Disclaimer; I'm poor don't sue
Chapter 41 (at last)
Harry awoke the next morning to find that he had not only not bothered to get undressed but he had forgotten to take the makeup off and now looked like a sad clown as the black eyeliner had ran down his face. His thoughts went back to the previous night; his eyes went wide he slammed his face into the pillow. Ron laughed from the other side of the room; apparently he hadn't shut the curtains either. After a few minutes he got back up and looked at Ron, who had been staring at him in amusement.
"I am so going to get expelled" He muttered getting up heading for the showers. Ron just laughed.
"Surely not, I'm sure Dumbledore is used to open displays of teenage rebellion, mind you I guess not many would have the courage to actually say 'fuck you I wont do what you tell me'" Harry winced at the words. He then thought about it'
"Courage" he murmured Ron nodded.
"Yup, showing your true Gryffindor colours must have got them from your mum." Harry shook his head.
"No not that, I was thinking about those courage potion I took last night. I think they were a little strong" Ron nodded in mock understanding.
"Yeah Harry which is why only you ended up acting like that out of all the people who took it" Harry glared at him for a few seconds before admitting defeat. He grabbed his towel and headed out muttering,
"I am so screwed"
##
Outkast groaned when she turned over and found that not only was she back in her own room, but she was alone too. Apparently Sev had been upset the night before at her allowing Harry to sing Killing in the Name of as an encore. She got up slowly feeling drained. She had a shower and got dressed for the day, staring at her reflection she started mentally preparing for the verbal sparring match that was no doubt going to take place with Dumbledore at some point soon.
##
Sev stalked to breakfast not feeling particularly happy about the way last nights events had panned out. He was feeling a little annoyed with Harry, but then remembered that he had behaved pretty well given he had ingested a total of 6 courage potions, if he had been any other student, he would have been brazenly ignoring any form of authority and probably hexed most of the student body. He was walking along by the Slytherin common room when Draco and his entourage emerged. Severus smothered the smirk when he saw that Outkast had yet to remove the hex on his hair. Draco was pretending it bothered him and was ranting about the 'unprofessional attitude of some of the staff' but Sev could tell that he wasn't too bothered and was doing it for show. The other Slytherin's hadn't caught onto this and were showering their prince in sympathy for his situation and praise for the effect his song had on Harry. Draco was a good actor but Sev knew him far better and saw the slight cringe at the mention of it.
##
About an hour later Harry found himself in the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione studiously avoiding the gazes he was receiving from the students and staff alike. He was relived when the mail came diverting everyone's attention, but his relief was short live when Hedwig along with three other owls landed around him. He took the letters and three of the owls left, Hedwig remained and received some beacon as a reward. Harry sighed, three of the letters had the school's seal on them, the fourth was plain and he didn't recognise the handwriting. He opened the ones he recognised first. He cringed at the handwriting; Headmaster Dumbledore, his father and Professor Flitwick. Harry pondered over why the charms professor was sending him mail and opened that one to start with;
Mr. Potter,
In light of your excellent performance at the ball I was hoping you would agree to joining the school choir I am forming, we will be performing both traditional and contemporary muggle and wizard songs. Please let me know
Professor Flitwick
Harry raised an eyebrow that was not what he had expected
"What's that about Harry?" Ron said in between mouthfuls of food, Harry shrugged and handed it over. He noticed he wasn't the only one with the letter, Ginny and Hermione had received a similar one too. He moved onto the second letter, from the headmaster;
Harry,
Your presence is required in my office at 10am, please do not be late.
AD
Well at least he hadn't used his full signature, so there was a chance he wasn't going to be expelled. The third letter was from his father;
Harry,
I am aware that you will be talking to the headmaster today, but at some point this afternoon please come to my quarters for a discussion about last night.
SS
Harry handed both of those over to Ron and Hermione too, they gave him sympathetic looks, Harry turned his attention to the last letter, the script was elegant and neat, not that of the scrawl of his friends.
