Title :: Blood Moon
Author :: Flizz (Opiumbunny666aol.com)
Pairing(s) :: Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione, mild Harry/Other, mild Draco /other
Disclaimer :: I don't own Harry Potter........if your surprised and you think my writing is so good that I could be JK Rowling herself..... Please email me, I love ego-boosts! If you want to sue me, feel free, I have no money to take.
Rating :: R
Summary :: Just because it's dark doesn't mean you can't be seen. A new threat invades Hogwarts, the Dark Lord is almost at full strength and Draco and Harry's sordid affairs are about to be thrown into the harsh light of day, are they strong enough to fight for their lives as well as for each other? (SLASH ALERT -- Homophobes Scram!).
Category(s) :: angst/romance/drama
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Harry was unsurprisingly chipper as he walked from the great hall that morning. Ron and Hermione were both eyeing him suspiciously, as he took the lead down to the potions classroom.
"Erm, Harry? You do remember we have potions now, right?" Hermione asked, placing a hand on her friends shoulder cautiously. He turned his face and grinned at her, then stopped and laughed.
"'Course I remember Herm', how could I forget? Can ya blame a guy for being happy?" Hermione just looked stunned at his response and Ron looked unaffected, he entwined his fingers with his girlfriends and winked, phased
"And of course it has nothing to do with the fact that, that new Slytherin chick happens to be in potions with us?" he smiled and Harry rolled his eyes. Realisation suddenly dawned upon Hermione's soft features and her lips formed a gentle 'oh'.
"It has nothing to do with Ciara" Harry cursed himself for speaking her name because now Ron was grinning maniacally,
"See 'Mione he even remembers her name" Ron made some fake swooning gestures to Hermione which landed him a punch in the arm off Harry and a giggle from his girlfriend.
"Cut it out" Harry growled playfully, realising they were very close to the classroom,
"I think she's with Malfoy anyway," Seamus shouted from behind them, running to join the threesome. "They seemed awfully cuddly at the breakfast table."
"Malfoy gets cuddly?" Ron shivered, looking towards Seamus and Dean who was now trotting to catch up too, "that's a terrible thought." The boys laughed, all except Harry who was looking annoyed, "Harry, chill mate. It's not like you couldn't charm her away. Hell, anyone would be better than that snake." The boys started to laugh again and even Hermione cracked a smile. Her eyes however remained serious as she saw Harry had given up and stormed into the potions classroom. She slapped Ron's shoulder and glared, he looked down at her apologetically. "Sorry 'Mione, I'll cut it out."
"You better. I hope he doesn't get too into this girl." Hermione sighed and made to follow Harry when she felt Ron's hand on her arm,
"Why Herm?"
"She's a Denaphia." She said simply, as if this would explain everything. When Ron, Seamus and Dean just looked at her blankly, she rolled her eyes, "Daughter of Tarque Denaphia, he's one of the most powerful wizards in Britain. Close friends with the Malfoy's" she stopped to let that sink in, "founder of Azkaban!" the boys were looking at each other, understanding her a little, but obviously the implications hadn't sunk in, "Death-Eater!" she hissed, a little to loudly. The boys all erupted into a chorus of 'ooh's' and Hermione simply rolled her eyes once more.
"Never would have thought," Seamus muttered and the four friends walked into the classroom. Hermione sat next to Harry, and Ron sat next to Hermione. Seamus and Dean joined Neville in front them and they all looked to Snape who was stood at the front. Watching everybody file in.
Harry noted that Draco was sat next to Ciara at the front, her white blonde hair had been pulled into loose ponytails and Harry resisted the urge to scoff loudly at her attempt of innocence.
"Let us begin," Snape spoke clearly over the din of the classroom. All the conversations ceased immediately and every pair of eyes in the room was focussed on the greasy teacher in front of them. "Today we are going to be looking at the properties of the Juventui Solution. Can anybody tell me what this potion actually does?" Snape glared meaningfully at Hermione and was about to open his mouth when Ciara Denaphia raised her hand. Snape tilted his head and nodded "Miss Denaphia?"
"It's a largely over-rated youth potion." She said, Harry looked up, it was the first time he had heard her speak and he hated it. Her voice was smooth and fluid, in a way that had undoubtedly been taught. She spoke like somebody of thorough upbringing, 'she probably' Harry sighed, 'is at least as rich as Malfoy, if not more so.'
"Would you care to tell me why you think it is over-rated?" Snape asked, clearly irritated with her answer,
"Firstly because, it was widely believed that this potion would reduce the effects of aging. But when everybody went to try this, fountain of youth so to speak, they realised that the potion varied per person. Imagine the disgust of people who paid decent money only to find their appearance reduced by a week's time. Secondly, the ingredients are so volatile very few potions masters would make it."
The entire class just stared, in complete shock at Ciara, who was looking at the Professor as if nothing had happened. Snape was looking at her, a sneer dancing at his lips "ten points to Slytherin, for memorising 'A Theory Of Potions', I do however suggest that you find your own opinions Miss Denaphia." Snape glowered and Ciara rolled her eyes expectantly. Draco smiled smugly, and the rest of Slytherin were chuckling.
"Now as one should know," Snape started, looking directly at Harry "The main ingredients in any appearance altering potion are powdered Cauda and liquidated Cilic. These are used because on every scale they are complete opposites and therefore displace matter allowing other ingredients to work" Snape stopped and looked around "I hope non of you are taking notes and are leaving this vital information to your impeccable memories" he drawled sarcastically "it's not as if there are exams coming up." A sadistic smile played at his lips when the entire class erupted into shuffles and scrapes as everybody searched and produced quills and parchment and started scribbling frantically. All expect Hermione who had already written it down and Ciara who appeared to be deep in thought.
"Now it is important that you remember what using opposite elements in potions does as it is - " Snape was abruptly cut off by Ciara,
"Professor Snape, with all due respect, Cauda and Cilic are in no way opposites," there was a collective gasp from the students and Snape's nostrils flared, "they may be opposites of the same elemental chart, but complete opposites, when used in a potion, do little more than combust." Snape looked at her for a moment, while the rest of the class waited expectantly for Snape to explode with rage, but much to their disappointment he spoke calmly,
"Miss Denaphia, I suggest you see me after class. For now however, please keep yourself entertained while I teach the rest of the class, since you obviously know so much" there was a sarcastic bite to his words and Ciara merely nodded, smiling gently. When Snape turned his attention back to the class Draco pulled Ciara in for a quick kiss, she pulled away and smiled playfully at Draco who went back to concentrating on his professor. Harry refused to comment on the fact that a perfectly placed piece of hair, fell and was now sitting happily over Draco's right eye, making him look remarkable. Harry almost let out a growl. Ron laughed. Hermione slapped him. Seamus and Dead giggled and Gryffindor lost thirty points.
