Review: James and Lucius are working on a dark-detecting-preventing project
as a punishment. Lucius has a thing for Snape but is promised to Narcissa.
In the present, Draco & Harry become friends, then secretly boyfriends.
Hermione hates Draco, Ron is accepting. Harry is studying dark arts and
wants to meet with Voldemort. He's got a hidden agenda that he believes
will help him save those he loves. In the last chapter, he's missing; Ron
and Draco find out Peter Pettigrew is at the edge of the grounds.
Now, without further delay. . .
Chapter 17
1976
James took a deep breath and looked around at the carefree group gathered in the Gryffindor common room. He knew this was going to be difficult, but he also knew that it had to be said.
"Hey, guys?" He paused, waiting until he had the attention of the other three. "I, uh, I have something to tell you."
Sirius looked at his best friend and carefully took note of the nervous expression on his face. "You finally did it, didn't you?" He smiled widely, certain the he knew what James wanted to tell them.
"Did what?" Peter looked from Sirius to James in confusion.
"Don't you pay attention to anything, you silly git," Sirius replied. "He finally asked Lils to marry him!"
"No, Padfoot, I didn't," James looked around nervously. "It has nothing to do with that. I mean, I love her but, marriage is pretty heavy, you know?" He glanced around again, mild panic in his dark eyes. "It's about the project for Dumbledore."
Remus leaned forward then, still concerned that his friend was using such strong magic with Lucius Malfoy. "What about it?"
"I can't tell you everything, Dumbledore said it would be too dangerous. But I wanted to tell you all that this big plan, the final stage of the project, we're doing it tomorrow evening. I don't know what to expect, and I'm still not sure why he chose us, but it's some Dark stuff," he paused, looking around at the three best friends anyone could ever wish for. "It's really big, this step. It could. . . well, it could change things. And I just. . ." His voice cracked like it hadn't done since he entered puberty. He cleared his throat and looked down at the floor as if it held the answers to the universe.
Remus and Sirius moved to the couch, finding places on either side of their friend. Peter followed suit and kneeled at James' left. The three of them understood exactly what was happening here. James was afraid. The recent deaths and the continuing war had not gone unnoticed by the students at Hogwarts, no matter how much their Headmaster tried to hide it. Anything this serious and connected with Dark Arts activities could be disastrous. Simply put, James was afraid that he wouldn't survive this 'project'.
Peter seemed concerned, yet slightly relieved. Sirius was very obviously shaken by the prospect. Remus, however, was once again beginning to show signs of the easily-angered wolf within. "I can't believe that fool would put you in this position. You're a student! Has he informed your parents? Do they know that he's putting you in danger?"
"Stop Moony. I'll be fine. He's not forcing me. . ."
"What do you call this, if not force?"
"He asked. It's as simple as that. He requested that we work on it, and he's requesting that we try to use it. We've tested it once, on something small, and it was fine. This is a bigger event. It's major, Dumbledore says the future depends on it."
"I thought changing the past was against the law?"
"It is, Padfoot," James replied. "But in case you missed it, I'm not going to the past, I'm going to the future."
"Wait, you're actually GOING - TO - THE - FUTURE???" Moony was dumbstruck. He looked at Padfoot and Wormtail, hoping to see something calming from one of them. He relied on his friends, after all they'd been through together, to keep his rage under control. This time, however, he saw his own disbelief and anger being reflected on the faces of his friends.
"Prongs," Sirius began in a quiet tone, "you have to think about this. Dumbledore may be a good wizard, but. . ."
"Dumbledore's a GREAT wizard," James interrupted.
". . . but he still doesn't know everything. He can't even tell you if you'll come back safely! And to send you with Lucius Malfoy? That's utterly and completely daft! It's insane to think that Malfoy would actually help you with anything, especially anything that won't directly benefit him!"
"Malfoy's not really that bad, guys. I've spent a lot of time with him on this project and I think he puts up a front because of his mother. You know she's a direct descendent of Magnus, right?"
