AN: Please Note; WARNING, this short fic contains implied SLASH and Strong Language. Rated M/R.

This is Segment Five in my ongoing Prequel of Beauty in Perfection; Stand by Me. It is just a group of short drabbles that bring together the characters featured in that fic. Enjoy. Blessings. LL

Summary: Draco . . . The Threaded Connections of our lives often take us to surprising places to encounter new experiences and people.

Perspectives; Draco v Piers
by imLittleLily

Outlander's Threshold; The First Step . . .

Draco stood in the center of a clearing deep in the Forbidden Forest studying its potential use for a clandestine meeting place. He looked down as he heard a soft chuffing sound from his companion. "What do you think? Is this far enough away; yet still close enough to Hogsmeade?"

The black wolf scanned the edge of the clearing and sniffed the air.

His silence caused Draco to frown.

Finally after many minutes, the wolf transformed. Blaise Zabini now stood next to his friend. He was smiling and finally said, "It seems fine to me. I actually like the fact that Hogsmeade is only ten minutes from here. D. can use this as a meeting and training center when we get together."

Draco nodded as he pointed to the eastern edge of the clearing. "We'll put a cabin over there because it'll then back up against the thickest part of the forest. Then we'll ward the whole clearing so that only specified people can cross the wards to enter the cabin."

Blaise nodded and replied, "Well, let's get started then."

Draco smiled. They started with the small cabin. They wanted it to be comfortable and very expandable for winter time training. The two young wizards worked comfortably in tandem as they conjured and transfigured any items that would suit their purpose. An hour and a half later, Draco was satisfied that its construction was to his standards and it was well supplied with necessary items. Anything else they may need later could simply be gotten on an as needed basis. He nodded to Blaise and glanced at his watch. "Let's set the wards now before we head back to Hogwarts."

Blaise walked out to the clearing where they began to set the wards; clearing the space of any threatening adversaries. Once they finished, they stood at the edge of the clearing with a strong sense of accomplishment. Draco motioned for Blaise to follow him to the western edge. Once there, Draco pulled his wand in a motion which drew an opening between two large oaks. A shimmering film glowed and pulsated for just a moment, and then dissipated into the surrounding trees, leaving only the natural essence of the surrounding forest.

Blaise grinned at Draco and raised his hand. He pushed it forward--it disappeared.

Draco smiled a smile that was rarely ever seen on his countenance. Only his closest friends were familiar with its beauty and power. "It 's well within the wards so we won't have to worry about somebody else slipping through. I'll go tonight and bring D. through after we set the portal at Smeltings. That's when I 'll key this end to his blood."

Blaise smiled at Draco's exuberance, and then shook his head. Not enough people ever saw him like this. He snapped his fingers and transformed in preparation for the return trip to Hogwarts.

Draco smirked and in a blink of an eye, Icekat was standing next to his friend. He turned his sterling eyes to the wolf as he expressed a challenge, "Race ya . . . "

Blaise took off . . .

Kat smirked as he thought, Hey, I thought the dog was supposed to chase the cat. He increased his speed until he caught up to Blaise only to then nudge his friend over when they were side by side. Rough housing and gleeful frolicking followed.

Dudley Dursley scowled at the nurse standing in front of him, insisting that it was necessary for him to stay in the infirmary for the night. Scowling hurt like hell, but he was very determined he wasn't going to be policed and caged under her watchful eye here for the night.

He insisted, "I'm fine. I'd prefer to sleep in my own bed. Just 'cause I needed a few stitches doesn't mean that I 'm . . . "

Nurse Barton spoke with a voice of authority, "You don't realize, Dudley, that you most likely have a concussion along with the fifteen stitches required to sew you back together." The nurse bore her own frown and turned to Coach Glover seeking agreement to her insistence that he stay right where he was for the night.

Dudley frowned and shook his head at Coach while the nurse wasn't looking.

Coach Glover studied his favorite and most prized athlete closely. He reached out and turned Dudley's face so that he could get a better look at his injury and stitches. He felt the stress under his fingers and turned his face back to him.

Stubbornness stared back at him.

Coach gave a very vague wink and turned to the nurse and said, "I think he'll be fine in his dorm. I'm sure he'll be willing to come and check in with you first thing in the morning." He turned to D. and quirked a brow as he asked, "Am I right? You'll be back here in the morning?"

