Author's Note: Well, I guess this is AU now. I'm not too keen on labels but
I'm happy to oblige, lest I make any more particularly damning errors.
*sigh*
Thanks to all the reviewers, I know the last chapter was a bit short, but I think this one makes up for it in length.
Back to the story . . .
Chapter 11: Explanations and the Invisible Man
Draco sighed softly. It feels like he'd been doing that all day. Not that Crabbe or Goyle would ever notice, he thought, looking down at them seated on the floor by the large table next to him. He had stretched himself out on the couch in the Slytherin Common Room, with his head propped on one arm and his feet resting on a cushion.
And next to him, Crabbe was trying desperately to finish his Transfiguration essay, which he had forgotten was due later today. Luckily for him, Goyle had generously loaned him his own to copy from.
Draco had to smirk at this, lulled out of his somber thoughts for a brief moment, imagining the look on McGonogall's face when she sees two suspiciously identical, and not to mention very badly written essays.
*Well, the best we can hope for is that his handwriting is so terrible that it makes the whole thing unreadable.*
Two first year Slytherin girls came in through the doors, giggling together and Draco's thoughts moved away from his two friends and back to himself.
He sighed heavily to himself. *Why do I feel so bad?*
He closed his eyes. He knew the answer to that question; he just couldn't bring himself to admit what it was.
Or rather who.
All morning long, Harry hadn't even glanced his way, let alone make eye contact. At first Draco was surprised, then he suddenly remembered his speech to Harry the night before.
*Well, I wasn't expecting him to act as if I didn't exist!* he thought in frustration.
He massaged his temples, hating himself for being so affected by something that he would never even have noticed two weeks ago.
The-Boy-Who-Lived is ignoring him.
+++++++++++++++++
"Harry, you all right?" Ron asked nervously, sitting down next to his friend.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm fine, Ron. Just got a little dirty, that's all." he raised up his hands to display the greenish stains to his friend.
Ron frowned. That wasn't what he meant.
"No, I meant, just now in Potions, you were acting a little strangely . . ." his eyebrows raised meaningfully at his friend.
Harry paused. It hadn't occurred to him until now. Being punished by Snape so unfairly hadn't made him angry at all. He had felt numb, deadened throughout the whole thing. He felt nothing.
"I guess I'm just tired, that's all." he frowned, not knowing what else to say.
"I see. Well, I knew it had to be something." Ron sighed in relief and grinned at his friend.
"What's that on your face?" Harry said, pointing to a dark brown smudge on his friend's cheek.
Ron rubbed at the spot and licked his fingers. "Mmmm. Brownies. From Seamus. Chocolate. Delicious."
Harry sat up, looking interested.
"Finished." Ron added cheekily, earning him a good-natured slap on the shoulder. Harry slumped back into his chair and sighed.
"Hey, where's Hermione?" Ron asked, suddenly aware of her absence.
+++++++++
(The Headmaster's Office)
Hermione twiddled her thumbs nervously. She had been sitting there facing Dumbledore for over a minute. Having interrupted him whilst he was in the middle of writing an urgent letter, she was now waiting for him to finish.
Hermione fidgeted impatiently in her chair.
"There. All done." Dumbledore said with a flourish and set his quill back into the inkstand on his desk.
He looked at Hermione and smiled kindly.
"Now, Miss Granger. I trust you had something to ask me?"
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"Call it a gift." he chuckled and nodded at Hermione to continue.
"This is probably going to sound very stupid." she started, looking down at her hands.
"I find that very hard to believe, Miss Granger, if it's coming from you." he smiled.
Hermione blushed; her confidence boosted and began.
"Its just that I couldn't help but notice Harry's . . . changed somewhat, since the accident. I was wondering if you knew anything about it?" she paused, "I think it has something to do with Draco Malfoy." she added, helpfully.
The headmaster leaned back into his chair and nodded to himself, stroking his beard absent-mindedly.
"You don't look surprised." Hermione noted.
"That's because I'm not, Miss Granger." he paused.
She looked at the headmaster with a mixture of anxiety and impatience.
Finally he spoke, choosing his words carefully.
