A big and hearty thank you to all that has replied to my fic! I take it that many of you haven't read this fic before from the way you guys write your reviews. I'm glad that you do like it, even though it's not as good as my fic Unite or Crumble. (Which, btw, it being worked on. Please be patient.)
I also have an idea of writing up a new part to this fic. Like in between chapters, or something. Not sure what I'll do yet, but I just thought that you should all know (especially those of you that read this before).
Title: Protégé part 8
Warnings and notes: This is a slash fic, which means that it involves two guys having strong feelings for one another. This is your only warning; so if you do not like reading about two men in love, then don't read. Go read some other fic.
Note that this is my first Harry Potter story. (It's edited!) I am not new to the Yaoi/slash concept, and I have written many fics for the Gundam Wing universe (and been writing GW fics for over two years!).
First written: July 20, 2002
Pairings: Draco/Harry, Ron/Hermione (others?)
Year: 6th
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of these characters! J.K. Rowlings is the wonderful person who does, and I wish her luck with her next book.
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Part 8: The Little Man
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Harry had just sat down to breakfast when he heard a loud scream and then a slap. Harry looked across the Great Hall and saw that Draco was holding one of his cheeks and he was glaring up at an enraged Pansy. Harry felt his blood boil.
"You pompous, unfeeling asshole!!" The Slytherin table and part of the Gryffindor table heard Pansy scream. "If I catch you sending one more flower to Harry-fucking-Potter, I will personally make sure that you aren't able to have any children!" She stormed off.
The whole Slytherin table was staring disbelievingly at Draco. A few seconds later, Draco lifted a middle finger Pansy's way. He looked back down at his breakfast, muttering, "Stupid bitch." Then he looked up and noticed that they were all staring at him. "Mind your own fucking business." He grounded out.
"So, that rose was from you!" Crabbe gasped.
Goyle was looking too shocked to say anything.
"I mean it, leave me alone!" Draco slammed his fork down onto the table and then got up and stomped off.
The Gryffindors were looking just as shocked. Those that didn't know beforehand that the rose was from Malfoy were muttering to themselves. Ron was nodding his head, saying that he knew that Malfoy was up to no good. It sounded as if Ron thought that Malfoy sent the rose to Harry so he could try making it up to the Gryffindor for putting that Protection charm on him, and also to make Pansy jealous. Many had agreed with Ron's theory, which Harry was thankful for. He didn't know if he'd be able to explain anything now, with everyone listening.
Harry got up and quietly followed Draco. Most of the Gryffindor table and the Slytherin table saw him go. When he disappeared from sight, the room filled with constant chatter.
~*~
"Draco!"
Draco heard his name called and stopped short, not too sure if he should turn around.
Harry caught up to him and then placed a hand on his shoulder, "What was that all about?"
"Didn't you *hear* the nosy bitch?" Draco spat. "She hit me because she found out that I was the one that sent you that rose. And now I'm sure that Goyle and Crabbe will let her know about the other . . . I mean … they will probably never talk to me again, or beat me into a living pulp." Draco wasn't really scared of his so-called goon squad; he was just trying to get some sympathy from Potter.
"You're a better wizard than them." Harry pointed out, "You could curse them or something."
Draco let a small smile slip, but then he reinforced himself. 'Damn!' He thought, 'I guess it's not going to be that easy to get sympathy from him.'
"If you're trying to cheer me up, Potter . . ." He turned, forcing Harry's hand to drop from his shoulder, and looked deeply into those worrisome eyes. "You'd have to do *so* much better than that."
Harry smiled softly, "What other thing would Goyle and Crabbe let her know about?"
Draco looked away. "Never mind. It's personal." Harry could have sworn he saw a slight blush.
"So, who cares what other people say? Let them talk!" Harry said, remembering what Draco said about cheering him up. "It's really none of their business who you do or do not like."
Draco looked up at him with a glint in his eye, "Oh? You think I like you?"
Harry shrugged, "Why else would you protect me, or . . . um, help me with that strange plant, or even . . . kiss me?"
Malfoy crossed his arms, smirking in amusement. "Are you saying that you don't mind being thought of as my boyfriend?"
