Hermione didn't find the Potion they'd done. The book had a lot of unusual
and interesting potions, but not the one they'd made. Hermione was confused
and angry by the lack of information — she'd had the guts to ask Professor
Snape but all she'd gotten was a point deduction for "being too nosy" —
even Harry was becoming curious as to why they'd made something they didn't
have a clue about. Blaise had suggested that it was a poison that even now
was slowly killing them, but Hermione had fixed her with such a glare she'd
disappeared behind her Transfiguration homework and hadn't emerged until
Hermione had left.
Hermione had enlightened them about the dog having been standing on a trapdoor. This had kept the three Slytherins busy for quite a while, Harry and Blaise shooting ideas to each other in their heads and Draco staring into the fire, apparently thinking hard.
Harry had explained to Sadie about the Mark once she'd brought it up again (he'd been trying to put it off). His snake had actually been quite interested in the little tattoo, hissing at it to see if it replied. However, all the tattoo did was coil up in a ball and ignore her. Sadie never curled up on that arm again. She roosted on the other side of him.
There was still some reluctance on Draco's part about being friends with Hermione, but he'd managed to hold a conversation on Charms homework without saying anything rude, although he'd not been able to meet her eyes. Still, it was an improvement.
The rustling of hundreds of wings filled the Great Hall on Sunday morning and they all looked up. Harry's attention was caught by a long, thin package carried by six screech owls, along with everyone else's. The owls headed to the Slytherin table and the other Houses sighed wistfully, but kept their eyes on the package.
Though Harry's face was a mask of stoic indifference when the owls dropped the package at his plate (it landed on Blaise's and Draco's plates as well and splattered them with bacon and, in Draco's case, syrup), inside he was utterly shocked. The owls gave him a look he could only interpret as stern before flapping their wings and taking off again. Before they had made it a few feet, another owl dropped a letter on top of the parcel.
Wary of the thin package, Harry grabbed the letter first, aware that everyone's eyes were on him. He ripped it open and read it quickly, Draco and Blaise leaning over his shoulders.
DO NOT OPEN THE PARCEL AT THE TABLE. Inside is your new Nimbus Two Thousand. No one is to know you have this broomstick. Knowing all the dimwits of first years in this school, they'll be clambering after Dumbledore begging him for their own broomstick too. Flint and the rest of the team will be waiting for you on the Quidditch field tomorrow morning at five o'clock for your first training session. Again, whatever you do, do not open this at the table.
Professor S. Snape
Blaise gave a quiet little whoop and touched the parcel. Harry handed the letter to Hermione, who read it, frowning.
"Well, don't open it then," she said and handed it back. Harry read it over once more before putting it in his pocket. As though the parcel didn't exist, he took a piece of bacon and chewed on it thoughtfully.
When Harry didn't open the parcel, the rest of the school turned away, sighing. Finally, when enough people had returned to their food, Harry looked at the Staff table.
Dumbledore was giving him a little smile. McGonagall was glaring over at Snape, who was smirking into his plate.
Snape looked up and caught Harry's eye. The two stared at each other for a moment. Then Snape turned back to his plate, an alien expression fluttering across his face. Dumbledore bent in to say something to Snape and the black- haired man glared at him before looking back at Harry. Dumbledore too looked at Harry before turning to talk to McGonagall, who looked simply furious.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore and then Snape, who met his gaze for a moment before looking down, that strange expression on his face again. Harry wasn't comfortable being talked about when he couldn't hear what they were saying, but he watched Snape for another moment, curious about his expression.
"Harry? Earth to Harry?"
"What?" he said, looking at Blaise. She rolled her eyes.
"Come on, let's go back to the common room and open it!"
Harry's eyes strayed to Hermione. She was rummaging around in her bag.
"I forgot my Transfiguration book, I've got to go back to Gryffindor to get it. See you guys later!" she rose and turned to go after giving Harry a small smile.
"Come on!" Blaise yanked on his arm. Harry nearly fell over as she lifted him up.
"Hey, careful! That's where Sadie is, you know!" he hissed (not literally).
"Oops."
Harry rolled his eyes and picked up the parcel very carefully. He then had to hurry after Blaise, who was halfway out of the Hall, Draco following.
They were halfway through the entrance hall when they found the way down barred by Ron Weasley.
"Get out of my way, Weasley!" Blaise was half-yelling at him. Ron turned to Harry. He grabbed the package and felt it.
"That's a broomstick," he stated the obvious, jealously clouding his face. "You'll be in trouble now, Potter. First years aren't allowed them."
"It's not just any broomstick," Draco said smugly, coming up in front to smirk at Ron, who turned red. "It's a Nimbus Two Thousand. Not that you'd know; if you even have a broomstick it's bound to be as old as Dumbledore."
Ron's whole face turned brick red, making his freckles stand out rather unpleasantly. But before he could respond, Professor Flitwick appeared at Blaise's elbow.
