Disclaimer: Please don't sue me. All characters belong to the literary genius J.K. Rowling except the ones I made up off the top of my head. J

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Chapter Seven

Potions and the Pact

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.

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"Then what? What exactly happened?" Harry wasn't sure whether or not he believed him. Lupin had also been very secretive about his past. And why not? Werewolves were hated and feared in both wizarding and muggle communities alike. But he supposed being a werewolf wouldn't work. Cesare hadn't actually transformed.

"I don't know exactly. All of a sudden.....my sight and my sense of smell.....and hearing were......amplified or something," Cesare muttered, more talking to himself than Harry. Harry was pretty sure the experience had shocked the other wizard, otherwise he wouldn't be telling him all this.

"Maybe it's some kinda disease. Like something that runs in your family," Harry offered, and then realized he had made a mistake in mentioning Cesare's family.

His expression turned ugly. "What do you know about my family, Potter? What are you doing down here anyway?" Cesare asked nastily. 'Just leave,' he silently begged. 'Why can't people just stay away from me?' He feared the strange occurrence might happen again and he didn't want to be near anyone he could hurt. That killing instinct had left him very unsettled. But this concern didn't show in his next statement. "Get OUT, Potter. NOW," he demanded, staring at Harry with a dark look in his eyes.

Harry actually felt a chill up his spine. Ron was right, he thought. This kid DOES belong in Slytherin, he realized. There was coldness in his eyes that could not be denied. In fact, Harry looked at him closer, his eyes were almost red. Bizarre. The room was deathly silent for a few moments except for the cracking of the fire. Harry started to back away, then paused annoyed.

 "For your information, I came downstairs to make sure you weren't dying or anything," Harry said coolly. "All anyone wants to do is be nice to you. You're the problem. Maybe if you weren't so hostile, people would help you out with things like that," he said pointing to the bruise on Cesare's arm. Then he returned upstairs.

Cesare slumped into the chair and wearily closed his eyes. He felt lost and disconnected. He just wanted to know what was going on! Who was his father and the new question. 'What is HAPPENING to me?!'

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That morning at breakfast, Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat away from the others, their whispering faces bent over the table. Harry had filled them in on the previous night's encounter.

Ron was shocked. "What is it with this kid? Honestly, he sounds dangerous or something."

"I don't know," Harry replied. "All we know about him is that he lives with his uncle in Italy, goes mad at the full moon, and is VERY defensive about his family."

"You forgot some things," said Hermione, sounding teacherly. "Snape hates him obviously and he's remarkable in Transfiguration. No one else in our class even came close to transfiguring a chimpanzee yesterday. It's supposed to take weeks."

"A dark wizard could do that easily," Ron said grimly, the accusation very clear.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Please, Ron. I highly doubt Dumbledore would admit a dark wizard into Hogwarts for a foreign exchange program. I believe that would defeat the whole purpose of magical unity against Voldemort."

"Why not? Malfoy still goes here, doesn't he? Besides, I don't think he would have included that on his application," Ron said sarcastically.

Harry frowned, ignoring their bickering as usual. "Also, I know I keep repeating this, but he looks extremely familiar. I don't know why, but I feel like I've met him before. There's some sort of weird connection. I have find out what," he confessed.

Ron smiled mischievously. "Do I smell an adventure that might get us killed or expelled?" he joyfully asked. Hermione rolled her eyes. But Harry didn't think Ron's comment was very funny. Not after last year.

"Ron! Can you be intelligent for a little while? Please?" said Hermione annoyed.

Harry picked up a piece of his toast and smeared jam on it. Then his face fell as he remembered something. "Oh, no! Hermione! We have Advanced Potions next!" he groaned and hit his head on the table.

Hermione looked grim, and then brightened up slightly. "Hey, at least maybe we'll get some clues about why Snape hates him."

Ron looked sympathetic. "Nah, probably just a typical day of Snape harassing you. As in YOU, meaning not me," he said gleefully. "Sorry just had to rub it in at least once. Harry, don't let Snape get to you. Hermione, don't irritate Snape and get Harry in trouble."

