This is in response to a reviewer who has apparently given up on my story because of the lack of perfection. I'm going to dedicate my chapter 7 to this person, who has taken it upon themselves to beta my chapters, (although it clearly states at the beginning of each chapter that I already have a competent beta).

If you would leave me an e-mail address on your next 'review' we can get these corrections made before I post my next chapter and then 'maybe' it will be up to your standards. Since I don't have any way to respond to your 'comments', I'll go ahead and post this one and ask for your forgiveness later.

I think this response is a little more subtle, coughs and looks around sheepishly, a bit of dry humor instead of screaming? Maybe, hmmmm. Sorry, I love constructive criticism, but I do not appreciate being mocked.

Anyway, back to the real author's notes.

Ok, I got a hung jury on the sex of Serket, so I am therefore asserting my power as the writing God, hem-hem, getting carried away, sorry. Anyways, it's a girl! Sorry to those who wanted a boy.

Just so you know, I am skipping some of the summer training and things in order to get to the more active points in this story. I mean, six chapters for one summer? What was I thinking?

Huge slobbery kiss to Michelle, thank you so much for your help! (She's MY beta and you can't have her! HA!)

Chapter 7

Friends

"Harry? Where is this place? What is going on?"

Neville seemed utterly lost as people stumbled around Grimmauld Place to ready the house for visitors. Luna walked in the door behind him, vaguely aware of her surroundings.

"Oh, hey Neville!" Harry said as he slid around the staircase, trying not to land on his backside.

"Sorry about the confusion, my snake has disappeared and everyone is freaking-"

"Harry James Potter! If that beast eats one of my children-"

"Mrs. Weasley, please, she won't hurt anyone, I promise. If everyone would just be quiet I will call her." The room calmed for a moment, hoping Harry would be able to find the snake quickly, but a short yelp from upstairs sounded before he could call Serket.

Harry skipped far too many steps to be humanly possible as he climbed the stairs, anxious to beat the 'grownups' to his pet. Another yelp was heard from the bathroom.

Harry rounded the corner just in time to see Serket sliding out of the bathroom and Malfoy slapping after it with a towel.

"Potter! Keep your damn freak of a pet away from me!"

Harry tried to respond but was cut short as Mrs. Weasley rounded the corner just after him.

"Draco Weasley Malfoy! I will not tolerate such language in this house. Do you understand me young man?"

Draco's normal emotional mask had completely faltered at Mrs. Weasley's words, but Harry couldn't decide if it was due to her tone, being reprimanded in front of everyone, (as the entire household was now watching) or the fact that she had used his entire name without so much as a blink of the eye.

Fortunately, he didn't have to respond as she made her way flawlessly back to scolding Harry.

"You were warned about this pet Harry, I am most disappointed in you."

"Mrs. Weasley, she didn't hurt him. I'm sure she had a very good reason for leaving her room."

"Well?"

"Uh," Harry looked around frantically for Serket and was startled to find her slithering up his arm.

"What were you doing out here? Why did you leave your room?"

"You asked me to keep watch over the household." Serket responded dryly as she lay her head on his shoulder, seeking warmth.

After insuring that the Nehebkau had understood what was expected of her, Harry re-opened the third floor to make room for the guests. He had assured the current inhabitants that his pet would stay locked in the room at all times. What they didn't know wouldn't hurt them, right?

"You can use your senses during the day. We talked about this; you're only supposed to patrol at night, when no one can see you. How did you get out?" Serket blinked at him and paused, clearly not understanding what a commotion she had caused.

"I heard strange noises coming from behind the steamy door. I could only taste one human on this floor, so I came to make sure there was not an animal or other species causing harm."

Harry had been amazed at Serket's abilities, but knew she still needed to be on her own and encounter other creatures in order to detect them.

"What do you mean 'causing harm'?"

"I heard the human moan as if in pain." Harry's gaze quickly went to the blonde in question and then blushed profusely when he realized what Serket must have heard, as Draco was clearly not hurt. Harry cleared his throat and tried to will away his blush before facing Mrs. Weasley, hand on hips and all.

"It seems that Serket misinterpreted some sounds and went to investigate. She was just making sure there was not another animal in the house. That is her job you know."

