Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters mentioned in this story and
I'm not making a profit from this, so don't sue me. May contain vague
references to Greek mythology, Anne Bishop, and Anita Blake.
It's been a really hellish week. Grumble* Friday was the end of the semester and well, let's just say it was a nightmare Anyways, I did manage to finish this chapter although not as soon as I hoped. Well, here you are, and don't bother me about how long I took typing this. I'm not in a good mood and for your information; I submitted this the moment I was through editing it, all right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go bury myself in a hole somewhere.
Chapter 3
A warm, summer breeze blew in through the clearing, rustling the leaves overhead. Artemis stood by the stone altar, the sacred knife and silver bowl beside her on the altar. Slowly, Draco paced towards her, letting his power flare out behind his as he moved. Somewhere in the distance, a flute began to play softly; it's music filling the clearing with sweet song. Somehow, without asking, Draco knew that the music came from Pan, like he knew that every creature in the woods had come here tonight, drawn to him by the magic.
"As the old stag steps back and the young stag takes his place, so also does the old Huntress steps back for the Green Lord who shall become the Hunter. So continues the never-ending cycle of life and death, of birth and renewal," began Artemis in a soft voice that nevertheless echoed through the clearing. Smiling, she walked towards Draco until they were so close they nearly touched each other.
"Come, young Lord, let us dance," she whispered softly into Draco's ear. Draco let the black robes he was wearing fall to the forest floor. He stood before Artemis now, dressed only in a pair of billowy silk trousers. Pale moonlight shone into the clearing, casting a bluish glow onto Draco's chest and turning his silver hair into a gleaming halo of light. His bare feet made almost no sound at all as he began the first few steps of the dance.
The music changed, no longer was it content to be soft and distant, but strong and sweet. It soared to new heights before spiraling down only to soar up again. The dance became faster now and the two dancers moved in furious steps around the altar. Magic filled the clearing; magic unlike anything that Draco had ever felt before. Draco closed his eyes and felt a part of him that had been dormant rise to the surface. He needed blood. The thought of it filled his mind until there was nothing but the hunger and need for it. Draco let out a strangled scream and sank to his knees. A knife flashed in the moonlight and the scent of fresh blood filled the night air, making Draco's nostrils flare with excitement as he watched the bright red liquid drip slowly from Artemis' wrist into the silver bowl.
"Drink, my Lord," she said, "and be renewed." Draco grabbed the bowl from Artemis' hands, all sense of composure lost now in the sudden blood lust.
The blood tasted like nothing he'd ever tasted before; full of the sweet scent of the woods, the bitter taste of long sorrowful years, and the strength of millennia. Draco doubled over with the feel of the power, the pure, raw power that was now inside him, a part of him. He was one with the woods, with nature, and for a moment he felt like he was not just one small link in the chain but the chain itself. Draco slowly sank down into the grass until he lay there among the fallen leaves, panting for breath. Artemis and Pan stood at either end of the altar. The bowl and knife were gone, replaced by a sword and a polished unicorn's horn, inlaid with silver and precious jewels.
Artemis spoke, "Blood is the memory's river. Rise and call your animal so that all may recognize your place as The Lord of the Woods and of the Hunt!"
"I call forth the Dragon," said Draco, "Ever was it my namesake and guardian." Silver scales crawled up Draco's back and his fingers elongated to become curved talons. His eyes darkened into a brilliant midnight blue that glowed in the night. He arched his back and huge ridges grew from his spine, forming sharp spikes that marched up his back. Featherless wings with cruel talons grew out of his back and his neck and body elongated until he towered above the clearing a beautiful, silver dragon like none other.
"I also call the unicorn," continued Draco in a sibilant voice, "Ever was it my guardian and the guardian of all Malfoys'."
The scales receded to be replaced by white fur, the color of fresh snow and he grew smaller in size. His fine silver blonde hair turned into a brilliant, silver mane and a horn of what looked like mother of pearl sprouted from Draco's forehead. He stood suddenly, in unicorn form, a brilliant white stallion. For a moment, Draco stood perfectly still before the fur began to recede. He collapsed to his knees, a human boy again.
For a long moment, the clearing was silent except for the sound of Draco's harsh breathing. Finally Pan whispered in a shaky voice, "So be it. Rise my Lord, and receive the tools of your status."
With trembling hands, Pan placed the horn in Draco's hands. The horn shimmered for a few seconds before changing into a wand made of dark mahogany wood. Draco's eyes widened in surprise but he didn't drop it.
"This," said Pan, "Is a wand made from the horn of the first Unicorn. It has chosen you to be it's new wielder."
