I think I need to find another word for sorry, seeing how I've being saying that way too much! Oh well! Anyway if you got to read my note before it was deleted then you'd know that I'm suffering from major headaches and can't write very long without dying. Anyway, finally after I went to three doctors and had some really expensive x-ray they decided that I had a sinus infection, which is what I told my regular doctor I had in the FIRST PLACE! So hopefully this medicine works or I'm going to chop my own head off. Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty Two: Ready! Set! Fight!
"Harry would you mind staying behind for a minute?" Demin asked the dark haired teen that had just started towards the castle with his friends. They had just finished their morning exercises together.
"Sure," Harry said, quickly telling his friends, who wanted to wait for him, to go on ahead.
"So what do you need?" Harry asked curiously as soon as his friends were out of earshot.
"I need you to run some tests for me over the next couple of days," Demin said while digging around in his pockets and finally pulling out a very well known stopwatch.
"Tests? What for?" Harry asked, now confused.
"As your teacher I don't believe it's your place to question me nor do I think I need a reason to test my pupil," Demin said disciplinary, though his mischievous smile gave away his true nature. "However, since you asked and since I'm such a nice guy I'll tell you my reason."
"Really?" Harry asked, giving Demin a skeptical look.
"Yes really," Demin said. "Just as soon as you past my tests."
Harry groaned, shaking his head knowing full well it would do him no good to argue anymore. Resigned to his fate he asked, "What do you want me to do?"
"Ah, I'm so glad you asked," Demin said gleefully. "I need you to give me another ten laps around our little make shift track here and I need you to give me all the effort you've got left for all ten of them."
"Demin, incase you've missed the last hour, let me refresh your memory and remind you that I have been running NON STOP," Harry said.
"I know that Harry and what better way to test your abilities then when you're tired," Demin said, his attention on the buttons of his watch. "So whenever you're ready."
Harry groaned again, knowing this too, was a lost battle. Sighing, Harry nodded to Demin that he was ready.
"Good. Now on my mark," Demin said, setting his watch. "Go."
And with that Harry reluctantly took off at a run.
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"40:21, not a bad time for what I figure to be about a 6.0 mile run," Demin said, looking at his watch and smiling.
"Does that mean I've past your first test?" Harry asked, as he was finally able to collapse onto the ground.
"Let's just say that you have impressed me," Demin said, leaning over so he could see Harry's face. "Though I doubt your first period teacher is going to be too impressed if you're late to their class."
"What?" Harry asked, sitting up sharply and looking at his watch before softly cursing under his breath and getting to his feet. He had a little less than an hour to get showered, dressed, and grab a quick breakfast before his first class started.
"Demin, if I'm late to Potions I swear I'm going to sic Elle on you," Harry threatened as he took of at a dead sprint towards the castle. Demin's amused laughter followed him in.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
"Harry, mate what took you so long?" Ron asked Harry as he slid into his seat next to him in potions. "You missed breakfast."
"Tell me something I don't know," Harry said rolling his eyes.
"So what did Demin want?" Hermione asked, leaning forward in her chair so she could look at Harry. "Anything we should be aware of?"
"No," Harry said shaking his head. "Demin's just being his normal, crazy self. He just had me run a few extra laps for him, that's all."
"He kept you after just to do that?" Hermione asked, frowning. "Did you at least get some breakfast?"
"You better believe it," Harry said, laughing. "Sirius practically shoved toast down my throat when I met him in the entrance hall on my way down here. He then told me he was going to have a serious talk with Demin about making me miss meals."
"Sirius is still in his overprotected mode I see?" Ron asked, snickering. "Sucks to be you."
"No it sucks to be anyone, but me." Harry countered. "It seems Sirius is going after those who are out to cause me problems instead of going after me for causing the problems. So if I were you I'd watch out."
"Duly noted," Ron said. "Though speaking of causing trouble Ginny, Hermione and I were wondering, could you meet us in the lair tonight after dueling class?"
"Probably, if Sirius and Remus don't keep me after for something," Harry said frowning. "Why, is something wrong?"
"No," Hermione said a weird gleam in her eyes. "We just have something to discuss with you."
"All right," Harry said slowly. "But if I am kept after do you still want me to meet up with you after I'm done?"
"Yes," Hermione said quickly. "No matter the time, just give Ron your invisibility cloak so we can get back to the tower unnoticed when we're done."
"All right," Harry said just as Professor Snape came storming into the classroom in his usual dramatic style.