Mrs. Weasley looked as if she wanted to respond but Remus beat her to it.

"We are now running late for lessons, so, out in the back with the lot of you. Luna, Neville, good to see you again. If you two could put you're things in one of the bedrooms on the third floor and join us outside, we'll explain everything as we go."

"So, we will be initiated too?" Luna asked Remus, jogging beside him in a much larger back yard than one would expect.

"I don't know about that, you'll have to ask Dumbledore."

Luna seemed to be lost in thought the rest of the lesson, which proved to be her downfall when the basic warm-up was over and immediately switched into military type obstacles. After Mrs. Weasley mended her wrist, Harry noticed that Luna seemed a little more aware of her surroundings.

Lunch was short and all too soon Harry found himself facing his least favorite professor. If Neville was frightened before, he was sure to wet himself now. No one knew how well Snape would react to having to teach some of his most hated students on the summer holiday.

The seven were almost pleasantly surprised when Professor Snape allowed them to ask questions about the Dark Arts, as if he always allowed such things. Oh, he was still as rude as ever, but his comments seemed to lack a certain 'death eater malice'.

The lesson plan was to allow the class to study independently and ask questions when things didn't make sense.

"You need to try and understand the Dark Arts on your own at first, a starting point if you will, before we get into structured lessons" Snape paused and made eye contact with every student, as if measuring them up, before he continued.

"It is my job to help you understand a truth that has taken myself and others many years to realize, though I doubt any of you here are open minded enough to see it as such." Again he paused, making sure he had everyone's undivided attention.

"Not all Light magic is holy, for light can be used to harm. Not all Dark magic is evil, for it can be used for a greater good. When magic is dispersed, no matter what color it has been deemed, it is intent that matters most."

The class sat in a thoughtful silence as the words settled in their minds. Harry realized that he had never heard truer words and felt better about learning the one subject that no other Magical school would openly teach.

Hermione's parents had arrived just after lunch and once again, all hell had broken loose. Harry had not realized that Hermione's parents were quite as old as they were. Although time had clearly been easy on them they both looked to be nearing sixty.

Their only daughter had tried to make the best of things. Thinking that it would be best for her father to know about her and Ron's relationship sooner rather than later, she set out to inform her parents of this after dinner.

Harry had always assumed that Hermione's parents were of the passive nature. Always calm and caring, they never seemed to let much bother them. He realized that this was not exactly the case when he passed her closed bedroom door after feeding Serket.

Harry hid out of sight of the door and listened in with an extendable ear. He felt a little uneasy about eavesdropping on his best friend, but didn't let that stop him.

"Could you repeat yourself?" Her mother asked, clearly confused.

"Well, um, we've been best friends for quite some time now and…"

"And you decided that being friends with a boy meant you could disregard our rules?"

"No father, I-"

"Hermione, we have set these rules for a reason. Under no circumstances, whatsoever, are you allowed to date before you graduate."

"Our blessing will not be given to a marriage before graduation of college either." Her mother added softly.

"Mother I am not saying we want to get married tomorrow, we just started dating."

"You will not be any longer, and I am very disappointed in you. If we had known of this relationship, we never would have allowed you to come here."

"Daddy please-" Hermione reached her hand to her father's arm but he stood quickly.

"We have given up our jobs and our home in order to keep you safe. We will do whatever is necessary to prevent any harm coming to you, all we ask is that you remember the principles you were raised with."

"Mother-"

"Your father is right Hermione. Your world may be at war and we may very well be in danger, but I will not see my only child loose sight of her future. Your study will come first and foremost."

"I love him." Hermione whispered softly as her parents turned to leave the bedroom.

"You are too young to know what love is." Her mother said as she closed the door. Harry stifled a sigh as Hermione's parents made their way to the opposite end of the hall and up the stairs.

He wasn't proud of spying on a personal conversation and knew he would have to tell Hermione what he did, but he was also glad he knew what was going on, if only to help his two best friends.

Hermione cried herself to sleep that night, praying to any deity that this day had been a nightmare, anything but reality.

After his shower and interrogating Serket about how she got out of her room; Harry found himself in the company of a very distraught best friend.

