Greater Inheritance
Chapter 14 – Party At Hogwarts
Over the course of the next week, as Snape had said, Dumbledore had brought in a large group of Aurors in to protect the school. One thing Harry did notice was that they were all Order members. Harry was very surprised that Fudge would allow Dumbledore to pick and choose who he recruited to defend Hogwarts.
He'd had the chance to speak to Tonks a few times as he went for his patrols. She was very surprised to find he'd re-sorted into Slytherin, but she had said he looked a lot sexier as one. Otherwise he'd spoken to Kingsley for a short moment.
It was at the beginning of a new week, that Monday breakfast found another note materialising before Harry, and Draco curiously looking over his shoulder. Opening the note, he found it to be from Dumbledore again, and that he was politely requesting his and Draco's presence at the Order meeting that night. He was to also go to Gryffindor tower and pick up Ron and Hermione.
"Why are we included? Better question: Why am 'I' included?" Draco asked as he finished reading, picking up his goblet and taking a sip of the pumpkin juice.
"Perhaps he assumes, that now you're associated with me, that I have turned you away from the Dark Side of the Force." Harry shrugged.
Draco looked at Harry curiously, "I'm going to take that to mean I'm fighting for the Light side, and against the Dark Lord."
"Of the Sith." Harry finished as he smirked at Draco. "If there's one thing that you're going to learn about Muggles, I'm going to make sure it's Star Wars." Harry nudged his shoulder as he screwed the note up, put it in his pocket and took a sip of his own pumpkin juice.
"Star wars?" Draco looked at him incredulously. "Are you for real?"
"It's a movie. Like a play except it has been recorded and you can watch it on TV. Actually there's a lot of parallels to the wizarding world in Star Wars. You could say the Force is magic. And the Jedi and Sith Knights are wizards proficient at Wandless magic. Jedi's are good. Sith are evil." Harry explained like there was nothing odd about the subject matter of their current conversation.
"You need help. I'm sure of it. Mental help, psychiatric help. Whatever you wanna call it: you need It!" Draco started shuffling down the table away from Harry.
Harry on the other hand just grinned at him and took another piece of toast. Eventually Draco moved back but not without the cautious glances.
Soon enough it was time to get moving to their first class. So with the majority of the Great Hall, Harry and Draco made their way to potions in the dungeons with the other 7th years in their class. Harry and Draco took their seats as Professor Snape snapped at the Gryffindors for being noisy, the Hufflepuffs for taking their time and Ravenclaws for being in the class room with no teacher present.
Harry had to smile at the snarky bastard as he criticised everyone except his precious Slytherins. He knew for a fact that the elder Slytherin could be quite civil when the situation called for it. But of course, he did have a reputation to uphold. Today they were working on a blood replacement potion in pairs again. Surprisingly it was a fairly easy potion that only 2 Hufflepuffs messed up on and everyone had then moved onto the theory part of the lesson as they read up on the potion they had just finished as well as the potion they'd be doing next lesson. Snape assigned them a 40 question quiz for homework, due next lesson as well as a 4 foot essay on a medical potion of their choice (that would need to be cleared with him also next lesson) and that would be due Monday of the next week. The entire class groaned in annoyance once they'd escaped to the corridors.
"That was actually pretty harsh of Snape to set that much homework. The quiz alone will take half the night to complete." Draco shook his head as he racked his brains trying to think of a potion to research.
"Well we can't do much about it. Except do it and hope he's in a good mood when he marks them." Harry sighed, also trying to think of a potion he could research whilst they made their way to DADA. They split up as they entered the classroom as Harry went to stand up front. "Everyone, back into your groups." Harry yelled over the top of the Seventh Years as they noisily got into their groups. "Quiet!"
As everyone settled down, Harry began, "Alright. Today we're going to be working on a new spell. This one is another defence spell but it is used to absorb the energy of the spell that was sent to you and which will be added to your own magic stores. The incantation to this spell is 'Concipere'." Harry listened as the Seventh Years repeated it back to him.
"Good. Split up into pairs and practice the charm. To test them, I don't want any hex above second year." He motioned them to get moving but the sounds of the Seventh Year Weasley's baritone voice could be heard under the din as Ron sent a hex his way.
Hardly anyone noticed what was going on until the hex hit the normally blue barrier as it turned gold and absorbed the hex. The only sign Harry had conjured the Concipere barrier was a low murmur emanating from the Boy Who Lived and his hand held up before him.
"And that is how the Concipere charm works." Harry said into the deathly silence. "Doing good Ron. A Fifth Year hex; you'll be able to beat Voldemort any day now."
The sound of the Dark Lord's name seemed to spur the class into movement as they immediately set to whispering loudly; some even looking fearfully at Harry.
Silently Harry berated himself for using wandless magic in the open. "Back to work everyone." He yelled over the rising whispers, moving to the desk again to take a seat. He could feel the encroaching headache already.
He never made it to the desk though, as a growl was the only warning he received to signify that Ron was now taking a more physical path to revenge, and was charging at him.
Turning, Harry cast the first movement impediment charm that came to mind, "Bipes Coalesco."
Immediately, Ron's feet stuck to the ground and his arms flailed madly as he tried to keep balance. It didn't work as eventually he landed on his arse. Seconds later he was struggling up again and trying to reach him, snarling and growling at him about how it was Harry's fault that Arthur died and that all the attacks were his fault and that of course Harry was now evil.