"Not arguing, I hope, boys and girls?" he squeaked.
"Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor," Ron said immediately, some of the color on his face fading.
"Yes, yes, that's right!" Flitwick beamed at Harry. "Professor Snape told me all about the circumstances, Potter. What model is it, again? I don't think Severus told me enough times . . ."
"Nimbus Two Thousand, sir." Harry replied, noting the look of shock on Ron's face.
"Yes, that was it, wasn't it. I do believe Professor Snape has been rubbing it in Professor McGonagall's face ever since Dumbledore approved it . . . I must be on my way, boys and girls, have a nice day!"
And Flitwick scurried off. Draco shot another smug smirk at Ron before pushing past him. Blaise gave him a glare before following. Harry paused in front of him and took back his package. He gave Ron a long look. Ron looked down awkwardly. Harry went around him and followed his friends.
Blaise led the way to the common room. While she skipped and hummed ahead of them, Draco dropped back to talk to Harry.
"Who's Sadie?" he asked without preamble. Harry sighed and handed the parcel to Draco. He reached under his sleeve, not exactly eager to show Draco his scarred arm. He pulled out his little gray snake and held her out in front of the blonde boy. Draco jerked back, stumbling.
"That issss not very nisssse . . ." Sadie hissed. "Am I that sssscary?"
"Yes, you're terrifying." Harry replied softly.
"You — you're a — a — a Parselmouth?" Draco stuttered.
"Yes, that /is/ what Blaise called me." Harry said, remembering.
"But — I mean — how did you — only Slytherin — "
"Do you want me to tell you?"
Draco nodded, still looking very confused. Harry glanced up ahead at Blaise, who was doing twirls as she skipped, then began to explain.
"After Snape took me to get my stuff, I went out and sat on the grass to wait for Herbology to start. Someone told me to get out of their way and I looked down. There was Sadie. We talked for a minute but then class was over. My spider sense told me that it wouldn't be grand for people to see me talking to a snake, so I hid her up my sleeve. Quite cliché, actually."
Harry couldn't explain the sudden bitterness he felt as he replaced Sadie. It hit him like a ton of bricks. Draco could obviously sense it too, because he looked up and met Harry's eyes.
"I always have to hide everything." Harry burst out softly. "Everything. My scars, my Mark, my feelings, my past. It's always been that way; it always will be that way. If I wore a short sleeve shirt everyone would point and stare and gasp and say "Oh my god, look at that," and if I showed anyone my Mark they would all say I was in cahoots with the Death Eaters, and if I stopped hiding my feelings everyone would stare and wonder how I could feel such hate at such a young age. And if I stopped hiding my past . . . no one would want to know me."
Draco was silent after Harry's outburst. The green-eyed boy turned away, ashamed of his outburst.
"I'm sorry for embarrassing you the first day." He said quietly.
"I can't say I wasn't angry." Draco responded. "But I got over it."
Harry was about to open his mouth and ask why Draco was even friends with them, but he already knew the answer. He kept his mouth shut.
"Unicorn blood!" Blaise sang as they reached the Slytherin common room (A/N: Finally! They've been walking forever!). The wall slid open and the three of them jumped in.
But the common room wasn't empty.
A/N: Yes, yes, lovely place to end. Okay, I know, I've done this before and kept going, so I think I'll just keep going before Harry kills me.
Cepheus Major was sitting in a chair by the low fire, clutching the arms so hard his knuckles were white. He did not look up when Harry, Blaise, and Draco entered. Harry immediately looked at Blaise. Her face was strained and sad-looking.
"Ceph?" she said softly. Cepheus ignored her. "Ceph?" she repeated as she walked forward. Draco gave Harry a questioning look but Harry's eyes were fixed on Blaise. She looked pained.
When she was close enough, she put a hand on Cepheus' shoulder. The boy jerked away and his golden brown eyes shot up to look at Blaise. He looked behind her, to Harry and Draco, and jumped up. He snatched up his bookbag and strode quickly past them, out the door. He didn't look back.
Blaise fell into the chair Cepheus had just been in. She buried her face in her hands. Harry moved forward and put a hand on her shoulder. He could feel her shaking as she tried not to sob.
"We were best friends!" She cried out suddenly. "We did everything together! Now look at him! He doesn't eat, he doesn't talk, he hides behind his schoolwork! He won't talk to me! Look what those lousy Death Eaters did to him! I hate them! I hate them all!"
Harry tried to send a comforting though to Blaise, but she pushed it away mentally.
A moment was spent in awkward silence. Then Draco spoke up.
"Let's . . . let's open Harry's broom. Then we'll . . . go flying or something."
Harry sent a grateful thought to Draco, who averted his eyes and grabbed the broom. Blaise took her face out of her hands. Her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were flushed.
"I think I'll be spending the whole school year crying." She said and smiled. Harry grinned and turned to his package. His eyes lit up. It might as well be Christmas to him. He slowly unwrapped the paper, treating each piece as though it was royalty. He knew, as the broom came into view, that the others were looking at him a little strangely, but he did his best to ignore it as he savored his present.