"Ron, are you alright?"

"Mum and Dad had a talk with Hermione's parents. Apparently they think we are too young to date. They have forbidden her to see me outside of 'school related activities.'"

"Ron, it's not the end of the world, I mean-"

"You don't understand Harry, they are going to be here for the next two and a half weeks and she won't even talk to me about it." Ron threw himself on his bed and Harry tried to pretend he didn't notice the tears.

"Ron, it will all work out soon. Everything will be fine once we get back to Hogwarts, you'll see."

"She won't even talk to me Harry. How do I know she doesn't agree with them?"

"I don't know. I'm really sorry." The door shut behind them and they were both startled to see Malfoy leaning up against the wall.

"She's suffering just as much as you are Ron; don't judge her for her parent's mistakes." He said as he grabbed his pajamas out of the dresser and exited as quietly as he came.

"He gives me the creeps sometimes, sneaking up on people like that."

"He's a Slytherin, that's what they do." Harry half smirked. "Everything will be fine once we get back, you'll see."

"I hope so. Goodnight, Harry."

"Night, Ron."

A few minutes later Draco entered the room to soft snoring. Ten minutes after that he found himself tossing and turning on his bed between Harry's and Ron's, waiting for sleep.

Only when the comforting sight of midnight black hair found his eyes did sleep take him.

The next two weeks were rough on everyone in the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Luna and Neville were basically lost in the chaos. Hermione's parents were distant with everyone yet kept a watchful eye on their only daughter.

Ginny knew Draco was nervous about returning to the Slytherin house but couldn't get him to open up about it. Hermione still had not spoken to Ron about their situation.

Harry watched from the sidelines and kept his comments to himself, hoping that no intervention would be needed on his part to repair the damage Hermione's parents had done.

Physical training with Lupin was getting tough, they would be starting martial arts soon. It was decided that the werewolf would return to Hogwarts to continue physical training He protested of course, but, as a member of the Order, he had little choice in the matter.

Most parents now knew of the Defense professor's lycanthrope, and Remus did not want to endanger anyone. Even so, he was a soldier of the light and had been given his orders. The new generation had to be taught properly; the war had started.

Lessons with Snape had become grueling. The study lessons had only lasted a few days and Harry learned quickly he preferred the theory to the practical aspect of the class. Professor Snape informed them that they were not ready to be divided into pairs yet, so each student had the joy of practicing against Snape.

Only Draco seemed to be doing well, everyone assumed why but no one wanted to ask.

Surely you aren't raised by a Deatheater without learning a few things about the Dark Arts?

Although, Draco's head start didn't seem to last long as the classes delved into the deeper Dark Arts. The practical lessons were much the same as the DA meetings. Only the main goal was to completely control any situation, in other words, offence.

Snape hexed, cursed and cheated in every possible way so that they were always on guard. In addition to preparing themselves for the wrath of Snape if they failed in the practical, they were required to look up one new Dark spell, curse or hex for every day and review it in class.

Harry had wondered if the Dark Arts workload would lessen when school started. Not likely.

Occlumency had become pointless, no one could enter Harry's mind unless he wanted them to. He spent most of his time with Albus working on wandless magic, trying to override his subconscious, and some of that time going over the long Gryffindor family tree and strategic maneuvers that would benefit Harry in this war.

Harry could tell Albus was hiding something from him, a plan of some kind. Knowing he could get the information if he really wanted it, he left the situation alone. Let the old man have his fun.

September first snuck up quickly and everyone seemed to be lost in his or her own thoughts the few days leading up to it. Harry had hoped things would be resolved between his best friends before the return to Hogwarts but was sorely disappointed.

Ron had been ignoring everyone in an attempt to hide his anger at the situation. Harry had tried to talk to both of them with no luck. Ron's face would turn a violent shade of crimson and Hermione would fight back tears and escape to her bedroom.

Dreams had become constant reoccurrence for Harry. Dumbledore had told him that some of them would be benign, merely figments of the imagination, whereas others would be premonition.

Harry had been enjoying the most recent dreams a little too much for his own comfort. More than once he woke before his roommates, covered in his own semen. He knew what wet dreams were of course, but up until recently his had never involved males with blonde hair.

