Warning: MAN ON MAN ACTION! Heh Violence, language, you name
it - we got it.
A/N: I own nothing. NOTHING! You hear me?!?! ... wish I did, though.
Summary: Duh, Duh, DUN! Holy smokes! Could it be? Another twist in the plot!?! Yes my darlings, Moira felt it was time to play her lil' trump card. Hopefully, it didn't come too late. And, hopefully you're not too confused to stop reading. That would be sad. So, here's the summary: Draco got off. (heh - not that way, you lil' perverts) Harry's afraid. Hermione's frustrated. Ron's clueless. And Snape - well, Snape's practically shitting himself. So, that said - on to the good stuff!
Side note: I wanted to take a second to thank my reviewers. I've seen other people do it, and it's kind of a nice reward system. Sort of. Anyway, it's cool to be recognized. By the way, I'm thanking those who've reviewed since Ch. 6 - sorry for those who reviewed before that! I still love you!
Alligator: Thanks! Yeah, it's about time Harry was evil. And yes, it is delicious, isn't it? And for your question about Harry "doing" Hermione? We'll just have to wait and see.
Tarathol: Thank you! And no, you don't suck at suggestions. You just don't give any. *evil grin* Nasty Harry...nasty Draco...makes you feel good, don't it?
Grey Malfoy: Heh...you think my story kicks ass! You kick ass!
Morri: Thank you for pointing that similarity out! I hadn't thought of the amulet in respect to "the ring". But I needed to see it - so thanks for bringing it to my attention! And I must say, I'm all shades of embarrassed at my typo. I shall correctly spell "bollocks" from now on. *grin*
Red: I'm so happy you find it interesting. The plot bunny kind of nipped at me till I finally caved and wrote the damn thing. Thanks!
Icarus: So much to say - not enough space. Thank you for reviewing! I ALWAYS look forward to your comments and suggestions. I only hope that I do a similar job for you. *grin*
Dragonsbane: My Dahling! You've been so great to me! Your reviews ALWAYS get me chuckling. "Snape sooooooooooooo knew didn't he?" I love you! *big grin*
Franthephoenix: *sniff sniff* My first reviewer. Cheers to you my sweet! I'm happy to hear that you returned safely from your lil' adventure. And yes, the Foo Fighters ROCK!
*stretches hands due to sudden cramping*
Sorry that took so damn long!
Right then. The story.
~*~
Draco awoke the next morning with a headache the size of Professor Sprout's ass. But besides the constant throbbing in his temples, he felt good. He felt better than good. He felt invincible. Last night's ordeal seemed miles away as the young blonde stretched his good mornings to an empty room. He jumped out of bed and staggered a few steps before regaining his poise - it wasn't proper for a Malfoy to show anything but dignity and grace, even so soon after waking. And Draco was feeling every-bit a Malfoy.
He always knew, even from a young age, that his birthright would allow him certain privileges. His father had made it quite clear that he was only to expect the best - as his father expected the best from him. Only in that moment did Draco truly realize what he had meant. Expulsion? What expulsion? There would BE no severe consequences for him. Not as long as he fulfilled the expectations that had been laid out for him since birth. Snape had made himself more than clear in that respect. He was being protected - from high up, it seemed.
Draco crossed the empty dormitory and made his way to the lavatory. A scalding shower would do wonders for his headache, he mused. After stripping down to the essentials, Draco stepped into the ebony cocoon, turned the silver snake-ridden knobs, and relished in the hot water that sprayed onto him from all directions.
Draco closed his eyes as he rested his forehead against the wall, enjoying the sensation of a thousand scalding beads of water beat across his chest, back and thighs. It was soothing. His mind relaxed and began to wander, letting his guard down in the process. Complete relaxation had its price. The one person he had tried to disregard all morning somehow found his way into Draco's head and made camp. Potter. Harry-Fucking- Potter.
All the muscles in Draco's back and neck suddenly tensed; his dreamy smirk faded, replaced by the beginnings of a well-worn scowl. That bastard. It was that idiotic do-gooder's fault his good name had nearly been tarnished in the first place. But how did he know? Better yet, how did he manage to convince Dumbledore? With a dream? HA! 'That dried up cook would believe anything his "infallible" little Harry came up with.'