Artemis picked up the sword and handed it to Draco. The hilt was made of silver with gold filigree and set with emeralds and green jade. The sheath was of dark leather, bound by metal rings and a pattern of silver and gold fleur de lis trailed down the smooth leather. Slowly, Draco drew the sword from its sheath. The blade was of folded steel made with the highest concentration of silver possible. It was shaped almost like a leaf and an intricate design of woodland creatures ran down blade. Draco began the first few steps of a basic sword dance, testing the weight and balance of the weapon. Satisfied at last, he slid the weapon slowly back into its sheath and laid it gently on top of his robes. Artemis smiled, "I hope the weapon is to your liking. It was mine and it has been the weapon of choice of the Huntress through many years, I hope it serves its new master well. Strong earth magic is bound into that blade. It will act as a focus for your magic and protect you from all but the most deadly of curses."
"Thank you," replied Draco, "You honor me with your gifts."
Don't thank me yet," said Artemis seriously, "Thank me when they have saved your life."
"We shall leave now," said Pan, "Call if you need us." Once again they seemed to disappear magically into the night. Draco shook his head; they were going to have to teach him that trick sometime.
***
"Did you see that?" asked Pan shakily as he and his sister finally made their way up to the room they were sharing at the local inn, "He has not one animal to call, but two! How can it be possible?" Artemis just shook her head.
"I don't know, brother," she replied, "He is strong, stronger than even I suspected. I fear, however, that it will not be enough. We must pray that Apollo finds his Heir, and quickly. Or else all is lost."
***
Harry stared with disbelief at the parade of house elves carrying various trunks and pieces of furniture up into the Slytherin tower. Ron snorted in disgust, "Trust Malfoy to make a show of his arrival."
"Well, he has style," said Hermione in a strangled voice, "You have to give him that."
Ron and Harry stared at her as if she had gone crazy. "Hermione!" blurted out Ron, "This is Malfoy we are talking about. He is the most selfish bastard we know!"
"As well as the most gorgeous one," said Draco as he stepped into the great hall. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at him with shock, horror, disgust and, (on Hermione's and Harry's part) grudging admiration. Draco smiled and stalked towards them as if he knew exactly what they were thinking. A small smile of amusement played on his lips. He was dressed in a beautiful lacy shirt, the color of spring leaves, complete with a beautiful black cape that flared out behind him as he walked. He was taller now, just a couple of inches shorter than Ron, but he managed to look graceful and elegant, instead of awkward and lanky. Tight black pants and black dragon leather leather boots completed the outfit. At his side, he wore an emerald encrusted sword.
"You look absolutely ridiculous!" remarked Hermione scathingly.
Draco came to a stand still in front of her. One eyebrow lifted in amusement as he replied, "Au contraire, Ma Cherie, I believe you think me to be absolutely gorgeous. What was it that you just said? Ah yes, I recall now: 'Well, he has style, you have to give him that." Hermione flushed a brilliant scarlet as Draco laughed derisively.
Hermione was just going to retort when Dumbledore stepped into the front hall. "Ah," began Dumbledore in a bemused voice, "Young Master Malfoy, I hope you find your new suite to your liking." Malfoy smiled and swept him an elegant bow.
"I have yet to check the accommodations," replied Draco, "Seeing as I just arrived, the house elves should be setting things up right around now. I hope you don't mind Dumbledore, but I took the liberty of telling my bodyguards to come also, they should be here sometime next week."
"The esteemed Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle shall be most welcome provided that you swear to their trustworthiness," replied Dumbledore, "After all, I do not want any spies in Headquarters."
"Don't worry, Dumbledore," assured Draco, "They are completely loyal."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, "Very well then. I shall be in my office if you need me." With that, Dumbledore swept up the marble staircase and out of sight.
Draco turned to face Harry, Ron, and Hermione, "I'd love to stay and chat but I, also, have things to attend to. I shall see the three of you at dinner then."
"Of all the disgusting, the horrible, the terrible things-," sputtered Hermione angrily. Harry sighed and shook his head.
"It's alright Hermione, don't let him get to you," said Harry soothingly, "Come on, let's go visit Hagrid."
***
"And then, he just left like that," finished Hermione furiously, "I mean we all know what an infuriating bastard Malfoy is, but sometimes I just want to kill him!"
Hagrid patted her hand gently, "There, there Hermione, it's alright."
"Why is he here so early anyways?" asked Ron angrily, "I mean school doesn't start for another three weeks!"
"Dumbledore said because Malfoy wanted to do some extra studying to prepare for his NEWT's," informed Harry defensively.
Ron snorted, "I don't buy that at all. I think he's here as a spy for You- Know-Who. I mean, look at him, going on about how great the Dark Lord is, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a Death Eater!"
"Look, if Dumbledore trusts him, then why all the worry?" asked Harry impatiently, "It's not like Malfoy is truly evil or anything."
"Dumbledore trusts Snape!" exclaimed Ron, "Look Harry, Malfoy's mother betrayed Sirius. How can you stand up for him like that?"
"You just don't get it, do you?" asked Harry angrily. "How can I get it if you don't tell me anything?" asked Ron in an exasperated voice.
"Never mind!" said Harry angrily, "I'm leaving!" With that, Harry stomped out of the hut and back towards the castle.
Ron shook his head with disgust, "Sometimes I just don't understand him at all. Hermione, what's wrong with him?"