"Ron," Hermione said sweetly. "You have ten seconds to flee before I hit you with this." She plunked her heavy potions book on the table with a resounding TWACK.

Ron's eyes widened and he put down his goblet of pumpkin juice and grabbed his bag. "Just realized I'm gonna be late to Herbology. I hope—,"

"Eight.....Seven."

Ron shut up and left the table. Harry hid his smile with his hand. Hermione looked satisfied. "Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure Potions will be fine, probably just dull." He nodded sullenly.

They had no idea what lay in wait.

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The Advanced Potions class was a composite of all four Houses. About fourteen students (the only ones in the year who'd been accepted by Snape) were seated waiting for Professor Snape. Cesare took a seat in the back, next the Blaise Zabini. The blonde gave him a disdainful look. Gryffindors and Slytherins never sat next to each other if it could be avoided.

Professor Snape swept into the room and eyed the class with disgust, already in a foul mood. "All of YOU again," he said. "Let me guess, you've gotten stupider since last year. It wouldn't be a surprise." He sighed as if he had been hexed with an incurable disease. "Hand in your summer assignments. NOW! We'll see how worthy of this class you all are." he added forcefully.

Cesare looked around nervously. Summer assignments? WHAT summer assignments? He hadn't been given any. He had hoped Snape wouldn't notice him, but it was too late. Cesare looked up as Snape walked by; checking to make sure everyone had done their work. He stopped at his desk and towered over Cesare, a nasty smile of anticipation playing at his thin lips.

"Mr. Jalil .…." Snape said, drawing out his name. "So, our new student doesn't feel the need to do assignments. Maybe he shouldn't be in this class at all. Apparently Anksenum has grown quite lax in their grading policies," he mocked with malicious delight in his pale face. "Ten points from Gryffindor, not to mention your floundering grade. Tsk, tsk." Snape returned to the front of the room and surveyed the students arrayed in the dark, cold dungeon.

"I think we need a seat change," Snape announced, staring at Harry and Hermione bunched together. His eyes flashed angrily as they alighted on Harry.

"Potter and Malfoy here, Bones and MacMillan there, Padma and Pansy there, and Granger and ….. Jalil ..… behind Malfoy. Move!"

The students all scrambled to their new seats, eager not to invoke any more of Snape's fury. Cesare unwilling took his seat next to Hermione. He assumed Harry had told his friends about last night. He ignored her imploring look, remembering the trouble it had caused him in Transfigurations. Snape told them their lesson.

"Now get started! I have to go into my office for awhile. No one. NO ONE," he said, staring directly at Harry, "is to misbehave. Understood?" With that, he strode into his office and shut the door.

Cesare heated up his cauldron and started measuring out his supplies. He was NOT going to do badly in Potions. He refused to give that horrible professor any more of a reason to hate him. He added some of the ingredients, and then checked his book to see what they were making. His heart skipped a beat. The Wolfsbane Potion. Odd, considering Potter's remark last night. But that had been a stupid idea. He hadn't actually transformed into anything and was pretty sure he would have remembered being bit by werewolf. That probably would have been a SLIGHTLY memorable occasion, he thought sarcastically. No, Potter was being ridiculous, he told himself firmly

Meanwhile, Malfoy was mercilessly teasing Hermione and Harry. He "accidentally" dropped his toad eyes into Hermione's cauldron, ruining her potion.

"Sooooo, sorry, mudblood," he laughed. "I forgot how clumsy your kind can be. Forgive me, mudblood. I have forgotten your MUDBLOOD ways, perhaps .…." he drawled on.

"Oh, shut your mouth, Draco," demanded Cesare harshly, simply tired of Malfoy's haughty beliefs. The class turned to watch what was happening. Draco's gray eyes lit up, full of malevolent delight.

"Standing up for the mudblood?! Wow. Amazing," he whistled slowly and circled Cesare's table like a grey-eyed shark. "MUDBLOODS," he emphasized the word now, "aren't worth your effort." Draco watching his former friend get angrier by the minute. He had lost interest in Hermione and Harry and was totally focused on this new target. "I am impressed. Tell me, Jalil, do the Gryffindors have big group hugs and talk about their love for freaks and halfbreeds? Is that what changed you? Did you confess all your family's hatred for mudbloods? Beg for forgiveness about your ignorance of Muggles? Have they converted you to their ideas?"