Draco's hands were balled up into fists as he moved his head directly under the spray. The water that cascaded down his face did little to help his frustration. If anything, absurdly, it angered him more. Draco hit the side of the shower with his fist, then tenderly brought it back against his chest. His headache was back, and was quickly joined by a dull ache in his knuckles.
"Damnit."
No matter what he did, that little fuck always managed to get under his skin. If anything, it proved to be a great motivator. Ignoring his aching body, Draco began plotting. Plotting his revenge, for the revenge Harry took upon him, for taking his revenge in the first place. A look of amusement washed over Draco's face.
"What a vicious circle we spin."
~*~
Lunch was nearly halfway through by the time Draco graced the Great Hall with his presence. Almost every head at the Slytherin table turned at his entry. Smug faces with knowing looks greeted Draco as he sat. 'Word travels fast, it would seem.' After all, it wasn't every day certain expulsion got brushed off like lint on a cloak. Not every day, that is, unless you're in Gryffindor.
The Slytherin's were not the only students to take notice of Malfoy's arrival. Draco scanned the crowds, searching for a certain mudblood and her weasel. He found them easily enough, their jaws appropriately slacked enough to draw flies. An empty seat to their right. It warmed his black little heart to see them so distressed. Draco inwardly commentaried as their expressions evolved.
'First comes disbelief, then denial - ah yes, mudblood, good likeness - then anger - oh, good show Weasley!'
Ron's face had gone eight shades of red, and it looked as though steam were about to pour out of his ears. His death stare did little but cause Draco to smile ever so sweetly in his direction.
'Looks like last nights' escapades were not in vain, after all.'
~*~
Hermione nudged Ron as Malfoy entered the Great Hall. The two Gryffindors grinned enthusiastically as they prepared to watch Draco bitch and moan about his expulsion. The very thought of Hogwarts being rid of that slimy git had kept them up a good portion of the night. However, his expression was not what they had hoped it would be.
"He looks-"
"-happy!"
"But-"
"-he-"
"-Dumbleore-"
"-no-"
"-he couldn't-"
"-no-"
"-he did-"
"-slimy-"
"-no good-"
"Bastard!"
Ron's fist made contact with the table with a resounding "thud" - sending a good portion of his lunch flying and almost hitting Neville in the head. Neither he nor Hermione noticed. They were too busy glaring. It took another "grand entrance" to get their attention.
"Harry!"
The entire Gryffindor table turned at once, half of them jumping up to greet their long-lost hero. And they weren't the only ones, as the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs followed in suit. Even some of the Slytherins turned to watch the commotion. Once again, Draco Malfoy was one-upped by the illustrious Harry Potter - and all he did was walk in the room.
Crabe looked at him thoughtfully. Well, as thoughtful as a 200 lb thug can look. Draco snapped out of his funk in time to belittle his companion.
"What?!"
"Nu...nothing Draco." Goyle punched him in the arm. "I just..."
"You just...what?"
"I just thought that maybe you'd...you know...wanna embarrass him." Crabe's gaze had made its way to the floor and was now boring holes into it.
"Tempting, but no. The Gryffindorks seem to be doing a good enough job already."
Draco wasn't far off from the truth. Ginny had her arms wrapped around Harry's neck, while Neville and Seamus took turns clapping him on the back.
"-had us worried, Harry!"
"All right there, Harry?"
"Welcome back Harry!"
"Quite a bruise you got there, Harry!"
Harry pleadingly looked to his friends for assistance. No matter how many times he's come home "the hero", he'd never get used to the welcome it involved. On cue, Hermione ushered the embarrassed Gryffindor away from his admirers.
Ron was the first to speak. "How're you doing, mate?"
"Fine, I guess. My head's a little sore, still. But other than that..." Harry gingerly rubbed his fingers against the nasty bruise that had formed on the side of his head. His hair mostly covered it, but the bluish-purple reminder was still visible.
Hermione gasped when she saw it. "Your face!"
"I know. Looks bad, doesn't it?"
