A/n: An early warning this is a bit of a tear jerker and a heart warmer. Sort of the mush before the slaughter inside joke so you don't know hehehehehe.
Small warning though the songs is by Maya Sakamoto called Yubiwa the Ring and You're not Alone both from the Escaflowne Soundtrack.
What it just popped into my brain late at night on New Year's Eve so enjoy it. Or else. Hehehehe.
THE RELUCTANT SLYTHERIN
Chapter 14: Listen to your heart
As the last of them filed out Arbok joined Tory as she sat alone in the chamber, she winced as she felt the wound on her shoulder from when Malfoy burned her. 'Are you ok Tory-mama?' Arbok said as he slithered up to Tory and she put her hand on her wound, 'I am alright Arbok,' she said, "I doubt it," said a voice and Tory turned. "Harry?" she said as she saw him.
Harry's face showed much concern when he smelled blood on Tory when they were running as wolves through the forest. "Tory I know you are lying," he said gently, "What is it to you then," she growled, "Everything Tory you are my friend and I am not about to lose another one," he said sadly and Tory could see the sadness in them. His emerald green eyes how shown much sorrow. "I am sorry," she said realizing her mistake and looking down at her knees and hands. "I just didn't want to show weakness that is all," she said and Harry nodded as he slowly approached her. "I know Tory," he said as he grabbed some salve and a potion, "You know that you and I are alike in many ways right?" he said and Tory looked at him as if he was nuts.
Harry did not want to leave after seeing Tory the way she is. He knows that she is hurt pretty badly but has done a good job of hiding it. "Tory I have seen worse now let me see," he said gently, "I don't need pity," she said, "Ok how's about this if you let me treat your wound I will show you how I really live," he said and Tory gave him a look that said, you've got to be kidding me. "I know it may sound strange but only Hermione and Ron know about it," he said and Tory finally nodded as she turned around and pulled up her shirt to show Harry the nasty burn and stab wound in her shoulder and Harry gasped.
Tory flinched when Harry asked Arbok for some herbs and the snake showed him what Tory taught him. Harry then went to work and managed to come back with a salve for her wounds. "Why do you hide your marks Tory?" he asked, "Is it like me for I know that some of those scars are old." He said and Tory nodded, "It was my father who gave me those. He was not in his right mind when he did it." She said and Harry applied the salve to the wound and Tory sighed in relief at the cool touch of the cloth.
Harry did the process of cleaning up the wounds, "So Tory you said your father used to beat you why doesn't he do it now?" He asked curious. "I saved his life," Tory said, "His drug addiction gotten so bad that when I came home from school he almost died from it. But I did a spell that removed the poison from his system it was a complicated spell even for a ten year old," she said, "You were ten?" he said surprised and he stopped cleaning the wound, "We start our education at the age of five in the Academy," Tory said, "They start us as soon as possible for the spells we must learn are very old and powerful so the earlier the training the better. They also teach us modern spells though not the way you do it with wands," she said. "I wish it was the same for me," Harry said as he tied a bandage to Tory's shoulder, "That should do but you should see madam Pomphrey about it," he said and he was lucky that he was behind her or else she would have seen his blush. "I have one question though?" she asked quietly and Harry could see a bit of nervousness coming from her. "What?" he asked, "Why?" she said, "Why what?" Harry asked, "Why help me? Kama told me that was Hedwig that gave me the food that day," she said, "Is it pity?" she asked, "No," Harry replied and Tory slowly turned to look at him, "No?" she asked.