Harry,
Why did you choose that song if you knew how bad it was??? Nevertheless it was not my intention to cause you distress, please can you meet me in the Room of Requirement after dinner tonight.
DM
Harry looked over to the Slytherin table and made contact with a pair of silver eyes, he nodded once to show he agreed to the meeting and put the letter in his pocket without showing his friends. Harry sighed three meetings, it was going to be a busy day.
"Harry can I ask you something?" No, I already have enough to deal with today he thought, but would never say that to Hermione, so he just smiled slightly
"Sure, what?"
"We were wondering if you would teach the DA again" Harry raised an eyebrow
"But we have competent…. Well one competent and one insane, teacher this year we
don't really need it" Hermione nodded
"Yes but a lot of us felt that what we learnt last year was really useful and it still goes beyond the curriculum. Plus this year it wouldn't have to be a secret. Look you don't have to answer now just have a think about it ok? A lot of students would really like it if you did though" Harry nodded and filed it under 'things to think about when you have the time' and turned back to his rapidly cooling breakfast.
##
Breakfast at the staff table was a strained affair, with many members torn between praising Outkast for a successful evening and chastising her for providing drink and allowing some of the songs. In the end they came to a silent agreement not to talk. Most of the staff were thinking back to the evens of the previous night, and mainly the performances of a certain Gryffindor who had given two powerful performances.
Outkast followed the headmaster up to his office after the uncomfortable meal. She took a seat and awaited the other members of the firing line. Remus and Minerva arrived together leaving Severus to stalk in last. Albus conjured tea for his guests before beginning. He cleared his throat
"I think you all know why we are here, I would like to offer you this chance to explain yourself for the totally unprofessional behaviour and decisions you made last night
Outkast." He paused looked at her, Outkast shrugged
"Which bit? The children had a good time, no one died and fun was had by all" she turned he attention to inspecting her nails; this wasn't done by instinct but as a show of indifference.
"Which bit?" Minerva snarled
"How about providing minors with alcohol, how about dancing with the students, how about allowing him to sing that song" Outkast smirked
"Firstly, you had no problem with the drinks last night, and secondly how many hangovers were there?"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" she shouted standing up. Outkast rose too and glared back
"It IS the point, think about how many those kids were putting back last night, don't you find it just a little odd that they all made it to breakfast, that NO ONE was sick in the night, that Poppy has had not one visitor for hangover potion?" Outkast rolled her eyes and set down. Minerva looked at the males for help, but Remus and Albus were thinking about it while Sev was smirking, she gave him a wink
"Obecalp" she said
"What?" Remus said, Outkast grinned
"Obecalp, often prescribed in hospitals its placebo backwards. Oh honestly McGonagall did you really think I'd give all those kids booze?"
"You took the alcohol out" Albus was beginning to regain the twinkle in his eye
"Of course I did, but because they thought they were drinking they acted like they had. Rather effective don't you think?" Minerva was sulking
"Well that doesn't excuse you behaviour towards Mr. Potter" Outkast sighed
"Is that what this is all about? Right. Fine. Harry needed a release; he needed to be someone else for the night, Harry maybe a student here but he was my friend first and foremost I acted no different to him last night than I did when he was at the Frankenstein
Place. I admit dosing his drink was irresponsible but had I known that the twins and you
Remus" she gave him a pointed look before continuing
"Were going to do the same thing I wouldn't have bothered." She waited for the questions, but Albus was stuck on the revelations on the potions
"Wait, so Harry didn't know you had given him it?"
"No"
"And then he had more himself?"
"Yes"
"How many in total?"
"Six. That we know of" she added as an after thought.
"That would explain his out of character behaviour. In fact if he had indeed drank six times the recommended amount then he was still remarkably good." There was a knock on the door.
"Come in Harry" Harry entered the room and came to a halt he didn't realise that so many members of staff would be here. He chewed his lip nervously and took the overstuffed chair the headmaster pointed out. He drew his legs up against his chest and waited for his punishment.
