Title: Revenge Sweet or Not?
Author: Gia
E-Mail: divinechild18hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Draco/Harry
Time: 5th year.
Summary: [Sequel] Draco has an annoying voice in his head. Harry's got a psycho pendant. Firenze is possessed. And Voldemort's got a secret weapon. What more could you want?
Disclaimer: I own not a thing.
Author Notes: Hehe, sorry for the long wait! I had reached my goal, but I was real busy with schoolwork. Okay, but I managed to write this, since, well, I'm writing this on Friday. So I have the entire weekend to do school work, and write more chapters. Uh.. Let's see, I'm still on the roll with this fanfic, and I'm still working on the sequel and chapter two for my two other fics.. Sheesh, but you have to wait. It'll be worth it in the end.. Anyway, chapter nine! YAY!!
His sides ached, especially his legs. Dean Thomas, was running like his life depended on it.. Or rather, Neville's life. After speeding through the lawns and into the hallways, he couldn't find any sign of anyone. By now, he should've come across at least one student. Especially since he was screaming his lungs out for someone to help. 'Where the heck is everyone!?' he thought angrily. Turning around, he headed straight into-- a hard chest.
Blinking hard, he rubbed his sore head, and looked up. Snape was standing, hands over his chest, staring down at him. One eyebrow raised, he regarded Dean. Most likely wondering whether he should take off points. Spluttering a moment, he stood up quickly.
"Professor! Come quick! Neville's fallen in the lake! We can't help him, he can't swim! HE'S GOING TO DIE!"
"Mr. Thomas, please stop yelling. You will lead me to the lake, and I will see to this problem. Well?" he snapped, watching as Dean stood frozen. "Are you going to lead me to him, or just stand there?"
Moving from his spot, Dean motioned for him, as he ran towards the door out of Hogwarts. He glanced back, surprised to see Snape keeping up rather well. Turning around, he hurried across the lawn. He stopped, watching his classmates and Slytherins in a crowd, around Harry, and his two best friends. He stood near Seamus, forgetting about Snape for the moment.
"What's going on?" he whispered.
"Harry's.. he's.. We don't know.. But, he just spoke parseltongue.. It's so creepy.. Blimey.."
"What!?" he hissed back.
"Look, the water!" someone called from the crowd.
Ice.
It felt like ice. The water around him, seemed to be prickling and biting into his skin. His eyes burned, and his arms and legs were weighed down from his robes. Neville was certain about one thing, he was going to die.
He tried vainly to move his arms and legs, trying desperately to swim upwards and get more oxygen into his lungs. He stopped, eyes shutting. It didn't seem so cold anymore. It was just.. A sense of numbness.. He felt absolutely nothing. He vaguely wondered if this was how it felt when someone was going to die. A calm expression on his face, he embraced the water, accepting what was going to happen. He didn't even notice something slither around his leg before losing consciousness.
Draco sneaked behind classmates' backs, trying to get a good spot. The whole parseltongue thing wasn't totally expected, but being a Malfoy, he learned to improvise on his feet quickly. It seemed he, like everyone else, had forgotten that Harry could speak Parseltongue. But all he needed to do, was have a little chat with Longbottom. It was plainly obvious that Potter was doing something to help.. At least that's what it should be.
He leaned closer, noting Harry's blank expression and held out palm. Whatever he was doing, it didn't seem very--
Plop, plop!
The sound of small bubbles coming from the surface of the lake caught his attention. He narrowed his eyes at the water, something very long was surfacing, and it didn't look like the squid.
Harry narrowed his eyes. He almost expected nothing to happen. But once he saw the outline of Cleothera, the name his guardian, he relaxed. He could feel all the eyes of his fellow classmates leave the back of his head and head straight for the spot in the lake. He lowered his palm, watching the surface, until it was broken.
Girls screamed, and boys backed up. Hagrid's mouth flew open as he took in a large snake head rise out of the water. It's length was probably long, only a part of its neck rose from the water. It stared unblinkingly at Harry, and opened it's mouth slowly.
Girls screamed louder, when an unconsciousness Neville lay in the very mouth of the snake. The head lowered, and Neville's body rolled out of it. Harry immediately bent down, ready to summon a stretcher, until a voice cut through the silence.
"There will be no need for that, Potter. I will take Mr. Longbottom to the Nurse, and I suggest you follow me. We have something to discuss."
Nodding in resignation, Harry sighed and followed. Only turning around to give his friends a reassuring glance. Hermione looked ready to run after him, but Ron just shook his head.
The very same astonishingly blue eyes, like pale sapphires, had watched the event from the forest.
"It seems, Harry Potter has more special abilities than we thought." someone said from behind him. Turning around, he glanced questioningly at his brother.
"What do you mean?"
"That was no ordinary snake. But I take it, he must have already known about his ability to speak to them. There is something, however, that doesn't fit.."
"What do you mean?"
"The snake will slither towards its prize, carrying the hidden serpent. Doubt will encompass the innocent, and hatred will infuse between the wise. It has begun."
"We must--"
"Do nothing."
"How can you say that?! There is something we can do, if you'll just understand that. The dark lord will do anything to win, you know that. How can you possibly just stand there and watch this happen?"