Peter swallowed hard at this news. "Magnus, the dark wizard? Morgan Le Fay's son? Malfoy is related to them?"
James nodded. "I'd heard rumors, but Lucius told me about it, too."
"LUCIUS?" Sirius and Remus spoke in unison. They looked at each other momentarily before Sirius continued. "You seem awfully defensive of him, James. Is there - ehm - anything . . . ELSE - going on?"
James looked at his friends, one at a time, in utter confusion. 'What's he getting at?' he wondered. Finally, realization dawned on him. "You think I'm shagging Malfoy?" He looked from Sirius to Peter and finally to Remus in complete horror. "Listen guys, you know I'm as open and accepting as the next wizard, but even if I were interested in shagging guys, I would never do that to Lily!"
Realizing that James was being honest about that, his friends relaxed and went back to the issue at hand - his safety and their belief that he should turn down this project. As the discussion began to heat up again, James stood up and quietly walked out of the common room, effectively quieting the other three Marauders.
~*_*~
Lucius quietly walked into the Slytherin common room, grateful that the rest of the Slytherins were still in the Great Hall celebrating something or other. Severus was the only person in the room and luckily, Severus was the only person Lucius wanted to see right now. He smiled at the dark- haired boy who was staring at absolutely nothing and completely lost in thought.
"Sev?"
The onyx eyes that turned to him shimmered in the flickering firelight. The future Potions Master smiled at his closest friend. "Lucius, I thought you would have been celebrating with everyone else, and spending the evening with Narcissa."
"I'm not in the mood for celebrating, nor do I feel like subjecting myself to the likes of Narcissa Black this evening." He smiled and joined Severus in front of the fire. "I need to talk to you Sev."
Severus Snape had always been quick to pick up on emotions, especially from those he cared about. This was no different. He could feel the anxiety and fear rolling off of Lucius in waves. He turned to the blonde with concern on his face. "What's wrong?"
"I'm a bit - well - nervous about this project with Potter. We're supposed to finish it tomorrow evening and I've got the distinct feeling that it's not exactly the safest of detention assignments."
"You don't think the headmaster would allow you to get hurt do you?"
"I think he would if he honestly believes in this project."
Severus considered that statement for a moment before speaking. "I think it's time you told me the details of this project. You can't expect me to understand what you're nervous about if you don't tell me what it is that you have to do."
Lucius took a deep breath and proceeded to explain the project in detail, the work they did, the test, the incident with the Pritchard girl, and Dumbledore's explanation about the Scales of Power and something that would happen in 21 years.
"He won't tell you what's going to happen?"
"He claims he doesn't know, that they can't see the details, only light turning toward darkness."
"And he expects a couple of students to fix the future?"
"Apparently."
~*_*~
Lily's vibrant green eyes filled with tears but she refused to shed them. She had to be strong, had to be supportive where his friends weren't, at least for now.
"You'll be careful, won't you?"
"Of course I'll be careful. And I'll be fine," he added with a little more confidence than he felt. The one thing he couldn't stand was to see Lily upset.
"Do you know how much I love you James Potter?"
"About have as much as I love you Lily Evans." He smiled at the familiarity of their 'I love you' routine. He honestly felt it must be true because he didn't see how anyone could love anyone else more than half as much as he loved Lily Evans. It was this thought that prompted his next question to her. "Lily? Will you marry me?" He watched as the unshed tears that had almost disappeared made a sudden reappearance and started quickly running down her cheeks. "Oh gods, I'm sorry Lily, I didn't mean to . . . I was just. . . I know we're young and all, and it's not because of this project, I just love you so much and I want to know that we'll be spending the rest of our lives together."
Lily smiled, the dazzling smile that melted his heart, and leaned towards him for a gentle, yet thorough, kiss. "Of course I'll marry you. Haven't you heard? Girls are supposed to cry when they get a proposal!"