"I wonder if he's ever knocked that door right off the hinges doing that," Ron said to Harry quietly.
"I wouldn't doubt it. Though I'm pretty sure Professor Dumbledore made this whole dungeon destructive proof when he hired Snape on," Harry whispered back.
"Probably," Ron snickered.
"Potter! Weasley! Is there something you'd like to share with the class?" Snape's angry voice asked, startling the two teens out of their conversation.
"No Sir," Harry said, looking up at Snape and trying his hardest to keep a straight face.
"Then if you are done then maybe I can start MY class," Snape said snidely.
"I don't see why not. I think we're done here, right Harry?" Ron asked causally while turning to Harry.
"Er... right," Harry said, giving Ron a swift kick under the table for that smart ass remark that was guaranteed to get them in trouble. And sure enough Harry could have sworn he saw a vein in Snape's neck pop.
"Why thank you Mr. Weasley, I wasn't under the impression I need your consent to start my class," Snape remarked sarcastically. "But since I now have it, then I think twenty points each from Gryffindor is in order for your and Potter's cheek. Also I think detention every weekend this month will also do you some good. Don't you agree Potter? Weasley?"
Ron who was about to open his mouth to argue was quickly quieted by yet another swift kick to the shins, though this time it was courtesy of Hermione.
"Yes sir," Harry replied for the both of them, while shooting Ron a quick inquiring glance has to his out of character behavior.
"Good. I'm glad we understand each other," Snape said before turning and strolling back to the front of the classroom. "Now all of you should have read today's assignment in your textbook reading found on page 121 that I assigned to you over a week ago. Therefore there is no need for you to have your textbook out, so put them away and get to work."
As some moved to obey the Professor's command immediately, others just stared at him in horror.
"What are you all looking at! Put away your books and start on the assigned potion now!" Snape shouted at the stunned class.
"But Professor what if we didn't do the assigned reading?" Lavender asked timidly.
"Then ask your neighbor next to you what potion we are suppose to be making and hope your tiny little brains can remember this potion's ingredients. We spent an ENTIRE WEEK WORKING ON IT IN FIFTH YEAR!" Professor Snape yelled malignantly at the confounded class.
"And if we don't remember?" A Slytherin boy dared to ask.
"Then improvise or guess, I don't care. Just remember to write down all ingredients that you add and pray that at the end you have come up with the right potion since this little test is worth a great deal of your grade," Professor Snape answered.
"Er... Professor?" Hermione asked nervously. "Isn't that kind of dangerous, just adding random ingredients?"
"Only if you are working with an incompetent partner," Snape said, smiling wickedly. "I will be placing shielding barriers around each pair of you, so when your cauldrons do explode, which I have no doubt they will, only those who deserve the consequences will receive the consequences. In other words, Miss Granger, I would choose your partner wisely, now get started."
Most of the class was still looking very uneasy about the whole thing, but really had no choice but to follow the Professor's order. Cleaning their desks of their textbooks, they all quickly scrambled to find a capable partner.
"Would you guys mind to much if I partner with Neville?" Hermione asked, caving into the pleading looks Neville had been sending her way.
"Of course not," Harry said, smiling reassuringly at her. "Ron and I can handle this assignment together I think."
"Absolutely," Ron said, grinning. "After all, you are the one who has been hammering this potion assignment into my head all last week."
"Thanks guys," Hermione said, smiling brightly at the two while gathering her stuff and moving to Neville's workstation.
"You did actually read the assigned pages. Didn't you?" Harry asked Ron in a low tone once Hermione was out of earshot.
"For once I was telling the truth," Ron replied. "Since you weren't here to help me cause trouble, my only other options were to do my homework or go mad."
"So what you're saying is that I should disappear more often so you can actually get your homework done on time?" Harry asked grinning.
"Are you stock raving mad!" Ron exclaimed. "I nearly killed Hermione at least ten times while you were gone! She was driving me absolutely nuts with all this schoolwork! I mean a guy's got to have time to have fun too."
"So true," Harry said sighing dramatically. "I think, however, in my case I need to spend less time having fun and more time on schoolwork."
"So does that mean you didn't read the assignment?" Ron asked.
"Actually . . . no, I haven't," Harry said, smiling slightly. "I had other homework I figured I need to get done first."
"Then why did you tell Hermione we could handle this!?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Because I think no matter how bad we do, Neville will always need the help more," Harry said. "Besides if it's a potion we've done before how hard could it be?"
