teaching thing. You don't know unless you try. But he didn't want to try in front of a whole lot of people who would laugh at him if he got shot down. Well now or never.
He walked up to where Draco seemed to be 'daydreaming', looking into the fire. He had a slight smile on his face. Corven didn't know how to address him. Draco? No, don't know him well enough. Malfoy? No, sounds like you want to start a fight. Um. "Mr Malfoy?" God! Draco looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. "What?" he stated mater of factly. "I heard about those lessons that you are going to teach." "And you want to join in?" Draco said almost laughing. "Well I'm a good study, I've learnt a few spells already." Corven said, his face flushing slightly. "A few spells? A regular Granger then?" Draco sneered. Corven looked back blankly. "You're a mudblood aren't you?" "No I'm not!" "Yes you are, I remember you from Diagon Alley, with your mom and dad." Corven full out flushed then. Anger. Embarrassment. Shame. Hatred for this boy in front of him. He was about to storm off when Malfoy spoke. "Ok, but the deal is that you owe me something big. Same deal I made with everyone else." Corven looked back. "Thank you,. Mr Malfoy." He then stormed off anyway.
* * *
The next morning at breakfast there were a few stares passed around the Great Hall. First was Harry Potter's, eye's a bit groggy from a sleepless night on the Draco subject, stared at the main subject of the Draco subject; tactfully of cause. Fred who was sitting to his left mentioned that Draco was also periodically looking at him. "Careful Harry. Malfoy is planning something." Fred said. "He's looking your way too often." George leaned over the table saying. "I bet you his father put him up to something, what with Voldemort starting to make his mark in the world again." It seemed that the twins were taking their deal with Harry seriously and not mentioning that Draco might be wanting to get it on with Harry. However Ron eagerly jumped at this new interpretation of Draco's stares. "We should get him first." Ron said this with such venom that everyone listening was a bit surprised. "What? If I learnt anything studying those stupid Troll wars it was that you attack them before they can attack you." This brought an all round agreement. And in less that a minute the 'Gryffindor War Counsel' was formed, consisting of Fred and George, Ron, Hermione, Dean, Seamus, Neville and a somewhat hesitant Harry.
Harry couldn't shake the idea that Draco didn't really have any intention of harming him. That look that he had given Harry at dinner last night wasn't one of malice, it was something different. Harry's friends were dead set on Draco attacking him before the first lesson started however, and Harry had to jump in and say 'NO!' to Ron's idea of giving Draco a Polyjuice Potion that had a frog wart as its prominent ingredient.
His only ally, Hermione, in persuading the 'War Council' not to act too brutally however disappeared and became the Council's chief information officer when the mail arrived. Hermione had a subscription to the Daily Profit again, and the main story was about another family killed, including children. The reporter said that his informant confirmed that the Avada Kedavra curse was used.
Harry almost had to agree that the best way of fighting Voldemort was to get at his followers in the school. He couldn't shake the idea that Draco shouldn't be harmed though. Something was different with him this year.
* * *
Draco on the other hand divided his attention to staring at Harry, his Slytherin House mates whom he had said he would teach, and at the Hufflepuff table. A big discussion was being held at the Gryffindor table to which Draco suspected he might be the centre of conversation. They were all giving him dirty looks. Maybe it was a good idea to steer away from Harry for a while.
Draco's 'friends' however were all smug and smiling, positive that they were all going to be well versed in the Dark Arts in a couple of weeks. Well hopefully some of them would, those that Draco could trust. He would really hate to teach someone who might stab him in the back one day. And those someone's were people who were loyal to Voldemort. Draco just needed the Vreitaserum and then he would be sure. He could probably get that from Professor Snape since the Headmaster and he wanted Draco to move over to the Light. A smirk crossed Draco's face.
Then there was the problem of Draco's growing need. The need to oogle, to touch, to smell, to kiss, to love. He hadn't really studied the Hufflepuffs before like he studied them now. They probably didn't have a clue as to the dark cloud that was slowly descending on the world of magic as they knew it. Didn't know that there soon would be a war. An incredibly intense and decimating.mmmmmmm, not bad.