Dudley nodded as he stood up from the bed and reached for his shirt to put it back on. "Yes sir. First thing in the morning--even before breakfast," he added as he pulled his shirt over his head.

The nurse frowned at both of the conspirators and shook her head as she placed her hands on her hips. "Tsk, tsk . . . boys," she hissed out angrily.

"Ah, Clara," Coach Glover gave her a small smile trying to appease her, and then he continued, "there's no harm in him sleeping in his own bed tonight. I 'd think that an empty infirmary would make your life easier."

Not appeased in the least, she gave them both another glare and turned to reenter her office where she closed the door firmly to indicate her annoyance.

Dudley bit his lip and arched his brow at Coach as he said, "Thank you, sir."

Coach nodded and replied, "Off with you, D. I expect you to follow through or we'll both be in trouble."

Dudley smirked as he left the infirmary wondering if Coach would attempt to appease her once again after he was gone. Oh well, there was always that speculation. He on the other hand had his own plans for the night. Company was coming and he still had to deal with Piers back at their dorm.

When Dudley arrived back in his dorm he was relieved to find Piers was still in the bathroom. He began to prepare for Operation Nighty-night for Piers. He smirked as he ducked his face down to his bag when Piers entered the room.

Piers Polkiss stepped out of the dorm bathroom from his post boxing match shower to see D. rummaging through his duffle bag. He arched his brow. "Did you lose something?"

"Ugh," Dudley grunted in response as he continued to rummage and pull personal items out. Finally, he made a sound of triumph and stood up straight with a book in his hand. "Found it," he said with a triumphant grin.

Piers looked at the book with confusion and asked, "What, exactly did you find."

"The extended schedule, of course." Dudley shook his head and opened the book and pulled out a folded paper and opened it. "I wanted to see where the next match is going to be. I think it's one of the schools we've never competed against before." He looked down at the paper and scanned the list. "Yeah, here it is, Adam Smith at Cawfields Prep. It's in Northumberland."

Piers walked over to Dudley and looked down at the schedule. He reached out to take it from him. Just as his hand came into contact with the paper . . .

Dudley studied unconscious Piers lying on his bed. I should've had him closer to his own bed. He turned at the sound of a rock hitting the window, walked to it, opened the inner window and reached to push the bars aside. He grinned to himself as he thought, Damn, it pays to have wizards for friends. He hissed out into the darkness, "Blimey, almost didn't make it. Be down in five."

A soft whistle pierced the night air to let him know the message had been received. Dudley pulled back into his room and began to change quickly into all black clothing. Once he was changed, he glanced at Piers and shook his head thinking, Sorry mate, but you have been way too nosy lately.

He climbed out onto the roof that extended out under his window and then turned to slide the window down to just an open crack--that way he would be able to lift it again once he returned. He closed the window bars and turned to begin his trek down to the ground. He landed safely on the ground with a grin at Draco.

Draco grinned back and asked, "How's Piers?"

Dudley rolled his eyes and shoved his friend as he replied, "Sleeping like a baby for now. Didn't you say that we'd only have an hour? We better hurry. By the way, did I mention to you that it's just plain morbid for you to be able to knock someone out like that?"

Draco smirked and hissed in a Slytherin drawl, "Basic Slytherin 101, my friend. How best to subdue your opponent when you don't want to make a mess."

"Yeah, well it would've been good if you had told me how fast it would work. Now, I have someone sleeping in my bed."

"Really?" Draco asked, brow high he brought his hand up to his heart and said with laughter, "I'm crushed to think Piers is being unfaithful--and with a friend no less."

"You are incorrigible," Dudley replied.

They continued across the campus on their way through the night to the alley behind the kitchens bantering easily.

When they arrived at their destination, Dudley whispered, "This is it."

Draco nodded and scanned the area with his nighttime cat vision, taking in every minute detail. After several minutes he whispered, "This'll be the best placement." They approached two overgrown shrubs as Draco asked, "Do they get trimmed often?"

"Never. In fact, I know for a fact that Cook Wilson likes them overgrown because it gives privacy to the alley from the back street behind us."

Draco nodded as he thought about what they were going to do. This was it. Tonight he would find out if all of his study on wards, portals and blood would pay off. He inhaled a deep breath and drew his wand from his sleeve and began his spell work.

Dudley watched with growing interest.

After several minutes of work, Draco turned to his friend and whispered, "Okay, I need your hand, preferably your dominate hand."