"It's Kiln's Healing potion we're suppose to be making," Ron hissed. "Only the hardest known burn ointment to make!"
Harry grinned mischievously. "Ah, you're forgetting unfaithful one that Demin taught me more then fighting while I was in the Elf Realm. Healing ointments were among the first potions I had to learn when he tutored me in my studies."
"So you do know this potion?" Ron asked relieved.
"Well at least the elfish version of it," Harry said with a shrug. "Whether they're the same, I'm not entirely sure."
"How different could they be?" Ron asked. "Let's just grab our stuff and get started, we'll compare recipes as we go along."
"Sounds good to me," Harry said sliding off his stool and turning around only to run straight into Draco Malfoy.
"What do you want?" Ron asked Draco harshly.
Draco only spared Ron a quick glance before his eyes averted back to Harry's.
"There's an odd number of students today since Pansy out sick, so Professor Snape said I could pick what group I wanted to work with." Draco replied lazily.
"So, that doesn't explain why you're over here," Ron said narrowing his eyes.
"I would have thought that was obvious." Draco drawled. "Then again you are a Weasley, so I guess I'll have to spell it out for you. I'm working with you and Potter."
"Like hell you are! You'll just sabotage our potion and get us in to even more trouble with Snape," Ron said furiously.
"I think you've established getting yourself in enough trouble already Weasley. No need for me to do it." Draco drawled, smirking.
"Look Malfoy, go back to your side of the dungeon and find one of your Slytherin friends to push around because I'm frankly done taking crap from you!"
"I think you've misunderstood Weasley, I'm not asking you. I'm telling you," Malfoy said in a deadly calm voice. "Professor Snape gave me permission to join any group I want, so unless you want another month of detention you'd better let me have my way."
"I don't care if Snape gives me a years worth of detention!" Ron spat. "The bottom line, Malfoy, is that you're not welcome here. The only reason you're here now is because Harry felt sorry for you and let you go."
"Ron that's enough," Harry said quietly as he saw something akin to hurt, shame and anger flashed through Malfoy's eyes. "He can work with us."
Ron turned to Harry with a look of horror and betrayal on his face while Malfoy smirked triumphantly behind his back.
"Malfoy you set up our equipment while Ron and I go get our ingredients," Harry said, gripping Ron's upper arm tightly and leading him away before either one of them could open their mouths again.
"Harry what in bloody hell do you think you are doing!" Ron asked maliciously as he yanked his arm out of Harry's grip.
"Ron would you just stop for a minute and look around you?" Harry asked. "Malfoy is now considered a traitor, an enemy among the Slytherins, he is no longer welcomed in his own house. Can you imagine what it's like for him to have to put up with that every day, not to mention all the other crap he has to take from the other three houses?"
"So what! It's no one's fault but his own!" Ron cried. "He's the one who choice to follow his father's path, he's the one who decided to attack the Hogswarts Express and now he's paying for it! Frankly it's about time and I'm not going to start being nice to him just because Dumbledore thinks he's changed or because you think he deserves a chance!"
"I'm not asking you to be his best friend Ron! All I'm asking is for you to put yourself in his shoes and see this all from his point of view!" Harry cried. "We don't know the whole story of his childhood and I don't think we have a right to judge him on what little we do know. Have you even considered that maybe he had had no choice but to follow his father or die?"
"Then he should have died!" Ron said fiercely.
"You just don't get it do you?" Harry said, sighing.
"What don't I get Harry!?" Ron asked, folding his arms in front of him. "Malfoy's an evil git and he will always be an evil git! What else do I need to know?"
"Ron, are you even listening to yourself?" Harry asked incredulously. "Do you think it's fair for Snape to treat me the way he treated me just because of my father or because he THINKS my home life with the Dursleys was so grand?"
"No," Ron said without hesitation.
"So how is that any different then what you're doing now with Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"Because you're you and he's Malfoy!" Ron cried.
"Ron did you just hear what you said?" Harry asked, shaking his head. "Because if that's the only justification you have then you're acting no better then Malfoy."
"Just what is that suppose to mean?!" Ron asked angrily. "In case you missed the conversation between Malfoy and me a minute ago let me remind you the first thing he did was insult me and my family!"
"I'm not saying that Malfoy's approach at trying to gain our trust was the right one, but you've got to cut him some slack Ron, he's never had any REAL friends before!" Harry cried. "Heck I bet it took all the pride he had left just to approach us today."