"Harry I admit recent events have changed what I was going to say to you, but I am still glad you are hear. Firstly two people owe you and apology" Harry looked puzzled.
Outkast coughed before crouching down by him to get eye contact
"Harry I want to apologise, I dosed your drink with the courage potion" he looked at her and shrugged. She sighed
"Hey kid, I didn't mean anything by it, I just thought you could use the boost. Friends?" Harry nodded and she grinned at him before standing, she turned and glared at Remus he didn't seem to be making any indication to move. Under her scrutiny he rose and crouched by Harry too, this time Harry curled up tighter and moved away, Remus sighed and took a step back
"Harry, I did the same as Outkast, I'm sorry apparently a lot of people feel you could do with being a little bolder" Harry nodded again but didn't make eye contact with him, instead he looked at Outkast. She gave him an encouraging look, he took a deep breath
"That's ok Moony, I'm sorry for what I said too I was out of line" Remus smile slightly he hadn't expected an apology, after all Harry had been correct.
"Thank you Harry" he said quietly. Harry swallowed and then continued
"Also I'm sorry for my behaviour last night, I was out of line I should have chosen something else" an awkward silence fell on the room, Harry didn't uncurl even a little or even look up to meet the gazes. Dumbledore seemed prepared to wait him out. Finally Harry resurrected and strengthened his mental walls and looked up at the aging headmaster. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling merrily, all he had wanted Harry to do was apologise and it had been given freely without prompting, he had never had a student he could feel more proud of.
"Apology accepted Harry, now how are you feeling?" Harry stopped fiddling with the loose thread on his jeans, his voice become toneless
"I'm fine" Dumbledore sighed
"I don't believe you Harry, you are not a good liar" Harry wrapped his arms round his legs and started rocking backwards and forwards. Outkast looked over at Sev and indicated to Harry. Severus rose slowly not really sure what to do but figured that Harry could probably use a hug. As he approached his son he noticed that his was shaking as well. Slowly he knelt by him, he wrapped his arms slowly around the form, and to his surprise and inward delight Harry lent into the touch soaking up the affection like a sponge. Minerva was in emotional turmoil over the little scene, on one level the over whelming one – she was glad Harry had found someone to trust and even more pleased that the someone was his father, but there was a little part of her that couldn't help feeling like she had failed the boy, after all he had been in her house for over five years and she had never seen the signs. Of course when she looked back she could see them now but at the time they had seemed inconsequential.
"Harry please remember that you can come to any professor if you need someone to talk to, I'm your head of house and I will always make time for you" Harry nodded from inside his father's arms but instead of being reassured buried himself deeper, so he was practically sitting on Severus. Severus resolved the internal struggle he was having between keeping face and pulling Harry onto his lap and cuddling him properly. He stood up scooping Harry out of the chair before sitting back down and landing Harry on him, he ensconced the boy in his arms rubbing circles on his wrists. Harry settled slightly leaning his head against his father's chest. Severus looked over Harry's head at the headmaster and raised an eyebrow. Albus nodded and then turned his attention to the other occupants.
"Thank you for coming, but I'm sure that you have better things to do on your day off" the teachers nodded and rose, Harry made to leave but Severus tightened his grip
"Not us" he whispered to Harry. After the other people had left Harry looked quizzically from his father to the headmaster
"Did I do something else wrong?" he asked nervously. Severus gave him a reassuring squeeze
"No Harry, it's nothing like that. We want to talk to you about something you are not going to want to talk about" Harry cringed, he had a feeling he knew where this was going and wished that he had done something wrong instead. He must have tensed as well because a moment later Severus had pulled him closer and was whispering soothing words. Once Harry had calmed down enough to listen they started again.