Present. From Professor Snape.
He grinned, almost laughing out loud.
My first present is from Professor Snape.
"What?!" Blaise jumped up. Harry and Draco both looked up quickly. "That's your first present?!"
"Are you serious?" Draco put in. Harry almost blushed. He'd forgotten Blaise could hear his thoughts.
"Yeah." He said shortly.
"Wait, wait — you're telling me the Dursleys never gave you presents?" Blaise said, sounding shocked.
"I told you the kind of things they did. If they locked me in a cupboard and called it my bedroom, do you really think they'd give me presents?" he spat out. He ripped off the rest of the wrapping paper, looking at the broom but not seeing it.
"You're right. I mean, if they hit you, how could I expect them to give you presents?" Blaise said.
"You're exactly right. What kind of — " Harry cut himself off as he realized what he had admitted. Blaise's mouth was open and Draco's eyes were wide. Harry stared at them for a moment, fear clouding his thoughts and his face, before bolting.
All the way down the corridor he could hear Blaise and Draco shouting for him to come back. He didn't care who he ran into as he sprinted full-tilt up the steps. He didn't care what people would be whispering about him now as he reached the Great Hall and ran through it. The students and teachers still eating stopped and stared at him as he ran through, but he didn't care.
He kept running across the grounds until he reached the Forbidden Forest. There, on the very edge of the trees, he collapsed. He curled up in a fetal position on his knees, head in his hands. They knew.
They knew.
He'd sworn not to tell anyone, and now they knew. They were coming after him, to question him, to stare at him with pity in their eyes. He didn't want that. He had to get away. But how?
Suddenly something grabbed his arm firmly and heaved him to his feet, pulling him into the Forbidden Forest. His head jerked up in alarm.
He was met with the golden brown eyes of Cepheus Major.
"They won't look for you in here." Cepheus said. Harry stared at him for a moment. It was the second time he'd heard the boy speak.
"How did you —?"
Cepheus' eyes moved to the grounds. Harry followed his gaze. Draco and Blaise were heading toward the lake.
"They know the Forest is forbidden. They won't think to look for you here." Cepheus said. Harry looked back at him.
"If it's forbidden, then why are we here? Won't we get in trouble?"
"Only if we're caught. What model broom did you get?"
Harry almost answered, but caught himself. "How —?"
"I overheard Professor Snape bragging to McGonagall." Cepheus smiled a little.
"Nimbus Two Thousand. I was just opening it, but . . ." he trailed off.
"I already know." Cepheus said.
"Know what?" Harry said indifferently.
"What your family did to you."
Harry sat down abruptly. Another person who knew.
"How many people know?" he said, a little shakily.
"I do. I'm guessing Blaise and Draco know. That's it."
Harry drew in a long breath.
"Word got around about the scars on your arms. I watched your reactions to certain things for a day. After that I knew. The signs are easy to read if you look for them."
"Do you think anyone else will figure it out?"
"That depends. Don't drop any hints. If you don't want anyone to know, don't keep running away. They'll get suspicious. They'll look for signs. And they'll find them." Cepheus said, gazing wistfully into the trees. "The circle of humiliation."
"Are there any signs to look for on you?" Harry asked after a moment. Cepheus looked down sharply.
"If you look hard enough."
A few moments passed.
"Why did you stick up for me when Snape caught me flying?"
Cepheus was quiet for a moment.
"I don't know."
Harry stared at him.
"Some things you do . . . because you have a feeling that you should."
"Did you have a feeling that you should stop talking to Blaise?" Harry said a little angrily.
Cepheus was silent.
"She misses you." Harry continued softly. "She hates what they've done to you. She says you hide behind your schoolwork, you don't eat, and you never talk."
Cepheus was silent, and didn't meet Harry's eyes, but he could see that Cepheus' eyes were wet.
"Why don't you talk to her?"
"Because . . . I can't."
"Why not?"
"I just can't. It hurts. Inside."
Cepheus sat down too. He looked at Harry.
"I abandoned her three years ago to wallow in self-pity. I left her all alone with her mother and her brother to lock myself in my room and wish I was someone else, anyone else. I could have stayed friends with her. I could have played with her and forgotten that I was an experiment of the Death Eaters, because she was too! But what did I choose? To waste away in my own mind. I chose wrong."
Silence.
"But you can still make it up to her."
Cepheus narrowed his eyes.
"Like she would want to be friends with me."
"Didn't you see her face? When you ran out? She was heartbroken; she does still want to be your friend. Ask her yourself."
His eyes widened.
"Give it a shot." Harry encouraged. Cepheus clutched his robes for a moment as he thought. Harry waited for an answer.
/Harry? Where are you?/
Harry's hands shot to his head. He screwed up his face, forcing Blaise's thoughts away as she'd done to him earlier.
