Here is chapter 4. Thanks again to Laura for all her speedy BETA'ring (i still wanna know if that is actually a word!)

Thanks to every one who reviewed the last chapter!

KatBel- I love it when you review! You write so much its unbelivable that you could like my story so much! Thank You! Hermione and Ron will be almost non-existant in this story, they may show up once or twice but not much, though they will both play somewhat major roles in the sequel, though they wont be friends with Harry and Draco, but i will let you in on a secret... Ron will die, but for totally un-selfish reasons, so any Ron Weasley fans out there might be sad that he died but the reasons behind it will make them love him more.

Pure Black- Im not totally against the Weasley's, when i read Rawlings books i like them heaps, but when you are having a story where Draco and Harry are inlove, then the Weasleys must be gotten rid of.

BabeGia103- The Weasleys are not brainwashed, well not really any way. Somebody altered thier perceptionof Harry and this will all come into light around the last few chapters. Though dont expected anythingmiriaculous.

nogoalielikeme- This storyIS a re-make, but i am the original, and only, writer. I began it last year and had posted three chapters but i removed them for re-writing. So if you have see anotherstory similar then it is totally by conincedence, this iscompletely my own idea.

K,W,G,T,B- Your views on redheads are...interesting. But non of that has anything to do with Ron, Hermione or Harry. Simple thing is that Ron and Hermione do not like Harry any more. If you were convinced, with out a doubt, that your bestfriend had turned mindnumbling evil, then would you stop liking them? And then to see that friend hanging aroun the shops with your hated enemy, and suspected evil-person (deatheater) wouldnt that just solidfy your, non-liking? (Ok i know that sounded kina stupod, lol)

wwwendy- Sorry bout the History OWL! I think i missed afew others as well, but it wasnt really a big part of the story, it was just away of having Harry begin more private lessons. I havnt really intended on havin Luna in the story, you obvioulsy like her, so i might see what i can do, but after your review you gave me the perfect idea. I had this whole thing planned out for the sequel, it involved powerful magic, a group of people and Mother Nature. The only thing is i coulndt decide on who was in the group of people, Luna would make an excellent addition! Thanks!

LeMoN-LiCkEr-69- I never did play on the -Hermione thinks Harry is evil- thing, i just kinda metioned it, which i regret. I should have added her into a confrontation of somesort. Like i said uptop though, she will not play a big role until the sequel, where she will become a main character again.

Merkabah - I liked the whole "Your the first" thing, made me laugh.

Mz122- I love that you have reviewed all my stoies! Thank you heaps!

Disclaimer: If i really owned Draco Malfoy (or Harry Potter) do you really think i would be writting about them? Do you really think i would get out of bed? I mean, come on...


Harry Potter and the Phoenix Fire

Chapter 4 - Opportunities

The rest of the summer at the Leaky Cauldron went by fast, too fast in Harry's opinion. He could not remember ever enjoying him self so much in such a short period of time. After they had completed their daily shopping routine, which usually did last all day, he and Draco would go back to Harry's room to spend hours talking, playing games, finishing of homework and then going to sleep, together. In the same bed that is. Harry had never felt this close to Ron or Hermione and he found that with the blonde next to him, his nightmares of Sirius never returned.

They had retuned to Madame Malkin's on many occasions, each time spending a small fortune on designer clothes and robe's that Draco had insisted they buy. Harry had even managed to acquire a beautiful, and very expensive, silver cloak that Draco had bought him as a late birthday present.

But September 1st came by quickly and they were to be at platform 9¾ by 9am.

"Draco we're going to be late." Harry exclaimed as he ran around his room sorting his stuff into his trunk. After the third day at the Leaky Cauldron, Draco found it easier just to move his stuff in with Harry's.

"Nonsense, we have plenty of time," Draco replied as he walked calmly out of the bathroom running a comb through his hair.

"We have like 20 minutes to get ready and go, that's not plenty of time!" Harry exclaimed.

"Harry, Harry calm down, geez, your going to have a heart attack. All our stuff's packed just get dressed and we can go."