The rest of the class went by more or less normally. Every now and then Ron would catch Harry looking over to the Slytherin's and wink suggestively at his best friend. Harry would roll his eyes and Hermione would try her best to ignore them both. Most of the hour and a half went by with Snape talking about potions, some of his comments would provoke a small, 'humph' from the Slytherin side of the classroom, but Snape would ignore it and continue. The final fifteen minutes had been spent writing the first part of an essay that was to be finished for Monday's lesson. Harry was glad that tomorrow was Friday and they didn't have potions. Even if it was Care Of Magical Creatures next, Harry was dying for the day to be done already. He wasn't sure he could stand Ron winking and smirking at him for another hour. When Snape broke the silence giving them all permission to leave, Harry was so quick to follow Hermione and Ron out, that he left his essay on the desk.
Halfway up the stairs he cursed,
"Damnit," Hermione and Ron looked at him, "I left my essay there" when Ron smiled broadly and commented,
"Nothing to do with the fact that Denaphia girl is still there, eh Harry?" Harry just sighed heavily and told Hermione that he would catch up. He made his way back down to the classroom.
Hermione glared at Ron as soon as Harry was out of sight, "What?" he asked innocently,
"Don't 'what' me Ronald Weasley. Leave the poor boy alone. You wouldn't like it if Harry commented, loudly, on every girl you fancied." Her face went harder the more Ron smirked, and in one fluid movement he had whisked Hermione up in his arms and placed a kiss on her nose,
"Aha Hermione" Ron laughed, in his best faux-French accent, "you forget who it was that got us together" he kissed her again "we should return the favour, no?" at that Hermione's resolve melted and she giggled, she still couldn't shake the fact that her best friend was mooning over a death-eaters daughter. 'This could not be any worse' she thought to herself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
When Harry found himself outside the classroom, he was hesitant to go in. He didn't want to be the one to interrupt Snape, punishing a member of his own house. He peered gently around the slightly open door and his jaw dropped at the scene that played out before him. He had never seen Snape actually smiling, and Ciara's calm, collected shell appeared to be broken as she was smiling warmly at the potions master.
"I must admit. I find it reassuring that somebody as young as yourself has a good knowledge of potions. I was beginning to think that it was going to die out." Snape stated, leaning back against his desk, he still seemed to sound sarcastic though.
"When you have a father like mine" she looked down at her feet and then up at Snape, Harry swore she looked a little sadder "perfection in every subject is somewhat expected."
"Indeed." Snape stood, obviously thinking it time to end this discussion before the next class poured in, he glanced around the classroom and saw Harry's essay sitting abandoned on the desk. Snape rolled his eyes. Ciara followed his line of vision and smiled gently; "unfortunately some of my students seem to aim for imperfection" he moved to the essay and picked it up, glancing over it.
"Surely you cannot expect him to be perfect at everything?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as Snape sighed and looked at her,
"Would for him to try be too much to ask?" he walked over to Ciara and she looked warmly at him, shaking her head gently in answer to his question. She jumped off the table that she was perched upon and stood in front of Snape. He was about a head taller than her. He smiled down and handed her Harry's essay. "I trust I can leave you to get Mr Potter's essay back to him in one piece?"
"Of course, Professor" she smirked, playfully and he shook his head. Harry felt like he had missed an inside joke, he had never seen Snape act this way with a student before. 'Mind you', Harry thought 'I've never seen Snape have a tête-à-tête with one of his house members before.'
"You better go to your next lesson Miss Denaphia,"
"Ciara" she insisted,
"Miss Denaphia" he insisted harder and she shook her head in defeat "before I decide to take house points off you for showing me up in my class," he smiled,
"But Professor," she added, looking up at him with mock-innocence "if you do that, Slytherin won't have any house points left by the end of the term" they smiled at each other and Ciara turned to leave. Harry saw her head towards the door and ran. He ran up the stairs and was quite exhausted when he arrived at Hagrid's hut. Hermione looked at his flushed expression and tilted her head,
"Did you get your assignment?" Harry shook his head in reply,
"Then what were you doing this whole time that left you out of breath Harry?" Ron asked, receiving a smile from Seamus, Dean and Neville who were all watching.
"Had to run from the dungeons." Harry explained. Finally the others looked away and were paying attention to what Hagrid was saying. Harry's gaze flickered over to Draco who was looking at him, as if trying to decipher what had been going on. Harry smiled at Malfoy, provoking memories of last night and the blonde Slytherin looked away quickly. Repressing a grin Harry turned his attention to Hagrid who was explaining about some insanely small animal.
It was almost the end of the lesson when Ciara made an appearance. Harry wondered what had taken her so long to get back from the dungeons, when he had seen her leave the classroom. Draco didn't even acknowledge her presence, he was too busy avoiding Harry's gaze. What did get everybody's attention though was when she walked over to Harry and handed him the parchment. She smiled, a smile that Harry couldn't quite work out and then she walked back over to Draco who clearly started chastising her for approaching Harry so informally.
Harry bit back the urge to walk up to Malfoy and purr 'hypocrite' into his ear. Instead he settled for talking to Ron and Hermione about what an asshole Snape was for giving them the essay! Before Harry knew what was going on, the entire morning had flown by. Lunch was being served in the great hall, but very few people actually went to sit down. Some would go and grab a sandwich and then spend the rest of the hour in the common room on the library. Harry however, grabbed a sandwich and spent his dinner, sat by the lake, thinking.
"If you were planning on drowning yourself Potter, I for one am appalled you wouldn't inform me so I could watch" Harry showed no outward reaction to Malfoy's words, inside however, he was rolling his eyes.
"Sorry Malfoy. Next time I'll be much more considerate," Harry's eyes found Draco's and he saw that they were smiling, Harry pulled his eyes off Malfoy and went back to staring at the vast calm waters off the lake.