"Is that Blaise?" Cepheus asked softly.
"Yeah . . ."
"Tell her we're in the Forest."
Harry looked up. The other boy's face was set.
/Blaise, we're in the Forest/.
/We?/
/Cepheus Major and I/.
/I'm coming, hang on/.
And so they waited.
When Blaise and Draco and, surprisingly, Hermione finally reached them, Cepheus' resolution had all but ran out. Harry nearly had to hold him in place to keep him from bolting. But when Cepheus said he was willing to be friends again, Blaise burst into tears and hugged the life out of him. Harry, Hermione, and Draco ended up slowly creeping away to give the two old friends some space.
Of course, that left Draco giving Harry some slightly strange looks. Hermione was just confused as to why she had to run and find him.
With a regretful sigh and a glance back to where Cepheus and Blaise were talking (Blaise was running over their conversation in her head, as though to savor it), he promised to tell them everything when they got back inside.
A/N: Sorry, I ran out of stuff and had to end it there. Best I can do. I'll give you some Christmas meat as a consolation.
I've been watching Spiderman. It's a good movie.
Okay, more good stuff next chapter, like Halloween and all. Sorry for the delay; this was eight pages and I was out of steam. So, next chapter: Halloween! For real this time!
Reviews:
Lady-fiorey: Thanks.
Gryphnwng: ::Blushes:: Shouldn't've asked. Sorry. Glad you like it!
Erin: Don't worry, Harry won't die . . . yet. I still think JK is going to kill him in the cannon books. You'll see what Harry chooses . . . it's all up to him. Or rather, the mood I'm in. I'll continue, I promise. I love writing Slytherin Harry.
Xirleb70: Oh, shut up. Thanks for making me hide my face! Well, if you're hungry, here's your dinner right here. (This fic, you dork)
Destruxion: Good point. I almost forgot to put that part in.
Er, comma mark: What? Ops? Turgid Tome? What in the world are you talking about? Could you clarify for me?
Wink At J00: NO! Most mature! Geez! Yeah, Harry's just one of those lovable, huggable teddy bears . . . am I goin too far here? EXACTLY! I share your views on Draco's upbringing! I feel very sorry for him. Harry and Sev father and son moments are coming to a theater near you soon! I'm halfway through writing that part and I haven't even started the next chapter. Sheesh. ::blushes:: I'm glad you like my Blaise-female thingy the best! I'm a very happy person now although I am deprived of sleep. Oh, you don't have to go! I like long reviews! (hint, hint) No, I'm kidding. Or am I?
Dragon Queen: Whether Harry is going to be friends with Ron has yet to be decided. I mean, he's friends with Draco and 'Mione, he needs some enemies, right? I miss ole Pafoo.
Sushinase: Are ya . . . speechless? HAHAHA! Oh quit. You'll make me hide my face (shoots glare at Xirleb70).
boomerang-chan: Be glad I wrote it all for you guys. Be happy already! Eat some Jell-O! Yes, Snape is using shampoo. I was wondering who would comment on that! Shampoo as a pen name, wow. Why didn't I think of that? Shampoo Snape, daughter of the evil scary Potions Master.
musiclover86: I know! Harry should've been a Slytherin! Geez!
MarsMoonStar: Thank you.
Desert Fox: Well, yeah, exasperated is the word, but I was looking for a describer, and "ly" word. Harry's so sad about Sirius dying because Sirius is his godfather and the closest thing to a father that he has. Remus may be more important to you, but Harry Sirius was the person he loved the most.
SEP: Thanks, I needed cheering up! Yeah, I had to reinforce the fact that Hermione is a book nut and more Ravenclaw than Slytherin.
Them Girl: Yeah, I have this whole big plan for Draco that'll come way later. It's a bit of a challenge with four people though — in the books it's only three. That's another reason why Ron won't be friends with Harry.
Chochang913: Yes, but my holy cows are outside doing backflips right now. They're unavailable for comment. Ah, I don't like gym anyway. I have to take typing too . . . I'm going into my freshman year. Oh, I could blame you if I really wanted too . . . but I don't have the energy. Really? You think Harry and Draco being friends makes sense? I thought it was an odd decision on my part. 6 hours? Holy crap! I read it from just past 8 AM on the 21st to about 11 PM, that's a whole lot more than 6 hours! Geez! Thanks. I won't blow up at you, I promise.
Adenara Yatman: I will, don't worry.
Jess: Yeah, I like bad Harry too! Yes, Ron is a bumhead. I don't really like him. I think, based on the way Ron acts in the story, that if this situation arose, Ron would act very similarly to what I wrote. I know! There probably are more Slytherin girls, but JK never mentioned them, so Blaise is a girl. Hah.
Kitty: I wish I could help you! Keep breathing! If you die on me I'll kill you.
Jake: I know, I know! I just spotted that; I'm going to be fixing it ASAP. Thanks!