Hermione sighed, "Leave him alone, Ron. He's just a little moody that's all."
"Er, I guess this isn't the best time to tell you two this," mumbled Hagrid, "But I'm not goin t' teach this year. Me an' Olympe are going to France to talk wi' the French Ministry. Yer new teacher's Professor Olympia."
Ron and Hermione stared at him in disbelief. "But Hagrid!" protested Hermione, "You've already missed a lot of last year already!"
"Hermione, it'll only be fer one year an' Professor Olympia is really good! Honest!"
"But it's not the same, Hagrid," said Ron, "You're the best teacher any of us have ever had!"
"I'm flattered an' all," replied Hagrid, "but I 'ave to go. It's Dumbledore's orders!" Hermione looked downcast, "We'll miss you Hagrid."
Hagrid smiled suddenly, "I'll miss you guys too. Now, why don' ye go an' look fer Harry. Figger out what's wrong with him an' all. 'e listens to you, Hermione, see if ye can't get 'im t' talk."
***
Harry stepped into the Room of Requirement; sword strapped to his back and ran right into Draco. With a yell of surprise, Draco dropped his sword and jumped back. "Potter!" he exclaimed, "What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"
Harry stared at the sword Draco had just dropped and leaned over to pick it up. Draco grabbed it first and slipped it into its sheath. "You know fencing?" asked Harry, mildly surprised.
"Not that it's any of your business Potter, but yes, I do know how to fence. I've been learning since I was a little boy."
The next question surprised Draco, catching him completely off guard, "Will you teach me?"
"Well, it depends Potter," replied Draco, "Why do you want to learn?" Harry hesitated for a moment before pulling the sword of Gryffindor out of its sheath.
"Dumbledore gave it to me and told me to learn how to use it," said Harry cautiously. Draco's eyes softened as he examined the sword.
"Godric Gryffindor," read Draco with surprise, "My, my, this is a special sword. Alright then, I'll teach you, but we'll do this my way."
Harry nodded, "sure, how do we start?"
Draco smirked, "First, take off your robes."
Harry stared at him, "What?"
"Well don't take them off if you're wearing nothing underneath, but robes will only slow you down in fencing."
Harry glared at Draco for a minute but obediently slipped out of the robes, revealing the jeans and t-shirt he was wearing underneath.
"Now, stand with one foot in front of you, sword out."
***
Harry groaned with relief as he sank down into the luxurious bubble bath in the prefect's bathroom. He was a prefect this year, and all in all, he was enjoying the fringe benefits that came with the job.
Never again was he ever going to ask Malfoy to teach him something. Oh, to be fair, Malfoy was a good teacher, but he was strict. By the end of the lesson, Harry had bruises blossoming on his cheeks and arms and his joints were so stiff, he could barely move. He was a better fencer though. He had learned several basic blocks and stances as well as a basic sword dance. Draco had even said that they might begin practicing on the magically animated dummy during the next practice session.
***
Draco stepped out of his private bathroom. A towel tied around his waist. Absently, he slipped on a white satin shirt. Fastening the cuffs with silver cuff links, he tucked the shirt into the delicately creased dress pants he had put on. Deftly, he tightened the silver silk tie, which he slipped into the gray vest he had slipped on ever the shirt. Expensive, black designer loafers went next and black silk, dress robes, fastened at the waist by a silver buckle in the shape of a dragon, completed the outfit. Staring at himself in the mirror, Draco had to admit that he looked every bit the arrogant Malfoy he was supposed to play. Closing the bedroom door behind him, Draco slowly made his way to the Great Hall.
There was only one table set up in the Hall and when Draco arrived, and everyone was already seated. The tension in the air was thick enough to walk on as everyone watched Draco take a seat beside Snape, directly across from Harry.
"Well," said Mrs. Weasley, "What would you like to eat, Draco?"
***
Harry sighed with relief as he followed, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny out of the Great Hall. Dinner, which was usually a happy event, had been tense. None of the adults spoke except for Snape who had proceeded to tell Mrs. Weasley exactly how abysmal Ron was at Potions. Mr. Weasley, who would usually descend upon Harry and Hermione with tons of questions said nothing and looked away nervously whenever Malfoy's gaze wandered his way. All in all, Harry was glad to be rid of the tension that had spread since Malfoy's arrival.
In spite of all the things Malfoy had done, Harry felt bad for him. Being the recipient of all that angry tension must have been hard, yet Draco had played his part well. He had been gracious, elegant, and well mannered in a way Harry had never known Draco could be before. Harry hated to admit it, but he was beginning to see Malfoy less as an enemy and more as a friend.
"Are you really?" asked an amused voice inside his head, "And here I was thinking you hated me."
"Draco???" asked Harry out loud, "But how-,"
"I'm in your head, silly, said the voce again, "Think the words at me and for heaven's sake don't scream in my head!"
"How did you get in here?" demanded Harry angrily, "Don't play with me Malfoy, I'm serious, what's going on?"