"A little Hippogriff told me you, had a crush on my girlfriend, Potter." Draco looked around, saw nobody was even outside and sat next to Harry, smirking.
"Thought she wasn't your girlfriend Malfoy." Harry threw his own little smirk at Draco who shrugged, "So what's this all about? Couldn't stay away from me?" Draco didn't say anything he just turned his gaze to the lake. The two boys sat there for the better part of fifteen minutes. Unconsciously, they had both shifted so their hands were out to their sides, almost but not quite touching on the ground. Harry thought he was going insane, he actually felt the warmth of Draco's hand on his own.
"She really isn't my girlfriend," Draco spoke, quietly, as if it were the most important thing in the world that he expressed this to Harry.
"Because it didn't look anything like that while you were kissing her all day. I have no idea how somebody may have gotten that impression." Harry's eyes didn't leave the lake and his expression didn't change. He didn't see Draco's head swing to the side and his eyes flash with confusion.
"I've known her my whole life..." Draco started, then looked at the ground. Harry turned his head and looked, blankly at Draco.
"Why tell me?" he asked, his voice soft, as if speaking loudly might make Draco realise that yes, he was talking to Harry Potter and no, nobody was forcing him to.
"Because" Draco shook his head, "because Potter, I can't stand to see you look at me all day like a kicked puppy." Harry almost laughed at the complete one-eighty Draco just did.
"And I imagine your the expert, eh Malfoy? Kicked a number of puppies in your time, yeah?" Harry didn't wait for an answer he stood up and looked down at Malfoy. Malfoy's lips curled into a sneer and he too stood up,
"I prefer kicking mud bloods. It's much more satisfying," Draco snapped, Harry rolled his eyes,
"Predictable as always. Think of some new stuff Malfoy, or don't waste my time,"
"Sorry if I'm wasting the precious, hero's time. Can't have that can we now?"
"You're completely right. I suggest if you have nothing better to do, maybe you could get a few hours practice in, kissing your fathers arse." At this Draco's eyes widened and his face shifted into a cold indifference.
"Please don't pass off your twisted fantasies of me and my father to me, keep those for your own little wet-dreams Potter."
"I assure you my wet-dreams have nothing to do with you."
"No, you cum so hard when you're actually with me, I suppose there would be nothing left for wet dreams."
"I'm not the one who begs 'oh, right there, oooohhhh yes', you pussy."
"At least I can actually get myself up for pussy. Unlike you, the boy-who-lived-to-suck-cock." Harry flinched at that, he knew it was Draco, just being Draco, but it still hit a little too close to home,
"You have no idea what I, can get it up for."
"Oh I have every idea Potter. I know exactly what you like." Draco leaned close to Harry's ear and he couldn't help it, he instinctively leaned into Draco, "I know you like it hard," Draco bit the bottom of his ear, enough to cause a gasp to escape Harry's lips, "fast" he hissed, as his tongue shot out and licked the shell of Harry's ear. Harry's knee's almost buckled. Draco's hand brushed dangerously close to Harry's erection. "And with me" Draco's voice had dropped and was now husky with lust. Harry's eyes where half closed. "And in the dark" Draco said, casually, pulling completely away from Harry and smiling wickedly at him.
"Better hurry up, Potter. Wouldn't want to be late for lessons."
All Harry could do was stand there, staring pitifully after Draco. It hadn't hit him before just how much he didn't understand that boy. Draco was definitely an enigma. It took him minutes to shake himself out of the daze enough to realise he really was going to be late for lessons if he didn't hurry up.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
It was the second time Harry had turned up, out of breath to a lesson. This time it was divination, he sat down heavily next to Ron, who raised an eyebrow and the shrugged.
"Thought you weren't coming, mate. Where did you go for lunch?"
"Just down by the lake" Harry assured him, looking around the classroom; Professor Trelawney was at the front of the class, looking down her nose at Harry. "Sorry Professor, I almost got killed by an evil looking portrait. I would have been here sooner otherwise,"
"Of course Mr Potter," she started, raising a hand to her head, "I was merely going to ask you if you were okay. I had of course foreseen the attack, but one of the portraits indeed, what is this school coming to." She then started talking to other students, know doubt leaving them all to get along with the star charts they had started last lesson. Harry was in fact shocked; he hadn't for one minute thought he was going to get away with that excuse. Ron was trying to muffle the sound of his laughter by hiding his face in his hands.
"So, where were you at lunch then?" Harry said, pulling out his star chart and laying it on the table.
"Oh just in the great hall, with Hermione." Harry smiled at him; something about his posture told him that was a lie.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
The next few weeks at Hogwarts passed smoothly and quickly and it was soon approaching what would be Harry Potters last Christmas at the school. Harry and Draco's last encounter in the dungeons classroom had started something of a trend, and now, more often than not they would stay and talk to each other afterwards. Harry was however starting to notice Draco slipping into a somewhat downward spiral. His grades were dropping, he was missing more and more meals in the great hall and Harry was worried.
Harry had already accepted and repressed the fact that he had fallen in love with the Slytherin. His every waking moment he thought about the blonde. Even his every dream, he was starting to think he was becoming obsessed. He managed to keep his cool around Draco though, and if the boy suspected anything, he wasn't letting on.
Ron and Hermione had become closer, and in doing so had slightly pushed Harry out. Harry however didn't mind. While there were fussing over their own relationship, they couldn't notice the difference in their friend. Who happened to be spending more of each night away from the dorms.
This night however, Harry was back early and fast asleep in his bed.
::Dream Sequence::
Harry was stood in possibly the hottest room he had ever been in. There were men in black cloaks everywhere. Death Eaters.
"You fool," came the sharp hiss from the back of the room. Harry made his way there to see something that make his skin crawl. Voldemort was sat on a large chair. Eyes burning red skin pealing from his body as if he were a corpse. His fingers were long and his nails were pointed, almost like claws. His forked tongue moved behind his white, pointed teeth, like a viper in a cage. "I put you in charge of my phoenix and this is how you repay me!"
"My lord, I'm sorry" Harry saw the death eater drop to it's knee's, the cloak pulled his over it's head, making it impossible for Harry to identify them, he got the distinct impression that all this fuss, was not over a lost bird.
"I'm not merciless" Voldemort stated, as if reminding himself, "I shall give you one month to this day, to break her from Hogwarts and bring her too me!"