Harry shrugged again. "It doesn't bother me."
"And the reason?"
Harry took two steps forward, nose almost touching Draco's, and then leaned forward to place a small, chaste kiss on Draco's lips. Draco sighed, letting his eyes close with a flutter. The kiss ended too soon for either of their liking.
"Does that answer your question?" Harry asked. All Draco could do was nod tersely.
~*~
If Potions class wasn't enjoyable before, it was horrid today. The Slytherins weren't only poking fun at Harry, but they were also giving Draco disapproving looks. Crabbe and Goyle were sitting next to each other behind Draco; talking in hushed whispers that Draco was sure weren't very pleasant. He was sitting alone, staring ahead of him into nothing. When Snape entered the room, the whispers had died down.
"I have heard the humors and I am hoping that it will not effect this class. Anyone speaking about it will be given detention for a week." He shifted his eyes at Harry, who was looking unfazed as usual. Snape wasn't in the mood to be putting up with teenage angst, or any kind of crap like it.
"Today we will be making a levitation potion. It is more reliable than the charm, and more fool-proof." Snape then looked over at the table that was behind Harry, "Unless, of course, you're Longbottom."
Neville instantly began to squirm under that gaze.
"You will take out your notebooks and write these ingredients down word for word, I will pair you up, and then you will come up and get the stuff you need." One by one, Snape told them all what they needed and then when that was done, he put them all in pairs. "Today seems like the perfect opportunity to see just how well some of you have learned to cope with one another. I will be pairing the two Houses together for this project. Granger, you're with Bulstrode. Weasley, you're with Crabbe."
"Oh, for the love of crumb cake . . ." Ron mumbled.
"Brown, you're with Parkinson. Patil, you're with Zabini. Longbottom, you're with Goyle." Snape continued on and on, until the last pairing, which was obvious, was finally named. "Potter, you're with Malfoy."
"Oh, of course." Harry sighed.
"No lip from you today, Mr. Potter. Understand?"
Harry sighed, "Yes, sir."
"Good. Now, Slytherins come up and get the stuff. We can't have any mishaps like the last time."
Neville squirmed again.
While all the Slytherins were up at the front getting their things, Harry felt a sharp pain in his shin. He yipped, getting his friends' attention, but he assured them with quick hand gestures that he was fine. He looked down at his shin and saw there, almost knee-high, the little man. Harry furrowed his brow and tried to shoo the thing away, but it cracked a smile at him.
"What you say is true, Potter boy? What you say?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow at it, and its strange way of talking, and then looked over at Hermione. "Psst. Hermione! Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"That voice."
"All I hear is you." Hermione said and then turned her attention back to the front.
"You're the only one that can hear me, Potter boy." The little man said.
Harry sighed, 'Great, I *am* going crazy.' He didn't dare say anything to the little man, because he didn't want everyone thinking he was any crazier. When he felt another tug on his pants, he looked down. The little man was smiling at him again.
"What say we have fun?"
"What say we don't?" Harry hissed under his breath.
Draco had gotten all of the supplies needed and he sat down next to Harry. "All right, just remember that I do NOT want to be the only one doing this. You will help, won't you?"
"Oh, yes, of course. Whatever you say, Malfoy. You're wish is my command." Harry said sardonically.
"Good." Draco said, not caring if he was mocking him or not. He had this overwhelming urge to say something about Harry's unknown innuendo, but he decided not to since there were people around. "Now, cut the wormroot while I shred the . . . Ow! Did you just kick me, Potter?"
"No, I didn't." Harry looked down instantly and saw that the little man was grinning up at him.
Draco followed Harry's gaze but saw nothing. "It was too you. Knock it off or I'm telling Professor Snape."
"I didn't do it!" Harry huffed.
"Sure you didn't." Draco rolled his eyes.
"I didn't!"
"If you didn't, then who did?" Draco demanded.
Harry was trying to concentrate on cutting up the wormroot, not wishing to answer him.
"That's what I thought. Little liar."
"If I told you who it was, you wouldn't believe me." Harry hissed.
Draco finished shredding his ingredient and put it into the bubbling pot. "Of course not." He got most of the liquid ingredients into the cauldron beforehand. He stirred it, and then added a couple more ingredients. "Are you finished with that wormroot yet?"