Draco's gaze had fallen on a third or fourth year Hufflepuff boy. He had long brownish blond hair that fell to his cheek bones, sometimes getting in the way of his eye's, looked like brown eyes. He was talking merrily with some friends, well that is until he noticed Draco Malfoy looking at him as though an eagle looks at its prey. The boy visibly paled and Draco had to laugh out loud as he realised the look that he had been giving the boy. Habit.
This only seemed to worry the boy more, as he put a hand on the table as though to steady himself. The other Slytherins near Draco wanted to know what was so funny. Draco was about to give the inquisitive fools some lie, but the mail arrived then and saved him the trouble.
* * *
Corven looked up as the owls flew in the high vaulted windows of the Great Hall. The bright sunlight shining through the magically charmed roof made it difficult to see all the owls, but finally he saw two big eagle owls circling above the Slytherin table. One landed a letter in front of Draco Malfoy (Corven still couldn't believe that he had called the boy sir) and the other actually landed on the table in front of Corven.
Corven quickly untied the letter that Rev held out on his leg. People at the table were murmuring about Rev and how beautiful he was and stuff. The second year girl that Corven was sitting next to however was now complaining bitterly about the pumpkin juice that now drenched her breakfast. Rev screeched at her before attacking a piece of bacon.
Corven didn't really notice as he quickly opened the letter. He blushed as he saw it and quickly closed the letter. Well it wasn't actually a letter; more like a sketch of himself in Hogwarts uniform signed 'Love Michael'. Rather dashing, Corven thought as he sneaked another peek. He quickly grabbed a piece of parchment from his bag and wrote back 'Thanks Mike, I haven't got time right now, but I'll write back tonight. Love Corven, Hogwarts first year student, Slytherin House.' Corven was sure that Mike would enjoy that last part, give him something to look up in 'Hogwarts a History' which he had asked to borrow. He tied the reply onto Rev's outstretched leg before scratching his pet lightly between the eye's. Rev almost cooed like a dove at the attention, although Corven would never mentioned out loud that his pet sometimes acted like a dove, he enjoyed having all his fingers. "Now take this straight back to Mike Rev." Rev seemed to understand and took off in a whooshing of air.
This great display by Rev also heightened Corven's standing with his fellow Slytherin first years who had heard that he was to be one of those to be taught by Draco Malfoy. He supposed that since there were only five of them, they were destined to become friends, and so Corven was right in there in their conversations, telling the story again of how he had asked Draco Malfoy to be taught (not the part where he stormed off). He had let slip that he was a mudblood and surprisingly Josh had admitted that he was as well.
Sally, Josh, Edward, Robin and himself, Corven, now discussed the upcoming Quidditch season. Josh was an avid fan of the game and was in the process of telling them about the past couple of years Quidditch championships, and the great rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. They got so involve at one stage that they didn't notice the whole school quieten down while they read the Daily Prophet. The End. for now.
I know I said that there would be a clue to the main plot in this chapter, but I lied. Sorry, but I promise that you'll get it full in the face in Chapter four: Just you and me my friend. Anyway, hope you enjoyed, if you did please tell me! I live to make you happy (well with this at lest). If you didn't please tell me! I live to piss you off! (in anyway possible) Cheers SDB
Warning; this story finally ends up with a HP/DM pairing slashy thingy, and some other stuff, so if you don't like male male pairings, turn back!
Chapter Three: Grey is a colour between light and dark.
"I think its time to have our little chat with Mr Malfoy Severus." Dumbledore said placing his hand on the professor's shoulder. "Minerva, could you inform the students that its time to get settled in for the night, and get ready for tomorrow." "Of cause Albus." She said. Dumbledore then left for his office, while Severus started off towards the Slytherin table. "I would appreciate it if you informed them after I have told Draco, Professor McGonagall. Wouldn't want to be caught up in the stampede now would we?" "I'll do my best Severus." She said, calculating the risk to humour quotient. Better not chance it so close to the beginning of the term, she thought, he's been acting a bit strange of late. And what with a young woman taking the spot as Defence Against the Dark Arts position, anything might set him off.