Harry turned away from her and gently leaned against her back and Tory felt a little awkward at this. She was lucky Harry could not see the blush forming on her face. They remained in awkward silence for ten minutes before Tory asked another question. "Well I have a question?" she asked, "Ask," Harry said, "Why do they call you the boy who lived?" she asked, "I mean I come from a place completely different to I don't know the news of the European Wizarding world as much as the American and my own," she said. Harry began to chuckle and Tory could feel it. In a way it was comforting to feel him laugh. All the time she knew him he'd never laughed and neither did she except for the time she took his form and kicked Malfoy's ass. Harry's back felt stiff and sore but he remained where he was. "I was just wondering that is all and why most people shun you like they did me," she said sadly as she turned, "sometimes I feel that they are only using me because I hold a lot of knowledge on techniques that they only begun to dream about," she said.
"That is not true," Harry said, "I know most of them and felt what they felt about you and they think of you as a friend. They saw you for you and not for you being the Slytherin." He reasoned, "How do you know that?" Tory hissed as she sat behind him, "I learned to tell people's feelings apart from each other." He said, "The reason why I was called the boy who lived was because I've killed someone long ago," he said, "His name was Voldemort as I would assume that your housemates told you," he said and Tory replied with a small 'yes' in parseltongue. "Well I stopped him but don't remember how. For the first ten years of my life I have been well how should you put this mistreated. I have been a servant to the so called people I've called a family…." And Harry explained his life story to Tory in a way that she could never imagined.
When he was done Tory was so close to tears she could not hold it and a small whimpering noise could be heard from her. Harry suddenly looked up, "Tory?" he said, "It is nothing you just touched my wound that is all," she said and Harry nodded but knew she was lying. "I guess you and I are so much alike." She said, "But my question is why are you telling me this?" she asked, "Because you besides Hermione and Ron are one of the few people I fully trust." He said and Tory was shocked at that statement, "Me but I am a Slytherin," she stated, "I know but a Slytherin with a heart besides Blaze and the first years in the DA." Harry replied, "Why would you say that?" she said, "Because Tory you may not realize it but you are the kindest Slytherin of the lot. Blaze told me this the way you treat the others even when Malfoy and his goons treat you like shit." He said, "If you would let me I like to be your friend," he said, "You are my friend," Tory replied and looked towards the plants that she was growing and found Arbok and Kama asleep. "By the way you do realize that you have a wonderful voice," he said, "Kama told me that you have one as well," she replied and Harry could not see the smile on her face at that statement and she could feel Harry's blush. "Can you sing me a song please," Harry whispered, "You reminded me of my mother," he said sadly.
Tory was shocked by this but honored as she took in a breath and thought of the best song, but in the end she just remembered another song from an anime which she thought was perfect, and decided to sing it in both English and Japanese.
Namida ga ato kara afuredashite
Saigo no egao ga nijinde mienai no
Ikanaide ikanaide koko ni ite
Sora e hikari kakennkete yuku
Like the last time the song drifted through the pipes of Hogwarts towards the dorm rooms and everyone stopped to listen as the song was soft but sweet. Some girls brought handkerchiefs as they whipped the tears from their faces.
Konna ni chiisa na watashi dakedo
Anata wo dare yori sei ippai aishita
Arigatou ikutsumo no
Taisetsu na kimochi
Tewata shite kureta yo ne
Down in the dungeons a certain professor was busy brewing the latest in potions for the hospital wing when he heard the music from the walls of Hogwarts. He looked up and relaxed for it was his only time relaxing as he knew the singer, Tory he thought to himself. He allowed himself to smile and knew that no one was watching and he knew that one day she would make those who did her wrong pay for their crimes. He himself could not wait for that day. Though not many would admit it he does have a heart and remembered the conversation that he had with Potter when he posed at Tory. Smiling to himself knowing that this is one of the few times he gets to actually relax while brewing a potion he looked at the walls and remembered the few times he got to enjoy himself with friends now long gone.
Sono toki zutto, watashi wa….
Kie koketa hikoukigumo wo mite-ita….
Wasurenaide
Hitori ja nai
Hanarete mo te wo isunaide ira
Hajimete no koi hajimete shitta
Konna kanashimi ga aru koto
In the dark of night a few figures made their way out of the castle using the darkness as a cover as they headed outside of the wards towards their destination. They stopped as they heard a song drift from the castle but ignored it as they reached their destination and met some figures. Taking a portkey they disappeared.