"You're no fun!" said the voice; "Look I researched our link in my library after Dumbledore explained to us. I can control the link now. Why else do you think you haven't been having those dreams lately?"
"So you can teach me how to control this link?" asked Harry dubiously.
"Yes, I can teach you. I'll do it tomorrow after our fencing lesson, alright?" replied the voice testily.
"Good, now get the hell out of my head, Malfoy!"
"Gladly."
Suddenly, the voice was gone and Harry was left all alone in the empty hall. All right, maybe he was wrong about Malfoy being nice. I mean a friend wouldn't just come into your mind and invade your privacy uninvited, right?
***
"It's quite simple, actually, explained Draco patiently, as he lay down on the couch, one leg thrown carelessly over the arm rest, "what both of us have been doing wrong was that we expected the dreams to be from a place other than ourselves. Look into your mind, Potter, you should find a door that's open. You can close or open it at will, if you concentrate your energy into controlling it. That's the door on your side of the link. If you step through, you should see a closed door behind your open one; that door is the door to my mind. Try it."
Harry frowned skeptically but obediently closed his eyes and focused on finding the door. Almost instantaneously, it appeared. The door was huge, made of dark, polished wood with a handle of gold set with an egg shaped ruby. Harry tried to close it but his hands were immaterial and passed right through the door. From the other side, another door opened and Draco stepped out. He leaned nonchalantly on his door.
"You cannot push it, it will not move," he explained, "You must think it's closed and picture it that way before it will close."
I'll try," said Harry doubtfully. His brow wrinkled in concentration as he focused on closing the door. With a dull thump, the door slammed shut and Harry opened his eyes to see Draco sitting up on the couch.
"That was good," admitted Draco grudgingly, "Try it again for practice." Half an hour later, Harry could control the link competently if not with ease. Running through the procedure one last time, Harry made sure he closed the door tight before opening his eyes again.
"Why are you helping me?" asked Harry curiously as he leaned back against the cushions of his chair, "Don't get me wrong, Malfoy, but I never took you for the type who'd help their enemies."
"Malfoy shrugged, "I don't consider you as a enemy. Potter, and I know you don't think I'm your enemy either. Besides, your weak control of the link between us could be a potential weak point for both of us."
"That's just like you, Malfoy," replied Harry disgustedly, "Only thinking of yourself, as always."
Draco lifted one eyebrow elegantly, "Maybe I do, Potter, but it's none of your business really. I'm a survivor and not a martyr."
Harry snorted, "And where does pissing off Voldemort fit into this ingenious survival plan? Don't get me wrong, I admire what you did to Voldemort, but it wasn't what I'd call smart."
Draco's voice and facial expression were carefully neutral, "What ever gave you the idea that I have ever worked for Voldemort?"
"You know Malfoy, you really haven't been very subtle lately," said Harry patiently, "Are you sure you aren't losing your edge? Every one knows that the new Master Malfoy betrayed Voldemort and you being here at all says without question that you are the new Master Malfoy. Why don't you stop lying to me, Malfoy? You can't hide the truth for ever."
"Yes, Potter," replied Draco in an empty voice, "I can." The door closed and Harry was suddenly alone. After a moment, he sighed with frustration and went off in search of Hermione. Harry could only hope that she could throw some light on this whole situation.
***
Draco ran his hands through his hair for the umpteenth time as he sat with the journal open in front of him. Again, he pondered the situation at hand. It was bad, he had pissed Voldemort off, and Draco knew that better than anyone else. What's more, he was publicly declaring his support for Dumbledore by being at Hogwarts.
He was a God Slayer, he knew that now, and he knew his destiny was to kill Voldemort or die in the attempt. The other God Slayer was also painfully clear to him, who else could it be but Harry Potter? Draco's laugh was just a little hysterical, Harry who survived each encounter he'd ever had with the Dark Lord by pure luck alone. Harry whose luck could not hold forever, what would happen to Draco when Harry's luck finally ran out? Picking up a quill, Draco began his letter to Artemis.
***
End
Yes, I know, this chapter is mostly about Draco, and for all you Harry
fans out there, I'm sorry, but I promise that the next few chapters
will have more to do with Hogwarts' Golden Boy. I think I'll keep
posting short chapters for the next few weeks, I really don't know. I
have the manuscript of this Fic in a notebook that I carry around but
the version I have in there, while it's eons ahead of what's online
right now, is more like an outline than a real Fic. Shrugs*
To Miss Lesley: I'm glad you like my writing so much! Yeah, I know,
Dumbledore can be really annoying sometimes and I'm sorry to say that
he's going to be mostly good in this Fic. Bear with me though,
because he does do something later that really pisses Draco off
royally. Er, you'll just have to wait and see, k? ^_^ ()
Thanks also to Kiocci and RikuNghts for reviewing. Sorry I didn't
have time to get back to you until now. Smiles sheepishly* But I am
really happy that all of you enjoyed chapter 2 so much, since I was
really scared if it was going to be a satisfactory follow up to
chapter 1.