"Well, find me something to wear then, I still have some stuff lying around somewhere." Harry replied as he continued his frantic search of their room.

"No you don't Harry," Draco sighed from inside the wardrobe, "Blue or Green shirt? Blue. Besides, I think you're just nervous. Look at you, you look like your gonna burst into flames or something"

"Ha, Ha. Why would I be nervous?" Harry asked coming to a halt in his search and staring at the boy rummaging through the last of the clothing in the wardrobe.

"Because," Draco threw Harry his clothes, "Your friends hate you and you don't know what to expect, trust me I know how you feel. Now get dressed and let's go." The blonde urged, adopting Harry's panicked tone.

Fifteen minutes later both boys had floo'd onto the platform amidst inquiring eyes all looking at them.

"God!" shouted Harry, "Why do people have to stare? What are they looking at anyway?"

"I think that it is because up until two weeks ago we were sworn enemies." Draco drawled. "That and the fact they are looking at the richest, most powerful and not to mention hottest 16 year olds alive."

"Yeah you would say that," Harry blushed, "Now let's get a…" Harry froze.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Draco inquired with worried frown.

"It's just; well, you're going to want to sit with the Slytherin's aren't you?" Harry asked looking at the floor.

"Slytherin's? I doubt it." The blonde laughed.

"Why? What about Crabbe and Goyle?" He asked bemusedly.

"Ha, come on, let's find a compartment."

Draco grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him onto the train were they grabbed the first empty compartment they could find.

"So why aren't you with the Slytherin's?" Harry asked as they sat down.

"Well Crabbe and Goyle won't be here this year. Their folks transferred them to Dumstrang, good riddance." Draco finished with a sour look.

"Well what about Parkinson and Zabini?" Harry asked curiously. "You hang around them a lot.".

"Their parents are Death Eaters, they will know what Father did, and I don't think I will be too popular with them anymore." Draco replied.

Their conversation went on for the rest of the train ride with no interruptions. Both boys were glad for it. When the train started to slow down Harry started to get nervous, he could actually feel the heat rising in his body. 'God, I really don't want to be here'

"Harry? Are you Ok?" Draco asked worriedly

"Yeah...I'm...Fine." Harry said in a nervous pant.

"Harry calm down," Draco said crawling on his knees over to Harry, gripping the boy's thighs lightly. "Its ok, we can do this."

Harry instantly relaxed, "Yeah, your right, we can do this, lets go."

"Yeah, come on." Draco said with a smile and a flick of his head.

The two left the train and stood close together on the Hogsmede platform, no one seemed to pay them much attention. A crowd of first years were huddled over near the lake and the rest of the students were heading towards the awaiting carriages.

"Come on," Draco said, "Lets get one before they fill."

Harry followed Draco to an empty carriage and they piled in.

Hogwarts castle hung ominously over them as they drew near. The turrets that lined the roof tops shone with an unnatural glow as the moon cascaded light across them. To Harry, it really was a scary sight. It reminded him of the castle in the old Dracula movies he used to watch. It must have been terribly startling to the first years to see Hogwarts, the muggle-borns at least.

Finally the carriage's came to a halt at the stone steps of Hogwarts and all the students made their way into the Great Hall. Harry and Draco had to separate at the Entrance, both of them going to their respective house tables. It had really unnerved Harry, being away from the blonde. It was the first time in two weeks either of them had been so far away from the other.

Harry sat alone at his table, as did Draco. He had received many un-wanting glances from his fellow Gryffindor's, apparently the accusations had spread. It felt strange to him, the fact that he didn't care much for his houses' hostile behavior, knowing that in the end he still had Draco. He just decided to keep his head down and avoid the furious glares.

The doors to the Great Hall flew open as Professor McGonagall strolled in, carrying the tattered old Sorting Hat on the wooden stool. She was closely followed by a group of nervous looking first years.