Snape's dark mark lit up as he hissed in pain. Taking his leave after finishing his potion he walked out he came across the doors and vanished after opening them to the night.
Nanika ga shoumetsu shite mo nani ka ga
Futatabi yadotte
Wakare ni kurta hohoemi wa isuyoku ikiyou to yuu
Anata kara yo messejii
Ron and Hermione sat by the fire Ron reading about Quidditch and Hermione reading a Herbology book when the song reached their ears. Both stopped to listen along with several other Griffindors as they listen in to the song being sung and some thought it was sweet while others started to cry but not with sadness but at how romantic it is. It was not in the same language as they speak but they could understand it well enough by the emotions playing with each note.
Itsu kitto aera
Futari naraba
Tookutemo hitomi mitsumean
Kibou to yume no subete a kakete
Yakusoka wo shiyou yo
Ano hi no hageshitsa wo
Daite
Ashita saku mirai wo ikura
When Harry hear the song come to its conclusion he was feeling a lot better as he felt the warmth that Tory felt through each note. She then took another breath and Harry's voice was caught in his throat as she sang another song. He was surprise that it was the same tune and notes like the first if he had not any say in it he seemed to think it was the same song.
I've walked so long I can't remember—where is my home?
Their distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own.
I can show a smile, its not hard to do
I can have this strength to go on
But sometimes I wanna let go of everything
Harry felt his heart leap at the first words it was like she was talking about him! it was as if Tory's song was about him! he then felt himself flush as he realize that the song was for him.
When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love
High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet
And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe
I lie in your heart always
Nothing is braver then honesty, my life is your faith in me
Snape ran out of the building as fast as his feet would let him as he headed outside the antiapparation wards and disappeared into the night.
I'll be there when you need
You don't have to hide from me
What you are feeling now
I fill your soul
We will seek together destiny
Troubles have an end
We'll carry on hand in hand
You're not alone
People searching desperately outside themselves,
Caught up in thinking of what never helped
And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in those I wanted from
I feel you now
Harry thought of all his friends come and gone, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Cho, Remus, Sirius That one brought tears to his eyes thinking of his godfather Dumbledore, Neville, everyone he knew and yes even Snape. He knew that deep down the guy had a heart though his profession does not allow it.
I'll be there when you need
We will live together
Nothing is in our way
With trust in our soul
We will seek together destiny
Troubles have an end
We will carry on hand in hand
We won't forget we have each other
Love is in the hearts of all men
You're not alone
With that said Tory started to sniffle and Harry realized that she was crying and saw that Arbok had awoken and slithered up to Tory. 'Don't cry Tory-mama, Harry-papa, Kama and Arbok are here,' he said and Harry had to smile at the Basilisk though only a baby he understands things that others might miss. Feeling sad Harry turned around slowly and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him much to her surprise, "It is ok," he said more to himself then to her. Tory could feel the tears streaming down his face as he cried out the pain and sorrow from all his years in life. She put her hand over his and offered him support. The sat like that for a while till Tory heard Harry softly snoring meaning he is asleep. Knowing she could not wake him Tory gently tried to find a way to lift him off of her and conjured a stretcher and walked over to Griffindor Tower and careful not to wake anyone she asked Kama to have either Hermione or Ron wait for her outside.
They waited for her and luckily for Tory they were still up when she brought a sleeping Harry upstairs and was careful to clean him up before sending him to bed. Ron smirked as he took over and Hermione gave her a small smile, "Welcome to the group," they said and Tory smiled before she turned and headed down to her dorms.