Ron took his time for revenge, Harry thought.
Harry quickly put an end to his tirade as he took his wand out and cast a 'Petrificus Totalus' and Ron's limbs snapped together as he toppled to the ground. Harry nervously ran his hand through his hair and rubbed at his face.
"Herm, can you take him down to Dumbledore and explain what happened, thanks."
"Sure Harry." Her face was set into an angry yet determined expression as she viewed Ron, but was sympathetic when she met Harry's eyes.
When the door closed behind her the whispers started again as they all looked at Harry in uncertainty, obviously discussing what had just happened and what it could mean.
"Back to work, everyone." Harry ordered, his headache rapidly becoming a migraine. Fearfully the class got into their pairs and followed Harry's instructions to the letter. But the Slytherins weren't really gossiping, but surveying Harry with a critical eye.
"He won't be evil. He wouldn't even hex anyone. He's been a Gryffindor too long. He won't be a Dark Lord, though he'd definitely have the support." Blaise commented to Millicent, loud enough for many of the surrounding pairs to hear, who started spreading this new statement around the room.
Draco gave a slight nod of the head to thank Blaise who returned the nod. Draco soo wanted to go to his boyfriend and comfort him, but he knew it wasn't what Harry wanted. Especially in front of a classroom full of people. So he knuckled down and cast the charmed barrier and let Goyle cast a hex, as he glanced at Harry as often as he could.
Harry was sitting on top of the desk as he cleared his mind as if preparing for Occlumency. Continuing to breathe deeply he became aware that the migraine had faded to a mild headache. His eyes focused from their glazed look as he decided to pay attention again and follow the progress of the class. The Ravenclaws, Slytherins, and most Gryffindors had already mastered the charm. Harry called for the class to stop and motioned them in front of him; he asked each student to demonstrate they'd mastered the charm before dismissing those competent. He then set out to help the remaining few as Draco found his way to the head of the class to wait. In the meantime, Hermione returned and joined Draco to wait for Harry.
The two from opposite houses remained silent for a time before Hermione spoke up.
"He didn't want to reveal his wandless, did he?" Hermione said sadly as she watched Harry.
Draco gave her a sneer, "Of course not, Granger."
"Well, at least he used his hand. It makes it look like he's still dependant on his wand and isn't too experienced at it." Hermione deduced the positive side of today's episode.
"Which is good. He's still got something the Dark Lord doesn't know."
"It'll be hard for him though. All the attention he'll get. Like Second Year all over again. And you know how he hates being the centre of attention and gossip."
Draco just nodded as Harry sent the last pair to an early lunch.
"Good luck, Draco." Hermione whispered before Harry made it over to them. "Are you alright, Harry?" Hermione asked quietly as she gave him a hug.
"Fine 'Mione." He pulled away from her. "Did you want to try the charm?" Only then did she realise he'd put an emotionless mask on to block everything out.
Hermione nodded quietly, and on the second try she got it. Harry congratulated her and said she could go to an early lunch. She smiled and nodded, knowing all Harry wanted was to be alone with Draco. With a squeeze of his hand, she left.
As soon as the door was closed, Draco had his arms wrapped around Harry from behind as he felt Harry slump slightly against him. Draco's hold only tightened as he nuzzled his nose into the dark hair behind Harry's ear.
He felt Harry try take a deep breath and so turned him around in his arms. The sight of Harry brought a tear to Draco's eye as he watched Harry crumble: eyes closed, tears running down his cheeks. When those green eyes opened, they were full of despair as Draco held him tightly.
Draco drew them over to the desk which Draco transfigured into a large cushiony lounge with a thought and they sunk together deeply into the couch as Draco continued to hold him and Harry let out his despair.
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Halfway through lunch, neither boy had moved but Harry's tears had stopped and he was almost asleep from exhaustion, as he lay between Draco's legs, his head resting on the blonde's chest.
A faint pop off to the left caught Draco's attention as Dobby quietly came forward. "Is Harry Potter alright, Master Draco? Can Dobby do anything?"
"I'm alright, Dobby." Harry mumbled into Draco's jumper.
Dobby looked at the scene a moment, "No, Harry Potter isn't. Don't lie Harry Potter." Dobby said sternly before softening, "Dobby get hot chocolate for Harry Potter. That make him feel better." And Dobby disappeared with another pop.
"Harry?"
"Merlin I fucked up, Drake."
"No you didn't."
"Voldemort knows I can do wandless now. How hasn't that fucked everything up?" Harry said in an emotionless tone.
"He doesn't know how powerful you are, nor how experienced you are with it. And because the way you used your hand and wand, it still looks like you're dependent on it."
"I guess. But it wo-"Harry continued to mumble into Draco's jumper but was cut off.
"Don't worry about it Harry. Voldemort can't even do wandless magic. There's nothing to worry about." Draco reassured as Dobby 'popped' back into the classroom, balancing 2 hot chocolates and a plate loaded with croissants.
"Thankyou, Dobby." Harry and Draco said together and the house elf disappeared with yet another pop.
Harry took a tentative sip of the hot chocolate to find it a perfect temperature. Sighing in satisfaction he settled back into Draco, taking a ham and cheese croissant with him. His thoughts hung heavily on his shoulders as he took his time eating. Draco watched in silence.