Desert Fox: No, Harry and Blaise are NOT going to snog! Do you want them to or something? Is that why you keep bugging me about it? Mione his near the common room and waited till someone said the password or something, I don't know. No, Ron won't kick Harry's butt. That's the point of naming the dog Fluffy: it shows that Hagrid thinks that vicious monsters are really harmless puppies.
Hermione had enlightened them about the dog having been standing on a trapdoor. This had kept the three Slytherins busy for quite a while, Harry and Blaise shooting ideas to each other in their heads and Draco staring into the fire, apparently thinking hard.
Harry had explained to Sadie about the Mark once she'd brought it up again (he'd been trying to put it off). His snake had actually been quite interested in the little tattoo, hissing at it to see if it replied. However, all the tattoo did was coil up in a ball and ignore her. Sadie never curled up on that arm again. She roosted on the other side of him.
There was still some reluctance on Draco's part about being friends with Hermione, but he'd managed to hold a conversation on Charms homework without saying anything rude, although he'd not been able to meet her eyes. Still, it was an improvement.
The rustling of hundreds of wings filled the Great Hall on Sunday morning and they all looked up. Harry's attention was caught by a long, thin package carried by six screech owls, along with everyone else's. The owls headed to the Slytherin table and the other Houses sighed wistfully, but kept their eyes on the package.
Though Harry's face was a mask of stoic indifference when the owls dropped the package at his plate (it landed on Blaise's and Draco's plates as well and splattered them with bacon and, in Draco's case, syrup), inside he was utterly shocked. The owls gave him a look he could only interpret as stern before flapping their wings and taking off again. Before they had made it a few feet, another owl dropped a letter on top of the parcel.
Wary of the thin package, Harry grabbed the letter first, aware that everyone's eyes were on him. He ripped it open and read it quickly, Draco and Blaise leaning over his shoulders.
DO NOT OPEN THE PARCEL AT THE TABLE. Inside is your new Nimbus Two Thousand. No one is to know you have this broomstick. Knowing all the dimwits of first years in this school, they'll be clambering after Dumbledore begging him for their own broomstick too. Flint and the rest of the team will be waiting for you on the Quidditch field tomorrow morning at five o'clock for your first training session. Again, whatever you do, do not open this at the table.
Professor S. Snape
Blaise gave a quiet little whoop and touched the parcel. Harry handed the letter to Hermione, who read it, frowning.
"Well, don't open it then," she said and handed it back. Harry read it over once more before putting it in his pocket. As though the parcel didn't exist, he took a piece of bacon and chewed on it thoughtfully.
When Harry didn't open the parcel, the rest of the school turned away, sighing. Finally, when enough people had returned to their food, Harry looked at the Staff table.
Dumbledore was giving him a little smile. McGonagall was glaring over at Snape, who was smirking into his plate.
Snape looked up and caught Harry's eye. The two stared at each other for a moment. Then Snape turned back to his plate, an alien expression fluttering across his face. Dumbledore bent in to say something to Snape and the black- haired man glared at him before looking back at Harry. Dumbledore too looked at Harry before turning to talk to McGonagall, who looked simply furious.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore and then Snape, who met his gaze for a moment before looking down, that strange expression on his face again. Harry wasn't comfortable being talked about when he couldn't hear what they were saying, but he watched Snape for another moment, curious about his expression.
"Harry? Earth to Harry?"
"What?" he said, looking at Blaise. She rolled her eyes.
"Come on, let's go back to the common room and open it!"
Harry's eyes strayed to Hermione. She was rummaging around in her bag.
"I forgot my Transfiguration book, I've got to go back to Gryffindor to get it. See you guys later!" she rose and turned to go after giving Harry a small smile.
"Come on!" Blaise yanked on his arm. Harry nearly fell over as she lifted him up.
"Hey, careful! That's where Sadie is, you know!" he hissed (not literally).
"Oops."
Harry rolled his eyes and picked up the parcel very carefully. He then had to hurry after Blaise, who was halfway out of the Hall, Draco following.
They were halfway through the entrance hall when they found the way down barred by Ron Weasley.
"Get out of my way, Weasley!" Blaise was half-yelling at him. Ron turned to Harry. He grabbed the package and felt it.
"That's a broomstick," he stated the obvious, jealously clouding his face. "You'll be in trouble now, Potter. First years aren't allowed them."
"It's not just any broomstick," Draco said smugly, coming up in front to smirk at Ron, who turned red. "It's a Nimbus Two Thousand. Not that you'd know; if you even have a broomstick it's bound to be as old as Dumbledore."
Ron's whole face turned brick red, making his freckles stand out rather unpleasantly. But before he could respond, Professor Flitwick appeared at Blaise's elbow.
"Not arguing, I hope, boys and girls?" he squeaked.
"Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor," Ron said immediately, some of the color on his face fading.
"Yes, yes, that's right!" Flitwick beamed at Harry. "Professor Snape told me all about the circumstances, Potter. What model is it, again? I don't think Severus told me enough times . . ."