* * *
Draco watched as Dumbledore walked out the hall through the teachers entrance, and then as Snape walked towards him. Professor Snape's face was blank as he put his hand on Draco's neck and said. "Come Draco." The table went quiet as they looked at Snape and then at Draco. Only Crabbe, Goyle and Zabini knew that he was going to go see the headmaster, and for some reason Draco thought that this should be kept as quiet as possible. If it did come out he would have to rely on Vincent and Gregory to spread the rumour that he was being reprimanded for the Pansy incident, again.
He followed Professor Snape out the Great Hall and up the main staircase and onwards to the stone gargoyle that protected the entry to the headmaster's office. The whole way the professor had been quiet, Draco couldn't even gain an insight from his body language. Draco didn't know what to think. Usually the Professor was an inspiration, even offering a comforting word now and then, always offering advice. Now he was quiet.
They stopped at the gargoyle and the Professor said "Romany Creams." It jumped aside revealing a doorway and a set of stairs. Draco had heard that the Headmaster always used the name of a sweet, this one must have been Muggle, he hadn't heard of it. They proceeded up the stairs and the Professor knocked on the office door. "Come in." They heard the Headmaster on the other side say. Just before opening the door the Professor said in a quiet voice. "Just be yourself Draco, that's all I ask." With that he walked in. Well Draco, be yourself, come on where's that Malfoy sneer?
It didn't affect the Headmaster though. He greeted Draco warmly and even offered him a cup of tea. Tea wasn't that bad, so he accepted as he sat in the comfy chair facing the Headmaster's desk. Draco's mother had gotten him addicted to tea this summer, making him one every morning while he still dosed in bed. She had probably felt sorry for him with his father's outbursts and all. Professor Snape declined the Headmaster's offer though.
"Well then as we're all settled then, let's get started." Dumbledore said overly cheerfully. Draco just nodded. "Well Draco after a long discussion with Professor Snape and after recent happenings that I'm sure you know about, I have decided to take the fight to Voldemort sooner that I had planned." Shock was straining to get free and show itself on Draco's face, but he managed to keep a straight face as his father said he must in situations like these. Dumbledore must be getting very senile and stupid in his old age, Draco thought. For him to reveal such a piece of information to a practically known death eater's son and a death eater spy. unless.
Draco looked over at Professor Snape. "Ahh I see the reports that you have a very quick and cunning mind are true young Draco." Dumbledore said quite pleased. Professor Snape is a double agent? Draco thought. When Voldemort found out. "I know that you don't want to be a death eater Draco." Professor Snape said to him. "I was there at the last meeting. You caused quite a stir when you didn't bow to Voldemort when your father introduced you." Draco looked back at Dumbledore in a desperate movement. He looked back just as hard as Professor Snape was looking at him.
"Let me guess my boy," Dumbledore said grandfatherly. "Your father has been giving a lot more propaganda to you, in some form or another, promoting Voldemort's cause?" Draco thought back to his father's rants about Voldemort's traitors meeting a timely death. had that been a warning? And all those father son talks that had sprung up; 'Be a true Malfoy son, uphold the Malfoy's name Draco.' Well what were the Malfoy's know for? Voldemort supporters.
Both Dumbledore and Snape were looking at him expectantly. Both kind looks, both warm looks. When had he ever received looks like that? Draco suddenly thought. From his father? No, Draco knew that his father cared for him, but his father also cared for power just as much. He was a cold man. His mother? Draco's mother was too scared to do anything that was not on her 'things my husband says is ok to do' list. Draco thought with a lump forming in his throat that the only people who had actually really and truly cared for him were probably these two men looking at him.
They had hit home when they said they knew he didn't want to be a death eater. Yes it was cool having the power that his father's position in the death eater's afforded him. But unlike his father Draco thought of himself as his own master, born free and all that crap. Fuck what were these guys making him think! Betray his father. Turn against an evil wizard who killed people for just looking at him wrongly. Don't lie to yourself Draco, they've only brought up a subject that borders on what you've been thinking for a while now.