Twenty minutes laster, Harry finally finished the croissant and took up the mug again.
"What else is bothering you?" Draco finally asked.
"It's not just Voldemort. There's going to be everyone here looking at me, then there'll be article's with the Daily Prophet, and the rest of the wizarding world. And Ron already thinks I'm evil. People will think I'm evil because I'm powerful, even because I'm a Slytherin. I don't want to be a Dark Lord, Draco." Harry leaned into Draco in the same emotionless tone.
"Harry, you create your own reality. If you don't want to be evil, then don't. It's your choice. Everyone will see that you don't want to be evil. It's not in your nature. And besides, Blaise already made a fairly public statement that you wouldn't be evil. It should be all over the school by now and it will make it to the outside world. We'll cope. And 'I' know you're not evil." Draco smiled as he gave Harry a big hug and kissed his cheek. "Come on, eat up. Otherwise Dobby will be after me for not making you eat enough."
They laughed as Harry took another croissant and ate it faster than the last.
"Lesson starts soon." Harry said as he glanced at his watch. "We going?"
"Only if you want. You up to it?"
"Have to some time. Why not now?!" Harry was spurred into movement as he slapped his hand on Draco's knee and stood up.
"You're sure?" Draco asked as Harry turned around, slight smile playing across his face as he took a deep breath.
"Yep. I'll be alright, Drake."
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Returning to the public was a lot easier for Harry than he thought when he returned for Transfiguration. The class stared at him for a few minutes, whispers running rampant through the desks. But Harry easily ignored the incident in that he recognised their behaviour but gave it no consideration beyond that. He acted as he normally would, as he smiled at Draco.
Draco. Once again, Harry didn't know what he'd do without the blonde git. He hadn't let himself fall apart in a long time, but Draco had been there and had held him. That was all that he'd needed to regroup himself. Being wrapped up in Draco's arms made him feel safe and strong. He couldn't doubt Draco when he spoke with such passion and care.
It was the end result of these thinkings that really got Harry through the day with a smile on his face. 'I'm in love with Draco.'
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Dinner whizzed by in a flash and it was already coming onto 8 o'clock.
For once, Draco was on the bottom as he and Harry lay together on the couch. Harry had Draco's shirt open as he trailed butterfly kisses over the blonde's chest, paying extra attention to the nipples as Draco writhed beneath him.
"We've got the Order meeting soon." Harry said between kisses. Draco nodded as he ran his hands through Harry's hair. "And we have to pick up Ron and Hermione."
Draco groaned in annoyance.
"Come on." Harry kissed him once on the chest before engaging Draco's mouth in a deep kiss that left Draco dazed and Harry grinning. "To Gryffindor Tower."
Harry eventually got Draco on his feet and shirt buttoned up. Leaving their robes behind they left for Gryffindor tower in their uniforms, Harry rolling up his cuffs and Draco casting a charm on both of them to remove creases.
As they got to the Gryffindor corridor, the Fat Lady was already talking from 20 metres away. Finally arriving, the Fat Lady automatically opened for him to pass through as Draco waited outside.
Patriotic Hermione was still continuing to keep strong ties with her house as she had seated herself in her favourite chair with a stack of books and parchment in favour of her quiet Head Girl room. Striding in, the noise level dropped a moment before picking up again as Harry Potter walked into their midst on his way to Hermione. The Head Girl didn't even notice Harry's presence until he'd knelt down in front of her and placed a hand on her knee to gain her attention.
"Oh! Harry. What are you doing here?" she asked, flustered yet kindly as she shuffled some parchment together.
"Order meeting. Dumbledore wants you and Ron to come." Harry whispered.
"Oh. Let me just pack u-"
"WHAT the HELL is HE doing here?!" Ron roared from the stairs leading to the boy's dormitories and the entire common room fell silent as they all looked around and shrugged.
Ron strode over quickly and placed himself between Hermione and Harry. "Get out." Ron seethed as Harry stood to his full height, only giving an inch or two to the red head.
"Dumbledore wants to see you and Hermione." Harry said in his calm voice as he looked Ron straight in the eye. Ron immediately glared back as he locked eyes and wouldn't surrender.
Harry stared back a few moments before shaking his head, somewhat disappointed in Ron's lack of maturity. "We don't have time for your games, Weasley. Come on 'Mione."
And Harry turned and left with Hermione out into the corridor to wait for the red headed hot-head. Once outside, Draco was smirking as he came close to Harry, placing hands on Harry's hips, their chests touching, as he whispered in Harry's ear, "You're so hot when you're all macho and mature."
Harry shivered as Draco's tongue flicked out and licked his ear. Separating, Harry gave a smirk as Draco eyed him lustfully. But the moment was broken when a giggle sounded from behind them. Draco glared at the bushy haired Gryffindor as Harry gained a slight pink tinge; he gave Draco a quick kiss to the lips before the portrait hole opened again and Ron strode out. He didn't stop and wait for anyone as he slammed the portrait shut and stalked down on his own to Dumbledore's office. The other three followed shortly after as Draco mumbled, "Drama Queen."
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"Ah. Here they are. Do take a seat." Dumbledore motioned for the four of them to sit down in the four remaining seats within the circle: two besides Professor Snape and two on the other side amongst many of the Aurors.