Dudley nodded and held out his left hand.

Draco took it and looked at it for a second. "I'm going to cut you and use your blood to set the key for the portal. That way, you'll be the only person who can go through. The thing is, I had to use a rune the Malfoy family has used for generations as part of our stamp or magickal signature so that I can take you through. I'll return later and remove it."

"That's now necessary, you know." D. looked down at his hand as Draco's blade sliced his index finger. He watched as his blood began to seep out of the cut. Strange, he thought as Draco then raised his hand and marked the portal that he had drawn there. There was a shimmering glow suddenly, and then Dudley watched as it dissipated to blend in with the shrubbery.

Draco smiled at the phenomenon and then whispered, "Watch." He pushed D.'s hand forward.

Dudley gasped softly as his hand disappeared before his very eyes. A strange sensation filled him, almost as if he had put his hand into water. The feeling was as gentle as a soft caressing breeze on his skin. He smiled as he pulled his hand back to this side only to push it through once more. "Awesome," he whispered in admiration of Draco's accomplishment.

Draco smiled his best smile as he watched. "Simple, really." He grinned mischievously and gave Dudley a push.

"Ah . . . Draco!" Dudley's voice vanished to the other side of the portal.

Draco stepped through with a grin.

"Prat!" Dudley stood and turned on his friend with a mock glare and swung his foot and hand around in an offensive move to playfully take his friend down.

"I just thought maybe you needed a little encouragement . . . that first step is always the hardest."

After several minutes of playful sparring, they stopped to catch their breath. Dudley looked around the woodland clearing with interest. His brow rose as he noticed the cabin.

"Come on," Draco said. "I'll show you what Blaise and I worked on." He led D. up onto the small porch and opened the door. As he opened the door he said, "We wanted to create a place away from Hogwarts where we could practice our forms without possible chance of discovery by other students. The cabin is completely warded against intruders. It'll also remain unseen to anyone that is not apart of our group. This way, you'll be able to join us here for practice."

Dudley let out a soft whistle when he realized that the cabin was outfitted for comfort. It was deceptively small on the outside yet very comfortable on the inside.

Draco smiled, and then he reached into a cooler and pulled out two butterbeers. He tossed one to D.

"What?" Dudley arched a brow at the strange drink. He had never heard of butterbeer.

Draco smirked and said, "It is wizard's drink--butterbeer. Try it, you'll like it."

He twisted the cap off and took a sip. It tingled with effervescence all the way down while giving a comforting feeling that reminded him of smooth warmness. "Wow, that's smooth," and then he took another drink. He smiled as his gaze traveled around the cabin once more until they landed on Draco's lounging form in a chair. "I believe, Mr. Malfoy, that you're a diabolical influence on me. First, you get me accustomed to dealing with magic on a regular basis, then you teach me how to escape the boundaries of my school and then . . . "

Draco laughed. "Oh yeah, little innocent Dudley, he who has never pulled a prank, smoked a cig, or kicked ass when he felt like it."

Dudley grinned, and then looked down at his watch as he stood. "Well, I must be off, you know, Piers is probably getting cold without me there." He added the last with a leering look to his friend as he then wagged his brows suggestively.

Draco grinned and stood while pretending that he was heart broken that Piers had strayed. He pouted and said, "You always take the best . . . "

They exited the cabin and made their way to the portal threshold that Draco had created. Once there, they performed another cutting on Dudley's left hand and sealed it from accidental use by any others.

Draco smiled and said with mock serioousness, "The shedding of blood . . . "

"See ya" Dudley said and rolled his eyes before turning to the portal.

"Harry's, 3:00."

"One of these days . . . " D. shook his head as he studied his friend, smirked and he stepped slowly through the portal while raising his hand in farewell.

Draco watched as D.'s disembodied hand waved to him. The thought floated through his mind, 'I wonder what he meant by that?' His thoughts seemed to spiral around the clearing in their quest for an answer to that question. He sighed and shrugged as he transformed and began his journey back to Hogwarts. He couldn't wait to tell the others of his success with the portal and how simple it had been.

At 2:50 Sunday afternoon, D. was sitting in the back corner booth at Harry's Bar & Restaurant chatting amicably with Cindi the waitress. He laughed as he reminisced with her about the last time he had been here and Piers had ended up wearing spaghetti on his shirt. He said, "Yeah, that was my friend Piers. He was furious with me because I had come here to meet my friend Draco. They don't get along," he grinned as he continued, "I'm sure you could tell that on your own though."

