8. Invitation
Divination. Draco felt he could 'swish and flick' all the over-pretty crystal balls out of the tower window, along with the tea-cups. Along with Trelawney.
"Mr. Malfoy, what do you see in this wonderful magical orb of crystal this morning?" Trelawney's distant voice inquired.
Draco looked acidic. He really didn't see anything but fog, but refused to forecast Trelawney a misty day, like Crabbe had done just about hundred times.
"I see there'll be a really hard choice I must make in the close future. And my choice will lead to one death, at least. Hopefully not my own."
Trelawney looked satisfied. "Ah, now that I come to think of it, I remember having such a sight myself, concerning you, Mr. Malfoy. Very good."
Draco smiled tiredly and was allowed to sink back into his own world. Sourly, he remembered the accident that had happened in the morning. He had asked Professor Snape out. Luckily it had passed as a lame joke.
Draco yawned, rather non-elegantly. His head ached of too little sleep, and he kept having these flashbacks from the previous night. The wall is shattering… The wall between Potter and I. I can't believe it. I actually didn't dragoon him last night too much, which is very much not like me. What's wrong with me? Even now I think I could actually be in the same room with him, without fighting, without giving vicious comments. What is this strange peacefulness I feel towards him? Must be the effect of the Confundus Charm…
Draco stared at his crystal ball again, trough half-closed eyelids. Suddenly, faint images began to emerge in front of his eyes. What the…? The grey eyes turned misty, like two smoky clouds, and Draco began to see.
There's my mother… and my Father… And my baby sister… What are they doing? Mom is screaming, and Father is… he is… trying to stab me. Trying to kill me. I am lying on the ground… Mother is trying to prevent Father… Father kills her first. Father is completely mad. I'm lying helplessly in front of him on the floor, covered in blood… no, not blood… but something indefinite. And my Father raises his blade… I am crying. What the hell? I never cry! This fucking globe must be broken! My Father yells at me… I have betrayed him… He wants to kill me… Who's that? Oh, the angels in heaven, I can't believe this. Where did Trelawney buy this crappy ball? There's Harry Potter… And he's protecting me… He… He kills my Father. And then he kneels down and twines his arms around me. And I'm not even mad at him that he's killed my Father… And… And… Then he…
"Draco, are you alright?"
Draco woke up from the stupor and blinked. It was Zabini. She gently squeezed Draco's hand.
"I'm okay." Malfoy's mouth was dry. "Why do you ask?"
"Just that you seemed to have a… eh… nightmare of some sort. Don't fall asleep here, babe. This room oozes with bad energy. Such as Trelawney's perfumes."
Draco nodded silently. He was out of all energy.
The morning was foggy, just like Crabbe's crystal ball forecasted. Harry and the other Gryffindor students were attending Care of Magical Creatures with Ravenclaws. The second lesson about Dragon Flies had just begun.
Harry was standing hand in hand with Lavender in front of the massive insects. Lavender was in a very good mood, and it was clear that the Dragon Flies were her speciality. However, Harry hardly felt impressed. His mind was flying away, leaving the bright blue eyes of his girlfriend talk to a mere ghost of himself.
The wall is shattering… The wall between Malfoy and I… He's seeing right trough me. He knows what I think about him. And what's more, I know what I think about him myself. Fuck, I am obsessed with him! And somehow I don't feel like killing myself for that, anymore. Must be the Confundus Charm…
Harry was feeling odd. He had just admitted himself that he was feeling something else than hatred towards Malfoy. I guess that makes me a little gay, then. Just a little. I am gay. I am gay. I am not! But I am. Shit… I'm rambling… An image of shirtless Draco standing in front of the fire flooded in Harry's brains. I hate his personality, but I love his body… I really love his body… if that makes me a bit gay, then I am. Just a little.
"Harry, why don't you answer to me? You've been oddly distant for several days now," Lavender cooed in Harry's ear, sounding half insulted.
"What? Oh, sorry… just… concentrated too much on those… flying… serpents. Yeah."
Harry felt he could easily punch Lavender in the nose for interrupting his thoughts, but he was not a violent person, at least when it came to women.
"Please ask me again, will you?" Harry did as much as smiled convincingly.
"I was asking what you are going to wear tomorrow evening," Lavender said.
"Tomorrow?" Harry blinked.
"Ah, you can't be that thick, Harry! The Halloween!"
The Halloween. Harry had all forgotten about it. The night when the younger students ran across the aisles yelling 'trick or treat'. The night when every elder student was either trying to get drunk or laid.
"I really don't know what I'm going to wear. Does it need any special attire, Lavender?"