The rest of the class had gotten involved now. The Slytherins were egging on Malfoy while the Gryffindors grew enraged.

Cesare was quaking with fury. The violent instincts that had nearly overcome him last night were again gnawing at his mind. "I'm warning you, Draco......" he started, grabbing the edge of the desk with his shaking hands.

Malfoy ignored him. "So, you really are a traitor," he said quietly under his breath, to keep the other students from hearing him. "First you weren't willing to do your duty for the Dark Lord and now you're defending mudbloods." He leaned in close to Cesare. "Wouldn't your parents be so proud," he hissed into his ear.

That was the last straw. Cesare let out an animal-like roar and started to pull his wand out, but Malfoy was expecting it.

"Expelliarmus!" Draco yelled and Cesare's wand flew out of his hand. Malfoy gave him a triumphant glare.

It didn't matter. He didn't need it. Cesare grinned madly and Malfoy's gleeful face fell. Cesare jumped over the desk and tackled the unsuspecting blond wizard to the floor. He let loose with sickening punch, and then another, feeling Draco's nose crack as his fist connected with his pointed face. He felt barely human, as if he was watching himself from far away. Part of him knew he had to stop, but it was simply more pleasure to pound Malfoy's face into the floor. He started to hit him again, but was wrenched back roughly by a shocked and furious Snape. He struggled against the Professor's grip.

"Stupefy!" Snape yelled and Cesare slumped to the floor. Snape grabbed a vial of a dark potion from his desk and poured it down Cesare's throat. He performed the counter curse and Cesare stood up, feeling light-headed. What just happened? he wondered. The other students drew back as he took a shaky step towards them.

Snape's voice was shaking he was so enraged. "You!" he ordered Ernie and the boy flinched. "Take Draco to the hospital wing immediately! The rest of the class is to remain silent! Don't touch your cauldrons! As for the three of you!" He screamed at Cesare, Hermione, and Harry. "Dumbledore's office. NOW!" He led the three of them out of the dungeons towards the headmaster's office.

 Harry and Hermione exchanged dark, frightened glances. They hadn't really been involved. What if they were expelled? But they didn't protest, not wanting to call down any more of Snape's wrath upon themselves.

"Fizzing Whizbees," Snape snapped at the stone gargoyle guarding the way.

"Stay RIGHT here!" he demanded and entered the headmaster's office. The three students remained in the hallway.

Cesare slumped to the floor near the heavy wooden doors. Now what was he going to do? If he was expelled, (and he expected to be. He HAD viciously attacked another student.), he could never return home. Vincenzo would kill him for sure. He started to contemplate his next move, but stopped when he realized he could hear some of Snape's ranting inside. He was sure Harry and Hermione could as well.

"UNCONTROLLABLE ………….. told you not …….. first day ……….could have killed! ……….. never let him in ……….. just like his father …………"

Cesare's attention pricked up at this snatch of conversation. Snape knows my father too! Maybe he went to school with him ………He forced himself back to the matter at hand. This wasn't exactly time to wonder about his parents.

" …………….. ALSO capable of murder! …………. at sixteen, only sixteen! ………. his blood …….. expelled and forwarded to Azkaban!"

Cesare was shocked. 'I mean come on; it WAS just a school fight.' But why had he snapped like that? He had gotten into fights before, but never like this. He had lost all control. He hadn't been able to stop. His blood chilled at that realization. If Snape hadn't come in, he might have killed Draco. Then he heard the mumble of a quieter, calmer voice which he assumed belonged to Dumbledore. He wasn't screaming his lungs out, unlike Snape, so Cesare only caught a few words.

" ……. extenuating circumstances …….. understanding ……." He went on.

Snape suddenly crashed out of the room, slamming the door open.

"He wants to see you two!" he yelled at Harry and Hermione. They quickly slipped into the room, eager to avoid an angry Snape. Snape refused to even glance at Cesare and stormed down the hall, continuing to rant out loud about maniacs and murderers and more Whomping Willows. 'What a nut,' Cesare thought.