Today was September First and it happened to be one of 'those' mornings.

"Great, just what I need." He muttered to himself as he made his way to the bathroom.

Seven students, one cat, three owls, one eagle, one toad, one raven and an invisible snake crowded into a small compartment on the Hogwarts Express. It was defiantly a tight fit.

Once the pets and luggage were deposited, with an invisible Serket coiled up Harry's arm her head lying on his shoulder, they made their way back onto the platform to say goodbyes.

Hermione stood off to the side with her parents and gave them a stiff goodbye. Harry watched and wondered how much longer she could do this to herself. He saw the pain in her eyes and knew it was the thought of losing Ron's friendship that was killing her.

Remus said his goodbyes and promised he would be there next week to resume training. The full moon would be in two days and he was looking weary.

Harry was getting back on the train when Serket told him she heard whispering voices. He placed his hand on the door she indicated, not meaning to use magic, but apparently his subconscious had other plans, as he felt the silencing charm fade and the conversation become clear.

"What do you mean 'adopted by the Weasleys'?"

"Draco, you are not sticking to the plan."

"The plan has changed, I'm happy with what has happened. You two will have to remain the same for your own protection. Don't treat me differently than the others."

"Draco, you can't be serious!"

"I mean it Vincent, treat me like the others will. I know the truth."

"You're asking us to make your life a living hell. You're the only reason we've gotten this far."

"I know this and that is why I won't risk your safety to save me from something that will happen anyway."

"What about Zabini? Have you talked to him?"

"No, he is loyal to his family. I will not risk it."

"You guys have been together for a year now, what if-"

"He doesn't care about me, it was mutual, and nothing could have come of it. It's just an easy way to get Parkinson to leave me alone really."

"Take care of yourself Draco."

"You too guys. Remember you are Slytherins, act like them."

Harry scurried to hide behind the door when it opened. The train had started to move as Crabbe and Goyle made their way to the back compartments, oblivious to the person in the shadows.

Harry caught the back of Malfoy's robes and forced him back into the empty compartment.

"What the- Potter?"

"Did you think I would fall for you fucking game Malfoy?" Harry's eyes were screaming with anger as he pushed the other boy to the wall.

"You were listening? How-" Draco eyed him for a moment before continuing.

"Look Potter, it's not what you think." Draco said as he pulled out his wand.

"Expelliarmus" Harry whispered and Draco's wand landed in his outstretched hand.

"Would you mind casting a privacy charm then?" He was almost amused at Potter's anger, almost. Harry cast the charm quickly and fought himself to keep from entering Malfoy's mind.

"Care to explain what the hell that was all about?"

"First of all, Potter, you should not eavesdrop, it is very rude. And second, if you tell anyone of this information, even Granger or Ron, I will spend the rest of my life torturing you."

Harry gave him a disbelieving look and Draco took that as his signal to continue.

"Gregory and Vincent aren't nearly as dumb as they pretend to be. If they were allowed to try with their studies, they would probably beat me in grades." 'He has got to be kidding.' Harry thought.

"Why aren't they allowed to try and who's stopping them?"

"I am. I do not allow them to seem competent because they are my best friends and their fathers would gladly turn them over to the Dark Lord. If they remain ignorant they stay safe."

"So, this plan is to keep your friends safe?" Harry looked into Draco's eyes; something he had been avoiding at all cost for the last four weeks, and was shocked to see the truth.

"I may be a Slytherin, but I would rather die than to see any of my friends fall into the Dark Lord's service." 'Still the truth,' Harry sighed audibly and broke the eye contact.

"You're going to let them treat you like shit just like the rest of the Slytherins will?"

"It is the only way."

"You are more of a Gryffindor than you know Malfoy."

"If I didn't know any better I would take that as an insult." Malfoy smirked and added. "Speaking of, we better get back, no doubt they will send the cavalry after you if you're gone too long."

"Very funny." Harry said dryly as he removed the privacy charm and gave Malfoy his wand back.

"Incidentally, did I hear you say you were dating Zabini?" Harry tried to make it seem as though he were asking about the weather, Malfoy saw right through him.