"There are many types of magic in the world." he paused. "And you are probably well aware that magic itself has evolved many times through the ages. One of the earliest forms that was practised, and much lesser known today; is blood magic." he stopped, looking at Hermione to see if she recognised the term.
She nodded. "I read about it once in 'Obscure Witchcraft and Wizardry'. It's still being practised by some witches and wizards, right?"
"Yes, it is. But, very few. . . Most have forgoed blood magic for other forms because the rituals were so intricate and tedious to prepare. Not to mention mortally dangerous at times. Also the use of blood for the rituals, be it their own or otherwise gave it quite a reputation for being linked with the Dark Arts. So, people stayed away from it. "
"But what does this have to do with Harry?" Hermione asked, confused.
The headmaster held up a hand.
"Do you know of a Muggle tradition where two people wanting to make a solemn promise to one another would cut their thumbs and press them together? They would call this a blood oath and it would be considered binding between the people involved. "
Hermione nodded. "It's quite a silly thing, I've always thought."
"Well, that Muggle practice actually originated from a particular blood magic ritual. It wasn't exactly the same, of course. The real ritual involved much more than just a few drops of blood shared. And of course, for the Muggles, the act it was merely symbolic; having no magical consequences whatsoever. . . It's funny how things get passed down over time, don't you think?" He looked thoughtfully and stroked his beard again.
"I suppose. But what exactly are you trying to say, sir?"
"I'm saying, Miss Granger; that the accident between Draco and Harry was an unfortunate re-enactment of a blood ritual. A ancient spell that, in effect; binds two people together in spirit." he looked at Hermione.
"What!?" Hermione stood up and exclaimed, gaping at the headmaster. "You're serious, sir?"
"I'm afraid so, Miss Granger."
"Well, why haven't you told them yet?" she demanded, her eyes wide and questioning.
"Ah, but unfortunately Draco's father had come by to visit him soon after the accident took place. He knew what their injuries entailed, and was clever enough to suspect what might have happened. After that, he made me swear not to tell them. He insists that his son would be strong enough to fight whatever influences the magic would have on him and being told about it would simply make him more susceptible."
"I see." Hermione frowned. *That would make things a bit more complicated.*
"Well, what do you plan to do? I mean, how do we help them? Isn't there a cure or some sort of counter-spell?" she said suddenly.
"I'm afraid not. Nothing that wouldn't kill them both."
"Oh." she said dejectedly.
"Miss Granger, I hate to interrupt our discussion. But I'm afraid that your next class is starting quite soon." he said, looking at his hourglass.
"Oh dear, I've forgotten all about classes." She hurriedly turned to leave, then remembered herself and added, "Thank you, sir."
"You're most welcome. Harry is very lucky to have such good friends who care about him." He smiled kindly.
Hermione nodded, her face still full of worry.
"And Miss Granger. . ."
"Yes, sir?"
"Lucius Malfoy made me swear not to tell the boys. He never said you couldn't. . ." his eyes twinkled behind his spectacles.
Hermione met his gaze curiously, and a slow smile started to spread across her face, as understanding dawned in her mind.
+++++++++++++++++++
The hallway was busy with students milling around and making their way to various classrooms.
Amongst them, Draco had been strolling towards his as slowly as possible without looking too obvious about it. Unconsciously he was on the lookout for Harry, hoping to bump into him.
Finally, he spotted him turning round a corner ahead and coming down the hallway, with Ron Weasley by his side.
He noticed how Harry had seen him from afar and deliberately averted his gaze from him instantly after that, instead choosing to fix his eyes to the crowd as he made his way through with Ron.
*He's going to do it again. Make me invisible.* Draco thought in dismay.
And he suddenly felt desperate.
He needed something, a reaction.
Anything.
Motioning for Crabbe and Goyle to go on ahead without him, he strode towards the two, a familiar sneer starting to appear on his lips.
Ron saw him coming and instinctively grabbed Harry's arm to warn him.
"So, Potty and the Weasel back together again. How sweet. Next thing we know, you two will be holding hands in the hallway." he said mockingly. "Oh, too late." He smirked and looked pointedly at Ron's hand still gripping Harry's arm. Ron quickly pulled away, his face red with anger and embarrassment.
A few Slytherins nearby who had heard this laughed.