Draco looked up at the two professors again. The same looks. And it seemed they were patient enough to wait for him to come to a decision. Well he had. Draco got up out of the chair he was sitting in, place the cup of untouched tea on the table and started to walk out of the office. Professor Snape caught his arm. Professor Snape, the man who made Hogwarts feel like the home away from home. "You know where to find me whenever you want to talk Draco." Draco just looked at him for a second, nodded his head and walked out the office.
"I hope you know what you are doing Headmaster. The boy is still a Malfoy and does not take to being manipulated very well." "Well this time he shall have to I'm afraid." Dumbledore said soberly. "You know what they say Severus, 'My enemy's enemy is my best friend." Severus chuckled. "If you say so Albus." They were quiet for a minute. "Make sure the boy comes to see you soon Severus, the longer he takes the more likely he'll let something slip to his father." "I know. May I be excused?" "Yes, goodnight Severus." "Goodnight Headmaster."
* * *
Draco took his time in getting to the Slytherin common room. He had a lot to think about. Should he warn his father about Dumbledore and Professor Snape's treachery? No, Draco could not betray the Professor, and if he was with Dumbledore, then he couldn't betray the Headmaster. That meant that he would have to betray his father's trust in him, and that meant betraying Voldemort.
Fuck! He had never said he would side with that infernal git or any of his minions. Those fools were on their own. On the other hand he had never said he would side with the Headmaster, he could not tell on the Professor and still not be on his side.
So what should he do? What was that that the Headmaster had said.? 'I see the reports that you have a very quick and cunning mind are true young Draco'. Well if he had such a quick and cunning mind he should be able to think of something. Well if a fight was coming as the Headmaster had said then he sure as hell wanted people he could trust. People he could depend on, people to watch his back, people who would be loyal?
Draco almost laughed out loud. This year would most certainly be interesting. He would need to get hold of some of that Veritaserum potion that he had read about in one of his father's books. That stuff would make anyone tell the truth. If he took on followers Draco wanted to be sure about where their loyalties lay; and that was with him.
Draco finally reached the entrance to the Slytherin 'dungeon'. Luckily he had heard the password. "The Coming" he said. Stupid seventh years. He would have to change that soon. He entered the common room and thanked his father's prestige hopefully for the last time. A group of couches directly in front of the main fire was occupied by his house mates who were waiting for him. They looked expectantly at him as he walked over and occupied the single large couch that had been left for him. With a smirking smile, he decided that it was time to make his own power.
* * *
Harry had finally convinced Fred and George that it was preferable to give the whole Draco thing a rest. It seemed that quite a few people wouldn't mind seeing him as House Quidditch Captain. In the end they agreed never to mention Draco again in those terms if Harry gave them his vote. They then went about the house common room building up their support.
The common room cleared pretty quickly and soon Harry, Ron and Hermione found themselves alone'ish talking about the up coming year. As usual one or two first years sat 'inconspicuously' on the other side of the room staring at Harry. Then Hermione left, heaving her already full school bag along, leaving a very sleepy Ron and a wide awake Harry. "I'm still going to stay up for a while Ron." Harry finally said. "Go to bed, no one's going to attack me here in our own common room." If Ron could have blushed Harry thought he would have, instead he just sleepily waved goodnight and stumbled up the boys dormitory stairs.
Harry was still wide awake. The prospect that Draco Malfoy was 'interested' in him kept floating around his head. Harry didn't know what to think. He knew what he didn't feel though, and that was disgust. Why? The thought of Draco looking at him a sexual way didn't make him shiver in revulsion like he did when he thought of say Goyle. no wait bad example, that was more likely going to make him puke. lets say Justin Finch-Fletchley.
He knew he liked girls, or thought he did, but then this was the almost the same feeling that he had felt when Ron told him that or other cute girl was checking him out. Draco Draco Draco, Harry thought, why did you have to wink at me in the train. Harry Harry Harry, Harry thought Draco thinking, why didn't you wink back?
* * *
Corven sat patiently in his house's common room. It was dark looking and made him want to brood. He supposed that it fit most of his housemate's personalities. He could grow to like it. It seemed that Draco Malfoy liked it. He sat comfortably in his large couch while all his friends crammed themselves into the rest of the couches surrounding the main fireplace. Malfoy ruled this place for sure. Corven thought that it was probably a good idea to try and get friendly with him. Pity, Corven thought, that Harry Potter had been so nice to me, it might make things difficult with his number one enemy in school.