They laughed together and lay on the bed wrapped in each others arms, thankful once again that Lily had her own room as Head Girl. As they talked and kissed into the night, they both tried to focus on the joy of being in love, rather than the uncertainty of what was to come.
~*_*~
James and Lucius offered cordial nods to each other the next evening. One look told both young men that they were not alone in their anxiety over this project.
"Now, Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, you do understand the situation?"
"Yes sir," Lucius said.
"We're to follow where the charm leads us, and trust our instincts," James repeated.
"You must also trust each other implicitly. I hope that will not be an issue?"
They looked at each other. This project, though it had started as a one week detention, had been dragging on for nearly two months. They had spent a great deal of their free time in each other's company and had grudgingly become friends. But implicit trust? Brown eyes met blue and both recognized that the trust was, surprisingly, solidly there. The tiniest of smiles graced both faces as they turned back to Dumbledore.
James was the first to speak, "I don't think it will be an issue, sir."
"Very well, then. I'll leave you now. I understand this is a big step you're taking and you may want a few minutes before you drink the potion. I won't rush you, but I will implore you to drink at the same time. I believe it will make the transition easier." He smiled at the two of them and his eyes still held their familiar twinkle as he turned and walked out, leaving James Potter and Lucius Malfoy alone in the Transfiguration classroom.
"Do you need more time?"
"No, I just want to get it over with."
"Do you really trust me?"
"Is there a reason I shouldn't?"
"Aside from the fact that I'm a Slytherin, and a Malfoy? No."
"Are you saying that I should base my trust on your house or your name instead of your trustworthiness or my intuition?"
"No, just. . . Listen, Potter. I want to get this over with too, and I'm hoping it works out the way that old coot thinks it will, but, well, I guess I'm just trying to say thank you."
"For what?"
"For looking past my name and my house and getting to know me. Not many people would honestly trust me, not even my own housemates. I appreciate it."
"You deserve it. Especially for what we're about to do. Are you ready to drink up?"
"You bet."
They drank the potion, shuddering at the bitter taste and slimy consistency of it. They stood there, looking at each other, brown and blue eyes locked together as they both reflected on this newfound friendship and respect, and both wondered if their other friends would ever understand or accept it. They were so caught up in their thoughts that neither of them noticed the swirling lights around them. Both boys snapped to attention at the voice that intruded their thoughts quite suddenly.
"Ah, I'm pleased to see you are both still here. I apologize for being late, but perhaps waiting will teach you to respect the school rules. Now, I think polishing the suits of armor on the third floor will be sufficient punishment. I won't be hovering tonight, I've no time or patience for that. Please be assured that I will check your work and I don't expect to see either of you sneaking into the kitchens again." With that, Professor McGonagall turned and left the room, completely oblivious to the confused looks on both faces in front of her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jade Maxwell - I honestly enrapture you? I'm so honored! Wow. And of course, by now you know where Harry got off to.
Lanevaly - I'm so glad you decided to read it again, only because you like it! Coming from you, that's more than a compliment!
*****IF ANYONE IS LOOKING FOR AN ABSOLUTELY FANTABULOUS STORY, PLEASE READ LANEVALY'S "IMPERIO" IT'S TRULY GREAT AND ONE OF MANY THAT HAVE INSPIRED ME TO WRITE FANFICTION!!!!!************
Cassa-Andra - I hope you liked my recap at the top. Please let me know if it helps. And for the record, I'm now at work 34 minutes past quitting time because I just couldn't bare to go home without posting this chapter!
BlackHawk - thank you!
ShaeLynn - Glad to hear that! I only wish I had time to write it as fast as it runs through my head. Characters from the sequel started running through my head earlier today and I had to take notes so I wouldn't forget what they said!
Otaku Freak - thank you, thank you very much!
Delie - You are the only one to comment on Peter, which surprised me. I thought I was being all cool and cliffhangery when I ended that chapter, but no one else seemed phased by it. Did you notice that Draco doesn't really compare Harry to Lucius himself?????? Don't worry about Dumbledore, he knows what he's doing. *evil grin*
So, that's it for chapter 17. You'll notice there are two additions to the story today. Don't get too excited about it, it's not another chapter, but I felt it HAD to be there, go on to "Harry's Mind" and you'll understand it all when you get there!