"Sod off, Malfoy!" Ron pushed past him roughly and started walking again.
Harry trailed behind Ron who was marching furiously ahead. Draco stared at him in disbelief; Harry was still refusing to look at him.
"Potter!" he called out angrily as Harry walked past him.
Harry just kept his pace, refusing to acknowledge him in any way.
"I'm talking to you, Potter!" he said furiously, taking a few strides towards Harry's still retreating back. A few students who were still in the hallway were watching them with interest now.
Harry just pretended not to hear him, with his back still to Draco, and kept walking.
Draco suddenly snapped. It was one thing to ignore him but this display of blatant disregard was too much for his pride to take.
He half sprinted towards Harry and yanked him back roughly by the back of his robes.
"Hey!" Harry protested in surprise.
He dragged Harry back a few paces and pushed him into an empty classroom, before locking the door behind them.
Harry righted his robes furiously, looking at Draco as if he was crazy. "Have you lost your bloody mind?" he almost shouted.
Draco just glared at him sullenly for a while.
"It seemed like the only way I could get your attention now." he finally said, narrowing his eyes.
"Really? I thought that was what you wanted. Maybe you should get your head examined." Harry spat out sarcastically as he brushed past Draco to move towards the door.
Except for a hand that swiftly reached out over his to stop him from going any further.
Harry froze, the touch was electric and he immediately tried to pull away, but the grip strengthened and kept him in his place firmly.
"Just . . ." Draco started haltingly, his voice tense with emotion, "Don't ignore me like that again, okay?"
Harry stared at him, stunned. But Draco kept his eyes fixed on the floor, his jaw clenched tightly. He was afraid to meet those eyes. Afraid of what else he might do if he did.
Harry blinked a few times, before replying. "Fine." He paused and took a deep breath, his mind swirling in confusion, and still very much aware of Draco's hand over his.
"I'm. . .we're late for class." He managed out weakly after a while, feeling a little light-headed all of a sudden.
Draco let him go and silently reached past him to unlock the door for the both of them.
Harry stepped out into the hallway again and started to take a few steps towards his next lesson, and on impulse he stopped and turned around.
"Draco. . ." he started.
But he was already gone.
Thanks to all the reviewers, I know the last chapter was a bit short, but I think this one makes up for it in length.
Back to the story . . .
Chapter 11: Explanations and the Invisible Man
Draco sighed softly. It feels like he'd been doing that all day. Not that Crabbe or Goyle would ever notice, he thought, looking down at them seated on the floor by the large table next to him. He had stretched himself out on the couch in the Slytherin Common Room, with his head propped on one arm and his feet resting on a cushion.
And next to him, Crabbe was trying desperately to finish his Transfiguration essay, which he had forgotten was due later today. Luckily for him, Goyle had generously loaned him his own to copy from.
Draco had to smirk at this, lulled out of his somber thoughts for a brief moment, imagining the look on McGonogall's face when she sees two suspiciously identical, and not to mention very badly written essays.
*Well, the best we can hope for is that his handwriting is so terrible that it makes the whole thing unreadable.*
Two first year Slytherin girls came in through the doors, giggling together and Draco's thoughts moved away from his two friends and back to himself.
He sighed heavily to himself. *Why do I feel so bad?*
He closed his eyes. He knew the answer to that question; he just couldn't bring himself to admit what it was.
Or rather who.
All morning long, Harry hadn't even glanced his way, let alone make eye contact. At first Draco was surprised, then he suddenly remembered his speech to Harry the night before.
*Well, I wasn't expecting him to act as if I didn't exist!* he thought in frustration.
He massaged his temples, hating himself for being so affected by something that he would never even have noticed two weeks ago.
The-Boy-Who-Lived is ignoring him.
+++++++++++++++++
"Harry, you all right?" Ron asked nervously, sitting down next to his friend.
"Hmm? Oh, I'm fine, Ron. Just got a little dirty, that's all." he raised up his hands to display the greenish stains to his friend.
Ron frowned. That wasn't what he meant.
"No, I meant, just now in Potions, you were acting a little strangely . . ." his eyebrows raised meaningfully at his friend.