Ron just stared hard at Harry as Harry returned his graze just as intensely before Ron finally had to look away. "Fine he can work with us, but don't except me to be nice to him, he's still an evil git in my eyes."
"Just try not to get us into anymore trouble," Harry said, sighing.
Ron just gave a curt nod to Harry as he gathered their ingredients and returned back to the worktable, a resigned Harry trailing behind.
"What took you two so long?" Draco asked, looking up as Ron dumped the ingredients on the table. "Did you two get lost and have to stop and ask for directions?"
Ron opened his mouth to reply, but Harry beat him to it. "Listen Malfoy, if you're going to work with us you are at least going to be civil or you can go elsewhere, consequence from Snape be damned, understood?"
Draco looked a little taken back by the underline warning in Harry's voice, but quickly recovered himself and gave a curt nod.
"Good let's get started," Harry said quickly, shooting Ron a warning look as well. "I assume you read the assignment?"
"Of course," Draco said his superior tone back.
"Good," Harry said, reaching for three pieces of parchment. "Write down the recipe as you remember it, Ron and I will do the same, then after we're done we'll compare them and get started from there."
Draco nodded and took the parchment without question, as did Ron. Five minutes later all three papers were laid out side by side as the three boys compared them. They were all identical except for two extra things that were on Harry's list.
"Alluvium flower?" Draco asked. "What is that?"
Harry frowned. "You've never heard of it?"
"If I had, do you think I would have wasted my breath to ask you?" Draco drawled.
"Guess not," Harry said, ignoring Draco's tone. "Have you heard of it Ron?"
"No," Ron supplied crisply.
"Umm, then I guess it's a flower native only in the Elf Realm," Harry said drawing a line through that particular ingredient. "I'm not entirely sure the effect the flower has to this potion, but since it's not added in the wizard recipe it must not be too important."
"If you say so," Ron said, looking back at Harry's list. "What about the touch of Elf magic?"
"Oops," Harry said drawing a line through that as well. "Should have realized that defiantly wouldn't be on there."
"So it is true," Draco's quiet voice said. "You really did spend the summer in the Elf Realm."
"Yeah I did," Harry said, sparing Draco a glance. "Why do you ask?"
"Just inquiring," Draco said, shrugging. "After all, hasn't the Elf Realm been closed to travel to all realms for years?"
"About Fifteen years to be precise," Harry said while he separated and divided the ingredients out. "They sealed the entrance when their Realm started to be torn apart by war and by the time the conflicted was over our realm was having our own problems with Voldemort. So they decided to keep the barrier sealed. They weren't interested in getting into another conflicted."
"So what you're saying is that the seal wasn't broken until Demin came to get you?" Ron asked, fascinated.
"No the barrier was reopened about five years ago, but since security was so tight no one wanted to bother with it," Harry said with a shrug while checking off random ingredients on everybody's list. "Anyway, we need to get started before Snape decides he has another reason to punish us. Here, I've marked off certain ingredients on each of your lists, prepare the ones I've marked and we'll go from there."
Ron and Draco both took their respective parchments without complaint and all three of them went to work. Over the next half an hour all three teens worked together, only necessary conversation passing between them, as ingredients were timely added to their caldron.
"Now what?" Ron asked as he dumped the last remaining ingredient into the cauldron.
"Now we wait for it to boil," Harry said. "And in the mean time we can clean . . ."
BOOM!
All three boys whipped around in surprise to see Crabbe and Goyle standing stupidly by their now empty, smoking cauldron, their robes drenched in slimy, odor smelling potion that was a brilliant . . .
"ORANGE!" Professor Snape bellowed striding over to the two Slytherin boys. "How in Merlin's beard could you two idiots possible come up with an orange texture when it's suppose to be white?!"
At this half the students looked panicky into their own cauldrons to see what color theirs were turning out, while the other half continued to watch Professor Snape.
"Never mind I don't even have to ask." Professor Snape said sighing. "Just get yourself up to the hospital wing."
And with that Crabbe and Goyle slowly sundered out of the classroom as Professor Snape did a quick sweep with his wand and the boy's mess was gone.
"That's one group down only and eight more to go." Professor Snape said snidely to the remaining students. "I wonder which one of you will be next to fall?"
Harry snorted, "I don't see why he's so happy. I mean even I could see that those two paired together was an accident waiting to happen."
"Tell me about it," Ron said. "If it wasn't for them being in Slytherin where Professor Snape could favor them all the time they wouldn't have even made it past first year."