"Bad's not the word." Ron's face matched Hermione's, though his eyes bugged out a bit more.
"Really. I'm fine." Harry began eating, hoping to change the subject. "Anything happen while I was out?"
Ron and Hermione shared a look, each one not knowing what to say.
Harry caught on and stopped mid-chew. "What?"
The look on Ron's face told Hermione that it clearly was her turn to explain things. Besides, she was always better at it anyway.
"Malfoy got taken up to Dumbledore's office last night."
Harry's face lit up immediately. "Really? That's great!"
"Not really, Harry. See..." Hermione tried to continue but Ron interrupted.
"We thought he'd be expelled. But, well...look at him."
At that, Harry looked up at Draco, who was smirking and laughing and carrying on in his usual asinine manner. He didn't look like he had just been kicked out of the best Wizarding School in the world. The way he was carrying on, he might as well have been made Head Boy.
Harry quietly chuckled as he watched. The story he had spun to Madam Pomfrey hadn't worked quite as well as he had thought, it would seem. Ah well. One wrong deed deserved another. 'Touché.'
"What's so funny?"
"Yeah, you're taking this rather well!" Ron looked at him indignantly.
"I'm sorry. It's just that-" Harry looked at them, wondering if he should tell them. "-I had this dream."
"Yeah?" "Really?" Both Ron and Hermione chimed in at the same time, both looking a bit too eager.
"Yeah..." Caught off guard by their enthusiasm, Harry looked at them wryly.
Ron cleared his throat loudly. "A dream. What about?" Hermione just blushed.
"I had a dream where Malfoy admitted to cursing me. It all seemed so real..." Harry tried his best to conceal a grin. "So, when I woke, I told Madam Pomfrey."
"Well, that explains why Snape took him to see Dumbledore last night." Hermione nodded as to confirm her words.
"But it doesn't give us a clue as to how that bastard got out of it!" Ron picked at his food. "I was SURE he was gonna get his come-uppins."
Harry elbowed his friend. "He will, Ron. He will."
~*~
Harry and Draco pretended to be oblivious of the other's existence for the remainder of lunch. Every once in a while, one would feel the other's eyes on them, but wouldn't look up in time to catch him. It was only after Harry had left to go back to the dormitory that Draco made his move.
He had made it halfway to the Fat Lady when he heard a sneer. Half smirking himself, Harry turned around.
"Well, well, well...if it isn't Potty...back from the dead." Draco lazily walked up to him.
"If you think that lame excuse of a curse would kill me, Malfoy, you're losing your touch."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Draco casually trimmed his nails.
"No. You usually don't."
A mock look of concern took hold of Draco's face. "Didn't your daddy ever tell you it's not wise to underestimate your opponent? Oh!" He held a hand to his face. "No, I suppose he never got the chance."
"A jab at my tragic history? How cliché. Such a blatant lack of creativity." Harry smirked. "Crabe and Goyle must be rubbing off on you. Or rubbing you off, either way..."
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Draco wiggled his eyebrows suggestively - unconsciously mocking the same wiggle Harry had thrown at him only hours earlier.
"I prefer HUMAN lovers, thank you." Harry couldn't help but admit how much he was enjoying this. If he could only get the "battle of wits" to move another direction...
"One wouldn't guess...considering the vermin you associate with." Malfoy's snobbish drawl was getting increasingly thicker.
"You're one to talk," Harry moved closer. "Ferret boy."
Draco took a step in. "Scar head."
"Whore monger!"
"Trub fucker!"
By this point, the two had gotten dangerously close to each other. Centimeters from his face, Harry licked his lips.
"You're delicious when you're mad."
"Is that so?" Draco couldn't help but smirk. He could feel his pulse rising.
"Yeah..." - pause - "At least...you were last night."
Draco could only stare at his nemesis. His mouth had gone dry, and any thoughts of a proper comeback left him. His silver eyes betrayed his stoic front - they showed his fear.
"You're sexier when you dance, though."
And with that, Harry turned around and walked away. Before he was out of sight, he called out over his shoulder...
"You will let me know about those ballet slippers, won't you?"
And then he was gone.
Again. For the second time that day, Draco was left breathless in the hallways of Hogwarts.