Harry and Hermione were only in the office for a few minutes and then they left too, exchanging whispers and furtive looks down the hall.

"Come in, Mr. al-Jalil," a voice called from inside the open room. Cesare walked in, very unsure of what was going to happen. The circular was full of light and beautiful objects. A gorgeous red and gold phoenix perched on a stand nearby. He saw the white bearded Dumbledore stand and offer his hand. For a second Cesare flashed back to the frequent times he was called to the headmaster's office for fighting in Anksenum and had to bite his lip to keep himself from greeting Dumbledore in Arabic.

"Cesare, my boy. You look so much like your mother," he greeted him with a smile and warm handshake. Cesare felt Dumbledore's crinkly blue eyes study him through his half-moon glasses. "You have your father's eyes, however. His face too."

"Ah …… thanks," Cesare stammered. Where was the lecture? The screaming? Being expelled? Instead, he was telling him he had his father's eyes. They certainly did things differently in Scotland. They both sat and Dumbledore rested his chin on his long fingers.

"I hear there was an incident in Professor Snape's class. He was quite …….er..... ANIMATED about it. Of course, there are certain circumstances where such anger is unavoidable, especially in your special case."

Cesare was confused. His 'special' case? "Sir?"

Dumbledore sighed. "There are certain times for explanations of the sort. Now is not the time for one of them. At least not yet. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger explained that Mr. Malfoy might have gone a little …….. too far in his language. I understand why you were upset. However, that is no excuse for a fight," he added sternly.

"Yes, sir. I understand. I'm very sorry," Cesare apologized profusely, wondering if there was a small chance he wouldn't get expelled.

"I will be forced to give you a week of detention with Hagrid. Snape wasn't, er, very enthusiastic about seeing you again for detentions. Now you may go to lunch. It will be starting in about ten minutes." He stood.

Cesare stood and shook his hand goodbye, still stunned at his relatively light punishment. However Dumbledore didn't let go of his hand. The headmaster's eyes were studying the bruise on Cesare's exposed arm with alarm. He looked at Cesare expectantly over his half-moon glasses.

Cesare tried to think of an explanation. "Um …… I uh …… guess Malfoy must have grabbed me during the fight," he lied.

"I see. Pretty soon for a bruise to show up," Dumbledore added. It was obvious he didn't believe him. Cesare shrugged. "Well, if it's something that starts to.....endanger you, you can usually find me here."

He nodded. "Yes, sir." He started to leave, but Dumbledore had something else to say.

"Cesare? I also will have a sleeping potion sent to you tonight. By tomorrow, the moon will have waned and you should be just fine, but simply request one when you feel you need it. Rest is very important."

Cesare was shocked. "How did you ……….?" But he ended the sentence. No sense telling Dumbledore anymore. Although it probably didn't matter. He had the feeling the headmaster could practically read minds. "Thank you, sir," he simply said and quickly left the office.

Dumbledore watched the boy leave with troubled look on his lined face and then looked up at Fawkes. "I believe it may have been a mistake to wait so long to get him into Hogwart's. I fear the damage may already have been done." he murmured to the phoenix.

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A very irritated Ron sat across the table from Harry. Lunch had just started and the Great Hall was filled with excited, buzzing voices from its wooden floors to the enchanted blue sky ceiling.

"Now that's just not fair. The first year I don't take Potions and I miss the opportunity to watch Malfoy's face get smashed. There is no justice in this cruel world." Ron was prevented from further moaning when Ernie Macmillan stopped by there table, looking similarly disgusted. "Just got away from the Infirmary. Malfoy nearly drove me mad with all his crying and complaining. I mean COME ON! It's just a broken nose! You'd think he'd a been in full body cast the way he was bawling. Got blood all over my robe too," Ernie said, completely revolted. "Madame Pomfrey had to charm it out."

Harry waited until Ernie went back to his table before filling Ron in on what he and Hermione had heard in Dumbledore's office. Ron was amazed.