It's been a really hellish week. Grumble* Friday was the end of the semester and well, let's just say it was a nightmare Anyways, I did manage to finish this chapter although not as soon as I hoped. Well, here you are, and don't bother me about how long I took typing this. I'm not in a good mood and for your information; I submitted this the moment I was through editing it, all right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go bury myself in a hole somewhere.
Chapter 3
A warm, summer breeze blew in through the clearing, rustling the leaves overhead. Artemis stood by the stone altar, the sacred knife and silver bowl beside her on the altar. Slowly, Draco paced towards her, letting his power flare out behind his as he moved. Somewhere in the distance, a flute began to play softly; it's music filling the clearing with sweet song. Somehow, without asking, Draco knew that the music came from Pan, like he knew that every creature in the woods had come here tonight, drawn to him by the magic.
"As the old stag steps back and the young stag takes his place, so also does the old Huntress steps back for the Green Lord who shall become the Hunter. So continues the never-ending cycle of life and death, of birth and renewal," began Artemis in a soft voice that nevertheless echoed through the clearing. Smiling, she walked towards Draco until they were so close they nearly touched each other.
"Come, young Lord, let us dance," she whispered softly into Draco's ear. Draco let the black robes he was wearing fall to the forest floor. He stood before Artemis now, dressed only in a pair of billowy silk trousers. Pale moonlight shone into the clearing, casting a bluish glow onto Draco's chest and turning his silver hair into a gleaming halo of light. His bare feet made almost no sound at all as he began the first few steps of the dance.
The music changed, no longer was it content to be soft and distant, but strong and sweet. It soared to new heights before spiraling down only to soar up again. The dance became faster now and the two dancers moved in furious steps around the altar. Magic filled the clearing; magic unlike anything that Draco had ever felt before. Draco closed his eyes and felt a part of him that had been dormant rise to the surface. He needed blood. The thought of it filled his mind until there was nothing but the hunger and need for it. Draco let out a strangled scream and sank to his knees. A knife flashed in the moonlight and the scent of fresh blood filled the night air, making Draco's nostrils flare with excitement as he watched the bright red liquid drip slowly from Artemis' wrist into the silver bowl.
"Drink, my Lord," she said, "and be renewed." Draco grabbed the bowl from Artemis' hands, all sense of composure lost now in the sudden blood lust.
The blood tasted like nothing he'd ever tasted before; full of the sweet scent of the woods, the bitter taste of long sorrowful years, and the strength of millennia. Draco doubled over with the feel of the power, the pure, raw power that was now inside him, a part of him. He was one with the woods, with nature, and for a moment he felt like he was not just one small link in the chain but the chain itself. Draco slowly sank down into the grass until he lay there among the fallen leaves, panting for breath. Artemis and Pan stood at either end of the altar. The bowl and knife were gone, replaced by a sword and a polished unicorn's horn, inlaid with silver and precious jewels.
Artemis spoke, "Blood is the memory's river. Rise and call your animal so that all may recognize your place as The Lord of the Woods and of the Hunt!"
"I call forth the Dragon," said Draco, "Ever was it my namesake and guardian." Silver scales crawled up Draco's back and his fingers elongated to become curved talons. His eyes darkened into a brilliant midnight blue that glowed in the night. He arched his back and huge ridges grew from his spine, forming sharp spikes that marched up his back. Featherless wings with cruel talons grew out of his back and his neck and body elongated until he towered above the clearing a beautiful, silver dragon like none other.
"I also call the unicorn," continued Draco in a sibilant voice, "Ever was it my guardian and the guardian of all Malfoys'."
The scales receded to be replaced by white fur, the color of fresh snow and he grew smaller in size. His fine silver blonde hair turned into a brilliant, silver mane and a horn of what looked like mother of pearl sprouted from Draco's forehead. He stood suddenly, in unicorn form, a brilliant white stallion. For a moment, Draco stood perfectly still before the fur began to recede. He collapsed to his knees, a human boy again.
For a long moment, the clearing was silent except for the sound of Draco's harsh breathing. Finally Pan whispered in a shaky voice, "So be it. Rise my Lord, and receive the tools of your status."
With trembling hands, Pan placed the horn in Draco's hands. The horn shimmered for a few seconds before changing into a wand made of dark mahogany wood. Draco's eyes widened in surprise but he didn't drop it.
"This," said Pan, "Is a wand made from the horn of the first Unicorn. It has chosen you to be it's new wielder."
Artemis picked up the sword and handed it to Draco. The hilt was made of silver with gold filigree and set with emeralds and green jade. The sheath was of dark leather, bound by metal rings and a pattern of silver and gold fleur de lis trailed down the smooth leather. Slowly, Draco drew the sword from its sheath. The blade was of folded steel made with the highest concentration of silver possible. It was shaped almost like a leaf and an intricate design of woodland creatures ran down blade. Draco began the first few steps of a basic sword dance, testing the weight and balance of the weapon. Satisfied at last, he slid the weapon slowly back into its sheath and laid it gently on top of his robes. Artemis smiled, "I hope the weapon is to your liking. It was mine and it has been the weapon of choice of the Huntress through many years, I hope it serves its new master well. Strong earth magic is bound into that blade. It will act as a focus for your magic and protect you from all but the most deadly of curses."