Taking a quick glance, Harry noticed many of the members discretely pointing at himself and Draco and whispers flying around. The main topic of conversation was Harry's new talent and why a Malfoy was invited/brought to one of their meetings. Continuing to look around Harry's eyes finally landed on a familiar face.
Remus Lupin was seated next to Kingsley and the ex-Professor was staring back at Harry, a large smile on his face. He gave Harry a discreet wave and Harry smiled. Harry then turned his now bored stare to Dumbledore who called for attention. But many of the Order members were rather disgruntled as they all scowled at Draco, and some also at Harry, giving Dumbledore the minimal attention necessary.
Dumbledore 'ahemed' to gain everyone's attention but he only gained a few peoples notice as the rest of the congregation were still staring/scowling/glaring at the three Slytherins. To Snape this was nothing new, as he looked to Dumbledore, waiting for him to go on with the meeting; but Harry and Draco were a little nervous, though they showed no signs.
Again, Dumbledore 'ahemed' and most looked to him. "Is there something bothering some members?"
"What the hell are they doing here?" an unknown Auror near the back sneered.
"To whom are you referring? I trust all here." Dumbledore calmly responded.
"Potter and Malfoy!" The Auror spat, "Both Slytherins, Potter's close to becoming a Dark Lord if he isn't already and Malfoy is the son on a Death Eater. I see no reason to trust them." Many other Order members nodded at this, most noticeably one Ron Weasley; Hermione shook her head sadly.
"Mr Potter is not becoming a Dark Lord, am I right Harry?"
"As if. I hate the attention as it is!" Harry said, bored, arms crossed over his chest as he looked around above everyone's heads.
"And Mr Malfoy may be the son of a Death Eater, but doesn't wish to follow in his father's footsteps, am I correct?"
"I was taught to believe that Malfoy's bow down to no one, as you can see, Lucius has set such a wonderful example. And anyway. I like my skin the way it is." Draco said in a slight sneer as he stared down anyone willing in the room.
"And there you have it. Now. To business –"
"What do you mean, 'that's it'? How can you brush them off so easily?! They're Death Eaters or even Dark Lord's themselves!! They should be put in Azkaban. Both of them!" Ron sneered, standing now to glare across the room.
"That is enough Mr Weasley! Sit down!" Dumbledore said forcefully without hardly changing the tone of his voice.
"RONALD WEASLEY! Do NOT speak about Harry like that!" Mrs Weasley admonished her son the same time as Dumbledore.
"NO!!! I won't!! They're evil!!! No one knows what they're capable of!!!"
"Ron. I can do a little wandless magic. It's got nothing to do with the price of chips. And I don't want to be evil, you should know that. So why are you carrying on like this?" Harry spoke calmly as he surveyed the red head.
"How should I know anything? You're a Slytherin now. And all Slytherins are evil!!" Ron took a step forward.
"Hey! I resent that!" Draco yelled, sitting up in his chair, ready to take action.
"Mr Weasley, might I remind you that I am also a Slytherin. Many a time I have proven my loyalty to the Order. So I'd suggest that you keep your tongue still and mouth closed in the future." Severus Snape entered the argument as he glared heatedly. "Unless you are still petty enough to continue this childish act of detestation since the age of eleven?"
"I'm not being childish!! Why is it that I'm the only one that sees this!? They're evil! They're working against us!!!"
"Ron. I want to see Voldemort destroyed just as much as you do, if not more." Harry stood to add conviction to his statement.
"So you can take his place!" Ron stepped closer as he balled his fist.
"Look Weasley! Harry is not evil! He doesn't want to see anyone die. And neither do I. So get over yourself!" Draco stood to Harry's side, giving him support.
"This coming from the Death Eater Ferret!" Ron took another step closer, barely half a meter separating them.
"I am not a Death Eater, Weasel!" Draco spat.
"Death Eater." And Ron took a swing as his fist collided with Draco's cheek. Draco was immediately back in the game as he swung his own fist at Ron, blood now gushing from the red head's nose.
The fight continued for another few moments as everyone stood to end the fight. This was in vain however because before anyone got there, Ron had doubled up and was lying on the ground clutching his stomach. Draco was breathing heavily, a trickle of blood making its way down from a cut on one cheek and some bruising coming up in various places.
"I am not a Death Eater Weasel. Get over it!" Draco spat again, as he allowed Harry to turn him around. The raven haired brought a tissue out and wiped the blood from Draco's face before healing the bruising and cuts wandlessly.
"That's enough, boys. All of you." Dumbledore frowned at the scene but Harry just rolled his eyes.
Harry led Draco back to their seat as Hermione picked Ron off the ground. He glared at the two Slytherins as the blood trickled down his face from the numerous cuts, whilst his face blossomed into various shades of black and blue.
"The reason why I called this meeting is because we have recently had contact from a Death Eater that is interested in defecting. Since Severus has been found as a traitor to Voldemort, we have been unable to gain any information about the activities of Voldemort or his Death Eaters. This is why this Death Eater's approach is so important, as they may be able to gather information for us."
"Who is it?" Draco asked as he pinched his nose to stop the oncoming headache.
"We are not aware who the correspondent is at the present time, but a meeting has been set up for the next few days. Hopefully this will be successful."
"Who's to say it isn't Voldemort trying to set a trap?" Harry asked logically.
"We believe it to be genuine."