"Harry, even with your uncle… gone I have no doubt that you would rather not go back to Private Drive. Am I correct?" Harry pondered this, while Dudley had tried to help him, he had no doubt his Aunt would blame him for the death of his Uncle. So he nodded, not trusting his voice.
"We need to present a case to show the abuse and neglect to prevent this, please understand Harry that while many in the order know your true parentage, it is not common knowledge and there is very little written proof, what there was belonged to you mother and was destroyed when Godric's Hollow went up in flame" Harry nodded slowly not too sure where this was going. Albus continued
"That in mind there will be a lot of opposition to Severus claming you given who you are and what he was. Fudge will not like this at all and will probably insist that you are sent back to you relatives" Harry's eyes went wide,
"But why? I mean you say he's my d…father, so does Mrs Weasley and Professor Lupin and well most of the Order" he looked shocked he hadn't even thought about it, Severus heard something else in his phrasing and filed it to be discussed in private. The headmaster nodded
"Yes they do, however the problem is that the Order is not held in high regard with the Ministry and the Minister himself holds me as rather persona non grata" Harry tensed his jaw, he had his own problem with the Minister but he was getting sidetracked.
"So what do we do?" he asked trying not to let his anger get the better of him. The twinkle in the old wizard's eye dimmed a little
"Well the first thing we can do is file a case for abuse and neglect against you Aunt to prevent you going back. I'm sorry to say that to do this we will you need you to tell us and an official representative what happened" Harry stared at him and went white
"No" He said, there was no way he was ever going to willingly tell anyone, especially a stranger from the ministry who probably thought he was nuts. The headmaster sighed
"It is the only way and I'm sorry to say that is not the worst part"
"It wouldn't be would it?" Harry muttered, the headmaster chose to ignore it
"Harry, I'm sorry but they will insist on using veris potion" Harry looked blank, so Severus elaborated
"It's a truth serum, it's basically a diluted form of Veritaserum" Harry tensed he was definitely not liking this idea. His father, who had relaxed his hold tightened it again, Harry wasn't able to speak all he could do was shake his head. The headmaster looked at him sympathetically, wishing he had another solution, sadly he didn't.
"Harry if I find another way I will tell you but at the moment short of kidnapping you" He looked directly at Severus
"Again, I don't know any other method. Please think about it, we would all be behind you and help you, please never feel you have to be on your own ever again" Harry nodded numbly but wasn't really listening
"I think I would like to go and think about this Sir. May I be excuse?" he asked quietly when the headmaster nodded he got up and headed for the door. Severus looked at the headmaster and at his nod left too. He caught Harry on the other side of the door and pulled him back into a hug, he was unwilling to let him go, even for a second.
"Harry please talk to us, or at least even Outkast just don't go off thinking you have to lock all this up again" Harry nodded still not paying that much attention. Severus sighed and pulled his son back to look him in the eyes, seeing the confusion there hidden in the pain. Brushing the raven hair away from his forehead, Severus placed a kiss on his son's famous scar. Harry shivered and tried to pull away. Severus realised he'd pushed too far and released him but blocked his path.
"Please go back to your room I still need to talk to you, I promise it won't be as bad as this" he added with a small smile. Harry nodded and bolted, Severus followed at a slower pace so that he would not be seen with his son in the halls, while the Dark Lord knew of his loyalties, most of the Slytherin's didn't.
##
Outkast went back to her room; she had a feeling that the conversation Albus was having wasn't going to be a fun one. It would be almost as fun as the conversation she had to organise. She pulled a parchment and a quill from her desk and wrote the note, taking her time to choose the most appropriate phrasing to get the desired effect.
Minister Fudge,
As you are aware I rarely correspond with you or any of the wizarding world. What you may not be aware of is my current position inside HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have decided to inform you of this so you understand the reasons for my correspondence. I request a meeting with you on December 21st to discuss my most recent find, I have chosen as my successor. You will have no choice in this and while I would take great delight in watching him destroy you I offer you a single chance to redeem yourself to him. Do not reject this request the result would be unpleasant.