There were only five new first years in Slytherin, three boys and two girls. Corven had learnt a lot about the politics of the school from listening to them prattle amongst themselves and a couple of second years. Like don't mention that you're a mudblood! So how to make friends with Draco Malfoy? Having someone like that backing you up would open a lot of doors here and there. Corven had heard that Draco had offered to teach a couple of his friends a bit about the Dark Arts. Now if Corven could go to those lessons it would be a start.
Conjuring magic wasn't actually that difficult. Corven could easily remember the words, the only tricky part was the pronunciation and the whole wrist thing. But he was getting better. He already knew one or two spells from his text books.
Draco Malfoy was finally alone, all his friends having gone to bed. Corven had decided to speak to Draco about the whole teaching thing. You don't know unless you try. But he didn't want to try in front of a whole lot of people who would laugh at him if he got shot down. Well now or never.
He walked up to where Draco seemed to be 'daydreaming', looking into the fire. He had a slight smile on his face. Corven didn't know how to address him. Draco? No, don't know him well enough. Malfoy? No, sounds like you want to start a fight. Um. "Mr Malfoy?" God! Draco looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. "What?" he stated mater of factly. "I heard about those lessons that you are going to teach." "And you want to join in?" Draco said almost laughing. "Well I'm a good study, I've learnt a few spells already." Corven said, his face flushing slightly. "A few spells? A regular Granger then?" Draco sneered. Corven looked back blankly. "You're a mudblood aren't you?" "No I'm not!" "Yes you are, I remember you from Diagon Alley, with your mom and dad." Corven full out flushed then. Anger. Embarrassment. Shame. Hatred for this boy in front of him. He was about to storm off when Malfoy spoke. "Ok, but the deal is that you owe me something big. Same deal I made with everyone else." Corven looked back. "Thank you,. Mr Malfoy." He then stormed off anyway.
* * *
The next morning at breakfast there were a few stares passed around the Great Hall. First was Harry Potter's, eye's a bit groggy from a sleepless night on the Draco subject, stared at the main subject of the Draco subject; tactfully of cause. Fred who was sitting to his left mentioned that Draco was also periodically looking at him. "Careful Harry. Malfoy is planning something." Fred said. "He's looking your way too often." George leaned over the table saying. "I bet you his father put him up to something, what with Voldemort starting to make his mark in the world again." It seemed that the twins were taking their deal with Harry seriously and not mentioning that Draco might be wanting to get it on with Harry. However Ron eagerly jumped at this new interpretation of Draco's stares. "We should get him first." Ron said this with such venom that everyone listening was a bit surprised. "What? If I learnt anything studying those stupid Troll wars it was that you attack them before they can attack you." This brought an all round agreement. And in less that a minute the 'Gryffindor War Counsel' was formed, consisting of Fred and George, Ron, Hermione, Dean, Seamus, Neville and a somewhat hesitant Harry.
Harry couldn't shake the idea that Draco didn't really have any intention of harming him. That look that he had given Harry at dinner last night wasn't one of malice, it was something different. Harry's friends were dead set on Draco attacking him before the first lesson started however, and Harry had to jump in and say 'NO!' to Ron's idea of giving Draco a Polyjuice Potion that had a frog wart as its prominent ingredient.
His only ally, Hermione, in persuading the 'War Council' not to act too brutally however disappeared and became the Council's chief information officer when the mail arrived. Hermione had a subscription to the Daily Profit again, and the main story was about another family killed, including children. The reporter said that his informant confirmed that the Avada Kedavra curse was used.
Harry almost had to agree that the best way of fighting Voldemort was to get at his followers in the school. He couldn't shake the idea that Draco shouldn't be harmed though. Something was different with him this year.
* * *
Draco on the other hand divided his attention to staring at Harry, his Slytherin House mates whom he had said he would teach, and at the Hufflepuff table. A big discussion was being held at the Gryffindor table to which Draco suspected he might be the centre of conversation. They were all giving him dirty looks. Maybe it was a good idea to steer away from Harry for a while.