Now, without further delay. . .
Chapter 17
1976
James took a deep breath and looked around at the carefree group gathered in the Gryffindor common room. He knew this was going to be difficult, but he also knew that it had to be said.
"Hey, guys?" He paused, waiting until he had the attention of the other three. "I, uh, I have something to tell you."
Sirius looked at his best friend and carefully took note of the nervous expression on his face. "You finally did it, didn't you?" He smiled widely, certain the he knew what James wanted to tell them.
"Did what?" Peter looked from Sirius to James in confusion.
"Don't you pay attention to anything, you silly git," Sirius replied. "He finally asked Lils to marry him!"
"No, Padfoot, I didn't," James looked around nervously. "It has nothing to do with that. I mean, I love her but, marriage is pretty heavy, you know?" He glanced around again, mild panic in his dark eyes. "It's about the project for Dumbledore."
Remus leaned forward then, still concerned that his friend was using such strong magic with Lucius Malfoy. "What about it?"
"I can't tell you everything, Dumbledore said it would be too dangerous. But I wanted to tell you all that this big plan, the final stage of the project, we're doing it tomorrow evening. I don't know what to expect, and I'm still not sure why he chose us, but it's some Dark stuff," he paused, looking around at the three best friends anyone could ever wish for. "It's really big, this step. It could. . . well, it could change things. And I just. . ." His voice cracked like it hadn't done since he entered puberty. He cleared his throat and looked down at the floor as if it held the answers to the universe.
Remus and Sirius moved to the couch, finding places on either side of their friend. Peter followed suit and kneeled at James' left. The three of them understood exactly what was happening here. James was afraid. The recent deaths and the continuing war had not gone unnoticed by the students at Hogwarts, no matter how much their Headmaster tried to hide it. Anything this serious and connected with Dark Arts activities could be disastrous. Simply put, James was afraid that he wouldn't survive this 'project'.
Peter seemed concerned, yet slightly relieved. Sirius was very obviously shaken by the prospect. Remus, however, was once again beginning to show signs of the easily-angered wolf within. "I can't believe that fool would put you in this position. You're a student! Has he informed your parents? Do they know that he's putting you in danger?"
"Stop Moony. I'll be fine. He's not forcing me. . ."
"What do you call this, if not force?"
"He asked. It's as simple as that. He requested that we work on it, and he's requesting that we try to use it. We've tested it once, on something small, and it was fine. This is a bigger event. It's major, Dumbledore says the future depends on it."
"I thought changing the past was against the law?"
"It is, Padfoot," James replied. "But in case you missed it, I'm not going to the past, I'm going to the future."
"Wait, you're actually GOING - TO - THE - FUTURE???" Moony was dumbstruck. He looked at Padfoot and Wormtail, hoping to see something calming from one of them. He relied on his friends, after all they'd been through together, to keep his rage under control. This time, however, he saw his own disbelief and anger being reflected on the faces of his friends.
"Prongs," Sirius began in a quiet tone, "you have to think about this. Dumbledore may be a good wizard, but. . ."
"Dumbledore's a GREAT wizard," James interrupted.
". . . but he still doesn't know everything. He can't even tell you if you'll come back safely! And to send you with Lucius Malfoy? That's utterly and completely daft! It's insane to think that Malfoy would actually help you with anything, especially anything that won't directly benefit him!"
"Malfoy's not really that bad, guys. I've spent a lot of time with him on this project and I think he puts up a front because of his mother. You know she's a direct descendent of Magnus, right?"
Peter swallowed hard at this news. "Magnus, the dark wizard? Morgan Le Fay's son? Malfoy is related to them?"
James nodded. "I'd heard rumors, but Lucius told me about it, too."