I await you prompt reply
Outkast, Dia of the lost, Keeper of the Alighters.
Not as formal and unattached as she had hoped for but it would suffice, Fudge was not really worth her effort but in this case the meeting was necessary. She sent the letter off with a school owl and now had to wait for his reply, he would not refuse her for fear of the consequences, it was not well known outside those with power but she could call an army to her, what was even less well known was that army numbered in millions, she could make Tom look like a warm up act, and if given just cause would do exactly that.
##
Harry schooled himself not to run through the school for fear of being stopped by another teacher and so was walking as fast as he could towards the third floor and his portrait. He was so lost in turning the conversation that he had just had over and over, so much so that he did not notice that Ron and Hermione had been chasing him ever since he passed the library. He got to his room and flopped on the bed. It was then that he realised he was not alone as a hand was placed on his back, he jumped a mile and was off the bed in an instant, he turned to see the concerned faces of his best friends and took a few calming breaths.
"Sorry" Hermione whispered, he shrugged and sat down again.
"What happened Harry?" she asked softly, he merely shook his head and closed his arms around himself. They sat in silence for a few minutes as Harry tried and failed to calm himself. Finally he mustered enough courage to ask someone for something he had never asked for in his life, looked wearily between Ron and Hermione not really caring which one acquiesced so long as one of them did.
"Can I have a hug…please?" He added as an afterthought. He hardly spoke the words more rather breathed them, his stomach churning fearing that they would decline, and so was a little surprised and very relieved to find that he was engulfed in arms from both sides. After a while his shaking subsided and he was able to form a sentence, he straightened up causing the other two to let go of him.
"They want to press charges" his said looking at the floor, Hermione looked thoughtful but didn't speak; Ron however did
"Good, I mean we're talking about the Dursley's right? They should be locked up for what they did to you" Harry cringed at his best friends indignant tone
"They want me to testify. They say I have to take a truth potion" he muttered still not believing the words Ron's jaw hit the floor, Hermione stared at Harry
"Do you want to testify?"
"Not really but if I don't they will send me back. There is no evidence that I am related to
Severus, it all was lost with my mum" Harry continued. Hermione thought this over
"Sometimes we have to do things we don't like to get a result we do" she said. Harry was about to ask for clarification when there was a knock at the door that joined his room to his father's chambers; Harry granted entrance and Sev walked in, her raised an eyebrow at the three Gryffindor's, Ron made a quick line for the door, Hermione held his gaze several moments longer in defiance before stalking out of the room making quiet an exit.
Severus looked wearily at Harry, who was staring at the wall in a panicked contemplation not seeming to realise that Severus was still in the room but then he spoke
"I don't have a choice do I?" his tone was resigned and broke Severus' heart.
"No I'm afraid not. If Sirius was alive and free maybe we could apply for adoption but as it stands…" Severus didn't need to finish the sentence, Harry screwed his eyes shut
"I really screwed up didn't I?" he whispered, Severus sighed; he didn't lie but wanted to offer his son some comfort
"You're not alone on that one" A tear trickled down Harry's cheek from his closed eyes
"What am I going to do Sev?" He whispered Severus sat down and rubbed little circle on his back
"I don't know Harry, but we'll think of something" Harry took a deep breath and composed himself shoving all the thoughts of the trail out his mind, before changing the subject
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Severus started to pace and pinched the bridge of his nose,
"I want to ask you something Harry, but before I do I want you to know that whatever you say I won't be angry, I just want the truth ok?" Harry chewed his lip for a moment before nodding that he agreed. Severus stopped pacing in front of Harry and lifted his chin so that he made eye contact,
"Do you believe I'm you father?"
###
Outkast was just getting ready for lunch when she got her reply, a very official owl arrived flew in carrying a letter with the ministers official seal on it. She took the letter and the owl left in a hurry. She opened the envelope breaking the seal;
Dear Dia,
Please come to my office at mid day on the 21st of December.