Chapter 14 – Party At Hogwarts
Over the course of the next week, as Snape had said, Dumbledore had brought in a large group of Aurors in to protect the school. One thing Harry did notice was that they were all Order members. Harry was very surprised that Fudge would allow Dumbledore to pick and choose who he recruited to defend Hogwarts.
He'd had the chance to speak to Tonks a few times as he went for his patrols. She was very surprised to find he'd re-sorted into Slytherin, but she had said he looked a lot sexier as one. Otherwise he'd spoken to Kingsley for a short moment.
It was at the beginning of a new week, that Monday breakfast found another note materialising before Harry, and Draco curiously looking over his shoulder. Opening the note, he found it to be from Dumbledore again, and that he was politely requesting his and Draco's presence at the Order meeting that night. He was to also go to Gryffindor tower and pick up Ron and Hermione.
"Why are we included? Better question: Why am 'I' included?" Draco asked as he finished reading, picking up his goblet and taking a sip of the pumpkin juice.
"Perhaps he assumes, that now you're associated with me, that I have turned you away from the Dark Side of the Force." Harry shrugged.
Draco looked at Harry curiously, "I'm going to take that to mean I'm fighting for the Light side, and against the Dark Lord."
"Of the Sith." Harry finished as he smirked at Draco. "If there's one thing that you're going to learn about Muggles, I'm going to make sure it's Star Wars." Harry nudged his shoulder as he screwed the note up, put it in his pocket and took a sip of his own pumpkin juice.
"Star wars?" Draco looked at him incredulously. "Are you for real?"
"It's a movie. Like a play except it has been recorded and you can watch it on TV. Actually there's a lot of parallels to the wizarding world in Star Wars. You could say the Force is magic. And the Jedi and Sith Knights are wizards proficient at Wandless magic. Jedi's are good. Sith are evil." Harry explained like there was nothing odd about the subject matter of their current conversation.
"You need help. I'm sure of it. Mental help, psychiatric help. Whatever you wanna call it: you need It!" Draco started shuffling down the table away from Harry.
Harry on the other hand just grinned at him and took another piece of toast. Eventually Draco moved back but not without the cautious glances.
Soon enough it was time to get moving to their first class. So with the majority of the Great Hall, Harry and Draco made their way to potions in the dungeons with the other 7th years in their class. Harry and Draco took their seats as Professor Snape snapped at the Gryffindors for being noisy, the Hufflepuffs for taking their time and Ravenclaws for being in the class room with no teacher present.
Harry had to smile at the snarky bastard as he criticised everyone except his precious Slytherins. He knew for a fact that the elder Slytherin could be quite civil when the situation called for it. But of course, he did have a reputation to uphold. Today they were working on a blood replacement potion in pairs again. Surprisingly it was a fairly easy potion that only 2 Hufflepuffs messed up on and everyone had then moved onto the theory part of the lesson as they read up on the potion they had just finished as well as the potion they'd be doing next lesson. Snape assigned them a 40 question quiz for homework, due next lesson as well as a 4 foot essay on a medical potion of their choice (that would need to be cleared with him also next lesson) and that would be due Monday of the next week. The entire class groaned in annoyance once they'd escaped to the corridors.
"That was actually pretty harsh of Snape to set that much homework. The quiz alone will take half the night to complete." Draco shook his head as he racked his brains trying to think of a potion to research.
"Well we can't do much about it. Except do it and hope he's in a good mood when he marks them." Harry sighed, also trying to think of a potion he could research whilst they made their way to DADA. They split up as they entered the classroom as Harry went to stand up front. "Everyone, back into your groups." Harry yelled over the top of the Seventh Years as they noisily got into their groups. "Quiet!"
As everyone settled down, Harry began, "Alright. Today we're going to be working on a new spell. This one is another defence spell but it is used to absorb the energy of the spell that was sent to you and which will be added to your own magic stores. The incantation to this spell is 'Concipere'." Harry listened as the Seventh Years repeated it back to him.
"Good. Split up into pairs and practice the charm. To test them, I don't want any hex above second year." He motioned them to get moving but the sounds of the Seventh Year Weasley's baritone voice could be heard under the din as Ron sent a hex his way.
Hardly anyone noticed what was going on until the hex hit the normally blue barrier as it turned gold and absorbed the hex. The only sign Harry had conjured the Concipere barrier was a low murmur emanating from the Boy Who Lived and his hand held up before him.
"And that is how the Concipere charm works." Harry said into the deathly silence. "Doing good Ron. A Fifth Year hex; you'll be able to beat Voldemort any day now."
The sound of the Dark Lord's name seemed to spur the class into movement as they immediately set to whispering loudly; some even looking fearfully at Harry.
Silently Harry berated himself for using wandless magic in the open. "Back to work everyone." He yelled over the rising whispers, moving to the desk again to take a seat. He could feel the encroaching headache already.
He never made it to the desk though, as a growl was the only warning he received to signify that Ron was now taking a more physical path to revenge, and was charging at him.
Turning, Harry cast the first movement impediment charm that came to mind, "Bipes Coalesco."
Immediately, Ron's feet stuck to the ground and his arms flailed madly as he tried to keep balance. It didn't work as eventually he landed on his arse. Seconds later he was struggling up again and trying to reach him, snarling and growling at him about how it was Harry's fault that Arthur died and that all the attacks were his fault and that of course Harry was now evil.