"We cannot interfere in their destinies. We cannot, and will not. You should watch Harry."
"What do you mean?"
Ignoring the question, he continued. "At night is preferable, just watch over him. Others will know in due time, you will see." He turned and walked away, fading into the shadows of the forest.
The other, growled in frustration. 'Why must he always speak in cryptic remarks and riddles?!' Turning around, he watched as Hagrid hurriedly dismissed the class.
"What I don't understand, is why Cleothera would go near Harry. Why… when she is the legendary snake belonging to the very Heir of Slytherin."
Their footsteps echoed along the walls. Snape's sure and firm footsteps, accompanied by Harry's slow thudding ones. Neville's body in the stretcher trailed after them like a ghost. Silence reigned, leaving Harry to his thoughts.
'It's to late now. My secret is out. I hope Hermione and Ron will understand, please, please, don't let my other friends shun me.'
Keeping his head down, he was vaguely aware of Snape walking towards the infirmary. The Head Nurse, gasped at the sight of the soaked and unconscious Neville. She quickly ushered all three of them in, immediately wrapping Neville in warmed blankets. She bent down to check on Harry, but was stopped by Snape.
"I don't think that will be necessary. Mr. Potter will follow me, I will be taking him to the Headmaster's office for some explaining."
"B-but Professor!.. Can I at least just stay here until Neville wakes up? Please!"
"Absolutely no--"
"Come now, Severus. Harry can stay until Neville wakes up." Madame Pomfrey eyed him, daring him to object.
Snape narrowed his eyes, but nodded curtly. "You will go to the Headmaster's office once Mr. Longbottom is awaken. The password is Blood Pops." He swept away, robes billowing behind him. Madame Pomfrey turned her hard eyes from him, immediately softening when she turned to Harry.
"I'll just be in the other room, dear. But before you go see to Neville, could you help me get more blankets? He might get hypothermia. It will be awhile before he wakes up, so you can help me get him some blankets. I'm sure you know what to do."
Nodding eagerly, Harry gave her a small smile. Giving Neville one last concerned glance, he followed Madame Pomfrey out.
Draco was very good at sneaking off. And right now, he was glad he was. When Hagrid had dismissed everyone, he had carefully sneaked behind Slytherins and Gryffindors alike, heading straight towards the Hospital Wing. He almost walked in, until he saw Madame Pomfrey and Harry.
Draco had stopped short when he caught sight of Harry's tired face. The necklace in his hand seemed to weigh down, or was it the guilt in his chest? Could he really do this?
'Second thoughts, eh, Draco?'
'You again!?'
'The one and only!'
'Argh! Yes, I'm having second thoughts. There! I said it..'
'I'm glad you are. You don't know how hard it is to see this happening but it must.'
'Yeah well, that isn't helping me in this situation, is it?'
'Touché.'
'I wouldn't be if you'd just leave me alone!'
'Sorry, luv, can't do that. If you want, and I can get one of my friends to talk to you instead--'
'No!'
'Hah! Knew you'd see it my way! So, there's your dear Harry. What'cha gonna do?'
'None of your business.'
'Humph, fine, be that way. You'll regret it later!' and the voice was silenced.
Draco rolled his eyes, and focused on what was being said. He was happily surprised, to see Madame Pomfrey lead Harry away from Neville.
"Perfect." he whispered.
Checking if the coast was clear, he tip-toed towards Neville's bed. Bringing out his wand, he muttered "Enervate." Neville's eyes flew open, they grew even wider to see Draco's smirking face.
"M-Malfoy!"
"Hello Longbottom. Surprised to see me?"
"B-but--"
"I see.. A bit tongue tied?"
"W-well.."
"Tsk, tsk, Longbottom. Have you nothing to say? I'm sure your wondering what has been going on. Well, to put it simply, you almost drowned, Potter saved you by summoning a snake. That's about it."
Neville stared, open mouth. He almost exploded, saying that he was lying. But the truth was quite obvious, and Neville was even more astounded. Shaking his head, he glanced at Malfoy wearily.
"Then what are you doing here?"
"I'm glad you asked, Longbottom. I'm here to give you a little present to give the Golden Boy."
"Why would you do that?"
"I'm feeling particularly charitable today. Besides, don't you want to at least thank Potter? Do you think saying a simple 'Thank You' is enough? Granted, Potter will be a fool, being modest, he'll say it's alright. But surely, you know it's not. So, being my charming self, I've decided to help you thank him."
Neville's eyes search Draco's, it didn't help him of course. Draco's face was absolutely unreadable. He sighed wearily, it sounded absolutely absurd, but he couldn't think of anything to say to that. 'Must be that nasty fall in the water.. Its numbing my thinking.' He shook his head slowly.
Draco almost grinned, but stopped himself in time. He held out his hand, the one that carried the necklace. "Give this to Potter, I hear he's particularly fond of phoenixes." With that, he turned, and practically fled the Hospital Wing. Unaware of Neville's questioning glances. The minute the sounds of his shoes disappeared, the door of the other room opened. Harry's face brightened when he caught sight of Neville's face.
"Neville! Your awake!"