Harry's first thought was of Fawkes, but he couldn't imagine why Voldemort would want Dumbledore's bird.
"Thank you my lord, you are most generous." The voice was fluid and each word was spoken with a collected calm. Harry recognised the voice but he couldn't place it.
"If you should return without her. I'm afraid my mercy will wane."
"Yes, of course my lord." The death eater stood and but kept their head bowed to Voldemort.
Harry was watching, with a morbid interest when Voldemort's eyes fell upon him. Harry's blood froze in his veins. Voldemorts lips, curled in a grotesque smile and he whispered, "Go" to his death eater, eyes still on Harry. His eyes burned and Harry awoke, his scar burning.
:: End Dream Sequence::
"Harry? Harry?" Ron shook his friend. Harry was lying in his bed, screaming. Seamus, Dean and Neville were all stood around him, while his best friend tried to wake him up. Harry's scar was glowing red, and looked as if it had just been made.
Harry's eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright in bed, his hand going up and falling over his burning scar. He scrunched his eyes in pain and coughed. He looked to the faces around him and saw their concern,
"Sorry" he croaked, his voice hoarse from screaming, "I didn't mean to wake you", Dean, Seamus and Neville looked at each other and Ron smiled at him reassuringly,
"Don't worry about it. Should I get Dumbledore?" Harry shook his head,
"No I'll be fine," Harry smiled gratefully at his friend, "thanks anyway." Harry stood up and realised it was only 1am. He looked at his friends and with much encouragement, he convinced them to go back to bed. He only knew one thing as he walked down to the common room. He had to talk to somebody. Harry almost sighed with relief when he saw Hermione sat on one of the overstuffed armchairs, still reading her potions text.
He sat down in one opposite her and she glanced over her book. As soon as she saw Harry's face she gasped in horror. He was sheet-white. His hair was sweaty and his scar was glowing bright red.
"Harry Potter, what happened?" she hissed, coming over to him and kneeling in front of the chair. She ran a motherly hand over his cheek and then grasped his hand tenderly,
"Nightmare" he replied and she nodded, waiting for him to elaborate, when he didn't she scowled,
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Harry looked down; all he really wanted to do was go down to the Slytherin dungeons and cry to Draco.
"Voldemort" Hermione opened her mouth as if to speak and then rolled her eyes,
"Really, Harry I'd gathered that much"
"He was talking to his death eaters, about, a phoenix, which was in Hogwarts." At this Hermione stopped to think for a few seconds,
"Why would he want Fawkes?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed in thought,
"See, I don't think he would go to all this trouble just for a bird," Harry explained, crossing his legs underneath himself,
"No, it really doesn't seem plausible." Hermione agreed.
"Lucius" Hermione's head snapped up,
"What?"
"Lucius Malfoy was there. I remember now, he looked...worried." Harry thought back, he was able to remember more now his scar had moved into more of a dull ache. "And there was a voice, I can really place who's it was. Really posh, I've heard it before" Hermione nodded.
"We should go to Dumbledore..."
"And tell him what, the death eaters are forming a plan to kidnap Fawkes?"
"There has to be more too it than that. Do you think Malfoy would know anything?"
"Malfoy?" Harry looked up "Oh Draco?" Harry had to struggle to keep his voice from cracking.
"Yes. Was he there?" Harry shook his head,
"He's not a death eater."
"How can you be sure? He sure boasts about it enough."
"How about Snape?" Harry suggested, in a rush to change the subject, Hermione's eyes snapped up,
"Was Snape there?"
"I didn't see him, but it was a Death Eaters meeting, surely he would have been there..."
"It would make sense."
"But he's not likely to tell us anything" Hermione nodded at Harry' statement and they stared blankly at the floor again. "So we're out of idea's?"
"I think the best thing we can do, is rest and research it tomorrow."
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"A week today is the start of Christmas, the school will be almost empty. You're going with Ron to the burrow." Hermione patted Harry's arm,
"And I'll research it there, while you stay here and try and figure it out. You have Dumbledore if you need anything!" Harry smiled, unsurely. "Now, go and get some rest." When Harry looked up at her questioningly, she shrugged "okay, so that's not going to be very likely. Just try and stay out of trouble Harry." She kissed his forehead and headed up to bed. Harry wondered started to regret not mentioning the fact that they only had one month. By the time the Christmas holidays were over, the death eaters time would be up.
Harry grabbed his invisibility cloak and decided to go for a walk. He decided he was slightly peckish so he headed down to the kitchens. He opened the door and much to his surprise, he saw Draco, perched upon one of the workbenches, stuffing down a sandwich like he hadn't eaten in years.
"Malfoy." Harry smiled, Draco's eyes moved up from the sandwich and his eyes dulled,
"Potter. I'm too tired to fight." Harry smirked and Draco rolled his eyes "I'm too tired for that too, Potter." Draco glowered, neatly finishing off his sandwich he jumped off the bench and made to move past Harry who grabbed his arm,
"What's with you lately?" he growled, he hadn't meant it to come out that angrily.
"With me? I don't know what you mean" he pulled his arm but Harry's grip was too tight.
"Yes you do. God Malfoy, even your hair's a mess!" Draco yelped at the comment slightly and patted his hair.
"You're the only problem I have, Potter!" but his usual sarcastic, biting tone wasn't in it,
"Draco, what's wrong?" Harry said softly, deliberately using his first name, Draco's eyes widened and Harry thought he saw tears.
"I told you. It's you." Draco said, his eyes floating down to his feet,
"Would you like me to leave you alone?" Harry asked, almost dreading the answer,
"God. You're blind even with those dorky glasses on aren't you?" with that Draco pulled his arm out of Harry's grasp. Harry looked at Draco, not sure what was going on. At that second Draco pulled his head into his and pressed their lips together, Harry felt Draco's tongue move across his lips and he opened his mouth. He let the kiss take over and right then, he would have sacrificed anything to stay in that kiss. Because right then, he was kissing Draco and he could pretend, even it was for just that moment, that Draco loved him back. That he wasn't alone.
But when he opened his eyes, he was alone.
Harry decided to make his way back to his dorms. Malfoy and his little encounter had tired Harry out, in spite of his nightmare.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Thanks for the reviews so far. They really give me the incentive to write. This chapters for my new beta, Blaise. Without her, I may have gone insane with all the idea's floating around in my head.
Read? Review.