The stool, hat and first years all stood in front of the professor's table and the hat burst into song;

Oh...Many years have past, but my job is the same

To sort you out, what a shame

I have to put you where you should go

But listen close, because this pains me so

Gryffindor the bravest are

Never let them down

Ravenclaw the fairest are

No smarter to be found

Hufflepuff the Kindest

Loyal, smart and fun

Slytherin the schemers

Never to be out done

But in the air I smell a rift;

Times will soon change

For when you turn your back;

Be mindful of the shift

And when Wolf and Hound reunite

Trouble will ensue

But until such time the fates align

I bid you all adieu

The Great hall broke into cheers and applause when the hat had finished its song, even though Harry could tell that no-one, like him, understood most of what the hat had said. Never before had the sorting hat given such a strange message. It was fact, that despite last years incident, that the hat always explained about the house's and their qualities. Last year the hat had gone one step further and warned the school about upcoming danger, but this year, well, Harry figured that no one could make sense of what it had said.

And it was clear that not even wise old Albus Dumbledore did when he rose from his chair, confusion written all over his face, and made his speech.

"I would like to welcome everyone back to Hogwarts, new students and old. Remember that the Forbidden Forest is given that name for a reason and that curfews a put in place for a purpose. Now let the sorting begin I suppose?" Dumbledore sat back down in his seat studying the Sorting Hat. Perhaps it was broken?

Harry sat thinking about the Sorting Hats song. It made him nervous. Every year he had been at Hogwarts, every year something bad had happened. But maybe him loosing his two best friends was the bad thing; maybe he was in for a peaceful year. As if.

A dark shadow descended over Harry as some young student was sorted into Hufflepuff.

"Mr. Potter." The voice said cheerfully.

Harry swung around slowly in his seat and came face to face with the man he had come to admire above all others. Albus Dumbledore. Harry stared back at the Headmaster and returned the smile.

"Yes Professor Dumbledore?" He asked curiously.

"Harry I wish to have a word with you in my office, do you mind?" The headmaster smiled.

"Not at all sir." Harry replied kindly.

"Excellent. Walk with me then?" Dumbledore exclaimed with a clap of his hands.

When Harry rose from his seat his eye caught a mop of flaming red hair. Ron was staring at Harry with a look of disgust, one he would have only expected from Draco last year. His face still hadn't healed from the blondes attack and he supported nice yellow bruising under his right eye and along his cheek. Harry locked gaze with him and gave the boy his best Draco imitation death glare. 'Fuck it' he thought to him self, 'He already thinks I'm evil. Might as well give him what he wants.'

Harry felt the Headmasters hand rest on his shoulder, breaking his eye contact as Dumbledore guided him away from the table, when they past the Slytherin table Dumbledore stopped and spoke.

"Mr. Malfoy, would you care to join us?" He asked politely.

Draco nodded and rose from his solitary seat at the table and followed Harry and the Headmaster out of the Great Hall just as Professor McGonagall stood to proclaim the feast to begin.

"I do apologize for interrupting your meals so soon, but I believe some matters are best discussed at once." Dumbledore said as the duo followed him to his office, it was just lucky that neither boy was hungry due to the amount of sweet's they had consumed on the Hogwarts express.

"Chocolate Frog's" He exclaimed to the stone gargoyle that slid away revealing a familiar stone staircase.

The three ascended the staircase, Harry totally confused as to why he was here and Draco with a look of indifference on his face.

"Please take a seat boy's." Dumbledore said, gesturing to the leather couch in front of his desk.

Dumbledore's office was just how he remembered it. The paintings on the wall studying the occupants as they entered. The shelves filled with an assortment of items, some of which people would refer to as 'junk'. The same junk Harry himself had destroyed late last year, all of which now stood intact in their proper places.

"Harry." The Headmaster begun. "I have been informed of the disturbance that took place in Flourish and Blots a few weeks ago."

Harry looked up at Dumbledore. "It was all Ron's fault sir, Draco was just sticking up for me, don't punish him, please." Harry begged.

"Harry, Harry, Harry," Dumbledore said waving his hand around to stop Harry's talking, "Mr. Malfoy, nor yourself are in trouble for what happened, and because it did not happen on school grounds who am I to punish you?"