"Thank you," replied Draco, "You honor me with your gifts."
Don't thank me yet," said Artemis seriously, "Thank me when they have saved your life."
"We shall leave now," said Pan, "Call if you need us." Once again they seemed to disappear magically into the night. Draco shook his head; they were going to have to teach him that trick sometime.
***
"Did you see that?" asked Pan shakily as he and his sister finally made their way up to the room they were sharing at the local inn, "He has not one animal to call, but two! How can it be possible?" Artemis just shook her head.
"I don't know, brother," she replied, "He is strong, stronger than even I suspected. I fear, however, that it will not be enough. We must pray that Apollo finds his Heir, and quickly. Or else all is lost."
***
Harry stared with disbelief at the parade of house elves carrying various trunks and pieces of furniture up into the Slytherin tower. Ron snorted in disgust, "Trust Malfoy to make a show of his arrival."
"Well, he has style," said Hermione in a strangled voice, "You have to give him that."
Ron and Harry stared at her as if she had gone crazy. "Hermione!" blurted out Ron, "This is Malfoy we are talking about. He is the most selfish bastard we know!"
"As well as the most gorgeous one," said Draco as he stepped into the great hall. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at him with shock, horror, disgust and, (on Hermione's and Harry's part) grudging admiration. Draco smiled and stalked towards them as if he knew exactly what they were thinking. A small smile of amusement played on his lips. He was dressed in a beautiful lacy shirt, the color of spring leaves, complete with a beautiful black cape that flared out behind him as he walked. He was taller now, just a couple of inches shorter than Ron, but he managed to look graceful and elegant, instead of awkward and lanky. Tight black pants and black dragon leather leather boots completed the outfit. At his side, he wore an emerald encrusted sword.
"You look absolutely ridiculous!" remarked Hermione scathingly.
Draco came to a stand still in front of her. One eyebrow lifted in amusement as he replied, "Au contraire, Ma Cherie, I believe you think me to be absolutely gorgeous. What was it that you just said? Ah yes, I recall now: 'Well, he has style, you have to give him that." Hermione flushed a brilliant scarlet as Draco laughed derisively.
Hermione was just going to retort when Dumbledore stepped into the front hall. "Ah," began Dumbledore in a bemused voice, "Young Master Malfoy, I hope you find your new suite to your liking." Malfoy smiled and swept him an elegant bow.
"I have yet to check the accommodations," replied Draco, "Seeing as I just arrived, the house elves should be setting things up right around now. I hope you don't mind Dumbledore, but I took the liberty of telling my bodyguards to come also, they should be here sometime next week."
"The esteemed Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle shall be most welcome provided that you swear to their trustworthiness," replied Dumbledore, "After all, I do not want any spies in Headquarters."
"Don't worry, Dumbledore," assured Draco, "They are completely loyal."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, "Very well then. I shall be in my office if you need me." With that, Dumbledore swept up the marble staircase and out of sight.
Draco turned to face Harry, Ron, and Hermione, "I'd love to stay and chat but I, also, have things to attend to. I shall see the three of you at dinner then."
"Of all the disgusting, the horrible, the terrible things-," sputtered Hermione angrily. Harry sighed and shook his head.
"It's alright Hermione, don't let him get to you," said Harry soothingly, "Come on, let's go visit Hagrid."
***
"And then, he just left like that," finished Hermione furiously, "I mean we all know what an infuriating bastard Malfoy is, but sometimes I just want to kill him!"
Hagrid patted her hand gently, "There, there Hermione, it's alright."
"Why is he here so early anyways?" asked Ron angrily, "I mean school doesn't start for another three weeks!"
"Dumbledore said because Malfoy wanted to do some extra studying to prepare for his NEWT's," informed Harry defensively.
Ron snorted, "I don't buy that at all. I think he's here as a spy for You- Know-Who. I mean, look at him, going on about how great the Dark Lord is, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a Death Eater!"
"Look, if Dumbledore trusts him, then why all the worry?" asked Harry impatiently, "It's not like Malfoy is truly evil or anything."
"Dumbledore trusts Snape!" exclaimed Ron, "Look Harry, Malfoy's mother betrayed Sirius. How can you stand up for him like that?"
"You just don't get it, do you?" asked Harry angrily. "How can I get it if you don't tell me anything?" asked Ron in an exasperated voice.
"Never mind!" said Harry angrily, "I'm leaving!" With that, Harry stomped out of the hut and back towards the castle.
Ron shook his head with disgust, "Sometimes I just don't understand him at all. Hermione, what's wrong with him?"