"Does it bother you that I'm gay, Potter?"

Harry flushed a bright crimson and tried to turn away from the icy blue eyes that were asking more than one question. Draco reached a hand up to Harry's cheek to pull his face back towards his own.

"No, Malfoy, it's none of my business." Harry said as he backed away from his touch. Draco looked hurt for a split second before his mask fell back into place. They were now standing in front of the shared compartment.

"We had better get in there."

"After you," Draco said with a smirk. Harry opened to door to shouting like he had never heard before.

Luna jumped from her seat and ran to cast another privacy charm on the door. Hermione and Ron stood as far away from each other as the compartment would allow and both had tears streaming down their faces.

Ginny came over to stand by Harry and Draco, speaking soflty. "They've been at it now for a good ten minutes, it hasn't been pretty."

"And now look what you've done! Our friendship is suffering, not just mine and yours but Harry's as well. I knew this would happen! I knew that you would ruin our friendship!"

"I would ruin it? They are my parents Ron, what was I supposed to do? Tell them to sod off?"

"Yes, I did mine!"

"Yeah right! And who the hell do you think you are? Mine and Harry's friendship is fine!"

"Oh? I'm sure he loves it that you go off crying all the bloody time and spend all day in your room! You wouldn't even talk to me! You wouldn't even look at me!" Ron collapsed on the floor in a heap, tears streaming down his face.

"Ron," Harry asked calmly as he put his hand on his shoulder. Ron shrugged off the hand and hid his face. Hermione was in hysterics, Luna and Ginny were hugging her and rocking her back and forth.

Harry knew he could put an end to this if they would just listen.

"Guys, could you give us a moment?" The four nodded and went to find the snack trolley.

"Hermione, Ron," Harry asked as he put a hand on each of their shoulders. "I need you to do me a favor." They both halted in their crying and looked up at their best friend worriedly.

"I am fine but I need you two, if you can't do this for yourselves then do this for me."

They both nodded reluctantly.

"I need you to look into each other's eyes for a little while."

"Why?" Ron asked.

"Just do it." Harry responded. Hermione made the first move and looked deep into Ron's eyes. Harry stared in between them for a few minutes before he started to interpret his findings.

"You two are being too hard on yourselves. This was not either of your faults but you have both handled it poorly." Hermione made to defend herself but Harry cut her off. "Keep the eye contact."

"I see the love in both of your eyes, you two just need to be alone." Harry stood and walked out the door, leaving his best friends to sort out all the pain and heartache that was also in their eyes.

"Anyone found the trolley yet?" Harry asked the audience outside the compartment door, laughing as they tried to hide the extendable ears. He heard someone clear their throat behind him and turned to face an angry Slytherin.

"Draco."

"Zabini." He seemed a little unnerved at being greeted with his last name instead of his first. Harry watched the exchange of words as one would watch a tennis match, he was caught right in the line of fire it seemed.

"If you are quite done, I would like a word." Malfoy strode past Harry and the rest to lead Zabini into an empty compartment halfway down the train, the same one he was in earlier with Crabbe and Goyle.

"What exactly do you think you are doing?"

"Whatever do you mean Blaise?"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about Draco. My parents contacted you about living with us, why didn't you accept? And what are you doing with those bloody Gryffindors?"

Draco stood proud and raised an eyebrow at the other boy.

"Do you think this is funny? At first I told myself you were getting close to Potter and those idiots to please the Dark Lord, but then I reminded myself that you defied him. What the hell are you playing at?"

"Why Blaise, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were jealous."

As soon as the last word left his lips Draco felt a fist collide with his jaw. Draco steadied himself and waited for Zabini to speak. When he didn't say anything Draco turned to face his 'boyfriend' again.

"Have you taken the mark yet Blaise?" Draco didn't wait for his answer.

"You should take it soon; you'll need someone to protect you."

He snarled at his now ex-boyfriend, daring him to say anything. 'Just one word, I dare you.'

Blaise knew better than to tempt a Malfoy. He pushed past Draco roughly and slammed the compartment door. Draco took a quick seat, letting the dizziness take effect. Blaise got him better than he realized.