"Thank you sir." Harry said, looking over at Draco next to him, who was studying the wall behind Dumbledore, avoiding Harry's eyes.

"The reason I called you here, Harry, is because Master Draco owled me a few days ago and proposed an idea to me, an idea which I believe is in both of your best interests." Dumbledore said.

Draco finally met Harry's eyes, he was nervous, he almost looked scared.

"You see Harry," The headmaster continued, "Mr. Malfoy and I believe it safer to have you removed from Gryffindor tower."

"What? Sir why? Draco?" Harry asked, fearing the worse.

"I'm sorry Harry," Draco whispered with pleading eyes, "It just, Weasley is a nutter, and God knows what he could do to you in your sleep, I don't think you are safe there."

"Neither do I Harry," Dumbledore cut in, "Therefore, as per Draco's request, I'm offering you the chance to move from Gryffindor tower into private quarters, along with Mr. Malfoy of course."

Harry was speechless.

"You must understand Harry," Dumbledore said, "Young Ron Weasley has managed to convince many of your fellow Gryffindor's that you are aiming for the position of Dark Lord, they're scared, therefore no one can comprehend how far they might go."

"I understand sir," Harry said at last, "So what will happen, with classes and stuff?"

"As I said, if you agree of course, as of tonight you will be sharing living quarters with Draco here," Dumbledore monitored to Draco, "Who, as of his fathers request, has obtained his own quarters, away from other students. As you both are probably aware, you are sharing the same basic classes, Advance Potions, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. You will both also be taking Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape, plus extra training with me in Wandless magic and Defense." He said somewhat gravely, "And as for meals you will have the option of either dining in your room's or taking your choice of seats at the great hall, either at your house tables or together with Professor Snape at the staff table."

"Professor Snape, sir?" Harry asked in shock, "Are you mad? The man hate's me!"

"I am quiet aware of your 'situation' with Severus, Harry," Dumbledore chuckled. "But he is Godfather to Draco and I'm sure he will be more then accommodating if you are in each others presence."

Harry quickly thought the situation over in his head. "Does this mean I will be spending all my time with Draco sir?" Harry asked the professor once he had made his decision.

Draco's head shot up as he heard Harry's question. "I'm sorry Harry, if you don't want to spend so much time with me I will understand, we can make different arrangements, just so long as you don't go back to Gryffindor tower."

Harry watched Draco as he spoke. He looked quiet upset. He almost was begging. He really cares that much, Harry thought.

"Of course I'll do it Sir," Harry smiled as he returned his gaze to Dumbledore, "I mean, we spent five years fighting, we have a lot to catch up on." He finished with a smile to the blonde which was eagerly returned.

"Marvelous Harry." Dumbledore exclaimed, "And you will still have Quidditch to keep you occupied if things get a little tense between the two of you. I know that so long a rivalry can cause strain on a friendship."

"Quidditch?" Harry skeptically, "Sir, don't you think it best that I resign from the Quidditch team?"

"What?" Draco shouted, "Why Harry? You're an excellent flier."

"I know Draco, its just well, I will be flying with the Gryffindor's, and with all the extra study this year I think its best I drop Quidditch."

"Of course Harry, that is totally your decision." Dumbledore said, "Though since Professor McGonagall is your Head of House it is best you discuss it with her, but I think we are finished here, shall I show you to your rooms?"

Both boys nodded to the Headmaster and followed him out of the office. Dumbledore led them down three flights of stair, back towards the Great Hall. From the Great Hall, four more sets of stairs and six corridors later they arrived outside of a portrait on the fourth floor in a wing of the school that was hardly ever used.

"I know it's a bit far out boys," Dumbledore said noticing their worn out states, "But there are a few teachers' short cuts down the hall that I am sure you are aware of Mr. Potter." He finished eyes twinkling.

Harry nodded to the Headmaster remembering the Marauders map locked up in his trunk, earning him a puzzled look from Draco,

"Now boy's, I will leave you here," Dumbledore continued, "Your belongings should have already been brought up and all you need is to reset the password. Good Night." And with that the aging headmaster swept back down the hall.