"I wouldn't be talking Weasley," Draco drawled. "If you weren't friends with Potter or Granger you wouldn't be passing either."
"At least I have friends!" Ron spat.
BOOM!
Ron and Draco both flinched back in surprise as yet another cauldron exploded.
Harry gave a sigh of relief and made a mental note to thank Patil and Lavender later for their timely distraction. Even if it had just cost Gryffindor twenty points and a trip to the hospital wing for two of his fellow Gryffindors. It was a lot better then having Ron and Draco go at it again.
"Here Ron take these and get them clean will ya," Harry said, quickly shoving dirty tools into Ron's arms before he could open his mouth.
Ron gave Harry a dirty look telling him he knew exactly what Harry was trying to do before sliding off his stool and going to do as Harry asked. Ten minutes later, as Ron was making his way back to their table, Harry quickly sent Draco to the front of the classroom to get their vials from Professor Snape.
"Where'd the ferret go?" Ron asked bitingly.
"I'm right behind you Weasel," Malfoy snarled, causing Ron to jump and Harry to roll his eyes in exasperation.
"So you think you're potions good enough to bottle?" Professor Snape sneered at the two Gryffindors. The professor had followed Draco back to their table, where he then proceeded to check the cauldron's content with extra care.
"Take it off the heat and let it cool, then pour it carefully into the vials and mark them," Snape finally said after what seemed like forever.
"Yes Professor," Draco said.
"I guess it does pays off to let a Slytherin into your group, doesn't it?" Snape said snidely to the two Gryffindors after Draco had left to put their tools away. "After you're done don't forget to put the vials on my desk and your list of ingredients next to it. Then after you've cleaned up you're free to go," Snape said, moving away from the group to go check on Hermione and Neville's potion as they too were signaling they were done.
"Pays off to have a Slytherin in your group doesn't it," Ron mimicked Professor Snape perfectly before pulling a disgusted face. "Like Malfoy did any of the hard work any way."
"Ron let it go," Harry said, looking over his shoulder to make sure Draco was still busy putting away their tools.
"Why should I?" Ron asked angrily. "We've been taking crap from him for years and now that he's been taken down a notch, I'm going make sure I take full advantage of it."
Harry just sighed and continued to pour the potion carefully into the vials, trying hard to quill his urge to dump a little on Ron's hand that was holding the vials steady. Five minutes later and much to Harry's relief, the three boys were finally done and free to go.
"It's been nice working with you," Draco drawled, picking up his bag.
"Too bad the feelings not mutual," Ron said, glaring at Malfoy.
"Maybe not for you Weasel," Draco said as he walked passed Ron purposely bumping him hard in the shoulder while sending Harry a smirk before making his way out of the classroom.
"I'm going to kill him," Ron said through gritted teeth, as he hurriedly stuffed his belongs into his bag and tore out of the classroom after Malfoy
Harry gave Hermione a meaningful look, which she nodded to in understanding. Then he too tore out of the classroom after Ron.
Harry was very surprised when he didn't catch up to Ron until he was out of the dungeon and had run up two flights of stairs.
"Ron will you wait up!" Harry called after his quickly retreating friend.
"I can't believe that little ferret gave me the slip!" Ron said angrily as he finally stopped running.
"Ron," Harry said as he stopped in front of him. "Would you just let it go, please?"
"I am not just going to let it go!" Ron yelled. "Like I told Malfoy, I'm done taking crap from him! You can let him walk all over you if that's what you want, but I'm finished, through, done!"
Harry quickly grabbed Ron by the arm before he could leave again and quickly shoved him into the nearby empty classroom before closing the door and soundproofing the room behind him.
"Ron what the heck is your problem?" Harry asked irritably.
"MY PROBLEM?" Ron asked incredulously. "MY PROBLEM! You're the one with the problem!"
"Me?" Harry asked, perplexed. "I'm not the one who got us in trouble with Snape and got us detention! I'm not the one flying off the handle over this stupid Malfoy issue! I'm not the one with the out of control temper who's turning it on their friend!"
"No, but you are the one who's letting Malfoy get away with murder again!" Ron cried. "The week Malfoy came back. I'll admit he was actually fine, he never said anything to any of us, but now that you're back he's walking all over us again, me especially, and worst of all you're not even helping to defend me! Just whose friend are you? Because you're defiantly not being mine!"
"How could you say something like that?" Harry asked.
"I can say something like that because you're not being my friend!" Ron bellowed. "First you let Malfoy join us against my will and then you practically defend him when he starts insulting me! Best friends stick up for each other no matter what Harry."