Cindi nodded and asked, "What's with them?" She was curious to get more information on the good looking blond.

D. bit the inside of his cheek. He knew she was fishing for information. He shrugged and replied, "Piers has the hots for Draco. Draco seems to like somebody else."

Cindi nodded and then stood as she looked up and saw Draco approaching. She smiled and asked, "Pepsi, right?"

Draco nodded as he slid into the booth.

Cindi left to get his drink and hide the disappointment she felt that he was already taken. She sighed once she was back in the kitchen as thought of the cliché, The good ones are always taken.

Back at the booth, Draco arched his brow at his friend.

D. shrugged and replied, "I already told you, as long as you are around, they don't even see me."

Draco shook his head in response and picked up the menu to decide what he would have for a late lunch.

Cindi returned with his drink and took their orders. As she left Dudley whispered, "You should know Piers didn't wakeup until nine o'clock this morning. I had to practically drag him over to his own bed when I got back."

"Really," Draco smirked, "wonder why?"

Dudley shook his head and frowned as he took a sip of his drink. He glanced around the restaurant and said, "I went back and tried the threshold again this morning. I think I must have felt like I was dreaming or something."

"I told everyone how easy it was. I was worried about this for weeks and it went without a glitch. We'll go to Privet Drive after we eat. Can you call your mum to see if they're still planning on going to London?"

"Already did."

Cindi approached with their lunch.

"They were leaving at one o'clock and won't be home until late." Dudley leaned back to make room for his plate.

Cindi placed their lunches before them with a smile and turned to leave.

Dudley watched her as she walked away.

Draco smirked and kicked his friend under the table--pay back for Dudley doing it to him at the mall.

"Bugger off." Dudley scowled at Draco. He sighed and returned his attention to his lunch. He truly didn't think he had a chance.

"You're wrong." Draco said. "I've told you that already. You just haven't met the right person yet."

"What about you, Draco, have you met the right person yet?"

Draco's sterling eyes dropped. He whispered, almost as if he were speaking to the french fries on his plate, "I'm not looking."

Dudley kicked him under the table.

Sterling eyes came up in angry response.

"I see you looking all the time, my friend. Something curious about that, want to know what I think?"

Draco's jaw set in a stubborn stance as he continued to glare.

"No?" Dudley tilted his head and continued in a serious whisper, "Well, all right then but maybe you should admit what's going on, Draco. Maybe you aren't looking, but you do look--in your effort to find what you seek."

Draco swallowed. His gaze fell once more. "There's no chance. I don't know how you figured it out." He shook his head dejectedly and pushed his plate away in frustration.

"Maybe," Dudley said, "the first step is admitting how you feel. Then, when you can acknowledge that, the new possibilities will open up."

Draco simply shook his head and stood even though he hadn't eaten much. He had just lost his appetite.

"Whatever. You should think about it." Dudley sighed and stood as he took one last sip of his drink and grabbed half of his sandwich.

Draco paid at the register on the way out. He turned once they were outside and said, "I brought a portkey, we'll activate it in the limo."

Dudley groaned. He hated portkeys. He nodded and climbed into the back of the limo behind Draco as he tried to fight the rising queasiness in his stomach. Maybe it was a good thing that he hadn't eaten much. He met and held Draco's sad gaze as they both touched the portkey. He felt the pull behind his navel as he thought, Draco, it'll happen.

They arrived in his bedroom at Number 4 Privet Drive without sound. Dudley looked around at his belongs and thought, Maybe I should get those CDs I was wanting . . .

Draco's voice cut through his thoughts. "I think the best place would be in the back yard. That way you'll be able to take your cycle through."

"Sure. Come on. Let's get started." He led the way down the stairs as he secretly hoped Draco would not stay mad at him for very long. He turned at the bottom of the stairs and noticed Draco had paused to glance at Harry's bedroom door. He waited for his friend without saying anything.

They exited the back door and studied the back yard.

"What if mum or dad go through by accident?"

"That won't happen because although you share their blood, you are actually a mixture. That fact makes it possible for me to set the portals so that only your blood goes through. Even if you had a kid they would not be able to go." He gave Dudley a reassuring look for both issues that hung in the air between them; his worry for his parents and his worry for his friendship.