Harry woke the next morning to the rising of the sun and looked down at himself and found that someone had undressed him and placed him in bed. "Well mate had a good time with Tory last night," Ron teased from where he was sitting on his bed. Harry was surprised that Ron woke up this early in the morning, "Ron? Why are you up so early?" Harry asked, "Well one reason being that my best mate came to bed rather late last night and I wanted to get every detail out of it," he said smirking and Harry blushed. "It is not like that at all Ron," Harry said clearly embarrassed, "Oh really then care to explain why you stayed behind hmm?" Ron said, "You sound like a girl when you do that," Harry said, "Oh yeah well enlighten us," said Dean as he and Seamus looked at Harry with curiosity. Harry was thoroughly confused at this, "Since when do you guys but into my love life?" Harry asked, "Since Cho decided that you are not worth her time," Neville said, "Come on Harry we heard you moaning Tory's name admit it you like her don't you," "No I do not!" Harry said but his body language said otherwise, "I bet you dreamt of her in bed snogging away or better yet shagging her silly," said Seamus as he and the others got a good laugh at Harry's expense, "Are you teasing me because she is a Slytherin and I am a Griffindor?" he asked, "No!" they all said, "Come on mate Tory my not look it but I bet if she is healthy she has a body to kill over," Ron said, "Ok maybe not but she is far from ugly," he admitted, "Yeah mate I mean its not every day that you meet someone from someplace as exotic as Hawaii now do ya," said Dean.
Harry in the most part just wanted to crawl away from the group take a shower and head off to his first class. He ran for the bathroom slammed the door and took a cold shower. The boys laughed as they talked about Tory, "Come one man I know he has the hots worse then when he liked Cho," Neville said shyly and they burst into laughter. "Aw come one she was rather exotic when we first met her before those Slytherins did those things to her," said Seamus, "You bet she was exotic what was she anyways again?" asked Seamus, "Hawaiian Japanese," Ron replied, "Wow quite a mix," said Neville, "I mean was that her singing last night?" he asked, "I bet it is and her voice is angelic so Harry boy better watch it or else we will have a duet on our hands." They all burst into laughter as the door opened and Harry stepped out fully dressed as he made his way out the door to breakfast.
Lucky for him Tory was not around in fact hardly anyone is around this time of day. He had a lot on his mind as he ate his meal which was eggs, sausage, hash browns and porridge. Harry had a lot on his mind and one of them happens to be a girl that he had come to know in Slytherin. What is happening to me? He thought, why do I feel this way I mean sure I know what it feels like to have a crush like look at Cho he said as she entered to eat looking haggard. She seems nice enough but I have never had the feelings I have for her like I do to Tory. I mean even when I touched her I had butterflies in my stomach I have never felt like that around Cho. I know I blushed really hot when I am around her but I can't help it. But Tory I mean she makes me go weak is it some sort of spell? He asked himself and felt someone move next to him and he looked to find Hermione sitting next to him, "Where's Ron?" she asked, "Oh he is having a little girl talk with the guys," Harry replied, "Oh," Hermione asked, "Yea about me coming home with Tory last night." Harry did not have to emphasize it for her to get it and she started giggling, "What?" Harry asked, "Well it seems to me just picturing Ron gossiping like Lavender and Pravati is more funny then the time Ron got scared of a little spider in Herbology," she said and Harry had to laugh at that.
The one good thing about breakfast was that Hermione did not pry into Harry's feelings as he left for the first class of the day Potions.
When he entered the class luckily it was not with the Slytherins this year but instead with Ravenclaw and Harry was partnered with Luna and she was a big help. At least Professor Snape appeared to be too tired to snap at them for anything so they decided to let it slide. Normally when Snape is like this it usually means a meeting with Voldemort and they all knew it. Harry just shrugged as he managed to finish his potion to Snape's satisfaction as he let him by for today instead of the usual taunts.