Hearing a soft knock at the door, he put his head in his hands. He assumed it was his new sister; she always had a way of finding him when he didn't want to talk.

"Go away Ginny, I'm fine." The door opened anyway but Draco did not look up.

"You don't look fine." 'Potter'.

"What do you want?" Malfoy spat. He may not hate Potter anymore but he certainly didn't want to be seen like this by the Golden boy.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked noticing the other boy had not yet taken his head out of his hands.

"Potter, I swear to Merlin, if you were eavesdropping I-"

"I wasn't, I just heard the door slam and saw Zabini storming off."

Draco raised his head and Harry gasped.

"He hit you?" Harry asked incredulously.

"No, I tripped and fell into his fist. Don't worry yourself Potter, I'm fine. I don't need your bloody pity." Draco said as he pulled out his wand. He muttered a spell and the red and purple bruise on his cheek and jaw began to disappear.

"It's not pity. I just can't believe…but….you two were dating!" Draco nodded and raised an eyebrow as if to say 'so?'

"How can you hit someone you were supposed to have feelings for?"

"That's what you don't understand Potter, he never had feelings for me. I was a toy." Harry's mouth dropped.

"Don't look at me like that, it was mutual I assure you. Feelings just get in the way."

"In the way of what, exactly?" Harry asked once he returned his jaw to its normal position

"Everything," Draco answered stiffly as he stood.

"Harry, you better come in here." Ginny popped her head in the door. They followed her back to the shared compartment. The door was open slightly and he could hear the conversation had not improved much, although they weren't shouting.

"You are going to have to decide, sooner or later, what world you want to live in. Whether you like it or not, you can't have both and you can't please everyone."

"What do you want me to do Ron? Just tell me."

"I can't. You have to figure this out for yourself. You are a witch Hermione; I don't think you fully realize what that means. With all your knowledge, you still don't get it."

There was a pause and the 'audience' heard Hermione sniff.

"Why try to please a world you will never fully be a part of? You can't have both." The audience backed up as Ron opened the door all the way.

"Harry, I'm going to find Dean and Seamus, see you guys later." Ron mumbled as he made his way down the hall. Everyone glanced at one another, not sure what to do next. Harry took a seat across from Hermione who was staring unblinkingly out the window.

Everyone else took a seat and waited. Ginny started to speak but Hermione cut her off by putting up her hand, never blinking or turning from the window. She seemed past all tears and lost deep in thought.

The rest of the train ride past quietly. Harry nodded off and woke when the train came to an abrupt halt. Putting on their robes quickly, the six remaining in the compartment gathered their luggage and pets to exit the train.

They made their way to the carriages slowly. Harry wondered how many people would be able to see the thestrals this year, and how many would be able to after the next.

Luna found a carriage with some younger Ravenclaws and Ginny got in one with Dean and Ron. Harry, Draco, Hermione and Neville occupied a carriage to themselves. Each lost in their own thought.

'I never thought this would happen.' Draco thought and snorted softly at his three carriage companions. 'Harry Potter, about to fall asleep again, Hermione Granger, not knowing everything and confused, and Neville Longbottom, well, nothing had exploded yet.

All of them sitting in peace and silence with the me, the Slytherin Prince. This must be a hallucination.'

Hermione was still lost in her own thoughts. 'I've never really thought about it that way. Putting Ron aside, this is the only world I have ever wanted to be a part of, why do I want to please my parents and prepare for a world I will never live in? He was right. How many times do I get to say that?' Hermione smiled faintly to herself, unaware of Harry's watchful eyes.

A/N. Ok, how was that? I am going to go ahead and say that this story will be taking a slightly darker road in a couple of chapters. I feel it is necessary to fight evil with evil, so, if anyone is squeamish about these things, I am sorry. Hope you have enjoyed it so far.

I have most of the next chapter done so maybe it will get posted soon. I'm working on my outline again, can't decide who to hook Ginny up with and she's too scary to be left on her own. I'm leaning to one of the Slytherins, any ideas?

Anyways, sorry this took so long. Thank you again to all my reviewers, I would respond to you all, but then you would've had to wait longer for this chapter!

You know the drill, just tell me if you're still reading this or not! J