Part One: September

Chapter 7A

Dumbledore's Office:

Harry arrived at Dumbledore's office trembling with anticipation. He wondered if his Animagus form was the final clue to why Voldemort really wanted to kill him. Harry had suspected for a while now that there was more to Voldemort's plan than simple revenge. The gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office swung open at Harry's approach and the young man made his way up the curving stairs to Dumbledore's office.

"Ah, Harry, there you are. Please, have a seat," Dumbledore said, indicating a seat opposite his desk. Harry sat.

"I guess you've heard all about my Animagus form by now," Harry said.

"Yes, I have. It was quite a shock to you, I understand."

"What does it mean, Professor? Hermione said the last known lion Animagus was Godric Gryffindor. Why me?"

Dumbledore peered at Harry from over his glasses, his usual twinkling blue eyes serious. "Why do you think the lion was your Animagus form, Harry?"

"I think I'm Gryffindor's Heir, and that's why Voldemort really wants to kill me."

"Your father knew when you were born that there was something different about you. You were born with a mark on your back, a small black mark in the form of a lion."

Harry looked at Dumbledore in shock. "Why has no one ever told me this before? Didn't you think it was worth mentioning!" Harry was beyond being calm now.

"It was not my choice to keep it from you. Your parents wanted you to grow up as a normal child. They asked that we keep it quiet until you were old enough to handle it," Dumbledore said. "They went into hiding for that reason. But then Voldemort found them, and you know the rest."

"I'm sorry I yelled, Professor. It just came as a shock." Harry took a moment to digest the information. "Did Voldemort only want me when he killed my parents?"

"No, your father and mother were powerful in their own right, and were a threat to Voldemort long before you were born. Your birth just sped his plans up a bit."

"So, even if I hadn't been born, they still would have died," Harry said.

"It is most likely that would have happened. Harry, don't go blaming yourself for being born," Dumbledore said.

Harry smiled and replied, "I won't. Can I go now, I have some things to think about." He also wanted to see Ginny and just hold her for a while.

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling again and he smiled knowingly as Harry let himself out of the office and went in search of his redheaded girlfriend.

Chapter 7B

The Infirmary

Draco's screaming startled Ron enough that the red-head fell out of his chair. He looked at Draco in concern, the blonde was still screaming loudly. Ron tried to touch his shoulder, to calm him, but Draco struck out, catching Ron below the eye.

The bathroom door flew open and a very wet, very concerned, very naked Sirius Black stumbled into the room, poised for any sort of attack. He did not expect to see a hysterical Draco Malfoy screaming and sobbing as if his life were in danger.

"Ron, what's going on?"

Ron looked at him with wide-eyes, and said, "I don't know! I just kissed him and then he started screaming!"

"Go get Snape, I'll try to keep Draco from hurting himself!" Sirius said, his concern growing as Draco starting clawing at his arms,

Ron gave one more concerned glance at Draco, and then rushed out of the infirmary. He ran at full speed to the dungeons, where he was relieved to find Professor Snape sitting at his desk, glaring at a parchment.

"Professor, come quick!" Ron shouted.

"What do you want Weasley?" Snape growled.

"It's Draco, he's lost it!"

Snape didn't reply, he just got up and quickly strode past Ron and made his way quickly to the infirmary.

Draco was not screaming anymore, he was just curled in a little ball on the bed, whimpering, tears streaming down his face. Severus spared a quick glance for Sirius, who was gently rubbing Draco's back, but didn't dare get any closer, as each time he tried, Draco started screaming again.

Ron stared at his love with tears in his own eyes. What had happened to make Draco scream like that? He knew it had to be his fault though. Draco had only lost it when Ron had kissed him.

Severus lowered himself to the bed, and gently drew Draco into his arms, rocking him as he had when Draco had been a baby. "Sshh, darling, it's ok. Let it out," he murmered stroking Draco's silky hair and silently cursing Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy.

He looked at Ron and demanded softly, "What happened, Weasley? What did you do?"

Ron blushed and mumbled, "I told him I loved him sir, and then I kissed him." If the situation hadn't been so serious, Ron would have laughed at the shocked expression on Snape's face. It felt good to finally shock his professor.

"Well, that was unexpected. I wonder what set Draco off?" Snape wondered to himself. "I would have thought he would be thrilled, as he's been in love with you his whole life,"

"He only started screaming when I kissed him, sir," Ron replied.

Snape had a sinking suspicion he knew why Draco reacted that way. Just wait until he got his hands on Lucius. The man would rue the day he ever met Severus Snape.

Author's Notes: Sorry this was a short chapter. I will write another one soon. There will be more Blaise, Neville and Hermione in the next one. Plus Severus and Sirius have a chat, Harry and Ginny snog and Ron tries to find out what happened to Draco. So, it should be longer! Please review! Please please please? Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! J