~*~
A/N: I own nothing. NOTHING! You hear me?!?! ... wish I did, though.
Summary: Duh, Duh, DUN! Holy smokes! Could it be? Another twist in the plot!?! Yes my darlings, Moira felt it was time to play her lil' trump card. Hopefully, it didn't come too late. And, hopefully you're not too confused to stop reading. That would be sad. So, here's the summary: Draco got off. (heh - not that way, you lil' perverts) Harry's afraid. Hermione's frustrated. Ron's clueless. And Snape - well, Snape's practically shitting himself. So, that said - on to the good stuff!
Side note: I wanted to take a second to thank my reviewers. I've seen other people do it, and it's kind of a nice reward system. Sort of. Anyway, it's cool to be recognized. By the way, I'm thanking those who've reviewed since Ch. 6 - sorry for those who reviewed before that! I still love you!
Alligator: Thanks! Yeah, it's about time Harry was evil. And yes, it is delicious, isn't it? And for your question about Harry "doing" Hermione? We'll just have to wait and see.
Tarathol: Thank you! And no, you don't suck at suggestions. You just don't give any. *evil grin* Nasty Harry...nasty Draco...makes you feel good, don't it?
Grey Malfoy: Heh...you think my story kicks ass! You kick ass!
Morri: Thank you for pointing that similarity out! I hadn't thought of the amulet in respect to "the ring". But I needed to see it - so thanks for bringing it to my attention! And I must say, I'm all shades of embarrassed at my typo. I shall correctly spell "bollocks" from now on. *grin*
Red: I'm so happy you find it interesting. The plot bunny kind of nipped at me till I finally caved and wrote the damn thing. Thanks!
Icarus: So much to say - not enough space. Thank you for reviewing! I ALWAYS look forward to your comments and suggestions. I only hope that I do a similar job for you. *grin*
Dragonsbane: My Dahling! You've been so great to me! Your reviews ALWAYS get me chuckling. "Snape sooooooooooooo knew didn't he?" I love you! *big grin*
Franthephoenix: *sniff sniff* My first reviewer. Cheers to you my sweet! I'm happy to hear that you returned safely from your lil' adventure. And yes, the Foo Fighters ROCK!
*stretches hands due to sudden cramping*
Sorry that took so damn long!
Right then. The story.
~*~
Draco awoke the next morning with a headache the size of Professor Sprout's ass. But besides the constant throbbing in his temples, he felt good. He felt better than good. He felt invincible. Last night's ordeal seemed miles away as the young blonde stretched his good mornings to an empty room. He jumped out of bed and staggered a few steps before regaining his poise - it wasn't proper for a Malfoy to show anything but dignity and grace, even so soon after waking. And Draco was feeling every-bit a Malfoy.
He always knew, even from a young age, that his birthright would allow him certain privileges. His father had made it quite clear that he was only to expect the best - as his father expected the best from him. Only in that moment did Draco truly realize what he had meant. Expulsion? What expulsion? There would BE no severe consequences for him. Not as long as he fulfilled the expectations that had been laid out for him since birth. Snape had made himself more than clear in that respect. He was being protected - from high up, it seemed.
Draco crossed the empty dormitory and made his way to the lavatory. A scalding shower would do wonders for his headache, he mused. After stripping down to the essentials, Draco stepped into the ebony cocoon, turned the silver snake-ridden knobs, and relished in the hot water that sprayed onto him from all directions.
Draco closed his eyes as he rested his forehead against the wall, enjoying the sensation of a thousand scalding beads of water beat across his chest, back and thighs. It was soothing. His mind relaxed and began to wander, letting his guard down in the process. Complete relaxation had its price. The one person he had tried to disregard all morning somehow found his way into Draco's head and made camp. Potter. Harry-Fucking- Potter.
All the muscles in Draco's back and neck suddenly tensed; his dreamy smirk faded, replaced by the beginnings of a well-worn scowl. That bastard. It was that idiotic do-gooder's fault his good name had nearly been tarnished in the first place. But how did he know? Better yet, how did he manage to convince Dumbledore? With a dream? HA! 'That dried up cook would believe anything his "infallible" little Harry came up with.'