"Nimbus Two Thousand, sir." Harry replied, noting the look of shock on Ron's face.
"Yes, that was it, wasn't it. I do believe Professor Snape has been rubbing it in Professor McGonagall's face ever since Dumbledore approved it . . . I must be on my way, boys and girls, have a nice day!"
And Flitwick scurried off. Draco shot another smug smirk at Ron before pushing past him. Blaise gave him a glare before following. Harry paused in front of him and took back his package. He gave Ron a long look. Ron looked down awkwardly. Harry went around him and followed his friends.
Blaise led the way to the common room. While she skipped and hummed ahead of them, Draco dropped back to talk to Harry.
"Who's Sadie?" he asked without preamble. Harry sighed and handed the parcel to Draco. He reached under his sleeve, not exactly eager to show Draco his scarred arm. He pulled out his little gray snake and held her out in front of the blonde boy. Draco jerked back, stumbling.
"That issss not very nisssse . . ." Sadie hissed. "Am I that sssscary?"
"Yes, you're terrifying." Harry replied softly.
"You — you're a — a — a Parselmouth?" Draco stuttered.
"Yes, that /is/ what Blaise called me." Harry said, remembering.
"But — I mean — how did you — only Slytherin — "
"Do you want me to tell you?"
Draco nodded, still looking very confused. Harry glanced up ahead at Blaise, who was doing twirls as she skipped, then began to explain.
"After Snape took me to get my stuff, I went out and sat on the grass to wait for Herbology to start. Someone told me to get out of their way and I looked down. There was Sadie. We talked for a minute but then class was over. My spider sense told me that it wouldn't be grand for people to see me talking to a snake, so I hid her up my sleeve. Quite cliché, actually."
Harry couldn't explain the sudden bitterness he felt as he replaced Sadie. It hit him like a ton of bricks. Draco could obviously sense it too, because he looked up and met Harry's eyes.
"I always have to hide everything." Harry burst out softly. "Everything. My scars, my Mark, my feelings, my past. It's always been that way; it always will be that way. If I wore a short sleeve shirt everyone would point and stare and gasp and say "Oh my god, look at that," and if I showed anyone my Mark they would all say I was in cahoots with the Death Eaters, and if I stopped hiding my feelings everyone would stare and wonder how I could feel such hate at such a young age. And if I stopped hiding my past . . . no one would want to know me."
Draco was silent after Harry's outburst. The green-eyed boy turned away, ashamed of his outburst.
"I'm sorry for embarrassing you the first day." He said quietly.
"I can't say I wasn't angry." Draco responded. "But I got over it."
Harry was about to open his mouth and ask why Draco was even friends with them, but he already knew the answer. He kept his mouth shut.
"Unicorn blood!" Blaise sang as they reached the Slytherin common room (A/N: Finally! They've been walking forever!). The wall slid open and the three of them jumped in.
But the common room wasn't empty.
A/N: Yes, yes, lovely place to end. Okay, I know, I've done this before and kept going, so I think I'll just keep going before Harry kills me.
Cepheus Major was sitting in a chair by the low fire, clutching the arms so hard his knuckles were white. He did not look up when Harry, Blaise, and Draco entered. Harry immediately looked at Blaise. Her face was strained and sad-looking.
"Ceph?" she said softly. Cepheus ignored her. "Ceph?" she repeated as she walked forward. Draco gave Harry a questioning look but Harry's eyes were fixed on Blaise. She looked pained.
When she was close enough, she put a hand on Cepheus' shoulder. The boy jerked away and his golden brown eyes shot up to look at Blaise. He looked behind her, to Harry and Draco, and jumped up. He snatched up his bookbag and strode quickly past them, out the door. He didn't look back.
Blaise fell into the chair Cepheus had just been in. She buried her face in her hands. Harry moved forward and put a hand on her shoulder. He could feel her shaking as she tried not to sob.
"We were best friends!" She cried out suddenly. "We did everything together! Now look at him! He doesn't eat, he doesn't talk, he hides behind his schoolwork! He won't talk to me! Look what those lousy Death Eaters did to him! I hate them! I hate them all!"
Harry tried to send a comforting though to Blaise, but she pushed it away mentally.
A moment was spent in awkward silence. Then Draco spoke up.
"Let's . . . let's open Harry's broom. Then we'll . . . go flying or something."
Harry sent a grateful thought to Draco, who averted his eyes and grabbed the broom. Blaise took her face out of her hands. Her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were flushed.
"I think I'll be spending the whole school year crying." She said and smiled. Harry grinned and turned to his package. His eyes lit up. It might as well be Christmas to him. He slowly unwrapped the paper, treating each piece as though it was royalty. He knew, as the broom came into view, that the others were looking at him a little strangely, but he did his best to ignore it as he savored his present.
Present. From Professor Snape.
He grinned, almost laughing out loud.
My first present is from Professor Snape.