Flizz xx
Author :: Flizz (Opiumbunny666aol.com)
Pairing(s) :: Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione, mild Harry/Other, mild Draco /other
Disclaimer :: I don't own Harry Potter........if your surprised and you think my writing is so good that I could be JK Rowling herself..... Please email me, I love ego-boosts! If you want to sue me, feel free, I have no money to take.
Rating :: R
Summary :: Just because it's dark doesn't mean you can't be seen. A new threat invades Hogwarts, the Dark Lord is almost at full strength and Draco and Harry's sordid affairs are about to be thrown into the harsh light of day, are they strong enough to fight for their lives as well as for each other? (SLASH ALERT -- Homophobes Scram!).
Category(s) :: angst/romance/drama
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Harry was unsurprisingly chipper as he walked from the great hall that morning. Ron and Hermione were both eyeing him suspiciously, as he took the lead down to the potions classroom.
"Erm, Harry? You do remember we have potions now, right?" Hermione asked, placing a hand on her friends shoulder cautiously. He turned his face and grinned at her, then stopped and laughed.
"'Course I remember Herm', how could I forget? Can ya blame a guy for being happy?" Hermione just looked stunned at his response and Ron looked unaffected, he entwined his fingers with his girlfriends and winked, phased
"And of course it has nothing to do with the fact that, that new Slytherin chick happens to be in potions with us?" he smiled and Harry rolled his eyes. Realisation suddenly dawned upon Hermione's soft features and her lips formed a gentle 'oh'.
"It has nothing to do with Ciara" Harry cursed himself for speaking her name because now Ron was grinning maniacally,
"See 'Mione he even remembers her name" Ron made some fake swooning gestures to Hermione which landed him a punch in the arm off Harry and a giggle from his girlfriend.
"Cut it out" Harry growled playfully, realising they were very close to the classroom,
"I think she's with Malfoy anyway," Seamus shouted from behind them, running to join the threesome. "They seemed awfully cuddly at the breakfast table."
"Malfoy gets cuddly?" Ron shivered, looking towards Seamus and Dean who was now trotting to catch up too, "that's a terrible thought." The boys laughed, all except Harry who was looking annoyed, "Harry, chill mate. It's not like you couldn't charm her away. Hell, anyone would be better than that snake." The boys started to laugh again and even Hermione cracked a smile. Her eyes however remained serious as she saw Harry had given up and stormed into the potions classroom. She slapped Ron's shoulder and glared, he looked down at her apologetically. "Sorry 'Mione, I'll cut it out."
"You better. I hope he doesn't get too into this girl." Hermione sighed and made to follow Harry when she felt Ron's hand on her arm,
"Why Herm?"
"She's a Denaphia." She said simply, as if this would explain everything. When Ron, Seamus and Dean just looked at her blankly, she rolled her eyes, "Daughter of Tarque Denaphia, he's one of the most powerful wizards in Britain. Close friends with the Malfoy's" she stopped to let that sink in, "founder of Azkaban!" the boys were looking at each other, understanding her a little, but obviously the implications hadn't sunk in, "Death-Eater!" she hissed, a little to loudly. The boys all erupted into a chorus of 'ooh's' and Hermione simply rolled her eyes once more.
"Never would have thought," Seamus muttered and the four friends walked into the classroom. Hermione sat next to Harry, and Ron sat next to Hermione. Seamus and Dean joined Neville in front them and they all looked to Snape who was stood at the front. Watching everybody file in.
Harry noted that Draco was sat next to Ciara at the front, her white blonde hair had been pulled into loose ponytails and Harry resisted the urge to scoff loudly at her attempt of innocence.
"Let us begin," Snape spoke clearly over the din of the classroom. All the conversations ceased immediately and every pair of eyes in the room was focussed on the greasy teacher in front of them. "Today we are going to be looking at the properties of the Juventui Solution. Can anybody tell me what this potion actually does?" Snape glared meaningfully at Hermione and was about to open his mouth when Ciara Denaphia raised her hand. Snape tilted his head and nodded "Miss Denaphia?"
"It's a largely over-rated youth potion." She said, Harry looked up, it was the first time he had heard her speak and he hated it. Her voice was smooth and fluid, in a way that had undoubtedly been taught. She spoke like somebody of thorough upbringing, 'she probably' Harry sighed, 'is at least as rich as Malfoy, if not more so.'
"Would you care to tell me why you think it is over-rated?" Snape asked, clearly irritated with her answer,
"Firstly because, it was widely believed that this potion would reduce the effects of aging. But when everybody went to try this, fountain of youth so to speak, they realised that the potion varied per person. Imagine the disgust of people who paid decent money only to find their appearance reduced by a week's time. Secondly, the ingredients are so volatile very few potions masters would make it."
The entire class just stared, in complete shock at Ciara, who was looking at the Professor as if nothing had happened. Snape was looking at her, a sneer dancing at his lips "ten points to Slytherin, for memorising 'A Theory Of Potions', I do however suggest that you find your own opinions Miss Denaphia." Snape glowered and Ciara rolled her eyes expectantly. Draco smiled smugly, and the rest of Slytherin were chuckling.
"Now as one should know," Snape started, looking directly at Harry "The main ingredients in any appearance altering potion are powdered Cauda and liquidated Cilic. These are used because on every scale they are complete opposites and therefore displace matter allowing other ingredients to work" Snape stopped and looked around "I hope non of you are taking notes and are leaving this vital information to your impeccable memories" he drawled sarcastically "it's not as if there are exams coming up." A sadistic smile played at his lips when the entire class erupted into shuffles and scrapes as everybody searched and produced quills and parchment and started scribbling frantically. All expect Hermione who had already written it down and Ciara who appeared to be deep in thought.
"Now it is important that you remember what using opposite elements in potions does as it is - " Snape was abruptly cut off by Ciara,
"Professor Snape, with all due respect, Cauda and Cilic are in no way opposites," there was a collective gasp from the students and Snape's nostrils flared, "they may be opposites of the same elemental chart, but complete opposites, when used in a potion, do little more than combust." Snape looked at her for a moment, while the rest of the class waited expectantly for Snape to explode with rage, but much to their disappointment he spoke calmly,
"Miss Denaphia, I suggest you see me after class. For now however, please keep yourself entertained while I teach the rest of the class, since you obviously know so much" there was a sarcastic bite to his words and Ciara merely nodded, smiling gently. When Snape turned his attention back to the class Draco pulled Ciara in for a quick kiss, she pulled away and smiled playfully at Draco who went back to concentrating on his professor. Harry refused to comment on the fact that a perfectly placed piece of hair, fell and was now sitting happily over Draco's right eye, making him look remarkable. Harry almost let out a growl. Ron laughed. Hermione slapped him. Seamus and Dead giggled and Gryffindor lost thirty points.