"Uh.. Hi, Harry."
"Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm okay.. But.. D'you know what happened?" Neville half hoped what Malfoy said was wrong. The necklace, tightly clutched in his hand, just didn't feel right.
"Uh.. You see Neville.."
"What Harry's trying to say, dear, well.. You had a nasty fall in the water. Harry here rescued you, although I don't know how.." she trailed off, giving Harry a look. Harry blushed, but avoided both pairs of eyes, muttering one sentence. "You will soon."
"No matter, Neville, I'll go get some pepper up potion. You two stay here, and I expect Harry to leave after five minutes. You still have to go to the Headmaster's office."
Harry cringed, but nodded wearily. He turned back to Neville, and frowned when he noticed Neville's discomfort. "What's wrong Neville?"
"Harry.. I just want to thank you, for rescuing me and--"
"No! That's alright, it's what friends do. It doesn't matter!"
"Harry, please, let me. I want to do this, and you can't stop me. As a token of my.. Er-- appreciation, I want you to have this." He unclenched his hand, and held out the necklace for Harry to take. Harry's face brightened when he caught sight of a phoenix with emerald eyes.
"Oh Neville! This is beautiful! Are you sure you want to give it to me? I mean, this must've been a family heirloom or something.."
"No, it's just something.. I picked up. You should keep it. You deserve it." Neville watched, a bit troubled, as Harry securely fastened it around his neck.
"Thanks Neville, really. But I should be going now. I have to meet the Headmaster."
"Your not in trouble, are you?"
"I hope not.. See you around!" With a wave goodbye, Harry left. Neville bit down on his lip lightly, he had the sudden urge to get up and snatch that necklace from around Harry's neck.
"Somehow.. I feel as if I'm going to regret doing that.."
Feeling oddly happy, he fingered the pendant. 'It's probably the gift from Neville. Awfully nice of him to do it.'
Upon reaching the gargoyle, he muttered "Blood Pops" and walked in. When he reached the front door, he knocked hesitantly. "Come in!" the Headmaster called. Gulping, he opened the door and walked in. Dumbledore stood, looking out the window. His right side facing Harry. Dumbledore looked like he was scrutinizing something outside, until he turned his face from the window to meet Harry's.
"Ah, Harry. Come, sit." Harry hurriedly sat down on the chair, wishing he could sink all the way in and disappear.
"Severus tells me, that you rescued Mr. Longbottom from the lake. Is this true?"
"Uh.. Yes sir.."
"Well done, my boy. I think an awarding of 35 points to Gryffindor is a worthy award. But.. Another thing has been brought to my attention."
"Sir?"
"You rescued Neville, by means of a certain Snake?"
"Yes, I have."
"Tell me, Harry. Did you just call it as a desperate attempt to save Mr. Longbottom's life, or did you already know about the snake?"
Harry felt a bit upset, to hear Dumbledore called it, 'The Snake'. 'I saved his life. That's all that should matter.' "I.. Already knew about her."
"A female?"
"Yes, sir."
"I see.. Where did you happen to meet this--"
Harry cut him off before he could say, 'snake'. "I can't tell you."
"Harry.."
"I'm sorry.. But.. I swore I wouldn't tell, and I can't break that promise."
"Now Harry, this problem is not to be taken lightly. You may or may not have full control over it, but whether you do or not is not the problem."
"Then what is!?" Harry yelled. He had risen immediately. "I'd tell you.. But I can't! I'm 15!! So much has happened, I was only a child! Why can't you trust me?"
Dumbledore's face looked even more tired and grave when he took sight of Harry. "Dear boy, of course I trust you. I always have, but you can't possibly deal with this alone. You must understand, that snake could have been one of Voldemort's followers."
"But it's not!"
"What guarantee do you have of that?"
"I just do, okay? Just let me make my own decisions!"
"Harry--"
"NO!"
Fawkes suddenly gave a keening cry and burst into flames. Both Harry and Dumbledore watched, as Fawkes was engulfed into flames, beak in the air, giving one last cry of despair.
"Fawkes burning day isn't until months from now." Dumbledore breathed. He turned eyes towards Harry.
"I-I.. Didn't--" Harry was pale and shaking, after seeing Fawkes burst into flames. He turned, and fled.
Dumbledore stood, shocked. He walked slowly towards the burning ball on the floor of his office. He could see a baby phoenix emerging already.
"This is impossible. Harry somehow sped up time surrounding Fawkes, he caused Fawkes to complete his burning day early. That can't be.."
Somewhere, Voldemort stood in his chambers, laughing. "Success will be mine!"
The forest shook. Pale blue eyes shot open, still groggy from sleeping. He stood up, and looked towards the castle.
"It has begun.."
A/N: DUN DUN DUUUN!!! I made a long chapter!! YAY!! Haha.. What'cha think?? I was gonna end it somewhere along the lines of Snape floating Neville away, but I just couldn't help myself!
Surprised? Sad? Happy? Frustrated? How do you feel about this chapter? Well, I'm sorry for the long wait, but I just have to work on homework! L Anyway, I'm going to work on chapters 10 and 11 at school.. It might be awhile or it might not… I'll have to see.