Harry turned to look at the Portrait they had stopped in front of. It was a lake side setting where a beautiful mermaid sat perched up on a rock protruding out of the water. She was oddly familiar and it led him to wonder if she was related to the mermaid in the Prefects Bathroom.

"Good Evening gentleman," She sang, "What shall your new password be?"

Harry looked at Draco, "What do you reckon Draco?"

"You decide." Draco said with a shrug.

"Ummmm, how about..." Harry thought, "Drahar?"

"Excellent!" The mermaid exclaimed, "Please come in."

"Drahar?" Draco asked skeptically as the Portrait swung open.

"Yeah," Harry replied, "You know, Dra-co and Har-ry. Get it?"

"Yeah, makes sense, but next time, I pick the password." Draco teased earning him a punch in the arm from Harry.

"Come on."

The room they stepped in was immaculate, even to Draco's high standards. The floors were decked in wooden floor boards with crimson and emerald colored rugs placed throughout. The stone walls held many portraits; most of scenery, and facing the door stood a huge fireplace, with a fire blazing giving off pleasant warmth throughout the room. Above the fireplace Harry noticed another portrait of the ocean and he watched as the Mermaid from their door bobbed up and down in the water waving at him and Draco.

In front of the fire sat a beige leather love seat and matching arm chairs on either side, and over in the corner, situated between two doors was a giant study desk that could double as a dining room table. They both vaguely noticed their new school schedules seated on top.

"Harry, this is amazing." Draco exclaimed running his hand over the leather sofa. "Come on; let's check out the rooms." He finished with a childish gleam in his eyes.

The bed rooms were identical. Both had beige carpets, a four poster bed with green bed hangings, black silk bedding and matching wardrobe and desk. The bath room was a semi-en suite. One door was situated between each bedroom making it inaccessible from the lounge room. The floor was tiled in white marble and the wall to their right was lined with a mirror and twin sinks. The large opaque bath was tucked away to their left and was trimmed with a gold that matched the many different taps, and the shower looked large enough for at least half the 6th year student body.

Harry and Draco settled down on the leather sofa after their tour of their new home. The fire washed over them and Harry felt oddly comfortable in the quiet of the new school year that would have normally been a pounding in his ears as all the Gryffindor's chatted loudly in there common room.

"It's getting late," Draco yawned

"Yeah, Double Potions in the Morning." Harry said sourly as Draco laughed at him.

"I guess I will see you in the morning then?" The blonde asked after he had stop laughing.

"Yeah," Harry said as they both rose from the couch and made their way to their rooms, "Goodnight."

Harry felt slightly disturbed as he lay on his side facing the wall in his bed. Something didn't seem right, Harry thought as he tried to make himself fall to sleep. Sleeping in Gryffindor tower usually consisted of Neville's snores and Ron's incoherent sleep talking. Over the years he had developed a routine of sleeping to the noises of the boys surrounding him.

"Harry?" Came nervous whisper from Draco as he peaked his head into Harry's room from the bathroom door.

"What's a matter Draco?" He asked as he sat up in his bed to watch the boy nervously enter his room.

"It's um...well you see...I..." Draco stuttered under his breath.

"Draco, what's wrong, tell me." Harry asked worriedly.

"Oh god, this is pathetic." The smaller boy sighed "It's, I-I can't sleep, and I was wondering..." Draco trailed off as he looked up from the floor and eyed Harry's bed.

Harry put two and two together. "Get in." He smiled as he pulled back the quilt.

"Thanks." Draco mumbled as he crawled in next to Harry. "Don't you think this is weird? I mean after two weeks and I can't sleep with out you in the same bed?" He asked shyly.

"Not really," Harry yawned as he got comfortable in bed, one arm lightly wrapped around the smaller boy's stomach, now realizing why he couldn't sleep either. "Totally normal." He finished as sleep finally over came him.

"Sweet dreams Harry." Draco whispered before he too fell asleep.


Well? Good? Bad? Ugly? Hehehe...