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Not Myself by Saerry Snape

Chapter 161 – Darcorn Discussion

When the Slytherin's had Defense again, Daladier began the class with the roll as was expected. Then he walked over to Niamh's desk and placed his hand on it, looking down at her with a grave expression on his narrow features.

"Miss O'Feir," he said softly. "Forgive me for mentioning what I did in our last class. I had no idea the effect it could have on you and I am truly sorry for any harm I did."

Niamh blinked in shock for a few moments before she stammered, "I-its alright, professor."

"Very good. Now, everyone get out their Darcorn information so we can go over it…"

Harry slowly pulled a small sheaf of papers from his bag, trying not to notice both Daladier and Niamh eying him.

Did you have something to do with this?

Maaaaaybe, replied Harry with a mental smirk.

Niamh turned her head to glare at him from out of one eye and he smirked at her. She shook her head and said, Thanks.

Anytime.

The two of them grinned at each other then turned towards Daladier as he began a long monologue about Darcorn's.

"So, Draco…what's your fear of Darcorn's about?"

"What?"

The blonde looked up from the paper he was writing to look at Harry in surprise.

"Why are you afraid of Darcorn's?"

Draco frowned and looked down at his paper in embarrassment as Harry tilted his head sideways at him. He then looked up with uneasiness in his gray eyes.

"When I was five, my father went to visit my grandfather and he took me along with him. Sabian was a harsh man and deep into the Dark Arts." Draco shook his head as he continued, "He was a big supporter of Grindlewald before his fall and one of Voldemort's original followers. His manor was a huge place and he had hundreds of Dark creatures on it. Even two Darcorn's."

Harry's fist clenched involuntarily at the thought of two of the dark unicorns in captivity.

Draco didn't seem to notice it as he continued, "They were ancient, nearly a hundred and fifty years old he said. And the nastiest things you ever saw. He loved them and they may have been the only thing he ever really loved."

"During our stay, I went in the barn on my own once. Just once. I made my way down past the horses to the two stalls at the end where the Darcorn's were. They seemed content with me being there so I went up to try and pet one. The moment my fingers touched him, he went off, screaming and kicking at the side of his stall. After him, the other one began kicking as well and in a few minutes they had the boards on their doors kicked down and were chasing me down the barn aisle."

He shook his head as he finished, "My grandfather barely pulled me out of the way before one of them skewered me. After that…I've been afraid of them."

"Ah."

"Why?"

"I just remembered that your boggart during third year was a Darcorn."

One blonde eyebrow arched.

"You knew what they were back then?"

Harry nodded and replied, "Yeah. You remember when we went into the forest first year?"

"How could I forget?" asked Draco with a wry smile.

"It saved me. From Quirrell."

"Quirrell was possessed by the Dark Lord, right?"

Harry's eyes narrowed as he said, "Only Death Eater's call him 'the Dark Lord', Draco."

"Sorry," said Draco. "Habit."

"Yeah, yeah."

There was a small pause between them then Draco said, "So there's a Darcorn in the forest?"

Harry nodded.

"Its not like those you were talking about though. He's ancient. And he's loyal to my family."

"The Snape's or…" Draco looked around the common room and dropped his voice as he continued, "The Elves?"

"Second one," replied Harry. "Our dear Head of House set him to watching me after he would out you-know-what."

"You-know-what…? Oooohhh. Sorry. Forgot about that."

"Rather amazing, that. Most people wouldn't forget something like that. Then again, you did just find out at the end of last term."

"True. So I was right when I guessed."

"How'd you know?" asked Harry, remembering when the other Slytherin had asked him that question two years before.

"I pay attention to small details," replied Draco. "And you both have the same scowl. And sneer. And…"

"And too many things to name," interrupted Harry. "Yes, yes, I know."

"Proves you're a Snape."

"Actually it proves I'm a bastard." At Draco's confused look, Harry explained, "A child from an unmarried couple."

"Oh. Wait…they weren't married?"

Harry shook his head slowly.

"No. My mum found Da's Mark and left before he could even explain. She never even told him when she found out she was pregnant with me."

"So he never knew?"

"Not until he tested it during first year. Right before Christmas hols, if remember correctly."

"How'd he do it?"

"A potion, of course," replied Harry. "He's not a Potions Master for nothing, y'know."

"What kind of potion?"

"Prosapia Potion. I brewed it during second year and found out. Confronted Da about it too."

Draco arched and eyebrow then asked, "Were you mad?"

"Hell, yes! But I got over it."

"That's good."

"Yeah. I guess I'll leave you to finish your paper. Charms?"

"Transfiguration. I hate that class."

"McGonagall?"

"What else? What's she got against us Slyth's anyway?"

Harry frowned as he stood up then said, "I think it's because of something my Da did when he was a teenager."

"Oh, that's nice," said Draco sarcastically as he dipped his quill into his inkpot. "See you later then, Harry."

"You took, Drake."

Draco blinked in surprise at the nickname and stared after the tall Slytherin as he walked off. After a moment, the blonde shook his head and went back to writing up his paper.

Author's Note

Greetings from the mountains! It's Tuesday (well, it was when I wrote this) and I've already got one chapter done. A good job, if I don't say so myself.