"LUCIUS?" Sirius and Remus spoke in unison. They looked at each other momentarily before Sirius continued. "You seem awfully defensive of him, James. Is there - ehm - anything . . . ELSE - going on?"
James looked at his friends, one at a time, in utter confusion. 'What's he getting at?' he wondered. Finally, realization dawned on him. "You think I'm shagging Malfoy?" He looked from Sirius to Peter and finally to Remus in complete horror. "Listen guys, you know I'm as open and accepting as the next wizard, but even if I were interested in shagging guys, I would never do that to Lily!"
Realizing that James was being honest about that, his friends relaxed and went back to the issue at hand - his safety and their belief that he should turn down this project. As the discussion began to heat up again, James stood up and quietly walked out of the common room, effectively quieting the other three Marauders.
~*_*~
Lucius quietly walked into the Slytherin common room, grateful that the rest of the Slytherins were still in the Great Hall celebrating something or other. Severus was the only person in the room and luckily, Severus was the only person Lucius wanted to see right now. He smiled at the dark- haired boy who was staring at absolutely nothing and completely lost in thought.
"Sev?"
The onyx eyes that turned to him shimmered in the flickering firelight. The future Potions Master smiled at his closest friend. "Lucius, I thought you would have been celebrating with everyone else, and spending the evening with Narcissa."
"I'm not in the mood for celebrating, nor do I feel like subjecting myself to the likes of Narcissa Black this evening." He smiled and joined Severus in front of the fire. "I need to talk to you Sev."
Severus Snape had always been quick to pick up on emotions, especially from those he cared about. This was no different. He could feel the anxiety and fear rolling off of Lucius in waves. He turned to the blonde with concern on his face. "What's wrong?"
"I'm a bit - well - nervous about this project with Potter. We're supposed to finish it tomorrow evening and I've got the distinct feeling that it's not exactly the safest of detention assignments."
"You don't think the headmaster would allow you to get hurt do you?"
"I think he would if he honestly believes in this project."
Severus considered that statement for a moment before speaking. "I think it's time you told me the details of this project. You can't expect me to understand what you're nervous about if you don't tell me what it is that you have to do."
Lucius took a deep breath and proceeded to explain the project in detail, the work they did, the test, the incident with the Pritchard girl, and Dumbledore's explanation about the Scales of Power and something that would happen in 21 years.
"He won't tell you what's going to happen?"
"He claims he doesn't know, that they can't see the details, only light turning toward darkness."
"And he expects a couple of students to fix the future?"
"Apparently."
~*_*~
Lily's vibrant green eyes filled with tears but she refused to shed them. She had to be strong, had to be supportive where his friends weren't, at least for now.
"You'll be careful, won't you?"
"Of course I'll be careful. And I'll be fine," he added with a little more confidence than he felt. The one thing he couldn't stand was to see Lily upset.
"Do you know how much I love you James Potter?"
"About have as much as I love you Lily Evans." He smiled at the familiarity of their 'I love you' routine. He honestly felt it must be true because he didn't see how anyone could love anyone else more than half as much as he loved Lily Evans. It was this thought that prompted his next question to her. "Lily? Will you marry me?" He watched as the unshed tears that had almost disappeared made a sudden reappearance and started quickly running down her cheeks. "Oh gods, I'm sorry Lily, I didn't mean to . . . I was just. . . I know we're young and all, and it's not because of this project, I just love you so much and I want to know that we'll be spending the rest of our lives together."
Lily smiled, the dazzling smile that melted his heart, and leaned towards him for a gentle, yet thorough, kiss. "Of course I'll marry you. Haven't you heard? Girls are supposed to cry when they get a proposal!"
They laughed together and lay on the bed wrapped in each others arms, thankful once again that Lily had her own room as Head Girl. As they talked and kissed into the night, they both tried to focus on the joy of being in love, rather than the uncertainty of what was to come.
~*_*~
James and Lucius offered cordial nods to each other the next evening. One look told both young men that they were not alone in their anxiety over this project.