"Just checking." Dudley studied the yard once more.

Draco nodded towards the back of the yard. "What about the back corner. That way you won't stumble through by accident. You'll have to walk with intent back there."

"Okay."

After they had finished the portal threshold in Dudley's back yard, they portkeyed back to the limo which was still parked at Harry's Bar & Restaurant.

"Damn," Dudley said as he saw who was standing next to his cycle.

Draco turned and grinned. He reached to open the limo door and said, "Ah, would you look and see who is here?"

"Draco . . . " Dudley got out of the limo hurriedly as Draco strolled over to Piers.

Piers glared and stood up straight as his glance went from Draco to D. He could tell that D. was upset about something and he didn't like the implications. He sneered, "I've been here for fifteen minutes and your driver said you were preoccupied." He turned to Dudley and asked, "What the hell does that mean, D.? Preoccupied?"

"Piers, it isn't what you th . . . "

Draco was enjoying this. He reached out and pulled Dudley to him and whispered to him loud enough so that Piers could hear, "But you don't look sufficiently snogged, Didums." He reached up and ruffled Dudley's hair before pulling him closer in a move that gave the impression that he was going to kiss his friend.

"Fuck off, Draco." Dudley glared into the sterling eyes as he held Draco back. "Stop giving him a hard time."

Piers reached and pulled Draco's arm away from Dudley. He didn't seem to be able to decided who he was angrier at; Draco or Dudley. He chose to glare at Dudley. "I thought you said you weren't involved with him? Is this how you show you're not? Damn it, D. . . . " He shoved Dudley roughly in his anger as he seemed to have forgotten about Draco being so close.

Draco swung Piers around roughly. "Don't touch. I am notorious for not sharing."

Piers roared out as his fist flew to Draco's face. He missed as Draco ducked and barreled into Piers' midsection with his shoulder.

They made contact with the ground and rolled several times before Draco came out on top. He grinned down at Piers and said, "Here again . . . "

"Draco! Stop!" Dudley yelled in distress.

Draco held Piers hands firmly on either side of his head against the pavement. He looked down at him, leering. "You must be the thickest person I've ever met, Piers Polkiss. Can't you tell that nothing happened between D. and I. Our friendship isn't like that." He gave Piers a quick tap/slap on his face and stood up.

Dudley exhaled the breath he'd been holding. "Damn it Draco, why the hell did you do that?"

Draco shrugged. "I am tired of his attitude, D. Sorry if I offended you." He looked once more at Piers who had stood up shakily and shook his head as he sneered at him, "Do you get it now?"

"Fuckin bitch," Piers muttered under his breath.

Draco rolled his eyes. Piers' name calling was getting old.

Dudley, who was facing the street whispered, "Oops."

Draco turned to see there was a police car approaching them in the parking lot with its lights flashing. "Damn." he hissed out between his teeth as the car pulled to a stop in front of them.

The front door on the limo opened and Draco's driver stepped out. He made his way over to the police officer and began to talk to him.

It pays to have a driver who has a wand handy . . .

"Obliviate."

Review Response;

DemonRogue; Hi. Piers is suffering from severe sexual frustration. According to Dudley, he never even showed an interest in anyone before he met Draco. He is simply mesmerized by him partly because of his good looks and partly because Draco has a strong physical effect on him. For example; . . . Piers turned angry eyes to his friend and asked, "Why do you keep doing this D.?" He could feel those sterling eyes on him as he asked D. his question. He tried to ignore the powerful sensations he experienced from them. Icy - Hot . . . Blimey, Piers has it bad. Thanks for reviewing - - I realize that this series of drabbles seems way off base but it really is helping me with my writing. There will be an update for Beauty soon. Blessings. LL

AN:The derogatory terms used within this fic are not meant to offend. I was merely attempting to express the deep anger and frustration of both Draco and Piers.

(LL sneaking in to tighten and edit just a bit 1-17-08 ;o)

Blanket Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Co. and all other characters within Potter World do not belong to me. No infringement is intended. I am making no money here; just having fun. Kudos and blessings to the literary genius JKR. This disclaimer is meant to be effective throughout this whole fic. Where mentioned it also includes Pepsi, India Spice Tea and the Psycho Ballistics Delta .68 and last but not least, the Clifford the Big Red Dog book series. Use of these names is solely for entertainment purposes and isn't an endorsement of the product. I am making no money from them either.