"Wow! I wonder what his dad did. You think he killed people or something?" he asked eagerly.

Harry shrugged, slightly perturbed that his best friend was so giddy at the thought of Cesare's father murdering people. "Snape made it sound that way." He took a bite of his sandwich and a swig of pumpkin juice.

Ron gaped in wonder. "Wow," he said and chewed his lunch thoughtfully.

Harry raised an eyebrow. He had to ask. "You're excited that the guy might have offed people? Now Ron, that's just not healthy."

Ron shot him a look, and then laughed. "You're right. Let's talk about something else. McGonagall tell you you're Captain yet?

Harry grinned. "Yup, right after Transfigurations. How'd you guess?"

His best friend rolled his eyes dramatically. "C'mon, Harry! You're a Quidditch phenom and have been on the team since your first year. Who else was she gonna pick?"

He shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. Anyway, we still have a problem. Know anywhere we can find two beaters and another chaser? Katie Bell is in her last year and I know Ginny has her heart set on making chaser. I'm pretty sure she will. She's an excellent flyer. And you're Keeping. YES, YOU'RE STILL KEEPING, RON," he added firmly, leaving no room for argument. "But that still leaves our team with three positions to fill."

Ron looked grim. "That's gonna be hard," he agreed. "But I guess the only thing you can really do is hold try-outs and hope for the best."

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Meanwhile, Hermione, the ever studious student, had headed to the library to do some early work. She strode into the spacious room and took a deep breath of its characteristic smell; musty, ancient books containing a wealth of knowledge for her to discover. She knew thoughts like that were horribly nerdy, but she didn't care. It was one of the few places she felt completely accepted and at home.

The room was nearly empty. Not many students liked to come here on the first few days of school. In fact she saw only one other person beside Madam Pince, the librarian, who gave her the usual annoyed look. The student was sitting at a table covered with ancient texts and completely immersed in what he was doing. He looked up in surprise when she approached and immediately snapped the book shut, and moved his arm to hide the title, but it was too late.

Hermione plucked one of the books off the table and read off the title, "Being or Beast? The History of Werewolves." She looked at the other one. "Hairy Snout, Human Heart*," She pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Catching up on Potions?"

Cesare looked very irritated at her intrusion. "Yes, as a matter of fact I was. Now if you don't mind........" He cracked open his book again, sending out a small poof of dust.

His accent made his words sound musical, Hermione noticed. Not entirely Middle Eastern, nor Italian. The result was actually quite pleasant to hear. Her face didn't betray her thoughts and she picked up another book. "Moon Senses: a Guide to Odd Lunar Behavior."

"I'm very glad to see that you can read," he said sarcastically, not looking up from his book. 'Maybe if I pretend she's not there, she'll get the hint.....'

Hermione smirked and dangled the book in front of his face. "Oh, I'm sure this is for Potions," she replied, matching his sarcastic tone.

He scowled. Obviously Potter had not kept his mouth shut about last night. "Did you need something or—"

Hermione cut him off by sitting down, uninvited, opposite him and he was forced to look up and acknowledge her presence. "Anyways, I'm glad I saw you here. I wanted to thank you for defending me. I know Malfoy was your friend. Even if your actions were a bit, well, extreme."

"Who says I was defending you?" he laughed, surprised that she thought that.

She drew back slightly, angry at herself for being a little bit hurt. She had known he was a jerk before today.

She shot back, "Well, you're even ruder than I originally thought. I guess you're not very experienced in speaking with girls," she snapped, hoping to embarrass him.

Cesare leaned back in his chair and gave her a slight smile, raising a dark eyebrow at her comment. "You might be surprised," he replied dryly.

Hermione felt a blush rising in her cheeks. 'I'm sure I wouldn't,' she thought. 'Not with those smoldering eyes and strong brown arms that she could all too easily imagine being wrapped in .....….'  She scolded herself mentally. 'Are you crazy? You sound like Lavender and Parvati!'

"I didn't, uh, mean, er in THAT way," she stammered out. He looked amused. 'He probably thinks I'm an immature school girl!'