Congratulate the successful applicant form me
Cornelius Fudge
Minster of Magic
Outkast grinned and penned letters to Tonks and Kingsley asking them to meet outside the minister's office at 12:30, it was all coming together. Pettigrew started making noise gaining her attention, she glared at him and waved the letter at him
"You see this, it's your death warrant, at least your final act will be worth something"
###
Harry stared at Sev unsure how too answer, even though Sev had said he wouldn't be mad Harry wasn't so sure;
"It's just a little hard to accept, you have spent five years making my life hell and suddenly you tell me that you're my dad and want to act like it, and coincidently this happens when you find out what a shit life I have over the holidays" Harry spoke slowly watching for signs of the famous Snape temper, he was quite surprised when there wasn't any. Instead Severus sat down next to Harry, causing him to flinch and try to move away only to find Severus had put an arm round him holding him close. Sev sighed holding his son close to him
"I guess all you have is hearsay, is there any way that I can prove to you that I am you father" Harry thought about this
"Let me talk to Hermione, there's a muggle technique for determining paternity I want to see if there's a wizard equivalent" Sev nodded. Harry lent his head on his father's should and they stayed there for several minutes until Harry broke the silence again.
"Can I ask your advice on something, only it's sort of sensitive?" Sev snorted
"By sensitive you mean it's probably against the school rules right?" Harry shrugged
"You know me always finding trouble" Sev smiled weakly,
"Go on I promise not to tell on you" he said jokingly, Harry lifted his head to look Sev in the eyes
"Hermione wants me to teach the DA again"
"And you don't want too?" Harry shrugged
"It's not that it's just how can they take me seriously when I couldn't even defend myself against a muggle" Severus ran a hand through his son's hair affectionately
"Firstly that muggle was more of a whale, secondly you were so desperate not to do magic so you didn't have a defence, thirdly if they weren't going to take you seriously then they wouldn't have asked you to lead it. It is your choice, but I feel that you would be helping them a lot. Also with the training Outkast gave you I doubt a muggle – even one that makes King Kong look anorexic- would be able to best you without a gun" Harry nodded
"Do you think Professor Dumbledore would object?" Severus studied Harry with a raised eyebrow
"You truly think that the headmaster would deny you anything at the moment? He thinks you're his grandson not to mention the only person who can do guilt better them him is you" Harry looked a little sheepish.
"Ok, the other thing I want to ask is what do you think of Malfoy's intentions?"
"Which one?"
"Either…both" Sev thought about this
"I believe that Draco has no intention of becoming a death eater, as for Lucius… well lets say the jury's still out. Harry nodded thinking about this.
"Ok thanks. Do you want anything else? I need to talk to Hermione and Outkast" Severus gave him one last squeeze
"I just want your promise that if you ever need to talk you will talk to me, regardless of whether you believe that I'm your father or not. Please believe that I care about you" Harry nodded and got up and left in search of Hermione.
###
"You think he'll be alright?" Ron asked for the tenth time as they entered the Gryffindor common room.
"I honestly don't know Ron, I hope so. Come on that transfiguration essay won't write itself" Ron screwed up his nose in disgust but didn't complain.
Ten minuets later Harry entered, he spotted them working in the corner and went over
"Do you mind if I interrupt?" he asked Ron looked like he had been saved from a
hippogriff
"Not at all it's time for a breather" Hermione rolled her eyes at his lack of work ethic
"Hello Harry that was quick." Harry nodded
"Yeah but raised a few interesting points. Can I talk to you guys in private?" they nodded and they put up a privacy bubble. Hermione and Ron waited for Harry to start
"Ok, easy things first. Supposing I agreed to run the DA, do you really think anyone would listen to me?"
"Yes of course Harry why wouldn't they? Please say you'll do it" Hermione looked pleadingly at him, Harry sighed he'd pretty much decided to do it on the way to the tower anyway.