Draco's hands were balled up into fists as he moved his head directly under the spray. The water that cascaded down his face did little to help his frustration. If anything, absurdly, it angered him more. Draco hit the side of the shower with his fist, then tenderly brought it back against his chest. His headache was back, and was quickly joined by a dull ache in his knuckles.
"Damnit."
No matter what he did, that little fuck always managed to get under his skin. If anything, it proved to be a great motivator. Ignoring his aching body, Draco began plotting. Plotting his revenge, for the revenge Harry took upon him, for taking his revenge in the first place. A look of amusement washed over Draco's face.
"What a vicious circle we spin."
~*~
Lunch was nearly halfway through by the time Draco graced the Great Hall with his presence. Almost every head at the Slytherin table turned at his entry. Smug faces with knowing looks greeted Draco as he sat. 'Word travels fast, it would seem.' After all, it wasn't every day certain expulsion got brushed off like lint on a cloak. Not every day, that is, unless you're in Gryffindor.
The Slytherin's were not the only students to take notice of Malfoy's arrival. Draco scanned the crowds, searching for a certain mudblood and her weasel. He found them easily enough, their jaws appropriately slacked enough to draw flies. An empty seat to their right. It warmed his black little heart to see them so distressed. Draco inwardly commentaried as their expressions evolved.
'First comes disbelief, then denial - ah yes, mudblood, good likeness - then anger - oh, good show Weasley!'
Ron's face had gone eight shades of red, and it looked as though steam were about to pour out of his ears. His death stare did little but cause Draco to smile ever so sweetly in his direction.
'Looks like last nights' escapades were not in vain, after all.'
~*~
Hermione nudged Ron as Malfoy entered the Great Hall. The two Gryffindors grinned enthusiastically as they prepared to watch Draco bitch and moan about his expulsion. The very thought of Hogwarts being rid of that slimy git had kept them up a good portion of the night. However, his expression was not what they had hoped it would be.
"He looks-"
"-happy!"
"But-"
"-he-"
"-Dumbleore-"
"-no-"
"-he couldn't-"
"-no-"
"-he did-"
"-slimy-"
"-no good-"
"Bastard!"
Ron's fist made contact with the table with a resounding "thud" - sending a good portion of his lunch flying and almost hitting Neville in the head. Neither he nor Hermione noticed. They were too busy glaring. It took another "grand entrance" to get their attention.
"Harry!"
The entire Gryffindor table turned at once, half of them jumping up to greet their long-lost hero. And they weren't the only ones, as the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs followed in suit. Even some of the Slytherins turned to watch the commotion. Once again, Draco Malfoy was one-upped by the illustrious Harry Potter - and all he did was walk in the room.
Crabe looked at him thoughtfully. Well, as thoughtful as a 200 lb thug can look. Draco snapped out of his funk in time to belittle his companion.
"What?!"
"Nu...nothing Draco." Goyle punched him in the arm. "I just..."
"You just...what?"
"I just thought that maybe you'd...you know...wanna embarrass him." Crabe's gaze had made its way to the floor and was now boring holes into it.
"Tempting, but no. The Gryffindorks seem to be doing a good enough job already."
Draco wasn't far off from the truth. Ginny had her arms wrapped around Harry's neck, while Neville and Seamus took turns clapping him on the back.
"-had us worried, Harry!"
"All right there, Harry?"
"Welcome back Harry!"
"Quite a bruise you got there, Harry!"
Harry pleadingly looked to his friends for assistance. No matter how many times he's come home "the hero", he'd never get used to the welcome it involved. On cue, Hermione ushered the embarrassed Gryffindor away from his admirers.
Ron was the first to speak. "How're you doing, mate?"
"Fine, I guess. My head's a little sore, still. But other than that..." Harry gingerly rubbed his fingers against the nasty bruise that had formed on the side of his head. His hair mostly covered it, but the bluish-purple reminder was still visible.
Hermione gasped when she saw it. "Your face!"
"I know. Looks bad, doesn't it?"
"Bad's not the word." Ron's face matched Hermione's, though his eyes bugged out a bit more.