In the meantime Tory was just going over another check up with Madam Pomphrey and she was rather disappointed, "My, my this is a rather nasty infection you got there," she said examining the wound, "But luckily the person who administered this salve did a wonderful job," she said, "By the way who did it?" she asked, "Harry Potter ma'am," Tory replied and felt her face flush but luckily the nurse could not see it through her thick wild hair. "I see and how did he do it?" she asked, "I instructed him how to do it with several plants that I have brought from Hawaii ma'am," she said and Poppy nodded, "I have to see these plants sometime then," she said, "Well they will produce seeds soon so I could give you some," Tory offered, "Oh that would be marvelous and do you have a book on them," she said and Tory nodded and stuck out her wand and conjured the book to her. "Here you can use it I am sure you will find some useful stuff in it," she said and the nurse nodded. "If you need any of the plants just ask me and I will get them for you," she said and the healer once again nodded before saying that as long as the bandage is properly clean and changed then Tory can be on her way to class.
It was with luck that Poppy told Professor Sprout about the herbs that Tory had stashed away as the Professor pulled her to the side and asked her if she had any seeds and Tory luckily had told her the exact same thing as she told the healer as she exited the class, but instead of the report that everyone had to do on the different healing properties of several herbs in the greenhouse Tory was to give a report on the herbs from Hawaii. She walked away with a smile on her face for the first time in a while.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was something that Tory would never imagine to be as such until she heard from a fellow sixth year Blaze Zabini that every year they get a new one. Tory was curious as the teacher had them partner up and practice shield charms. Blaze explained that every year since his first year they had received some very interesting teachers. He said the most interesting was Professor Lupin who was a werewolf at least he taught them something useful. This teacher had them learn shield charms to repel dark attacks but none could be as good when unforgivable curses are concerned. One such curse reached Tory as she fell to the ground in excruciating pain. Blaze was by her side in an instant and shot a glare to Pansy as she pretended to be innocent.
At least by the end of the day Tory was feeling better as the effects of the curse wore off. She walked into dinner and sat the usual spot until, "Hey Tory sit by us," said Alex as he, Aaron, Blaze, and a few other Slytherins that Tory knew from DA invited her over. "At least here Malfoy can't curse your food," said Shanna Pinikle a second year Slytherin with short brown hair and light green eyes that bordered on hazel. Tory looked at them gratefully and Harry watched with some happiness and yet jealousy for Tory. Blaze noticed this and smirked, well Potter it seems as if you have fallen for a serpent now eh. This will get very interesting he thought to himself.
Lunch proved to be a good thing for Tory as she walked to her last class listening to her headphones and dancing along the way. She was dancing a strange dance one the muggleborns knew all to well. Tory was skanking down the hallways and some laughed at her antics but Tory did not care for she was enjoying herself. She danced all the way to the Ancient Runes tower and walked up the stairs towards the class. The professor found this highly amusing but Tory settled down as she began her lesson. Luck has it that Hermione was in the class with her. Ever since her allergic reaction to the incense that Trelawney had in her class Dumbledore removed Tory and placed her in Ancient Runes. The professor was really impressed by the way both Hermione and Tory worked together and finally saw some less restriction in the houses.
By the time Ancient Runes was done Hermione and Tory walked to the library to wait the guys. Hermione started doing her potions assignment while Tory worked on her own work for Herbology. Hermione curious looked over at Tory's work, "My Tory what is that plant?" she asked as Tory did a detailed drawing of a plant. "Oh this," Tory replied and said the name (I've forgotten what the plants name was), "It is a plant used to treat lacerations for the plant will act like a sponge," she said, "Professor Sprout was impressed by the way the salve I had Harry make with the plants I've brought from home are. Don't worry they can't grow in English Soil so I am growing them in the Chamber of Secrets," Tory said. "Was that why you two took so long in the chamber?" Hermione asked, "Yeah I was teaching Harry how to make the salve for my shoulder," Tory replied and explained what happened.