Ron took his time for revenge, Harry thought.
Harry quickly put an end to his tirade as he took his wand out and cast a 'Petrificus Totalus' and Ron's limbs snapped together as he toppled to the ground. Harry nervously ran his hand through his hair and rubbed at his face.
"Herm, can you take him down to Dumbledore and explain what happened, thanks."
"Sure Harry." Her face was set into an angry yet determined expression as she viewed Ron, but was sympathetic when she met Harry's eyes.
When the door closed behind her the whispers started again as they all looked at Harry in uncertainty, obviously discussing what had just happened and what it could mean.
"Back to work, everyone." Harry ordered, his headache rapidly becoming a migraine. Fearfully the class got into their pairs and followed Harry's instructions to the letter. But the Slytherins weren't really gossiping, but surveying Harry with a critical eye.
"He won't be evil. He wouldn't even hex anyone. He's been a Gryffindor too long. He won't be a Dark Lord, though he'd definitely have the support." Blaise commented to Millicent, loud enough for many of the surrounding pairs to hear, who started spreading this new statement around the room.
Draco gave a slight nod of the head to thank Blaise who returned the nod. Draco soo wanted to go to his boyfriend and comfort him, but he knew it wasn't what Harry wanted. Especially in front of a classroom full of people. So he knuckled down and cast the charmed barrier and let Goyle cast a hex, as he glanced at Harry as often as he could.
Harry was sitting on top of the desk as he cleared his mind as if preparing for Occlumency. Continuing to breathe deeply he became aware that the migraine had faded to a mild headache. His eyes focused from their glazed look as he decided to pay attention again and follow the progress of the class. The Ravenclaws, Slytherins, and most Gryffindors had already mastered the charm. Harry called for the class to stop and motioned them in front of him; he asked each student to demonstrate they'd mastered the charm before dismissing those competent. He then set out to help the remaining few as Draco found his way to the head of the class to wait. In the meantime, Hermione returned and joined Draco to wait for Harry.
The two from opposite houses remained silent for a time before Hermione spoke up.
"He didn't want to reveal his wandless, did he?" Hermione said sadly as she watched Harry.
Draco gave her a sneer, "Of course not, Granger."
"Well, at least he used his hand. It makes it look like he's still dependant on his wand and isn't too experienced at it." Hermione deduced the positive side of today's episode.
"Which is good. He's still got something the Dark Lord doesn't know."
"It'll be hard for him though. All the attention he'll get. Like Second Year all over again. And you know how he hates being the centre of attention and gossip."
Draco just nodded as Harry sent the last pair to an early lunch.
"Good luck, Draco." Hermione whispered before Harry made it over to them. "Are you alright, Harry?" Hermione asked quietly as she gave him a hug.
"Fine 'Mione." He pulled away from her. "Did you want to try the charm?" Only then did she realise he'd put an emotionless mask on to block everything out.
Hermione nodded quietly, and on the second try she got it. Harry congratulated her and said she could go to an early lunch. She smiled and nodded, knowing all Harry wanted was to be alone with Draco. With a squeeze of his hand, she left.
As soon as the door was closed, Draco had his arms wrapped around Harry from behind as he felt Harry slump slightly against him. Draco's hold only tightened as he nuzzled his nose into the dark hair behind Harry's ear.
He felt Harry try take a deep breath and so turned him around in his arms. The sight of Harry brought a tear to Draco's eye as he watched Harry crumble: eyes closed, tears running down his cheeks. When those green eyes opened, they were full of despair as Draco held him tightly.
Draco drew them over to the desk which Draco transfigured into a large cushiony lounge with a thought and they sunk together deeply into the couch as Draco continued to hold him and Harry let out his despair.
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Halfway through lunch, neither boy had moved but Harry's tears had stopped and he was almost asleep from exhaustion, as he lay between Draco's legs, his head resting on the blonde's chest.
A faint pop off to the left caught Draco's attention as Dobby quietly came forward. "Is Harry Potter alright, Master Draco? Can Dobby do anything?"
"I'm alright, Dobby." Harry mumbled into Draco's jumper.
Dobby looked at the scene a moment, "No, Harry Potter isn't. Don't lie Harry Potter." Dobby said sternly before softening, "Dobby get hot chocolate for Harry Potter. That make him feel better." And Dobby disappeared with another pop.
"Harry?"
"Merlin I fucked up, Drake."
"No you didn't."
"Voldemort knows I can do wandless now. How hasn't that fucked everything up?" Harry said in an emotionless tone.
"He doesn't know how powerful you are, nor how experienced you are with it. And because the way you used your hand and wand, it still looks like you're dependent on it."
"I guess. But it wo-"Harry continued to mumble into Draco's jumper but was cut off.
"Don't worry about it Harry. Voldemort can't even do wandless magic. There's nothing to worry about." Draco reassured as Dobby 'popped' back into the classroom, balancing 2 hot chocolates and a plate loaded with croissants.
"Thankyou, Dobby." Harry and Draco said together and the house elf disappeared with yet another pop.
Harry took a tentative sip of the hot chocolate to find it a perfect temperature. Sighing in satisfaction he settled back into Draco, taking a ham and cheese croissant with him. His thoughts hung heavily on his shoulders as he took his time eating. Draco watched in silence.