"Really. I'm fine." Harry began eating, hoping to change the subject. "Anything happen while I was out?"
Ron and Hermione shared a look, each one not knowing what to say.
Harry caught on and stopped mid-chew. "What?"
The look on Ron's face told Hermione that it clearly was her turn to explain things. Besides, she was always better at it anyway.
"Malfoy got taken up to Dumbledore's office last night."
Harry's face lit up immediately. "Really? That's great!"
"Not really, Harry. See..." Hermione tried to continue but Ron interrupted.
"We thought he'd be expelled. But, well...look at him."
At that, Harry looked up at Draco, who was smirking and laughing and carrying on in his usual asinine manner. He didn't look like he had just been kicked out of the best Wizarding School in the world. The way he was carrying on, he might as well have been made Head Boy.
Harry quietly chuckled as he watched. The story he had spun to Madam Pomfrey hadn't worked quite as well as he had thought, it would seem. Ah well. One wrong deed deserved another. 'Touché.'
"What's so funny?"
"Yeah, you're taking this rather well!" Ron looked at him indignantly.
"I'm sorry. It's just that-" Harry looked at them, wondering if he should tell them. "-I had this dream."
"Yeah?" "Really?" Both Ron and Hermione chimed in at the same time, both looking a bit too eager.
"Yeah..." Caught off guard by their enthusiasm, Harry looked at them wryly.
Ron cleared his throat loudly. "A dream. What about?" Hermione just blushed.
"I had a dream where Malfoy admitted to cursing me. It all seemed so real..." Harry tried his best to conceal a grin. "So, when I woke, I told Madam Pomfrey."
"Well, that explains why Snape took him to see Dumbledore last night." Hermione nodded as to confirm her words.
"But it doesn't give us a clue as to how that bastard got out of it!" Ron picked at his food. "I was SURE he was gonna get his come-uppins."
Harry elbowed his friend. "He will, Ron. He will."
~*~
Harry and Draco pretended to be oblivious of the other's existence for the remainder of lunch. Every once in a while, one would feel the other's eyes on them, but wouldn't look up in time to catch him. It was only after Harry had left to go back to the dormitory that Draco made his move.
He had made it halfway to the Fat Lady when he heard a sneer. Half smirking himself, Harry turned around.
"Well, well, well...if it isn't Potty...back from the dead." Draco lazily walked up to him.
"If you think that lame excuse of a curse would kill me, Malfoy, you're losing your touch."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Draco casually trimmed his nails.
"No. You usually don't."
A mock look of concern took hold of Draco's face. "Didn't your daddy ever tell you it's not wise to underestimate your opponent? Oh!" He held a hand to his face. "No, I suppose he never got the chance."
"A jab at my tragic history? How cliché. Such a blatant lack of creativity." Harry smirked. "Crabe and Goyle must be rubbing off on you. Or rubbing you off, either way..."
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Draco wiggled his eyebrows suggestively - unconsciously mocking the same wiggle Harry had thrown at him only hours earlier.
"I prefer HUMAN lovers, thank you." Harry couldn't help but admit how much he was enjoying this. If he could only get the "battle of wits" to move another direction...
"One wouldn't guess...considering the vermin you associate with." Malfoy's snobbish drawl was getting increasingly thicker.
"You're one to talk," Harry moved closer. "Ferret boy."
Draco took a step in. "Scar head."
"Whore monger!"
"Trub fucker!"
By this point, the two had gotten dangerously close to each other. Centimeters from his face, Harry licked his lips.
"You're delicious when you're mad."
"Is that so?" Draco couldn't help but smirk. He could feel his pulse rising.
"Yeah..." - pause - "At least...you were last night."
Draco could only stare at his nemesis. His mouth had gone dry, and any thoughts of a proper comeback left him. His silver eyes betrayed his stoic front - they showed his fear.
"You're sexier when you dance, though."
And with that, Harry turned around and walked away. Before he was out of sight, he called out over his shoulder...
"You will let me know about those ballet slippers, won't you?"
And then he was gone.
Again. For the second time that day, Draco was left breathless in the hallways of Hogwarts.
~*~