"What?!" Blaise jumped up. Harry and Draco both looked up quickly. "That's your first present?!"
"Are you serious?" Draco put in. Harry almost blushed. He'd forgotten Blaise could hear his thoughts.
"Yeah." He said shortly.
"Wait, wait — you're telling me the Dursleys never gave you presents?" Blaise said, sounding shocked.
"I told you the kind of things they did. If they locked me in a cupboard and called it my bedroom, do you really think they'd give me presents?" he spat out. He ripped off the rest of the wrapping paper, looking at the broom but not seeing it.
"You're right. I mean, if they hit you, how could I expect them to give you presents?" Blaise said.
"You're exactly right. What kind of — " Harry cut himself off as he realized what he had admitted. Blaise's mouth was open and Draco's eyes were wide. Harry stared at them for a moment, fear clouding his thoughts and his face, before bolting.
All the way down the corridor he could hear Blaise and Draco shouting for him to come back. He didn't care who he ran into as he sprinted full-tilt up the steps. He didn't care what people would be whispering about him now as he reached the Great Hall and ran through it. The students and teachers still eating stopped and stared at him as he ran through, but he didn't care.
He kept running across the grounds until he reached the Forbidden Forest. There, on the very edge of the trees, he collapsed. He curled up in a fetal position on his knees, head in his hands. They knew.
They knew.
He'd sworn not to tell anyone, and now they knew. They were coming after him, to question him, to stare at him with pity in their eyes. He didn't want that. He had to get away. But how?
Suddenly something grabbed his arm firmly and heaved him to his feet, pulling him into the Forbidden Forest. His head jerked up in alarm.
He was met with the golden brown eyes of Cepheus Major.
"They won't look for you in here." Cepheus said. Harry stared at him for a moment. It was the second time he'd heard the boy speak.
"How did you —?"
Cepheus' eyes moved to the grounds. Harry followed his gaze. Draco and Blaise were heading toward the lake.
"They know the Forest is forbidden. They won't think to look for you here." Cepheus said. Harry looked back at him.
"If it's forbidden, then why are we here? Won't we get in trouble?"
"Only if we're caught. What model broom did you get?"
Harry almost answered, but caught himself. "How —?"
"I overheard Professor Snape bragging to McGonagall." Cepheus smiled a little.
"Nimbus Two Thousand. I was just opening it, but . . ." he trailed off.
"I already know." Cepheus said.
"Know what?" Harry said indifferently.
"What your family did to you."
Harry sat down abruptly. Another person who knew.
"How many people know?" he said, a little shakily.
"I do. I'm guessing Blaise and Draco know. That's it."
Harry drew in a long breath.
"Word got around about the scars on your arms. I watched your reactions to certain things for a day. After that I knew. The signs are easy to read if you look for them."
"Do you think anyone else will figure it out?"
"That depends. Don't drop any hints. If you don't want anyone to know, don't keep running away. They'll get suspicious. They'll look for signs. And they'll find them." Cepheus said, gazing wistfully into the trees. "The circle of humiliation."
"Are there any signs to look for on you?" Harry asked after a moment. Cepheus looked down sharply.
"If you look hard enough."
A few moments passed.
"Why did you stick up for me when Snape caught me flying?"
Cepheus was quiet for a moment.
"I don't know."
Harry stared at him.
"Some things you do . . . because you have a feeling that you should."
"Did you have a feeling that you should stop talking to Blaise?" Harry said a little angrily.
Cepheus was silent.
"She misses you." Harry continued softly. "She hates what they've done to you. She says you hide behind your schoolwork, you don't eat, and you never talk."
Cepheus was silent, and didn't meet Harry's eyes, but he could see that Cepheus' eyes were wet.
"Why don't you talk to her?"
"Because . . . I can't."
"Why not?"
"I just can't. It hurts. Inside."
Cepheus sat down too. He looked at Harry.
"I abandoned her three years ago to wallow in self-pity. I left her all alone with her mother and her brother to lock myself in my room and wish I was someone else, anyone else. I could have stayed friends with her. I could have played with her and forgotten that I was an experiment of the Death Eaters, because she was too! But what did I choose? To waste away in my own mind. I chose wrong."
Silence.
"But you can still make it up to her."
Cepheus narrowed his eyes.
"Like she would want to be friends with me."
"Didn't you see her face? When you ran out? She was heartbroken; she does still want to be your friend. Ask her yourself."
His eyes widened.
"Give it a shot." Harry encouraged. Cepheus clutched his robes for a moment as he thought. Harry waited for an answer.
/Harry? Where are you?/
Harry's hands shot to his head. He screwed up his face, forcing Blaise's thoughts away as she'd done to him earlier.
"Is that Blaise?" Cepheus asked softly.
"Yeah . . ."
"Tell her we're in the Forest."
Harry looked up. The other boy's face was set.
/Blaise, we're in the Forest/.
/We?/
/Cepheus Major and I/.
/I'm coming, hang on/.
And so they waited.