Hermione sighed, "Leave him alone, Ron. He's just a little moody that's all."
"Er, I guess this isn't the best time to tell you two this," mumbled Hagrid, "But I'm not goin t' teach this year. Me an' Olympe are going to France to talk wi' the French Ministry. Yer new teacher's Professor Olympia."
Ron and Hermione stared at him in disbelief. "But Hagrid!" protested Hermione, "You've already missed a lot of last year already!"
"Hermione, it'll only be fer one year an' Professor Olympia is really good! Honest!"
"But it's not the same, Hagrid," said Ron, "You're the best teacher any of us have ever had!"
"I'm flattered an' all," replied Hagrid, "but I 'ave to go. It's Dumbledore's orders!" Hermione looked downcast, "We'll miss you Hagrid."
Hagrid smiled suddenly, "I'll miss you guys too. Now, why don' ye go an' look fer Harry. Figger out what's wrong with him an' all. 'e listens to you, Hermione, see if ye can't get 'im t' talk."
***
Harry stepped into the Room of Requirement; sword strapped to his back and ran right into Draco. With a yell of surprise, Draco dropped his sword and jumped back. "Potter!" he exclaimed, "What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"
Harry stared at the sword Draco had just dropped and leaned over to pick it up. Draco grabbed it first and slipped it into its sheath. "You know fencing?" asked Harry, mildly surprised.
"Not that it's any of your business Potter, but yes, I do know how to fence. I've been learning since I was a little boy."
The next question surprised Draco, catching him completely off guard, "Will you teach me?"
"Well, it depends Potter," replied Draco, "Why do you want to learn?" Harry hesitated for a moment before pulling the sword of Gryffindor out of its sheath.
"Dumbledore gave it to me and told me to learn how to use it," said Harry cautiously. Draco's eyes softened as he examined the sword.
"Godric Gryffindor," read Draco with surprise, "My, my, this is a special sword. Alright then, I'll teach you, but we'll do this my way."
Harry nodded, "sure, how do we start?"
Draco smirked, "First, take off your robes."
Harry stared at him, "What?"
"Well don't take them off if you're wearing nothing underneath, but robes will only slow you down in fencing."
Harry glared at Draco for a minute but obediently slipped out of the robes, revealing the jeans and t-shirt he was wearing underneath.
"Now, stand with one foot in front of you, sword out."
***
Harry groaned with relief as he sank down into the luxurious bubble bath in the prefect's bathroom. He was a prefect this year, and all in all, he was enjoying the fringe benefits that came with the job.
Never again was he ever going to ask Malfoy to teach him something. Oh, to be fair, Malfoy was a good teacher, but he was strict. By the end of the lesson, Harry had bruises blossoming on his cheeks and arms and his joints were so stiff, he could barely move. He was a better fencer though. He had learned several basic blocks and stances as well as a basic sword dance. Draco had even said that they might begin practicing on the magically animated dummy during the next practice session.
***
Draco stepped out of his private bathroom. A towel tied around his waist. Absently, he slipped on a white satin shirt. Fastening the cuffs with silver cuff links, he tucked the shirt into the delicately creased dress pants he had put on. Deftly, he tightened the silver silk tie, which he slipped into the gray vest he had slipped on ever the shirt. Expensive, black designer loafers went next and black silk, dress robes, fastened at the waist by a silver buckle in the shape of a dragon, completed the outfit. Staring at himself in the mirror, Draco had to admit that he looked every bit the arrogant Malfoy he was supposed to play. Closing the bedroom door behind him, Draco slowly made his way to the Great Hall.
There was only one table set up in the Hall and when Draco arrived, and everyone was already seated. The tension in the air was thick enough to walk on as everyone watched Draco take a seat beside Snape, directly across from Harry.
"Well," said Mrs. Weasley, "What would you like to eat, Draco?"
***
Harry sighed with relief as he followed, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny out of the Great Hall. Dinner, which was usually a happy event, had been tense. None of the adults spoke except for Snape who had proceeded to tell Mrs. Weasley exactly how abysmal Ron was at Potions. Mr. Weasley, who would usually descend upon Harry and Hermione with tons of questions said nothing and looked away nervously whenever Malfoy's gaze wandered his way. All in all, Harry was glad to be rid of the tension that had spread since Malfoy's arrival.
In spite of all the things Malfoy had done, Harry felt bad for him. Being the recipient of all that angry tension must have been hard, yet Draco had played his part well. He had been gracious, elegant, and well mannered in a way Harry had never known Draco could be before. Harry hated to admit it, but he was beginning to see Malfoy less as an enemy and more as a friend.
"Are you really?" asked an amused voice inside his head, "And here I was thinking you hated me."
"Draco???" asked Harry out loud, "But how-,"
"I'm in your head, silly, said the voce again, "Think the words at me and for heaven's sake don't scream in my head!"
"How did you get in here?" demanded Harry angrily, "Don't play with me Malfoy, I'm serious, what's going on?"