"Yes." Harry gave him the cut up pieces.
"Good. Put them in . . . Potter." Draco narrowed his eyes at Harry.
"What? What did I do now? Is the wormroot not chopped even enough for you or something?"
"You kicked me again." Draco said, sounding very annoyed.
Harry sighed heavily, "Look, it's not me. You have to believe me."
"Right. Not you. I guess it was Professor Snape then?"
"No. It was . . ." Harry looked down. The little man was gone.
"I am not playing anymore of your stupid games, Potter. Do you understand?" Draco put the cauldron on simmer. "Stir this for me, I have to talk to Professor Snape."
"To complain?" Harry sneered.
Draco gave him a look and then stood to walk up toward Snape's desk. Harry gasped when he saw, sitting there on Malfoy's shoulder, was the little man.
The little man waved at him, and then took out a long sharp needle.
"No! Stop!" Harry got up and went to grab the little man but it disappeared and Harry ended up tackling Draco's shoulder.
Draco whirled around and gave Harry a glare. "What is wrong with you??" Harry looked around for the little man. When he did, he saw the way the whole class was staring at him like he's gone mad. 'Maybe I am going completely insane.'
"There was this . . . it was . . . a little man."
"A what, Potter?"
"A little man." Harry said again. He knew that no one would believe him, but he WAS telling the truth.
"Look," Draco was now pointing a menacing finger at Harry. "I do NOT know what is wrong with you, but there is NO little man, Potter! Either stop acting like a loon, or go have your head examined!"
Snape then stood up, "Is there a problem here, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes. Potter's acting like a complete nutter. I wish to switch partners with someone."
"I'm sorry, but the lesson is almost finished and it would be pointless to switch now."
"But, sir!"
"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape slammed his hands onto his desk. "Don't question me! Now go sit down and look after the potion. And as for you, Mr. Potter," he pointed a long finger at Harry, "You will stop behaving irrationally and help Mr. Malfoy with the potion."
"Yes, sir." Harry sighed, sitting back down.
"What are you all staring at? Get to work!" Snape hissed. Everyone instantly jumped and went back to making their potions.
~*~
Once everyone had finished with their potion, Snape would have them take a small sip each. The more they drink, the higher and longer they would be able to float. For now, Snape had told them, they were to only take a sip.
The color of the potion was supposed to be a light blue color. When Snape stopped over at Longbottom and Goyle's cauldron, he noticed that it was purple instead of light blue.
Snape took a ladle and scooped some up for everyone to see, "Just what color is this, Mr. Longbottom?"
"It's . . . it's . . ." Neville squeaked.
"It's violet, Mr. Longbottom! And what color is it supposed to be?"
"B-b-blue, sir?"
"LIGHT blue, Longbottom! Are you color blind?"
"No, sir." Neville was shaking.
"Then WHY is it violet?"
All Neville could do was shake and frown.
"I will tell you why. It's because you added too many Unicorn hairs! It specifically asks for four strands. Four strands! How many did you add, Longbottom?"
"I . . . I added four . . ."
"Then why is it violet?"
Neville shyly peered over at Goyle, who was twirling his quill in his hand innocently. "Sir, I think maybe . . . I think Goyle here . . .."
"So you're blaming your partner for your mistake?"
Neville gulped and looked down at his lap.
"Five points from Gryffindor. I think we all know why." Snape stalked away.
Harry hissed between his teeth. He knew that Goyle sabotaged the potion, but was Goyle really that willing to do that to his own grade?
"Oh, by the way, Mr. Goyle, your grade won't be affected because of Longbottom's mistake."
All of the Gryffindors looked appalled. Snape turned back to look at the class. "Everyone take a small sip of their potion now." He eyed Longbottom, "Everyone."
"Even Goyle?" Lavender asked.
Snape whirled around to give her a beady stare. "No. Goyle will take some from Miss Granger's cauldron."
Goyle grinned, looking in front of him. Hermione could feel those eyes boring through the back of her head.