The rest of the class went by more or less normally. Every now and then Ron would catch Harry looking over to the Slytherin's and wink suggestively at his best friend. Harry would roll his eyes and Hermione would try her best to ignore them both. Most of the hour and a half went by with Snape talking about potions, some of his comments would provoke a small, 'humph' from the Slytherin side of the classroom, but Snape would ignore it and continue. The final fifteen minutes had been spent writing the first part of an essay that was to be finished for Monday's lesson. Harry was glad that tomorrow was Friday and they didn't have potions. Even if it was Care Of Magical Creatures next, Harry was dying for the day to be done already. He wasn't sure he could stand Ron winking and smirking at him for another hour. When Snape broke the silence giving them all permission to leave, Harry was so quick to follow Hermione and Ron out, that he left his essay on the desk.
Halfway up the stairs he cursed,
"Damnit," Hermione and Ron looked at him, "I left my essay there" when Ron smiled broadly and commented,
"Nothing to do with the fact that Denaphia girl is still there, eh Harry?" Harry just sighed heavily and told Hermione that he would catch up. He made his way back down to the classroom.
Hermione glared at Ron as soon as Harry was out of sight, "What?" he asked innocently,
"Don't 'what' me Ronald Weasley. Leave the poor boy alone. You wouldn't like it if Harry commented, loudly, on every girl you fancied." Her face went harder the more Ron smirked, and in one fluid movement he had whisked Hermione up in his arms and placed a kiss on her nose,
"Aha Hermione" Ron laughed, in his best faux-French accent, "you forget who it was that got us together" he kissed her again "we should return the favour, no?" at that Hermione's resolve melted and she giggled, she still couldn't shake the fact that her best friend was mooning over a death-eaters daughter. 'This could not be any worse' she thought to herself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
When Harry found himself outside the classroom, he was hesitant to go in. He didn't want to be the one to interrupt Snape, punishing a member of his own house. He peered gently around the slightly open door and his jaw dropped at the scene that played out before him. He had never seen Snape actually smiling, and Ciara's calm, collected shell appeared to be broken as she was smiling warmly at the potions master.
"I must admit. I find it reassuring that somebody as young as yourself has a good knowledge of potions. I was beginning to think that it was going to die out." Snape stated, leaning back against his desk, he still seemed to sound sarcastic though.
"When you have a father like mine" she looked down at her feet and then up at Snape, Harry swore she looked a little sadder "perfection in every subject is somewhat expected."
"Indeed." Snape stood, obviously thinking it time to end this discussion before the next class poured in, he glanced around the classroom and saw Harry's essay sitting abandoned on the desk. Snape rolled his eyes. Ciara followed his line of vision and smiled gently; "unfortunately some of my students seem to aim for imperfection" he moved to the essay and picked it up, glancing over it.
"Surely you cannot expect him to be perfect at everything?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as Snape sighed and looked at her,
"Would for him to try be too much to ask?" he walked over to Ciara and she looked warmly at him, shaking her head gently in answer to his question. She jumped off the table that she was perched upon and stood in front of Snape. He was about a head taller than her. He smiled down and handed her Harry's essay. "I trust I can leave you to get Mr Potter's essay back to him in one piece?"
"Of course, Professor" she smirked, playfully and he shook his head. Harry felt like he had missed an inside joke, he had never seen Snape act this way with a student before. 'Mind you', Harry thought 'I've never seen Snape have a tête-à-tête with one of his house members before.'
"You better go to your next lesson Miss Denaphia,"
"Ciara" she insisted,
"Miss Denaphia" he insisted harder and she shook her head in defeat "before I decide to take house points off you for showing me up in my class," he smiled,
"But Professor," she added, looking up at him with mock-innocence "if you do that, Slytherin won't have any house points left by the end of the term" they smiled at each other and Ciara turned to leave. Harry saw her head towards the door and ran. He ran up the stairs and was quite exhausted when he arrived at Hagrid's hut. Hermione looked at his flushed expression and tilted her head,
"Did you get your assignment?" Harry shook his head in reply,
"Then what were you doing this whole time that left you out of breath Harry?" Ron asked, receiving a smile from Seamus, Dean and Neville who were all watching.
"Had to run from the dungeons." Harry explained. Finally the others looked away and were paying attention to what Hagrid was saying. Harry's gaze flickered over to Draco who was looking at him, as if trying to decipher what had been going on. Harry smiled at Malfoy, provoking memories of last night and the blonde Slytherin looked away quickly. Repressing a grin Harry turned his attention to Hagrid who was explaining about some insanely small animal.
It was almost the end of the lesson when Ciara made an appearance. Harry wondered what had taken her so long to get back from the dungeons, when he had seen her leave the classroom. Draco didn't even acknowledge her presence, he was too busy avoiding Harry's gaze. What did get everybody's attention though was when she walked over to Harry and handed him the parchment. She smiled, a smile that Harry couldn't quite work out and then she walked back over to Draco who clearly started chastising her for approaching Harry so informally.
Harry bit back the urge to walk up to Malfoy and purr 'hypocrite' into his ear. Instead he settled for talking to Ron and Hermione about what an asshole Snape was for giving them the essay! Before Harry knew what was going on, the entire morning had flown by. Lunch was being served in the great hall, but very few people actually went to sit down. Some would go and grab a sandwich and then spend the rest of the hour in the common room on the library. Harry however, grabbed a sandwich and spent his dinner, sat by the lake, thinking.
"If you were planning on drowning yourself Potter, I for one am appalled you wouldn't inform me so I could watch" Harry showed no outward reaction to Malfoy's words, inside however, he was rolling his eyes.
"Sorry Malfoy. Next time I'll be much more considerate," Harry's eyes found Draco's and he saw that they were smiling, Harry pulled his eyes off Malfoy and went back to staring at the vast calm waters off the lake.