"Ok I'll do it, how do we get in touch with members" Hermione grinned and tugged a bag out from her robes, in it was a single Galleon she handed it to Harry
"They work like they did last years, all the old members and some new ones have them. just set the time and date" Harry nodded, it figured that Hermione would be three steps
ahead of him.
"How about later today say two hours before dinner?" Hermione nodded and set the Galleons. Harry sighed, and started to think about the other matter, until Hermione prompted
"There was something else as well wasn't there?" he nodded
"Yes. Do you know any way of establishing paternity that's conclusive?" Hermione thought about this
"There is a spell that does the same thing as a DNA test does but is quicker, it is complicated though, and requires a sample of blood from the child. But Harry why are you asking about this now, have you found something new out?" Harry shook his head
"No, nothing new, it's just I guess that all I have at the moment is Sev's word he's my dad and want some proof. Look I know it's complicated but can you do it?" Hermione
thought about it
"I should think I could, but I will need some time to re-read the spell and practice the incantation. Surely if you asked Outkast she would do it for you" Harry shook his head and sighed
"Yeah but I don't want her too, she's interested in Sev and so I'd rather leave her out of it if I can"
"Ok Harry give me sometime, I want to make sure I've got it right" Harry smiled
"Thanks 'Mione you're the best" he gave her a quick hug
"I'll see you two later I've got to go plan the DA meeting" he lowered the privacy spell and left.
"I wonder where he's off too" Ron said as Harry left the common room, Hermione rolled her eyes
"You know he might be going to the library, not everyone has your cavalier attitude to study" Ron looked at her incredulously
"And if it were you leaving I would say the same, but this is Harry, you know our best friend and my partner in procrastination" Hermione glared at him and turned back to her essay.
##
Harry walked around for a bit before heading for the kitchens for lunch. He then went up to Outkast's office and knocked. Upon permission he entered and grinned ruefully, she was hovering in the middle of the room with coloured orbs circling her head.
"What are you doing" he enquired, she opened she eyes and grinned, a moment later the orbs disappeared and she gracefully returned to earth landing lightly on her feet.
"Hello to you too. I was meditating, it's a little difficult to get the hang of but very relaxing, the idea is to make the orbs move around with out incantation or hand gesture while holding your positioning the air. But I'm sure you didn't come here to discuss advance relaxation so what can I do for you" Harry shrugged
"In a way I did, I've had a difficult day and need to unwind, you up for a training session? I have the DA in a bit but we could go until then" Outkast glanced at the clock before shrugging
"Sure why not beats hanging around" she laughed at her own bad joke
"Hanging around get it?" Harry cringed
"Unfortunately yes" he sighed and left to grab his gear.
##
In the room of requirement an hour and a half later Harry and Outkast were really going for it, not only using muggle attacks but intertwining them with magic and curses, weapons and spells were flying everywhere. They were so engrossed in the fight that the session had turned into that neither had noticed the rest of the DA enter. The group of students stood to one side watching in awe as the display continued, in the end it was a draw when Harry disarmed Outkast by sending her sword through the window only to end up with a dagger at his chest when he put the tip of his blade to her throat, both were crackling with magic from spells poised at the ready when Hermione cough loudly attracting their attention. Outkast grinned while Harry blushed.
"Hi kids here for a secret meeting of non-existent club that I know nothing about?" She laughed at the blank faces and winked at Harry before leaving. Harry turned to the group
"Err hey guys"
"Hey Harry… what was that?" Dean sounded half in awe and half scared
"Oh that was just something Outkast has been training me with, it's a mixture of muggle fighting and wandless magic, I'm beginning to get the hang of it" there was a general mutter of cool and Harry blushed again before pushing on
"Anyway it thought today we might just have a review session of what we did last year to see what we can remember and to show the new ones what we do. Next time we will learn something new"
"Can you teach us what you were just doing?" Hufflepuff Harry didn't recognise asked Harry cringed
"Not really I'm only just getting the hang of it myself"
"Oh" came a disappointed reply Harry brushed it aside and started the session.