Cesare actually was thinking the exact opposite. The English girl looked even more beautiful with a pink flush creeping up her face. Her rich brown hair hung straight and thick, framing her face and warm brown eyes. Maybe he could work this whole "defending" thing.

She stood up, even more embarrassed at his gaze. "I should start the Potions homework. Do you need any help?"

He sighed deeply, but warmed up to her friendly tone. "There's really no use. Potions has always been my worst subject and now that Professor Snape's not going to exactly be my new friend ……" he added bitterly.

Hermione smiled, an idea forming in her mind. "Well, I'm pretty good in Potions. I bet I could help you. For a price, of course," she added, a devilish grin cracking across her face. Ron and Harry had been a bad influence.

"What price?" Cesare asked cautiously and immediately looked guarded.

"You."

"What?" he laughed. "Come now, you are pretty girl. You need not blackmail men like this."

She gave him a glowering look that could have silenced Voldemort himself. "That's not what I meant! You have a horrible mind. Anyways I meant you mingle. You assimilate. Let me introduce you to people, take you to school events and you make friends. And you have to be FRIENDLY."

"I'm friendly," he said sullenly, feeling insulted.

"Sure, as friendly as a hostile manticore.*"

"And this price helps YOU how?" he shot back.

"I need a new project."

He scowled. "I'm not interested in being some British girl's pet project."

 "Fine. Then have fun failing Potions. I'm sure Snape will have a great time academically annihilating you this year." She turned to leave.

Cesare had a horrible image of Snape poisoning him for failing a test and called out. "Wait!" He jumped out of his seat and caught up with her. She had a knowing smile on her face.

"Yes?"

"If I agree to this blackmail, or whatever it is........"

"Deal, not blackmail. That sounds too harsh," she said sweetly.

He fought not to roll his eyes. Her TERMS were harsh! "If I agree," he started again. "You swear to help me through Potions?"

"Of course. In exchange, you be nice and let me show you around."

"Then I agree."

They shook on it. "But I don't trust your reasons," he added.

"So we're off to a great start, because your recent behavior disgusts me," she said with a benevolent look, one that you might see a parent give to a misbehaving young child. He scowled again.

"Also, you have to SMILE, not scowl. Everyone in school already thinks you're psychotic and violent , thanks to Slytherin's rumors. Charm them. Besides you have a very nice smile."

He grinned widely in response and they both looked at each other a little longer than necessary, until Hermione made a hasty excuse of having to go find a book and hurried off. Cesare watched her retreating figure with a bemused smile, and then tried to return to his research. He tried to ignore his slight disappointment that her price wasn't what he originally thought.

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-_~ Author's Note~_-

Okay, I'm leaving in two days and I'm going to be away for a few days after that. I have the next chapter ready to go and it's a nice long one. Lol. If I get enough reviews, I'll post it before I leave. If not, I'll post it after I get back. Yes, that's blackmail. I'm sorry, but I really want you to review! Please!

I'm taking a bit of an informal poll that may or may not influence my story. In your review please tell me if you prefer one in each pair.....

hermione/harry or hermione/ron? harry/Hermione or harry/ginny? or no preference at all

this probably won't even change my story, i'm just trying to get your opinions. Thanks!

Another thing, my beta reader asked me about Katie Bell's age and if she already graduated. The books aren't very clear. In Order of the Phoenix, Ginny says Angelina and Alicia are leaving the next year. There was nothing about Katie. Therefore, in my story I'm considering her a seventh year.

look in fantastic beasts and where to find them by j.k. rowling for more info. Plus the proceeds go to a great cause!

A huge thanks to my reviewers!! You guys make my day!

Rynantan

Loopylupin- yea! u mentioned my story in your's! now go write another chapter so i can read it! Lol

Lupinssweetie

Joe

Clande

Merlynthia

Katie aka hermy, lol

Padfoot

Normal

Lilykk

Rebecca

MsDevious- lol, i wish i had a new car. Thats why i have two jobs. Blech! I like h/h though too!

Silverdiadem

Sophiegrace

Remus

Carina- my beta reader. You're the best!

PhoenixTear- lol, come on? You really think I'm gonna give away his father's identity so soon?