When Blaise and Draco and, surprisingly, Hermione finally reached them, Cepheus' resolution had all but ran out. Harry nearly had to hold him in place to keep him from bolting. But when Cepheus said he was willing to be friends again, Blaise burst into tears and hugged the life out of him. Harry, Hermione, and Draco ended up slowly creeping away to give the two old friends some space.
Of course, that left Draco giving Harry some slightly strange looks. Hermione was just confused as to why she had to run and find him.
With a regretful sigh and a glance back to where Cepheus and Blaise were talking (Blaise was running over their conversation in her head, as though to savor it), he promised to tell them everything when they got back inside.
A/N: Sorry, I ran out of stuff and had to end it there. Best I can do. I'll give you some Christmas meat as a consolation.
I've been watching Spiderman. It's a good movie.
Okay, more good stuff next chapter, like Halloween and all. Sorry for the delay; this was eight pages and I was out of steam. So, next chapter: Halloween! For real this time!
Reviews:
Lady-fiorey: Thanks.
Gryphnwng: ::Blushes:: Shouldn't've asked. Sorry. Glad you like it!
Erin: Don't worry, Harry won't die . . . yet. I still think JK is going to kill him in the cannon books. You'll see what Harry chooses . . . it's all up to him. Or rather, the mood I'm in. I'll continue, I promise. I love writing Slytherin Harry.
Xirleb70: Oh, shut up. Thanks for making me hide my face! Well, if you're hungry, here's your dinner right here. (This fic, you dork)
Destruxion: Good point. I almost forgot to put that part in.
Er, comma mark: What? Ops? Turgid Tome? What in the world are you talking about? Could you clarify for me?
Wink At J00: NO! Most mature! Geez! Yeah, Harry's just one of those lovable, huggable teddy bears . . . am I goin too far here? EXACTLY! I share your views on Draco's upbringing! I feel very sorry for him. Harry and Sev father and son moments are coming to a theater near you soon! I'm halfway through writing that part and I haven't even started the next chapter. Sheesh. ::blushes:: I'm glad you like my Blaise-female thingy the best! I'm a very happy person now although I am deprived of sleep. Oh, you don't have to go! I like long reviews! (hint, hint) No, I'm kidding. Or am I?
Dragon Queen: Whether Harry is going to be friends with Ron has yet to be decided. I mean, he's friends with Draco and 'Mione, he needs some enemies, right? I miss ole Pafoo.
Sushinase: Are ya . . . speechless? HAHAHA! Oh quit. You'll make me hide my face (shoots glare at Xirleb70).
boomerang-chan: Be glad I wrote it all for you guys. Be happy already! Eat some Jell-O! Yes, Snape is using shampoo. I was wondering who would comment on that! Shampoo as a pen name, wow. Why didn't I think of that? Shampoo Snape, daughter of the evil scary Potions Master.
musiclover86: I know! Harry should've been a Slytherin! Geez!
MarsMoonStar: Thank you.
Desert Fox: Well, yeah, exasperated is the word, but I was looking for a describer, and "ly" word. Harry's so sad about Sirius dying because Sirius is his godfather and the closest thing to a father that he has. Remus may be more important to you, but Harry Sirius was the person he loved the most.
SEP: Thanks, I needed cheering up! Yeah, I had to reinforce the fact that Hermione is a book nut and more Ravenclaw than Slytherin.
Them Girl: Yeah, I have this whole big plan for Draco that'll come way later. It's a bit of a challenge with four people though — in the books it's only three. That's another reason why Ron won't be friends with Harry.
Chochang913: Yes, but my holy cows are outside doing backflips right now. They're unavailable for comment. Ah, I don't like gym anyway. I have to take typing too . . . I'm going into my freshman year. Oh, I could blame you if I really wanted too . . . but I don't have the energy. Really? You think Harry and Draco being friends makes sense? I thought it was an odd decision on my part. 6 hours? Holy crap! I read it from just past 8 AM on the 21st to about 11 PM, that's a whole lot more than 6 hours! Geez! Thanks. I won't blow up at you, I promise.
Adenara Yatman: I will, don't worry.
Jess: Yeah, I like bad Harry too! Yes, Ron is a bumhead. I don't really like him. I think, based on the way Ron acts in the story, that if this situation arose, Ron would act very similarly to what I wrote. I know! There probably are more Slytherin girls, but JK never mentioned them, so Blaise is a girl. Hah.
Kitty: I wish I could help you! Keep breathing! If you die on me I'll kill you.
Jake: I know, I know! I just spotted that; I'm going to be fixing it ASAP. Thanks!
Desert Fox: No, Harry and Blaise are NOT going to snog! Do you want them to or something? Is that why you keep bugging me about it? Mione his near the common room and waited till someone said the password or something, I don't know. No, Ron won't kick Harry's butt. That's the point of naming the dog Fluffy: it shows that Hagrid thinks that vicious monsters are really harmless puppies.