Dreaming in Reality
Chapter 3
By Kalibrit

The Dragon , The Weasel, The Cat and The Coot
(Takes place during the same time as HG/HP in HG's room)
The Slytherin Common Room

The Dragon

The room was empty except for the motionless figure staring into the fire. The young man had run everyone out of the common area after dinner. He needed to brood in peace and used his status as the 'prince' to get everyone gone.

He could not fathom what his father was thinking. Getting that close to Potter.

Touching Potter. Kissing Potter. It was sickening.

Draco just needed to figure out the plan. His father and the Dark Lord had to have a plan. It was the only explanation for his father doing such a thing. He had to be gaining Potter's trust and then lure him to his demise at the hands of their Lord.

At least he hoped so.

He couldn't take the thought that his father had truly betrayed the lord and fallen to the feet of Saint Potter.

The Gryffindor Common Room
The Weasel

Ron couldn't believe it. His supposed best friend was a poofter. Didn't the bastard know he was supposed to marry Ginny and become part of his family? He had it all planned out. Harry was going to marry Ginny, he was going to marry Hermione and they would get a huge house somewhere in the country so they could fly without worrying about the muggles. Oh no, perfect Harry Bloody Potter had to go and screw up his plans. Oh no his sister. How was Ginny handling this?

He looked around the common room trying to see if Ginny was around. He spotted her talking to some of her year mates. He left his chair and walked over to her. As he approached, he could hear their conversation.

"…so hot."

"I know, I almost melted in my seat."

Ginny gushed next. "I always knew Harry was passionate, but my God. I thought they were going to devour each other. It was great."

"Ginny." Ron couldn't believe his ears.

"What Ronald?" Ginny was still upset how her brother reacted in the Great Hall. He always jumped to conclusions. Whenever something didn't fit in house nice orderly world, he was adamantly against it.

"Ginny, why are you saying that? How could you enjoy watching Harry kiss another man?"

"Why not? Harry deserves someone in his life. I wouldn't have picked a Malfoy for him, but I trust him enough to wait for an explanation."

"But Malfoy.."

"But nothing. Harry deserves our support."

"But a guy…"

Now Ginny was flabbergasted. "What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"Harry can't be gay."

"Ronald Weasley, pull your head out of your ass. Harry told us he was gay last year."

"Wha?" Ron looked confused.

"Geez Ron, you have to be the most clueless idiot I've ever met."

"When did he? I don't remember…"

"Ron, we were ALL right here when he told us. Do you really live so deep in your own world? Do you just ignore anything that doesn't fit?" She stood and walked away, she couldn't believe him.

Ron watched as Ginny walked away. What was she talking about? Harry never told him he was gay. He would have remembered something like that.

Wouldn't he?

The Headmaster's Office
The Cat

Minerva took her normal chair by the fire in the headmaster's office. She was definitely ready for a nightcap. It had been a trying evening. She couldn't remember the last time there had been such a ruckus during dinner.

She did notice the twinkle was still present in the headmaster's eye so all must be following the right path.

Minerva was struggling to understand what was going on. THE Lucius Malfoy had requested Sanctuary. He had basically declared to everyone that he was turning his back on his lord. A being that was not known for his leniency.

Why?

And where did Potter fit in?

Since that child had arrived, whenever something, anything; happened, he was usually in the middle.

And that kiss! Holy Merlin.

But as far as she knew the last time Harry'd seen Malfoy Senior was at Voldemort's resurrection party. He was pretty much monitored all the time at school and lived in the Muggle World during the holidays. How had they gotten so close? She hated a mystery.

The Coot

Albus Dumbledore poured out the tea as he mentally made sure that there was a twinkle in his eye. He knew that other's gauged what was going on by the darn thing. He was the one the students and teacher's turned too for guidance and assurance. He couldn't let them know if and when he worried.

And he was worried.

This situation with Lucius Malfoy had him bamboozled. He didn't like getting caught off guard, especially in his own school. This was his domain, and he worked very hard to make sure that he knew what was going on. He worked hard to make sure that he knew what was going on in Harry's life. The boy was important to the Wizarding World. However, that wasn't the only reason. He was aware of how much he had failed the boy in his youth. He didn't like to admit the mistake he had made leaving him with the Dursley's. He had tried to make it up during the year, but he might have gone about it the wrong way. He indulged where he shouldn't have and didn't support him when he should. He was lucky the boy had any faith in him at all. Hopefully, he still did.

Earlier in the evening, he noticed that Malfoy had reigned in Harry with a word. Did this mean that he was exerting pressure over Harry? Was he influencing Harry somehow? By the gods he hoped not. He had never seen Harry look so excited at seeing someone as when his eyes lit upon Lucius in the Great Hall. If Lucius was playing with Harry, Albus truly believed that it would crush the young man. Maybe totally. He would have to monitor the situation carefully, he wished happiness for Harry, but couldn't let him forget his duties.

A/N – Thank you so! Much for everyone who has reviewed. I'm glad that there are people out there that are enjoying this story.

Sorry for the delay, however real life has reared it's nasty head and bitten me on the a$$.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope to have the next up within a month.

TBC

5/2/2005