Harry paused. It hadn't occurred to him until now. Being punished by Snape so unfairly hadn't made him angry at all. He had felt numb, deadened throughout the whole thing. He felt nothing.
"I guess I'm just tired, that's all." he frowned, not knowing what else to say.
"I see. Well, I knew it had to be something." Ron sighed in relief and grinned at his friend.
"What's that on your face?" Harry said, pointing to a dark brown smudge on his friend's cheek.
Ron rubbed at the spot and licked his fingers. "Mmmm. Brownies. From Seamus. Chocolate. Delicious."
Harry sat up, looking interested.
"Finished." Ron added cheekily, earning him a good-natured slap on the shoulder. Harry slumped back into his chair and sighed.
"Hey, where's Hermione?" Ron asked, suddenly aware of her absence.
+++++++++
(The Headmaster's Office)
Hermione twiddled her thumbs nervously. She had been sitting there facing Dumbledore for over a minute. Having interrupted him whilst he was in the middle of writing an urgent letter, she was now waiting for him to finish.
Hermione fidgeted impatiently in her chair.
"There. All done." Dumbledore said with a flourish and set his quill back into the inkstand on his desk.
He looked at Hermione and smiled kindly.
"Now, Miss Granger. I trust you had something to ask me?"
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"Call it a gift." he chuckled and nodded at Hermione to continue.
"This is probably going to sound very stupid." she started, looking down at her hands.
"I find that very hard to believe, Miss Granger, if it's coming from you." he smiled.
Hermione blushed; her confidence boosted and began.
"Its just that I couldn't help but notice Harry's . . . changed somewhat, since the accident. I was wondering if you knew anything about it?" she paused, "I think it has something to do with Draco Malfoy." she added, helpfully.
The headmaster leaned back into his chair and nodded to himself, stroking his beard absent-mindedly.
"You don't look surprised." Hermione noted.
"That's because I'm not, Miss Granger." he paused.
She looked at the headmaster with a mixture of anxiety and impatience.
Finally he spoke, choosing his words carefully.
"There are many types of magic in the world." he paused. "And you are probably well aware that magic itself has evolved many times through the ages. One of the earliest forms that was practised, and much lesser known today; is blood magic." he stopped, looking at Hermione to see if she recognised the term.
She nodded. "I read about it once in 'Obscure Witchcraft and Wizardry'. It's still being practised by some witches and wizards, right?"
"Yes, it is. But, very few. . . Most have forgoed blood magic for other forms because the rituals were so intricate and tedious to prepare. Not to mention mortally dangerous at times. Also the use of blood for the rituals, be it their own or otherwise gave it quite a reputation for being linked with the Dark Arts. So, people stayed away from it. "
"But what does this have to do with Harry?" Hermione asked, confused.
The headmaster held up a hand.
"Do you know of a Muggle tradition where two people wanting to make a solemn promise to one another would cut their thumbs and press them together? They would call this a blood oath and it would be considered binding between the people involved. "
Hermione nodded. "It's quite a silly thing, I've always thought."
"Well, that Muggle practice actually originated from a particular blood magic ritual. It wasn't exactly the same, of course. The real ritual involved much more than just a few drops of blood shared. And of course, for the Muggles, the act it was merely symbolic; having no magical consequences whatsoever. . . It's funny how things get passed down over time, don't you think?" He looked thoughtfully and stroked his beard again.
"I suppose. But what exactly are you trying to say, sir?"
"I'm saying, Miss Granger; that the accident between Draco and Harry was an unfortunate re-enactment of a blood ritual. A ancient spell that, in effect; binds two people together in spirit." he looked at Hermione.
"What!?" Hermione stood up and exclaimed, gaping at the headmaster. "You're serious, sir?"
"I'm afraid so, Miss Granger."
"Well, why haven't you told them yet?" she demanded, her eyes wide and questioning.
"Ah, but unfortunately Draco's father had come by to visit him soon after the accident took place. He knew what their injuries entailed, and was clever enough to suspect what might have happened. After that, he made me swear not to tell them. He insists that his son would be strong enough to fight whatever influences the magic would have on him and being told about it would simply make him more susceptible."
"I see." Hermione frowned. *That would make things a bit more complicated.*
"Well, what do you plan to do? I mean, how do we help them? Isn't there a cure or some sort of counter-spell?" she said suddenly.