"But of course!" the girl was gasping with amused shock, "The masquerade! You can't go there as 'Harry Potter', because Colin is doing that!"
Harry tried to suffocate a disgusted frown. "How can Colin be me? He's blonde and at least a head shorter."
"He'll be dying his hair and stuff. But let's not talk about him. Guess what I am going to wear?" Lavender made a coquettish smile.
Probably she'll be a pink love pixie, of all I can guess. Harry pretended to think hard. "Snow Queen?"
"No!" Lavender tittered. "Try again!"
Harry didn't want to prolong this idiotic discussion. "A love fairy?" he suggested. "That would really suit you."
Lavender's smile was wider than her face. "That's right! And Hermione will be…" she looked carefully around and then leaned to Harry's ear. "Don't tell this to Ron, but Hermione is going to be a cat woman. Isn't this exciting!"
Harry felt so repulsed he had to put all his energy in maintaining at least a bearable expression on his face. "Very exciting."
"I would be very happy if you dressed up as a prince –or a knight!" Lavender went on.
Harry couldn't listen any more. What a parade of clichés! Honestly, I can't believe she's sixteen! Fairies and knights! What else? Perhaps I should disguise myself as Lord Voldemort, if that would make her silent!
The second lesson of the day was Herbology. Slytherin and Gryffindor students continued with the Gillyweeds. The air in the greenhouse was dribbling wet because of the fog outside and the humidity inside. For some students, the fact was very depressing. Hermione swore quite amazingly when her hair began to frizzle. Harry could not see well with his glasses. Ron didn't like that his shirt glued to his skin. Millicent and Pansy cried with messy mascara. And Malfoy was annoyed just in general, since he had no real reason to complain. He knew he looked fabulous, even when being soaking wet.
For half an hour, Malfoy kept his eyes sternly away from Potter. He still had bad emotions about the mysterious sight he had had in Divination. The whole prediction felt as a bitter twist under his chest. Would his family really experience such horrible things in future? Even his little sister Hailie Anguis, not yet two years old? Would she end up being an orphan? Would Draco see in reality his father killing his mother? And what the hell was Harry Potter doing in the picture? Confusion and anger filled Malfoy's mind for a long time. Crabbe and Goyle's maddening jumbling with the Gillyweed didn't help him at all, and he soon found himself only staring into nothingness, doing nothing.
"Draco, what's the problem? You want to taste?" Goyle guffawed. "Would be cool to spend an hour with your head in this pool of slimy water!"
Draco's expression was desperate with frustration. How thick could his friends possibly get during the years? Luckily, he then overheard Harry's discussion with Hermione and tried to cheer up a bit.
"No, Harry! You can't put them there! Gillyweed is a very sensitive plant. You can't just ignore its needs. It is native to the Mediterranean. Therefore, go and fill this canister with salt water."
Draco followed with his eyes when Harry swayed dutifully towards the salt water well. For some idiotic reason, he decided to go and get a canister of brine, too.
"Letting a mud-blood girl to advice you… oh, the humiliation of it," Malfoy sighed teasingly in Harry's ear while joining Potter at the well, however carefully avoiding the eye contact.
"And having two dense, retarded lard-arses like Crabbe and Goyle to worship you… oh, the ridicule of it," Harry whispered back, likewise pretending not to notice him.
Draco came so close that Harry could smell his subtle scent of lime and pepper. "I didn't know you had the skill of describing people with such insulting adjectives, Potter."
"And I didn't know you recognized an insulting adjective when you heard one, Malfoy."
Malfoy actually gave Harry a real smile. "And I didn't know you could be clever if you wanted."
"I don't know… It really isn't that clever of me to waste my time with a schmuck like you. Ron awaits."
"Yeah, like an obedient dog for his master. Can't do anything without you, that Weasel boy."
"That's not true!" Harry was insulted for Ron's sake. "He's not dumb! He's very good at many things! And at least he can behave, unlike you."
"Yes, he can behave. Like an obedient dog."
Harry could not help smiling back at Draco. "You really never give up, do you?"
"No. I always win the arguments, in a way or another." Malfoy grinned tantalizingly and drifted away, to join his Slytherin friends again.
Harry returned to Ron, carrying the brine canister. He was having at least a hundred little serpents curling in his stomach. Did I just flirt with Malfoy? Harry glanced towards the Slytherins. Draco was smiling oddly by himself. I just fucking flirted with Malfoy!
Trying to calm down, Harry began to help Lavender with peeling the slime off the Gillyweed sprouts.