Twenty minutes laster, Harry finally finished the croissant and took up the mug again.
"What else is bothering you?" Draco finally asked.
"It's not just Voldemort. There's going to be everyone here looking at me, then there'll be article's with the Daily Prophet, and the rest of the wizarding world. And Ron already thinks I'm evil. People will think I'm evil because I'm powerful, even because I'm a Slytherin. I don't want to be a Dark Lord, Draco." Harry leaned into Draco in the same emotionless tone.
"Harry, you create your own reality. If you don't want to be evil, then don't. It's your choice. Everyone will see that you don't want to be evil. It's not in your nature. And besides, Blaise already made a fairly public statement that you wouldn't be evil. It should be all over the school by now and it will make it to the outside world. We'll cope. And 'I' know you're not evil." Draco smiled as he gave Harry a big hug and kissed his cheek. "Come on, eat up. Otherwise Dobby will be after me for not making you eat enough."
They laughed as Harry took another croissant and ate it faster than the last.
"Lesson starts soon." Harry said as he glanced at his watch. "We going?"
"Only if you want. You up to it?"
"Have to some time. Why not now?!" Harry was spurred into movement as he slapped his hand on Draco's knee and stood up.
"You're sure?" Draco asked as Harry turned around, slight smile playing across his face as he took a deep breath.
"Yep. I'll be alright, Drake."
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Returning to the public was a lot easier for Harry than he thought when he returned for Transfiguration. The class stared at him for a few minutes, whispers running rampant through the desks. But Harry easily ignored the incident in that he recognised their behaviour but gave it no consideration beyond that. He acted as he normally would, as he smiled at Draco.
Draco. Once again, Harry didn't know what he'd do without the blonde git. He hadn't let himself fall apart in a long time, but Draco had been there and had held him. That was all that he'd needed to regroup himself. Being wrapped up in Draco's arms made him feel safe and strong. He couldn't doubt Draco when he spoke with such passion and care.
It was the end result of these thinkings that really got Harry through the day with a smile on his face. 'I'm in love with Draco.'
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Dinner whizzed by in a flash and it was already coming onto 8 o'clock.
For once, Draco was on the bottom as he and Harry lay together on the couch. Harry had Draco's shirt open as he trailed butterfly kisses over the blonde's chest, paying extra attention to the nipples as Draco writhed beneath him.
"We've got the Order meeting soon." Harry said between kisses. Draco nodded as he ran his hands through Harry's hair. "And we have to pick up Ron and Hermione."
Draco groaned in annoyance.
"Come on." Harry kissed him once on the chest before engaging Draco's mouth in a deep kiss that left Draco dazed and Harry grinning. "To Gryffindor Tower."
Harry eventually got Draco on his feet and shirt buttoned up. Leaving their robes behind they left for Gryffindor tower in their uniforms, Harry rolling up his cuffs and Draco casting a charm on both of them to remove creases.
As they got to the Gryffindor corridor, the Fat Lady was already talking from 20 metres away. Finally arriving, the Fat Lady automatically opened for him to pass through as Draco waited outside.
Patriotic Hermione was still continuing to keep strong ties with her house as she had seated herself in her favourite chair with a stack of books and parchment in favour of her quiet Head Girl room. Striding in, the noise level dropped a moment before picking up again as Harry Potter walked into their midst on his way to Hermione. The Head Girl didn't even notice Harry's presence until he'd knelt down in front of her and placed a hand on her knee to gain her attention.
"Oh! Harry. What are you doing here?" she asked, flustered yet kindly as she shuffled some parchment together.
"Order meeting. Dumbledore wants you and Ron to come." Harry whispered.
"Oh. Let me just pack u-"
"WHAT the HELL is HE doing here?!" Ron roared from the stairs leading to the boy's dormitories and the entire common room fell silent as they all looked around and shrugged.
Ron strode over quickly and placed himself between Hermione and Harry. "Get out." Ron seethed as Harry stood to his full height, only giving an inch or two to the red head.
"Dumbledore wants to see you and Hermione." Harry said in his calm voice as he looked Ron straight in the eye. Ron immediately glared back as he locked eyes and wouldn't surrender.
Harry stared back a few moments before shaking his head, somewhat disappointed in Ron's lack of maturity. "We don't have time for your games, Weasley. Come on 'Mione."
And Harry turned and left with Hermione out into the corridor to wait for the red headed hot-head. Once outside, Draco was smirking as he came close to Harry, placing hands on Harry's hips, their chests touching, as he whispered in Harry's ear, "You're so hot when you're all macho and mature."
Harry shivered as Draco's tongue flicked out and licked his ear. Separating, Harry gave a smirk as Draco eyed him lustfully. But the moment was broken when a giggle sounded from behind them. Draco glared at the bushy haired Gryffindor as Harry gained a slight pink tinge; he gave Draco a quick kiss to the lips before the portrait hole opened again and Ron strode out. He didn't stop and wait for anyone as he slammed the portrait shut and stalked down on his own to Dumbledore's office. The other three followed shortly after as Draco mumbled, "Drama Queen."
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"Ah. Here they are. Do take a seat." Dumbledore motioned for the four of them to sit down in the four remaining seats within the circle: two besides Professor Snape and two on the other side amongst many of the Aurors.