The session went well after that and Harry promised to teach or re-teach the Patronus charm to the group which coupled with a demonstration of his kept everyone happy and working well, by the time dinner came everybody had caught up with what was covered the previous year and had gotten used to the way things ran with Harry's friends helping the younger or newer members.
After dinner Harry found himself back in the Room of Requirement, he idly wondered if he spent too much time in there but didn't have time to contemplate it further because the door opened and Draco entered complete with red and gold hair. Harry smothered a smirk at the Slytherin's misfortune but Draco saw it anyway
"Yes you may laugh it's all you fault anyway" he grumbled Harry gave him a sympathetic look
"Sorry" he said looking a little sheepish Draco looked at him with a raised eyebrow
"You can't seriously be apologising to me" Harry shrugged taking a step back into the
room, Draco sighed and ran his hand through his multicoloured hair
"Harry why did you choose that song? I mean Merlin I never meant to do that to you" Harry wrapped his arms around himself
"I know, but there was more at stake then my pride, I mean I'm sure that now all the right people are singing your praises for reducing the boy-who-isn't-allowed-to-die to a quivering wreck" Harry spat the words as though they tasted bad. Draco closed the distance between them,
"Harry, you are worth more then that" Draco put his hands on Harry's shoulder's, at first Harry tensed but then he relaxed into the grip. Harry looked at Draco's hair and smiled
"Want me to fix that?" Draco was surprised
"You can do that?" Harry grinned and nodded he placed his hand over Draco's hair and it turned back to it's light blonde colour, Harry ran his hand through it as he spoke
"There we are good as new" he suddenly realised what he was doing and went to withdraw his hand. Draco caught his wrist
"Don't stop" he whispered he lent in close Harry shivered but didn't protest, Draco lowered his lips to Harry's inciting a gasp from the raven haired boy. Draco deepened the kiss, running his tongue along Harry's bottom lip, he smiled as Harry opened his mouth. Harry's kissed him back but it was unsure and less confident then Draco. Eventually Draco pulled away
"I wanted to do that for a while now" he whispered into Harry's ear. Harry was unable to speak and just nodded. Draco looked at him studying his face
"It's amazing how much you've been through and yet remain so innocent" he said causing Harry to blush. Harry shifted uncomfortably not sure what he was supposed to do; he tried to change the conversation so he could leave
"So uh, I'll see you next Saturday at the match. Should be good, Slytherin are always hard" Draco raised an eyebrow
"Yes well glad to be a challenge. Look Harry don't be embarrassed, I'm not"
"I'm not embarrassed" Harry muttered looking at the floor Draco's eyes went wide
"Harry are you scared" Harry tried to look brave
"No, why would I be?" He said stepping away from Draco.
"Yes you are. Harry I'm not going to hurt you or make you go faster then you want, please don't be scared of me"
"I'm not scared" Harry said again with less conviction.
"Harry, don't lie to me. Look just answer me one thing did you like it?" Harry blushed again and shrugged,
"Not good enough, Harry did you like me kissing you?" Draco said watching Harry intently Harry thought about his answer, he was scared but he wasn't going to admit that but as to liking it, he had never felt safer then when Draco had held him, the warmth that see to emanate from him touched his soul.
"Yes Draco I liked it but I can't give you what you want" Draco breathed a sigh of relief
"Harry all I want is you, and I'll wait for you to be ready I promise." He walked up to Harry and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek
"Until then this will do" he whispered before leaving the room. Harry stood frozen to the spot for several minuets before moving.
##
I'm am SOOOOO sorry this has taken me so long but I've been so busy then my computer didn't work and then I got a job, redecorate my room, move home, graduate learn Makaton and British sign language oh and did I mention I've gone nuts. Also I had to get the internet installed!
Ok
I promise the next one won't be so long coming! Thanks for being patient!