Draco's 'friends' however were all smug and smiling, positive that they were all going to be well versed in the Dark Arts in a couple of weeks. Well hopefully some of them would, those that Draco could trust. He would really hate to teach someone who might stab him in the back one day. And those someone's were people who were loyal to Voldemort. Draco just needed the Vreitaserum and then he would be sure. He could probably get that from Professor Snape since the Headmaster and he wanted Draco to move over to the Light. A smirk crossed Draco's face.
Then there was the problem of Draco's growing need. The need to oogle, to touch, to smell, to kiss, to love. He hadn't really studied the Hufflepuffs before like he studied them now. They probably didn't have a clue as to the dark cloud that was slowly descending on the world of magic as they knew it. Didn't know that there soon would be a war. An incredibly intense and decimating.mmmmmmm, not bad.
Draco's gaze had fallen on a third or fourth year Hufflepuff boy. He had long brownish blond hair that fell to his cheek bones, sometimes getting in the way of his eye's, looked like brown eyes. He was talking merrily with some friends, well that is until he noticed Draco Malfoy looking at him as though an eagle looks at its prey. The boy visibly paled and Draco had to laugh out loud as he realised the look that he had been giving the boy. Habit.
This only seemed to worry the boy more, as he put a hand on the table as though to steady himself. The other Slytherins near Draco wanted to know what was so funny. Draco was about to give the inquisitive fools some lie, but the mail arrived then and saved him the trouble.
* * *
Corven looked up as the owls flew in the high vaulted windows of the Great Hall. The bright sunlight shining through the magically charmed roof made it difficult to see all the owls, but finally he saw two big eagle owls circling above the Slytherin table. One landed a letter in front of Draco Malfoy (Corven still couldn't believe that he had called the boy sir) and the other actually landed on the table in front of Corven.
Corven quickly untied the letter that Rev held out on his leg. People at the table were murmuring about Rev and how beautiful he was and stuff. The second year girl that Corven was sitting next to however was now complaining bitterly about the pumpkin juice that now drenched her breakfast. Rev screeched at her before attacking a piece of bacon.
Corven didn't really notice as he quickly opened the letter. He blushed as he saw it and quickly closed the letter. Well it wasn't actually a letter; more like a sketch of himself in Hogwarts uniform signed 'Love Michael'. Rather dashing, Corven thought as he sneaked another peek. He quickly grabbed a piece of parchment from his bag and wrote back 'Thanks Mike, I haven't got time right now, but I'll write back tonight. Love Corven, Hogwarts first year student, Slytherin House.' Corven was sure that Mike would enjoy that last part, give him something to look up in 'Hogwarts a History' which he had asked to borrow. He tied the reply onto Rev's outstretched leg before scratching his pet lightly between the eye's. Rev almost cooed like a dove at the attention, although Corven would never mentioned out loud that his pet sometimes acted like a dove, he enjoyed having all his fingers. "Now take this straight back to Mike Rev." Rev seemed to understand and took off in a whooshing of air.
This great display by Rev also heightened Corven's standing with his fellow Slytherin first years who had heard that he was to be one of those to be taught by Draco Malfoy. He supposed that since there were only five of them, they were destined to become friends, and so Corven was right in there in their conversations, telling the story again of how he had asked Draco Malfoy to be taught (not the part where he stormed off). He had let slip that he was a mudblood and surprisingly Josh had admitted that he was as well.
Sally, Josh, Edward, Robin and himself, Corven, now discussed the upcoming Quidditch season. Josh was an avid fan of the game and was in the process of telling them about the past couple of years Quidditch championships, and the great rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. They got so involve at one stage that they didn't notice the whole school quieten down while they read the Daily Prophet. The End. for now.
I know I said that there would be a clue to the main plot in this chapter, but I lied. Sorry, but I promise that you'll get it full in the face in Chapter four: Just you and me my friend. Anyway, hope you enjoyed, if you did please tell me! I live to make you happy (well with this at lest). If you didn't please tell me! I live to piss you off! (in anyway possible) Cheers SDB