Taking a quick glance, Harry noticed many of the members discretely pointing at himself and Draco and whispers flying around. The main topic of conversation was Harry's new talent and why a Malfoy was invited/brought to one of their meetings. Continuing to look around Harry's eyes finally landed on a familiar face.
Remus Lupin was seated next to Kingsley and the ex-Professor was staring back at Harry, a large smile on his face. He gave Harry a discreet wave and Harry smiled. Harry then turned his now bored stare to Dumbledore who called for attention. But many of the Order members were rather disgruntled as they all scowled at Draco, and some also at Harry, giving Dumbledore the minimal attention necessary.
Dumbledore 'ahemed' to gain everyone's attention but he only gained a few peoples notice as the rest of the congregation were still staring/scowling/glaring at the three Slytherins. To Snape this was nothing new, as he looked to Dumbledore, waiting for him to go on with the meeting; but Harry and Draco were a little nervous, though they showed no signs.
Again, Dumbledore 'ahemed' and most looked to him. "Is there something bothering some members?"
"What the hell are they doing here?" an unknown Auror near the back sneered.
"To whom are you referring? I trust all here." Dumbledore calmly responded.
"Potter and Malfoy!" The Auror spat, "Both Slytherins, Potter's close to becoming a Dark Lord if he isn't already and Malfoy is the son on a Death Eater. I see no reason to trust them." Many other Order members nodded at this, most noticeably one Ron Weasley; Hermione shook her head sadly.
"Mr Potter is not becoming a Dark Lord, am I right Harry?"
"As if. I hate the attention as it is!" Harry said, bored, arms crossed over his chest as he looked around above everyone's heads.
"And Mr Malfoy may be the son of a Death Eater, but doesn't wish to follow in his father's footsteps, am I correct?"
"I was taught to believe that Malfoy's bow down to no one, as you can see, Lucius has set such a wonderful example. And anyway. I like my skin the way it is." Draco said in a slight sneer as he stared down anyone willing in the room.
"And there you have it. Now. To business –"
"What do you mean, 'that's it'? How can you brush them off so easily?! They're Death Eaters or even Dark Lord's themselves!! They should be put in Azkaban. Both of them!" Ron sneered, standing now to glare across the room.
"That is enough Mr Weasley! Sit down!" Dumbledore said forcefully without hardly changing the tone of his voice.
"RONALD WEASLEY! Do NOT speak about Harry like that!" Mrs Weasley admonished her son the same time as Dumbledore.
"NO!!! I won't!! They're evil!!! No one knows what they're capable of!!!"
"Ron. I can do a little wandless magic. It's got nothing to do with the price of chips. And I don't want to be evil, you should know that. So why are you carrying on like this?" Harry spoke calmly as he surveyed the red head.
"How should I know anything? You're a Slytherin now. And all Slytherins are evil!!" Ron took a step forward.
"Hey! I resent that!" Draco yelled, sitting up in his chair, ready to take action.
"Mr Weasley, might I remind you that I am also a Slytherin. Many a time I have proven my loyalty to the Order. So I'd suggest that you keep your tongue still and mouth closed in the future." Severus Snape entered the argument as he glared heatedly. "Unless you are still petty enough to continue this childish act of detestation since the age of eleven?"
"I'm not being childish!! Why is it that I'm the only one that sees this!? They're evil! They're working against us!!!"
"Ron. I want to see Voldemort destroyed just as much as you do, if not more." Harry stood to add conviction to his statement.
"So you can take his place!" Ron stepped closer as he balled his fist.
"Look Weasley! Harry is not evil! He doesn't want to see anyone die. And neither do I. So get over yourself!" Draco stood to Harry's side, giving him support.
"This coming from the Death Eater Ferret!" Ron took another step closer, barely half a meter separating them.
"I am not a Death Eater, Weasel!" Draco spat.
"Death Eater." And Ron took a swing as his fist collided with Draco's cheek. Draco was immediately back in the game as he swung his own fist at Ron, blood now gushing from the red head's nose.
The fight continued for another few moments as everyone stood to end the fight. This was in vain however because before anyone got there, Ron had doubled up and was lying on the ground clutching his stomach. Draco was breathing heavily, a trickle of blood making its way down from a cut on one cheek and some bruising coming up in various places.
"I am not a Death Eater Weasel. Get over it!" Draco spat again, as he allowed Harry to turn him around. The raven haired brought a tissue out and wiped the blood from Draco's face before healing the bruising and cuts wandlessly.
"That's enough, boys. All of you." Dumbledore frowned at the scene but Harry just rolled his eyes.
Harry led Draco back to their seat as Hermione picked Ron off the ground. He glared at the two Slytherins as the blood trickled down his face from the numerous cuts, whilst his face blossomed into various shades of black and blue.
"The reason why I called this meeting is because we have recently had contact from a Death Eater that is interested in defecting. Since Severus has been found as a traitor to Voldemort, we have been unable to gain any information about the activities of Voldemort or his Death Eaters. This is why this Death Eater's approach is so important, as they may be able to gather information for us."
"Who is it?" Draco asked as he pinched his nose to stop the oncoming headache.
"We are not aware who the correspondent is at the present time, but a meeting has been set up for the next few days. Hopefully this will be successful."
"Who's to say it isn't Voldemort trying to set a trap?" Harry asked logically.
"We believe it to be genuine."