"A little Hippogriff told me you, had a crush on my girlfriend, Potter." Draco looked around, saw nobody was even outside and sat next to Harry, smirking.
"Thought she wasn't your girlfriend Malfoy." Harry threw his own little smirk at Draco who shrugged, "So what's this all about? Couldn't stay away from me?" Draco didn't say anything he just turned his gaze to the lake. The two boys sat there for the better part of fifteen minutes. Unconsciously, they had both shifted so their hands were out to their sides, almost but not quite touching on the ground. Harry thought he was going insane, he actually felt the warmth of Draco's hand on his own.
"She really isn't my girlfriend," Draco spoke, quietly, as if it were the most important thing in the world that he expressed this to Harry.
"Because it didn't look anything like that while you were kissing her all day. I have no idea how somebody may have gotten that impression." Harry's eyes didn't leave the lake and his expression didn't change. He didn't see Draco's head swing to the side and his eyes flash with confusion.
"I've known her my whole life..." Draco started, then looked at the ground. Harry turned his head and looked, blankly at Draco.
"Why tell me?" he asked, his voice soft, as if speaking loudly might make Draco realise that yes, he was talking to Harry Potter and no, nobody was forcing him to.
"Because" Draco shook his head, "because Potter, I can't stand to see you look at me all day like a kicked puppy." Harry almost laughed at the complete one-eighty Draco just did.
"And I imagine your the expert, eh Malfoy? Kicked a number of puppies in your time, yeah?" Harry didn't wait for an answer he stood up and looked down at Malfoy. Malfoy's lips curled into a sneer and he too stood up,
"I prefer kicking mud bloods. It's much more satisfying," Draco snapped, Harry rolled his eyes,
"Predictable as always. Think of some new stuff Malfoy, or don't waste my time,"
"Sorry if I'm wasting the precious, hero's time. Can't have that can we now?"
"You're completely right. I suggest if you have nothing better to do, maybe you could get a few hours practice in, kissing your fathers arse." At this Draco's eyes widened and his face shifted into a cold indifference.
"Please don't pass off your twisted fantasies of me and my father to me, keep those for your own little wet-dreams Potter."
"I assure you my wet-dreams have nothing to do with you."
"No, you cum so hard when you're actually with me, I suppose there would be nothing left for wet dreams."
"I'm not the one who begs 'oh, right there, oooohhhh yes', you pussy."
"At least I can actually get myself up for pussy. Unlike you, the boy-who-lived-to-suck-cock." Harry flinched at that, he knew it was Draco, just being Draco, but it still hit a little too close to home,
"You have no idea what I, can get it up for."
"Oh I have every idea Potter. I know exactly what you like." Draco leaned close to Harry's ear and he couldn't help it, he instinctively leaned into Draco, "I know you like it hard," Draco bit the bottom of his ear, enough to cause a gasp to escape Harry's lips, "fast" he hissed, as his tongue shot out and licked the shell of Harry's ear. Harry's knee's almost buckled. Draco's hand brushed dangerously close to Harry's erection. "And with me" Draco's voice had dropped and was now husky with lust. Harry's eyes where half closed. "And in the dark" Draco said, casually, pulling completely away from Harry and smiling wickedly at him.
"Better hurry up, Potter. Wouldn't want to be late for lessons."
All Harry could do was stand there, staring pitifully after Draco. It hadn't hit him before just how much he didn't understand that boy. Draco was definitely an enigma. It took him minutes to shake himself out of the daze enough to realise he really was going to be late for lessons if he didn't hurry up.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
It was the second time Harry had turned up, out of breath to a lesson. This time it was divination, he sat down heavily next to Ron, who raised an eyebrow and the shrugged.
"Thought you weren't coming, mate. Where did you go for lunch?"
"Just down by the lake" Harry assured him, looking around the classroom; Professor Trelawney was at the front of the class, looking down her nose at Harry. "Sorry Professor, I almost got killed by an evil looking portrait. I would have been here sooner otherwise,"
"Of course Mr Potter," she started, raising a hand to her head, "I was merely going to ask you if you were okay. I had of course foreseen the attack, but one of the portraits indeed, what is this school coming to." She then started talking to other students, know doubt leaving them all to get along with the star charts they had started last lesson. Harry was in fact shocked; he hadn't for one minute thought he was going to get away with that excuse. Ron was trying to muffle the sound of his laughter by hiding his face in his hands.
"So, where were you at lunch then?" Harry said, pulling out his star chart and laying it on the table.
"Oh just in the great hall, with Hermione." Harry smiled at him; something about his posture told him that was a lie.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
The next few weeks at Hogwarts passed smoothly and quickly and it was soon approaching what would be Harry Potters last Christmas at the school. Harry and Draco's last encounter in the dungeons classroom had started something of a trend, and now, more often than not they would stay and talk to each other afterwards. Harry was however starting to notice Draco slipping into a somewhat downward spiral. His grades were dropping, he was missing more and more meals in the great hall and Harry was worried.
Harry had already accepted and repressed the fact that he had fallen in love with the Slytherin. His every waking moment he thought about the blonde. Even his every dream, he was starting to think he was becoming obsessed. He managed to keep his cool around Draco though, and if the boy suspected anything, he wasn't letting on.
Ron and Hermione had become closer, and in doing so had slightly pushed Harry out. Harry however didn't mind. While there were fussing over their own relationship, they couldn't notice the difference in their friend. Who happened to be spending more of each night away from the dorms.
This night however, Harry was back early and fast asleep in his bed.
::Dream Sequence::
Harry was stood in possibly the hottest room he had ever been in. There were men in black cloaks everywhere. Death Eaters.
"You fool," came the sharp hiss from the back of the room. Harry made his way there to see something that make his skin crawl. Voldemort was sat on a large chair. Eyes burning red skin pealing from his body as if he were a corpse. His fingers were long and his nails were pointed, almost like claws. His forked tongue moved behind his white, pointed teeth, like a viper in a cage. "I put you in charge of my phoenix and this is how you repay me!"
"My lord, I'm sorry" Harry saw the death eater drop to it's knee's, the cloak pulled his over it's head, making it impossible for Harry to identify them, he got the distinct impression that all this fuss, was not over a lost bird.
"I'm not merciless" Voldemort stated, as if reminding himself, "I shall give you one month to this day, to break her from Hogwarts and bring her too me!"