"That was sweet of him," Hermione whispered as she finished her homework the same time as Tory. "Yeah," Tory said her eyes hazy as they looked out the window. "I know Harry likes you Tory and from the looks of it you like him too," she said, "I know but to have a celebrity like you that way feels kind of strange," Tory replied, "Well I will tell you one thing about Harry is that he does not like that kind of attention not one bit. I bet he told you why eh?" Hermione said and Tory nodded, "Yeah he did," was the reply. "Well at least he is honest but rather shy just like me," Tory said, "I've never had a guy like me before," and Hermione was struck from that, "What do you mean? I mean you must have had someone that liked you at home," she asked quietly as the two exited towards the courtyard, "Nope only my cousin dared hang out with me. I've had a reputation of beating up the boys," Tory said, "The reason being is that they used to pick on me because I was too fat for them," Tory said sadly, "And I was not like the other girls, I mean I don't like wearing skimpy clothes outside of school nor do I like to do girly things," she said, "I like sky surfing, martial arts, drawing, singing, getting my hands dirty, and caring for animals," Tory said, "the girls back at home care more for their appearance then for what is inside and guys seemed to be like that also," Tory said sadly. "I understand," Hermione said, "When I was in fourth year there was this guy named Victor Krum who played with an international Quidditch team well…." She told the whole story of what happened during the fourth year and Tory looked at her with surprise. "That really happened?" she asked, "Yeah," Hermione said and noticed a rustle in one of the hedges and Arbok came out.
The basilisk slithered up onto Tory's lap and flicked his tongue out at Hermione and slithered up to her and nudged her in greeting. Hermione smiled at the snake and stroked it gently on the head and the basilisk loved the attention as he rubbed his head against her palm. "You know I was terrified of snakes till I came here," said Hermione, "Well not as bad as Pravati but I was a bit scared till I met Arbok. From looking at him he is not one bit like the other basilisk," Hermione said, "That is because that basilisk was trapped and unable to escape the enslavement it lived by," said Tory sadly, "How did you know?" Hermione asked, "It told me," Tory said, "When I found Arbok's egg the basilisk was sad because it thought that Arbok died. I was able to revive him somehow even with all the restraints put on me. The basilisk told me that the chamber's magic is different from that of the school. He made me a promise that if I took care of Arbok and teach him not to kill unless defending yourself and others then I can use the chamber to my whim. It was his way of saying thanks for freeing him. He also told me that Harry and I have dragon's blood what ever that means," Tory said and Hermione gasped.
"Tory….the basilisk told you that you have dragon's blood?" she said and Tory nodded, "Tory I've read about it once and Dragon's blood is a rare wizard trait. Normally it is the purebloods that have it and never before has a muggleborn seen with it. Harry is a half blood and you're a muggleborn. Dragon's blood is the sign of a powerful wizard, a person whose animagus form is that of a dragon. Not only that but they are more attuned to nature then other wizards in the wizarding community." She said and Tory looked at her, "Is that a good thing?" Tory said, "Um depends on the user." Hermione replied and Tory nodded.
Harry and Ron caught Tory and Hermione talking to each other about random things when they arrived after Divination which they had to repeat because of their poor grades. When he saw Tory Harry could not help but feel light hearted and Ron had to elbow him in the ribs to get him calm down. He walked up to Hermione and greeted the two of them. "Hey there mate sorry were late Trelawney kept us in longer then expected." He said and sat down leaning back against the pillar next to him. Harry blushed when he saw what Ron was trying to do and Hermione glared at him for doing it. Harry shrugged when Tory gave him a funny look as he sat down next to her. He became overly sensitive about certain area's as the group discussed something but his mind was out of it. "Harry, hey Harry?" Ron's voice finally snapped him out of it, "Yeah Ron," he said looking up, "I've asked if you would like to go flying this afternoon you know at the Quidditch pitch after practice tomorrow," Ron said and Harry nodded, "Yeah," he said anything to get my mind off Tory he said.
The rest of the day was uneventful as the group turned in after a good meal and DA practice. Harry could not wait till tomorrow for practice.
TBC