Malfoy and his fellow Slytherins were having a busy afternoon, preparing their own Halloween party in secret. Bole and Montague had succeeded in providing the dungeon room with alcohols, Etre and Warrington with every-flavour cigarettes. The girls had done a great job with the house-elves as to the snacks. Everything was nearly ready, but the invitations were not yet let out.
"Remember, this is not an open event." Draco was giving stern instructions. "Only if you have someone special you wish to invite, and if you think they will be enjoying the nature of this party, you should ask them. And the invitations cannot be public, either. Use these cards Mary-Ann has made for the purpose. They need to be addressed precisely to the receiver. And remember that no one is allowed to speak about this party outside these doors. No one."
Malfoy was pretty sure that Dumbledore already had a feeling that something like this was happening, since the old goat always knew everything beforehand. However, Draco knew that the Headmaster would not lift a finger to prevent the party. Dumbledore was a man who wished not to interfere unless the occasion severely demanded it.
No. Draco was more afraid of the other teachers, excluding Snape. And even more he was afraid of the possible flood of curious Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students. He really didn't want the number of the celebrators rise over thirty. From Slytherin, there would be less than twenty students. It would be unbearable if there were a greater number from other houses.
Draco left the dungeon room quietly, after taking one of the invitation cards Mary-Ann had placed on the corner table. He climbed the stairs up to the entrance hall. It was empty, if not counted Nearly-headless Nick who was chatting with one of the paintings.
I really think I shouldn't do this… I really should not invite him… But I want to. I need to. Malfoy fidgeted the invitation card in his hand. I feel like losing my touch anyway, so I guess I'll just… invite him. But I'll do it later. No more Potter for several hours. I have work to do.
Malfoy headed towards the library. He would need to find some extra information for his Defence Against the Dark Arts classes if he ever wished to defend anyone against the dark powers. He smiled a little when thinking that all he had ever learnt at home was pure dark magic itself. It was no wonder, therefore, that Draco was the best student of his class in DADA. But Draco's mind was not lingering on that subject very long. As a menacing, dark cloud, Harry Potter intruded into his mind again.
I must be mad… I can't ask Potter there, my friends'd lynch him in no time! No, I can't ask him. And even if I did, I am sure he wouldn't come. He hates me. This thought seemed to annoy Malfoy, for some strange reason. Yes, Potter as much as said last night that he hates me.
Draco sighed, which was very non-typical of him.
When arriving at the library Malfoy yawned, this time very elegantly if compared with the yawn during Trelawney's classes. Madam Irma Pince, the bat-faced librarian, scowled at him sinisterly. Draco ignored her and settled himself at a table between two heavy shelves, as far away from the ugly, bun-headed hag as possible. Alright… enough of Potter. I really need to concentrate on this runic symbol magic…
Harry Potter spent his afternoon with Lavender, Parvati, Ron and Hermione, having the most mind-numbing time in his life. The girls' discussion about the masked ball wasn't exactly stimulating, and he was also tired of playing chess with Ron.
"Do you guys mind if I go and take a little nap?" he asked, hiding well his uninterested expression. "I saw that nightmare again and could use some extra hours of sleep."
"Oh, of course. Go by all means," Hermione said, her voice being worried.
Lavender joined with her opinion, flinging her arms gently around Harry's neck and giving him a peck on the nose. Harry rushed out of the common room, leaping the stairs two steps at a time towards the dormitory.
"As if I would go to sleep!" he mumbled.
Hastily, Harry locked the dormitory's door and began to rummage trough his trunk. The Marauder's map was easily found.
"Where are you, my vicious little nightmare…?"
Harry anxiously scanned the parchment trough. There, in the library. Draco Malfoy.
"Practising your over-intelligent brains still further?" Harry grinned at the ink spot. "I would not have expected any less from you."
Harry's mouth curled into a severe glower. Did I just admire Malfoy for any other reason than his gorgeous body? I can't allow myself that. I can't fall for him too deeply. I'll just get myself hurt. He would never love me. He doesn't even like me, honestly.
The spot on the parchment did not move. Harry stared at it, immovable as well. Wonder what he's thinking about right now… Something else than me, that's for sure. Harry's heart was aching, just like he had assumed the previous night. Dreamily, he goggled at the ink spot. What I would give to see him right now… Just for a little moment. I would just like to watch him, whatever he's doing, then. Just watch him…
Harry straightened up from his bed. He wiped the Marauder's Map clean and silently slid out of the room. He went across the common area towards the portrait of the Fat Lady, without really thinking what he was about to do.
"Didn't get any sleep, darling?" Lavender asked when seeing her boyfriend back down so soon.
"I just remembered that I have to go to the library."
