Look like th'serpent, but be the innocent flower under't

A/N: This is chapter three I guess. I'm going crazy at myself 'cos I seem to be incapable of including more than one scene in each chapter. Sorry. Well here it is then...scene three!

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The atmosphere in the Great Hall that evening was feverish but a subconscious tension seemed to be mounting. After the first day of lessons the seniors were cursing their professors for the work they had already, inevitably, had piled on them. While at the other ends of the house tables, the first years perched, gawking nervously around them and those unlucky enough to have had double potions were developing their loathing for the potion's master. All, of course, except the Slytherins who sat smugly planning how they were going to get Snape to take as many points from the unsuspecting Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and, primarily, Gryffindor first years. In other words, life at Hogwarts went on much as it always has done?

"Chocolate?" A plump Ravenclaw girl asked the Slytherin seated behind her. Trinity, having not expected to be spoken to on her first day ignored the question, until the mini Ravenclaw poked her so hard in the back she couldn't doubt that it was her attention the she wanted.

"Oh!" Trinity looked startled despite the warnings. I've made a friend, she thought, delighted with herself – finally something she could write to her parents about!

"It's just a thank you. I couldn't thank you at the time – I didn't want to get you into trouble. It's just you saved my butt from the greasy haired rat earlier." Trinity raised a mocking eyebrow at the suddenly trembling first year who had just said the most she would probably ever say to a Slytherin in friendship. "Sorry. I meant no offence. He is your Head of House after all." Trinity laughed, understanding the young girl's terror. The poor first year had been molested by a group of second year Slytherins who were continuing the tradition of torment, only to find herself then confronted by Snape. In her desperate attempt to pick up her books, the young Ravenclaw was - somehow - blocking the whole dungeon corridor. Snape's expression had spelled death and despite the reputation of her house Trinity stylishly stepped in front of him, their chests almost touching and asked him a provoking question on house cup and the Gryffindor / Slytherin 'bond'. As Trinity was replaying the event, pausing on Snape's face when he realised loyalty to his house would result in missing an opportunity to berate a first year, a shadow fell as a sleek Slytherin towered over them.

"Greasy? I do hope you weren't referring to me."

The Ravenclaw rose, panicking from her seat.

"No Mr Malfoy, sir. It was. We were just. Sorry, sir." She flushed an unsightly shade of blood and slunk back to her food and, metaphorically, buried herself in it. Trinity, however, was not so passive despite his authority over every other Slytherin at Hogwarts. Her upbringing until now in no way allowed for passiveness.

"If you would permit me to say so Mr Malfoy," she inquired sarcastically, glaring irately at the tall seventh year. "We were, actually, talking about Professor Snape." She looked towards the Professor's table, scanning its occupants with her nose held high and added, "Although on closer observation you do look similar." She curtseyed, hopelessly stifling a laugh, but, as her head bowed, she was punched to the floor by an over- sized fist. By now the attention of every pupil, the professors, who were deep in discussion, had been averted to Draco and his bodyguards. Draco sensing the mood felt a lone twang of compassion.

He pushed Crabbe and Goyle behind him and held out his hand to the fallen Slytherin. The hall gasped along with the recovering Trinity. Draco's eyes radiated empathy.

"You two," Draco was holding Trin tightly around the waist to prevent her from falling. "Take her to the hospital wing. I need a word with Potter." Rows of open mouth, dumbstruck. "Now!" he barked impatiently and finally turned to the rest of the hall. Instantly everyone turned, pointlessly pretending they had not witnessed the exchange but there were confused mutterings on the air. Draco strode downheartedly towards Harry.

"Good Evening Potter," Draco said as he straightened himself and slowly advanced towards Harry, (whose hair, I must add, still looked like a ball of flame despite every attempt to tame it and copious amounts of gel). Sort yourself out Malfoy, he scowled to himself, you have a job to do. He continued approaching Harry until his thigh was lightly brushing against his back. Harry casually turned around, although still sitting down, until he was facing Draco.

"Good Evening, Malfoy," he sneered. "A stirring performance." He stood and stepped towards his nemesis accusingly. Draco smirked as of to say 'I know – impressive, huh?'. He raised his hand and placed it genteelly on Harry's chest, pushing him back onto the bench at the Gryffindor table.

"Don't get so defensive, Potter," Draco crouched down to Harry's level, to gaze into a pair of dazzling green eyes. "I'm here to do you a favour." His lips curled. I'm doing Harry Potter a...favour? You've changed more than you thought Malfoy, he jeered.

"A favour?" Harry started. Ron, sat beside Harry, was fuming and he leapt up grabbing Draco by the shoulders.

"A favour Malfoy? A fucking favour?! I'll do you a god damn favour!" He raised his fist ready to punch when Hermione shouted across the table.

"What sort of favour, Malfoy?" she spat with as much hatred as Ron had just expressed.

"My work is with Harry...Miss Granger," Hermione jumped where she sat. Harry? Miss Granger? He's planning something she concluded and she had already begun to decipher it.

"Would you join me outside?" Draco spoke eloquently. Both Ron and Hermione got ready to express their obvious and plausible reasons against Harry leaving alone with Draco while the whole school including most of the professors were feasting. Nevertheless, Harry dismissed them and marched out of the Great Hall with Draco beside him, needless to say, they did not leave without an ample collection of worried stares.

*****

Done. *big sloppy kisses*