"I'm afraid not. Nothing that wouldn't kill them both."
"Oh." she said dejectedly.
"Miss Granger, I hate to interrupt our discussion. But I'm afraid that your next class is starting quite soon." he said, looking at his hourglass.
"Oh dear, I've forgotten all about classes." She hurriedly turned to leave, then remembered herself and added, "Thank you, sir."
"You're most welcome. Harry is very lucky to have such good friends who care about him." He smiled kindly.
Hermione nodded, her face still full of worry.
"And Miss Granger. . ."
"Yes, sir?"
"Lucius Malfoy made me swear not to tell the boys. He never said you couldn't. . ." his eyes twinkled behind his spectacles.
Hermione met his gaze curiously, and a slow smile started to spread across her face, as understanding dawned in her mind.
+++++++++++++++++++
The hallway was busy with students milling around and making their way to various classrooms.
Amongst them, Draco had been strolling towards his as slowly as possible without looking too obvious about it. Unconsciously he was on the lookout for Harry, hoping to bump into him.
Finally, he spotted him turning round a corner ahead and coming down the hallway, with Ron Weasley by his side.
He noticed how Harry had seen him from afar and deliberately averted his gaze from him instantly after that, instead choosing to fix his eyes to the crowd as he made his way through with Ron.
*He's going to do it again. Make me invisible.* Draco thought in dismay.
And he suddenly felt desperate.
He needed something, a reaction.
Anything.
Motioning for Crabbe and Goyle to go on ahead without him, he strode towards the two, a familiar sneer starting to appear on his lips.
Ron saw him coming and instinctively grabbed Harry's arm to warn him.
"So, Potty and the Weasel back together again. How sweet. Next thing we know, you two will be holding hands in the hallway." he said mockingly. "Oh, too late." He smirked and looked pointedly at Ron's hand still gripping Harry's arm. Ron quickly pulled away, his face red with anger and embarrassment.
A few Slytherins nearby who had heard this laughed.
"Sod off, Malfoy!" Ron pushed past him roughly and started walking again.
Harry trailed behind Ron who was marching furiously ahead. Draco stared at him in disbelief; Harry was still refusing to look at him.
"Potter!" he called out angrily as Harry walked past him.
Harry just kept his pace, refusing to acknowledge him in any way.
"I'm talking to you, Potter!" he said furiously, taking a few strides towards Harry's still retreating back. A few students who were still in the hallway were watching them with interest now.
Harry just pretended not to hear him, with his back still to Draco, and kept walking.
Draco suddenly snapped. It was one thing to ignore him but this display of blatant disregard was too much for his pride to take.
He half sprinted towards Harry and yanked him back roughly by the back of his robes.
"Hey!" Harry protested in surprise.
He dragged Harry back a few paces and pushed him into an empty classroom, before locking the door behind them.
Harry righted his robes furiously, looking at Draco as if he was crazy. "Have you lost your bloody mind?" he almost shouted.
Draco just glared at him sullenly for a while.
"It seemed like the only way I could get your attention now." he finally said, narrowing his eyes.
"Really? I thought that was what you wanted. Maybe you should get your head examined." Harry spat out sarcastically as he brushed past Draco to move towards the door.
Except for a hand that swiftly reached out over his to stop him from going any further.
Harry froze, the touch was electric and he immediately tried to pull away, but the grip strengthened and kept him in his place firmly.
"Just . . ." Draco started haltingly, his voice tense with emotion, "Don't ignore me like that again, okay?"
Harry stared at him, stunned. But Draco kept his eyes fixed on the floor, his jaw clenched tightly. He was afraid to meet those eyes. Afraid of what else he might do if he did.
Harry blinked a few times, before replying. "Fine." He paused and took a deep breath, his mind swirling in confusion, and still very much aware of Draco's hand over his.
"I'm. . .we're late for class." He managed out weakly after a while, feeling a little light-headed all of a sudden.
Draco let him go and silently reached past him to unlock the door for the both of them.
Harry stepped out into the hallway again and started to take a few steps towards his next lesson, and on impulse he stopped and turned around.
"Draco. . ." he started.
But he was already gone.