"Now, Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, you do understand the situation?"
"Yes sir," Lucius said.
"We're to follow where the charm leads us, and trust our instincts," James repeated.
"You must also trust each other implicitly. I hope that will not be an issue?"
They looked at each other. This project, though it had started as a one week detention, had been dragging on for nearly two months. They had spent a great deal of their free time in each other's company and had grudgingly become friends. But implicit trust? Brown eyes met blue and both recognized that the trust was, surprisingly, solidly there. The tiniest of smiles graced both faces as they turned back to Dumbledore.
James was the first to speak, "I don't think it will be an issue, sir."
"Very well, then. I'll leave you now. I understand this is a big step you're taking and you may want a few minutes before you drink the potion. I won't rush you, but I will implore you to drink at the same time. I believe it will make the transition easier." He smiled at the two of them and his eyes still held their familiar twinkle as he turned and walked out, leaving James Potter and Lucius Malfoy alone in the Transfiguration classroom.
"Do you need more time?"
"No, I just want to get it over with."
"Do you really trust me?"
"Is there a reason I shouldn't?"
"Aside from the fact that I'm a Slytherin, and a Malfoy? No."
"Are you saying that I should base my trust on your house or your name instead of your trustworthiness or my intuition?"
"No, just. . . Listen, Potter. I want to get this over with too, and I'm hoping it works out the way that old coot thinks it will, but, well, I guess I'm just trying to say thank you."
"For what?"
"For looking past my name and my house and getting to know me. Not many people would honestly trust me, not even my own housemates. I appreciate it."
"You deserve it. Especially for what we're about to do. Are you ready to drink up?"
"You bet."
They drank the potion, shuddering at the bitter taste and slimy consistency of it. They stood there, looking at each other, brown and blue eyes locked together as they both reflected on this newfound friendship and respect, and both wondered if their other friends would ever understand or accept it. They were so caught up in their thoughts that neither of them noticed the swirling lights around them. Both boys snapped to attention at the voice that intruded their thoughts quite suddenly.
"Ah, I'm pleased to see you are both still here. I apologize for being late, but perhaps waiting will teach you to respect the school rules. Now, I think polishing the suits of armor on the third floor will be sufficient punishment. I won't be hovering tonight, I've no time or patience for that. Please be assured that I will check your work and I don't expect to see either of you sneaking into the kitchens again." With that, Professor McGonagall turned and left the room, completely oblivious to the confused looks on both faces in front of her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jade Maxwell - I honestly enrapture you? I'm so honored! Wow. And of course, by now you know where Harry got off to.
Lanevaly - I'm so glad you decided to read it again, only because you like it! Coming from you, that's more than a compliment!
*****IF ANYONE IS LOOKING FOR AN ABSOLUTELY FANTABULOUS STORY, PLEASE READ LANEVALY'S "IMPERIO" IT'S TRULY GREAT AND ONE OF MANY THAT HAVE INSPIRED ME TO WRITE FANFICTION!!!!!************
Cassa-Andra - I hope you liked my recap at the top. Please let me know if it helps. And for the record, I'm now at work 34 minutes past quitting time because I just couldn't bare to go home without posting this chapter!
BlackHawk - thank you!
ShaeLynn - Glad to hear that! I only wish I had time to write it as fast as it runs through my head. Characters from the sequel started running through my head earlier today and I had to take notes so I wouldn't forget what they said!
Otaku Freak - thank you, thank you very much!
Delie - You are the only one to comment on Peter, which surprised me. I thought I was being all cool and cliffhangery when I ended that chapter, but no one else seemed phased by it. Did you notice that Draco doesn't really compare Harry to Lucius himself?????? Don't worry about Dumbledore, he knows what he's doing. *evil grin*
So, that's it for chapter 17. You'll notice there are two additions to the story today. Don't get too excited about it, it's not another chapter, but I felt it HAD to be there, go on to "Harry's Mind" and you'll understand it all when you get there!