"You're no fun!" said the voice; "Look I researched our link in my library after Dumbledore explained to us. I can control the link now. Why else do you think you haven't been having those dreams lately?"
"So you can teach me how to control this link?" asked Harry dubiously.
"Yes, I can teach you. I'll do it tomorrow after our fencing lesson, alright?" replied the voice testily.
"Good, now get the hell out of my head, Malfoy!"
"Gladly."
Suddenly, the voice was gone and Harry was left all alone in the empty hall. All right, maybe he was wrong about Malfoy being nice. I mean a friend wouldn't just come into your mind and invade your privacy uninvited, right?
***
"It's quite simple, actually, explained Draco patiently, as he lay down on the couch, one leg thrown carelessly over the arm rest, "what both of us have been doing wrong was that we expected the dreams to be from a place other than ourselves. Look into your mind, Potter, you should find a door that's open. You can close or open it at will, if you concentrate your energy into controlling it. That's the door on your side of the link. If you step through, you should see a closed door behind your open one; that door is the door to my mind. Try it."
Harry frowned skeptically but obediently closed his eyes and focused on finding the door. Almost instantaneously, it appeared. The door was huge, made of dark, polished wood with a handle of gold set with an egg shaped ruby. Harry tried to close it but his hands were immaterial and passed right through the door. From the other side, another door opened and Draco stepped out. He leaned nonchalantly on his door.
"You cannot push it, it will not move," he explained, "You must think it's closed and picture it that way before it will close."
I'll try," said Harry doubtfully. His brow wrinkled in concentration as he focused on closing the door. With a dull thump, the door slammed shut and Harry opened his eyes to see Draco sitting up on the couch.
"That was good," admitted Draco grudgingly, "Try it again for practice." Half an hour later, Harry could control the link competently if not with ease. Running through the procedure one last time, Harry made sure he closed the door tight before opening his eyes again.
"Why are you helping me?" asked Harry curiously as he leaned back against the cushions of his chair, "Don't get me wrong, Malfoy, but I never took you for the type who'd help their enemies."
"Malfoy shrugged, "I don't consider you as a enemy. Potter, and I know you don't think I'm your enemy either. Besides, your weak control of the link between us could be a potential weak point for both of us."
"That's just like you, Malfoy," replied Harry disgustedly, "Only thinking of yourself, as always."
Draco lifted one eyebrow elegantly, "Maybe I do, Potter, but it's none of your business really. I'm a survivor and not a martyr."
Harry snorted, "And where does pissing off Voldemort fit into this ingenious survival plan? Don't get me wrong, I admire what you did to Voldemort, but it wasn't what I'd call smart."
Draco's voice and facial expression were carefully neutral, "What ever gave you the idea that I have ever worked for Voldemort?"
"You know Malfoy, you really haven't been very subtle lately," said Harry patiently, "Are you sure you aren't losing your edge? Every one knows that the new Master Malfoy betrayed Voldemort and you being here at all says without question that you are the new Master Malfoy. Why don't you stop lying to me, Malfoy? You can't hide the truth for ever."
"Yes, Potter," replied Draco in an empty voice, "I can." The door closed and Harry was suddenly alone. After a moment, he sighed with frustration and went off in search of Hermione. Harry could only hope that she could throw some light on this whole situation.
***
Draco ran his hands through his hair for the umpteenth time as he sat with the journal open in front of him. Again, he pondered the situation at hand. It was bad, he had pissed Voldemort off, and Draco knew that better than anyone else. What's more, he was publicly declaring his support for Dumbledore by being at Hogwarts.
He was a God Slayer, he knew that now, and he knew his destiny was to kill Voldemort or die in the attempt. The other God Slayer was also painfully clear to him, who else could it be but Harry Potter? Draco's laugh was just a little hysterical, Harry who survived each encounter he'd ever had with the Dark Lord by pure luck alone. Harry whose luck could not hold forever, what would happen to Draco when Harry's luck finally ran out? Picking up a quill, Draco began his letter to Artemis.
***
End
Yes, I know, this chapter is mostly about Draco, and for all you Harry
fans out there, I'm sorry, but I promise that the next few chapters
will have more to do with Hogwarts' Golden Boy. I think I'll keep
posting short chapters for the next few weeks, I really don't know. I
have the manuscript of this Fic in a notebook that I carry around but
the version I have in there, while it's eons ahead of what's online
right now, is more like an outline than a real Fic. Shrugs*
To Miss Lesley: I'm glad you like my writing so much! Yeah, I know,
Dumbledore can be really annoying sometimes and I'm sorry to say that
he's going to be mostly good in this Fic. Bear with me though,
because he does do something later that really pisses Draco off
royally. Er, you'll just have to wait and see, k? ^_^ ()
Thanks also to Kiocci and RikuNghts for reviewing. Sorry I didn't
have time to get back to you until now. Smiles sheepishly* But I am
really happy that all of you enjoyed chapter 2 so much, since I was
really scared if it was going to be a satisfactory follow up to
chapter 1.