Title: What Lies Ahead?
Author: Keiko
Rating: R
Pairings: Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione cameo
Spoilers: Books 1-4
Warnings: Slash
Summary: Harry and Draco get an unexpected glimpse into the future. If I say anything else, it will give away the plot.
Chapter 3"What in the bloody hell was that!" gasped Draco breathlessly.
"You idiot! Don't you know what that is in your hand?" Harry asked.
"Being that I just asked you what in the bloody hell was that, I would take that as a no, Potter."
"It's a Time Tuner. In fact, I am sure it is the same one that Hermione used back in third year to complete a double schedule of classes. I recognize the chain."
"So Mr. All-Knowing Potter, what the hell does it do, because I felt like that oaf Hagrid just picked me up and threw me. However, here we are in the same room, with no obvious damage to either of us. So it couldn't be that bad, right?"
"It could be incredibly bad. A Time Tuner can send you to a different time. From what I remember of Hermione's explanation, if you turn the Time Tuner counter-clockwise, you will go back in time and conversely if it is turned clockwise you will be sent forward in time. I think the formula was one hour of time for each turn. Draco, which way were you turning it and how many times did you spin it?"
"Um, well, I was definitely turning the hourglass clockwise, but who would be stupid enough to count the rotations. I just liked the way the thing twirled in my hand and I had to be turning it for at least five minutes until you lunged at me, like some kind of barbarian."
"I hardly lunged at you, Malfoy. I was simply trying to stop you before it was too late, once I realized what it was you were holding. Didn't your parents ever teach you not to touch strange magical objects? This could have serious repercussions."
"What do you mean by 'serious'?" Draco inquired quietly.
"Well, first of all, we have no idea how far into the future we traveled; therefore, we have no idea how many turns we need to make it back to our own time. Secondly, we have to leave this room to find out what the exact time and date is, without being seen by anyone and then make it all the way back to this secluded room, which we no longer have a key for, for the trip back to our time. The results could be catastrophic if someone sees us, most especially, if we run into our future selves. Thirdly, we have to do all of this quickly before we are missed in our own time." Harry said in exasperation, needing to sit on one of the dusty trunks in the room.
Hearing the desperation in Harry's voice, Draco knew this was not going to be an easy task. Therefore, Draco paced back and forth and tried to come up with some ideas to solve this problem as quickly as possible. Harry on the other hand was still sitting on the trunk, deeply immersed in thought with his head in his hands, looking pensive.
Harry finally broke the silence by announcing that he had some ideas. "Since we no longer have the key to this room, one of us will have to stay behind to let the other one back in, once he has discovered the date and time."
"Not that I want to stay cooped up in the room any longer, but we both know that you are far better at sneaking around the castle than me, Potter.
"I was thinking the same thing, Draco. I'll go try to find out the date and time and when I knock on the door three times, you'll know to let me back in. I just wish I had my invisibility cloak to make things easier."
"Then I will calculate the number of turns needed to return to our own time. I don't trust your math anymore than your levitation spells. However, I think it would be a good idea to double check the number, just to be sure. I don't want to end up back with the dinosaurs." Draco smirked and Harry managed a faint smile.
"All right then, I'll be back as soon as I can, Draco."
"I'll be waiting on pins and needles for your return."
"Your such a prat, Malfoy. This is your fault you know."
"I know, Potter. Here's the map. Just be careful, Harry."
"I will; just don't touch anything else." Harry said as he opened the door, checked both directions and headed out down the long corridor.
Draco closed the door as quickly and quietly as possible and began to nervously pace the room again.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!