"Then why don't you take me with you?" Lavender could not make anything out of Harry's peculiar behaviour. She continued with an angelic smile, "I'd love to spend some private time with you."
"Uh, I just… I need to go alone, okay? I'm, eh, preparing for the masquerade, and would like to surprise you," Harry spluttered, with a hard effort not to vomit.
"Aw, you're so sweet, Harry!" Lavender's eyes sparkled.
"Yeah, sure… Um, see you later, then."
Harry fled out. He targeted his half-running steps firmly towards the library. A good one, that excuse, he smiled. In case Malfoy asks me what I'm doing around, it works there, too.
The library was nearly empty. Draco had been sitting alone for half an hour, studying intensively. Suddenly, he heard a ruffle of canvas and lifted his eyes from the book. He paled slightly.
Harry Potter was standing at a little distance in front of him, staring straight in his eyes. His gaze was not hostile, if not friendly either. It was more like obsessed. Burning.
Harry moved away very soon, disappearing behind the long shelves at the right.
What the hell was that about? Draco pressed his eyebrows together. That Potter boy really is raving mad. Perhaps I shouldn't invite him, after all.
Draco thought again, and reached for the card in his pocket. Oh, what the hell…
Harry was feeling a lump in his throat. He accused himself for the fact that he had wanted to see Draco so badly. It had only made him feel more frustrated, more obsessed with the one person on earth whose love he could never win. Angry with himself, he began to eye the row of books, finally grasping one called 'Most Ensnaring Costumes' by Lockhart, the latest production.
"What is that book?" came a half-arrogant, drawling inquire behind Harry's shoulder.
Harry flinched and turned around. Malfoy was standing there, quite close to him. Harry felt his hands began to shake.
"Ah… It's… Nothing. Just that I'm not sure what costume I should wear at the masquerade tomorrow. Lavender wants me to be a knight…"
Malfoy looked at him oddly.
Harry flushed. "I mean, I don't even know if I want to go there. Sounds really ridiculous, the whole gathering. But Lavender…"
"Forget about Lavender," Draco interrupted, almost heatedly. He observed Harry with fixed eyes. It made Harry feel like a drunken sailor in a stormy sea.
"Forget…?" Harry asked, losing his voice.
"Yes. You are not going to that fancy dress party, Potter."
Harry found it difficult to breathe. Five more inches and he would be able to smell that vanilla cigarette again.
"I… I'm not going?"
Potter's gemstone eyes stupefied Draco, once again. However, because he was a Malfoy, nothing showed out in his expression. Not even his voice failed him. It continued to be clear and commanding.
"No, you definitely are not going. You need to sort a couple of things out to yourself, Potter. Perhaps you find your answers here."
Swiftly, Draco took something from the chest pocket of his cloak. It was a small, green card. He put it in Harry's trembling left hand.
"You can still be the knight, if you wish," Draco's eyes twinkled.
And then he was gone back to his homework, as quickly and soundlessly as a ghost.
Harry gingerly slid his thumb along the sharp edge of the card. There was no text visible. What is this supposed to mean, now? Harry flipped the card over, and still found no text. I think I need to sit down. I just don't feel very strong.
Harry climbed to sit on the stony windowsill. He breathed deep, and then returned to examine the card again. Wonder if it's written in invisible ink? Harry took his wand and pointed it at the card.
"Aparecium!"
Slowly, neat silvery letters began to emerge on the green parchment.
What is your name?
Harry arched his brows in amazement. He was not sure if he should answer the card by writing his name down, or just by speaking out loud.
"Harrry Potter," he whispered.
More text emerged. Can you prove it?
Harry was confused. Why should he prove it? This was only some stupid card! And how could he prove it, in the first place? Ridiculous. However, something made Harry touch his scar and show it to the invisible eyes of the card.
Follow the green candles, Friday night at eleven. Password: Original Sin. Dress code: something sexy. Code of conduct: keep your fucking mouth shut.
"The green candles?" Harry asked. But the card told him nothing more. The silvery ink disappeared, giving the full space back to the evergreen colour of Slytherin.
Carefully, Harry put the card in his pocket. A bemused smile was lingering on his lips. This was an invitation. But where? Harry picked up Lockhart's book and shoved it back to the shelf. What are you playing with me, Malfoy?
…TBC…
A/N: The cliché about the masquerade is intentional. I hate masquerade balls, they are so used. I just needed to put it here to contrast the other party at hand.
A/N II: If somebody wondered what on earth am I mentioning Draco's little sister Hailie Anguis (my own invention, sorry), then be patient. She's not in a major role, but still has an effect on Harry and Draco's life, in future.