Harry's first thought was of Fawkes, but he couldn't imagine why Voldemort would want Dumbledore's bird.
"Thank you my lord, you are most generous." The voice was fluid and each word was spoken with a collected calm. Harry recognised the voice but he couldn't place it.
"If you should return without her. I'm afraid my mercy will wane."
"Yes, of course my lord." The death eater stood and but kept their head bowed to Voldemort.
Harry was watching, with a morbid interest when Voldemort's eyes fell upon him. Harry's blood froze in his veins. Voldemorts lips, curled in a grotesque smile and he whispered, "Go" to his death eater, eyes still on Harry. His eyes burned and Harry awoke, his scar burning.
:: End Dream Sequence::
"Harry? Harry?" Ron shook his friend. Harry was lying in his bed, screaming. Seamus, Dean and Neville were all stood around him, while his best friend tried to wake him up. Harry's scar was glowing red, and looked as if it had just been made.
Harry's eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright in bed, his hand going up and falling over his burning scar. He scrunched his eyes in pain and coughed. He looked to the faces around him and saw their concern,
"Sorry" he croaked, his voice hoarse from screaming, "I didn't mean to wake you", Dean, Seamus and Neville looked at each other and Ron smiled at him reassuringly,
"Don't worry about it. Should I get Dumbledore?" Harry shook his head,
"No I'll be fine," Harry smiled gratefully at his friend, "thanks anyway." Harry stood up and realised it was only 1am. He looked at his friends and with much encouragement, he convinced them to go back to bed. He only knew one thing as he walked down to the common room. He had to talk to somebody. Harry almost sighed with relief when he saw Hermione sat on one of the overstuffed armchairs, still reading her potions text.
He sat down in one opposite her and she glanced over her book. As soon as she saw Harry's face she gasped in horror. He was sheet-white. His hair was sweaty and his scar was glowing bright red.
"Harry Potter, what happened?" she hissed, coming over to him and kneeling in front of the chair. She ran a motherly hand over his cheek and then grasped his hand tenderly,
"Nightmare" he replied and she nodded, waiting for him to elaborate, when he didn't she scowled,
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Harry looked down; all he really wanted to do was go down to the Slytherin dungeons and cry to Draco.
"Voldemort" Hermione opened her mouth as if to speak and then rolled her eyes,
"Really, Harry I'd gathered that much"
"He was talking to his death eaters, about, a phoenix, which was in Hogwarts." At this Hermione stopped to think for a few seconds,
"Why would he want Fawkes?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed in thought,
"See, I don't think he would go to all this trouble just for a bird," Harry explained, crossing his legs underneath himself,
"No, it really doesn't seem plausible." Hermione agreed.
"Lucius" Hermione's head snapped up,
"What?"
"Lucius Malfoy was there. I remember now, he looked...worried." Harry thought back, he was able to remember more now his scar had moved into more of a dull ache. "And there was a voice, I can really place who's it was. Really posh, I've heard it before" Hermione nodded.
"We should go to Dumbledore..."
"And tell him what, the death eaters are forming a plan to kidnap Fawkes?"
"There has to be more too it than that. Do you think Malfoy would know anything?"
"Malfoy?" Harry looked up "Oh Draco?" Harry had to struggle to keep his voice from cracking.
"Yes. Was he there?" Harry shook his head,
"He's not a death eater."
"How can you be sure? He sure boasts about it enough."
"How about Snape?" Harry suggested, in a rush to change the subject, Hermione's eyes snapped up,
"Was Snape there?"
"I didn't see him, but it was a Death Eaters meeting, surely he would have been there..."
"It would make sense."
"But he's not likely to tell us anything" Hermione nodded at Harry' statement and they stared blankly at the floor again. "So we're out of idea's?"
"I think the best thing we can do, is rest and research it tomorrow."
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"A week today is the start of Christmas, the school will be almost empty. You're going with Ron to the burrow." Hermione patted Harry's arm,
"And I'll research it there, while you stay here and try and figure it out. You have Dumbledore if you need anything!" Harry smiled, unsurely. "Now, go and get some rest." When Harry looked up at her questioningly, she shrugged "okay, so that's not going to be very likely. Just try and stay out of trouble Harry." She kissed his forehead and headed up to bed. Harry wondered started to regret not mentioning the fact that they only had one month. By the time the Christmas holidays were over, the death eaters time would be up.
Harry grabbed his invisibility cloak and decided to go for a walk. He decided he was slightly peckish so he headed down to the kitchens. He opened the door and much to his surprise, he saw Draco, perched upon one of the workbenches, stuffing down a sandwich like he hadn't eaten in years.
"Malfoy." Harry smiled, Draco's eyes moved up from the sandwich and his eyes dulled,
"Potter. I'm too tired to fight." Harry smirked and Draco rolled his eyes "I'm too tired for that too, Potter." Draco glowered, neatly finishing off his sandwich he jumped off the bench and made to move past Harry who grabbed his arm,
"What's with you lately?" he growled, he hadn't meant it to come out that angrily.
"With me? I don't know what you mean" he pulled his arm but Harry's grip was too tight.
"Yes you do. God Malfoy, even your hair's a mess!" Draco yelped at the comment slightly and patted his hair.
"You're the only problem I have, Potter!" but his usual sarcastic, biting tone wasn't in it,
"Draco, what's wrong?" Harry said softly, deliberately using his first name, Draco's eyes widened and Harry thought he saw tears.
"I told you. It's you." Draco said, his eyes floating down to his feet,
"Would you like me to leave you alone?" Harry asked, almost dreading the answer,
"God. You're blind even with those dorky glasses on aren't you?" with that Draco pulled his arm out of Harry's grasp. Harry looked at Draco, not sure what was going on. At that second Draco pulled his head into his and pressed their lips together, Harry felt Draco's tongue move across his lips and he opened his mouth. He let the kiss take over and right then, he would have sacrificed anything to stay in that kiss. Because right then, he was kissing Draco and he could pretend, even it was for just that moment, that Draco loved him back. That he wasn't alone.
But when he opened his eyes, he was alone.
Harry decided to make his way back to his dorms. Malfoy and his little encounter had tired Harry out, in spite of his nightmare.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Thanks for the reviews so far. They really give me the incentive to write. This chapters for my new beta, Blaise. Without her, I may have gone insane with all the idea's floating around in my head.
Read? Review.
Flizz xx