Friendship and Beyond 19/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

The Trouble With Malfoys

Harry heaved a sigh of relief as he watched Ginny exit the Slytherin Common Room. Looking at Ron and Hermione he could tell that they felt much the same way. When Ginny hesitantly knocked on the portrait this afternoon, the atmosphere in the room was intense. During their private conversation half of the upper-year Slytherins remained in the common room carefully watching the quartet as they talked somberly in the corner. Although they weren't interrupted Harry was alert the whole time to the stares aimed in their direction.

During the day, the trio had a chance to decide how much they felt comfortable sharing with Ginny, let alone what they wanted them to be aware of concerning their son's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. They quickly realized that keeping most of their experience a secret was the best way to go. They merely wrote a new letter to the Weasley's giving them the bare minimum of details, which they kept to when Ginny asked. The Slytherin's weren't privy to the hushed conversation because Hermione cast a low level silencing charm once they all sat down to talk.

With a promise to talk to the Gryffindor's and try to get them to understand, Ginny left looking resolute in her resolve to protect her friends. Hermione and Ron found an excuse to go upstairs shortly thereafter leaving Harry alone with the gathered Slytherins.

"I know it is difficult for you to understand Potter, but having Gryffindors in the Slytherin common room is unacceptable." Malfoy hissed, stalking over to Potter, as the others kept their seats looking anxious at the blonde's display of antagonism. "If you must socialize with that poor excuse for a witch, do it elsewhere."

"I will speak to whomever I want to, Malfoy. That witch so happens to be a friend of mine, so I suggest you be careful of what you say about her." Harry warned, keeping a precautionary grip on his wand in case Malfoy got any ideas of hexing him unawares.

"I told you once you should choose your friends with more care." Malfoy commented in a cold tone, glaring at Potter in disgust. "That Mudblood and Weasel of yours are going to be the death of you one day."

"At least I have friends Malfoy, rather than minions bought with my father's money and influence." Harry growled furiously, watching in enjoyment as Malfoy's face turned red in embarrassment and anger.

"My family is well respected in the Wizarding World. I would watch who you insult, Potter. My father is not an enemy to make lightly." Hissed Draco malevolently. Harry barely flinched.

"Tell daddy dearest that I said hello." Harry responded unconcernedly over his shoulder as he turned as if to walk away. His blasé attitude ended abruptly however when Malfoy responded in kind.

"I'll do that Potter. He will be amused to hear from you. After all he has so little amusement in his life, he must find amusement where he can." Malfoy said softly, watching as Potter's back stiffened and he turned around slowly, his eyes burning with hatred. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Rather than reply directly, Harry looked around at their captive audience, glaring at each in turn.

"Leave us, now." Potter ordered, taking his wand out of his pocket and brandishing it threateningly.

"You would dare threaten us in our own common room, Potter?" Malfoy chortled amusedly. "I knew you had knackers, but I didn't think they were made of brass."

"I would suggest," Harry began in a misleadingly soft voice, directing his comments at all the other students while ignoring Malfoy for the time being. "That you remember who it is that is speaking. Just because I was a Gryffindor for Six years does not mean I am not dangerous when crossed. Ask Quirrell if you doubt me. Oh, that's right you can't because he is dead."

A few of the wiser souls started backing away slowly from the quietly enraged wizard, while a few remained frozen in shock.

"As most of you well know, Voldemort has tried to kill me a total of six times. If your parents weren't able to take me out I really don't think you want to test my patience at the moment."

The rest of the Common Room cleared out in short order under Harry's imposing stare. As Potter turned his attention back to Draco, the blonde took a step back in caution before he remembered himself.

"Impressive, Potty. So what now?"

"Now Malfoy, you will tell me exactly what you know about the events of last weekend. Quickly while I am still feeling charitable." Potter hissed keeping all emotions off his face, while inside he was quaking with nerves.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Potter." Malfoy denied quietly, causing Harry fume in anger. Potter got directly into Malfoy's smirking face and pointed his wand at the other's head, although he wouldn't likely use it, the other didn't know that, so it was at least good for intimidation purposes.

"I am not in a pleasant mood, right now. It would be in your best interests to answer my questions before I loose my temper."

"My, my Potter, who knew you had it in you?" Malfoy asked surprised by the actions of Dumbledore's 'golden boy.' He even went to far as to pat Potter's cheek mockingly. His hand was grasped in a stern grip by said boy, trapping his wrist close to his body. "I know nothing of what happened to you, or the Weasel or Mudblood last weekend. My father only mentioned that the dark lord had them, but you managed to rescue them somehow."

"You expect me to believe that?" Harry sneered in disbelief.

"Look Potter, I frankly don't give a damn what you believe. My father told me to mention that phrase when talking to you, and said you'd have some kind of reaction to it. My father wants to meet with you this weekend, Potter. At Hogsmeade."

"You must really think I am naïve, Malfoy. If you think I would ever risk going alone to meet with your father."

"He wants you and your friends to meet him at the Three Broomsticks. A public place, Potter."

"So what? He could just as easily kill me in front of people as not."

"He wants to exchange information about the Dark Lords plans. For some reason he thinks you have the power to 'protect' him. He trusts your gryffindor character not to double-cross him." Draco explained with a sneer. "He doesn't think you've got it in you. He also said to tell you that and I quote: I am aware of our Potion Master's extracurricular activities. If I had wanted to he would be dead right now."

"Fuck!"

"Language, Potter." Malfoy sneered. "Well, what's it going to be?"

"Bugger!" Growled Harry. "Fine. Tell him we will meet him at three o'clock tomorrow in the Three Broomsticks. But if he tries to double-cross us be warned that I am through playing the good little Gryffindor. Don't underestimate me or my friends."

"I will tell him." Malfoy answered snidely, throwing one last glare over his shoulder as he left through the portrait, presumably to owl his father with the news.

"Bloody fucking bastard!" Harry hissed in fury as he stalked up the stairs to fill in his friends. He ignored the position he found them in, snogging on Ron's bed, as he slammed the door open and then shut behind him.

"Guys, we've got to talk…"