Everyone took a small sip of his or her potion (and Goyle took a sip of Hermione's). Harry felt the sudden weightlessness of his body being levitated from his seat. He went up about four inches and then stopped.
When Neville tasted his potion, he felt a sudden twitch in his eyes before he felt his stomach quickly fill with air. He instantly put his hands to his stomach and groaned from the pressure. Goyle noticed that Longbottom's stomach was getting so big that it looked like he was pregnant. Goyle inched away, or more like, floated away, to a safe corner of the room.
Harry looked back at what the laughter was about and saw what was happening to poor Neville. He really looked like he was in pain. "Neville? Are you …"
Before Harry could ask, Neville let out a very loud groan and he felt his belly deflate instantly. It all came out through his mouth and his . . . .
"Oooh, ewwww!" Everyone gagged.
So completely and totally embarrassed, Neville closed his eyes and grit his teeth. This was the longest gas attack he had ever had. He sounded just like a giant balloon being deflated.
When Neville had finally finished releasing his air, and everyone had somewhat calmed down from coughing and looking sick, he groaned to himself. "I felt like I was about to explode!"
"The reason why you didn't, Mr. Longbottom, is because you have . . . exits."
Everyone started to laugh again.
"Now his name fits him." Draco whispered to Harry.
Harry glared back at the Slytherin. "Be nice."
Draco grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
Snape walked over and sat back down at his desk. "Everyone remember what happened because you'll get quizzed on it."
Harry was sure that nobody was going to ever forget that!
~*~
After Snape was finished writing something down, Harry noticed, he had taken out a long rack of vials of a variety. Snape, then, took out a beaker and began to pour a few drops of a couple vials and then he reached over and took a handful of some kind of powder.
While he watched Snape doing this, the little man popped up again. This time the little man, or whatever it was, was now hovering above Snape's head. It looked directly at Harry and winked.
"What say we make Snape go boom?"
Harry shook his head vigorously.
"Yes, yes, we make Snape go BOOOOOM!"
To Harry's horror, the little man suddenly transformed the potion in Snape's hand into one Harry recognized as a very explosive and deadly concoction. One drop of the stuff into any other potion would destroy half of the school! Before Harry even stopped to think of what he was doing, he leapt over the desk and reached up to grab at Snape's hand that was about to pour in the wrong stuff.
It wasn't a good thing. The moment that Harry grabbed Snape's hand, Snape's skin began to turn a bright red and blister up. The Professor screamed in agony and then dropped his vial, which burnt a hole through his desk.
Harry reeled back in terror when he finally realized what he had done. Snape was holding his hand and glaring dagger's at him.
"DETENTION, POTTER!"
"Sir . . . oh, cripes, I'm sorry! But you grabbed the wrong vial and I was just trying to . . ."
"Grabbed the wrong vial?? I *knew* which vial I had grabbed!"
"But sir, there was this little man floating above you . . . and he changed it on you . . ."
"Detention next week as well, Potter!" Harry flinched. "AND . . ." He looked over at Draco who was trying not to laugh. "Detention for Mr. Malfoy for placing the stupid charm on you in the first place!"
Draco stood up, "But, sir!"
"NO BUTS, Mr. Malfoy! Either you have detention as long as Potter here, or you take the charm off of him!"
Everyone waited with baited breath to see if Draco would actually defy his favorite teacher. Draco sighed, knowing that he was finally defeated. "All right, sir." He took out his wand.
"Glad to see that you've finally come to your senses, Mr. Malfoy." Snape walked over and took out a small vial of what Harry thought was some kind of healing potion because he started to pour a few drops onto his hand.
"Oh, sir, I'm sorry. I forgot about the Protection charm."
"I don't want any excuses, Potter." Snape eyed Draco.
Draco got up and walked over to stand in front of Harry. He held his wand out, looking very reluctant about doing it. He sighed, waved it at Harry and muttered,
"Finite Incanatem."
~TBC~
I only edited a few mistakes and add a little bit of detail. I might write a new chapter for this in the middle of another chapter, or have an epilogue or something. Not sure what I'm doing yet. If I decide on writing a new part, then it might take me longer to get the next one out.
Thanks again for reviewing, and thank you old readers for re-reading this and reviewing once more!