"Ron we had no choice but to let Malfoy work with us. I for one didn't want another month's worth of detention or any other trouble from Snape! Seeing how you already took care of that for us! And secondly I already told you why I let Malfoy work with us!"
"Yes I know and as far as I'm concerned it's a bunch of bull! Malfoy choose his own course in life and I think he should have to live with it! Now you suddenly became his best friend!" Ron yelled. "You know what? I'm done listening to you. When you decide who your really friend is, you know where to find me."
And with that Ron stormed out of the classroom leaving behind a very bewildered and stunned Harry.
'What just happened here?" Harry asked himself.
A couple of minutes later when Harry still wasn't any closer to the answer and not really wanting to go to class and face Ron so soon, he set off in the opposite direction in deep thought.
"Harry! What are you doing here?" Delia asked excitedly as she seemingly appeared out of nowhere right in front of Harry. "Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Harry said frowning. "Why aren't you with Madam Pomfrey?"
"Well I was with her," Delia said slowly, while rocking on the balls of her feet, her hands firmly clasped behind her back. "But then we had a bunch of students come in from potion class, so instead of going to the meeting Caryn had schedule for the healers from the elf realm, I stayed and helped Madam Pomfrey. And since I didn't show up on time naturally Caryn came looking for me thinking I had forgotten, which I really hadn't. Anyway when Caryn came in and took in the situation she naturally took right over for me and since I wasn't really needed I decided it was ok if I left and went exploring. So," Delia said, finally taking a breath. "What are you doing here?"
"I had a little fight with Ron this morning," Harry said, knowing it was no use lying to Delia. "So I didn't feel like going to class."
"Oh," Delia said frowning, not sure what she should say before suddenly smiling brightly again. "Do you want to play hooky together?"
"Love to," Harry said, finally smiling and offering Delia his arm, which she happily took. "I was planning on going down to the lake, how does that sound to you?"
"Sounds perfect," Delia beamed.
"May I join you two in this little excursion of yours or are you two planning on disappearing again without me?" Elle's voice suddenly asked irritably.
Harry couldn't help but laugh as his cubcat came streaking around the corner. "I see you're still a little mad my friend."
"I think that if your master liked to disappear at least once a month and not have the courtesy of taking you with him, then you too would be mad," Elle replied stiffly as she climbed expertly onto Harry's shoulders.
"Elle you're impossible, you know that?" Harry said shaking his head while relaying their conversation to Delia.
"If you ask me," Delia said, grinning. "You two are perfect for each other, you're both completely impossible."
"I don't believe we asked you, you insolent brat," Harry said teasingly. "Besides you're ten times worse then Elle and I."
"I know! That's why my daddy is already getting gray hair!" Delia said brightly. "At least that's what he say's is causing it, Kairi says it's because he's getting old."
"Your Dad is anything but old," Harry laughed. "Besides I've never seen any gray hairs."
"That's because," Delia begun, but suddenly stopped quickly looking around her before conspiratorially tugging on Harry's robe sleeve and instructing him to bend down so she could whisper into his ear. "That's because daddy has Kairi dye his hair for him every couple of months."
Harry pulled back from Delia and looked at her incredulously. "Have you actually seen Kairi dye it?"
"Well . . . no," Delia said shrugging. "But that's what Kairi tells me she does."
"You know I'm beginning to think that Demin is right," Harry said, starting to walk again. "Kairi is a bad influence on you."
"Well someone's got to be," Delia said indignantly. "Kairi's my bad influence and you're my good."
"I doubt your dad would see it that way." Harry said shaking his head, knowing it was no use arguing with Delia, he would never win.
"Come on, I'll race you to the Lake," Harry said.
"Really?" Delia asked.
"Yes, really," Harry said, smiling. "But let's make it a little more interesting."
"How?" Delia asked.
"Well, we can use any route we want through the castle to get to the lake, we most defiantly can't get caught, and the first one to the lake wins."
"What do we get if we win?" Delia asked.
"Since I made the rules, you name the terms," Harry said.
"All right," Delia said thoughtfully. "How about if I win you have to take me to Hogsmeade with you the next time you go and if I lose I'll have to keep Caryn off your back for two weeks."
"Deal," Harry said without hesitance. "But I have to have your dad's permission before I can take you to Hogsmeade though."
"Don't worry that won't be a problem," Delia said grinning, before she suddenly frowned and narrowed her eyes, looking at Harry suspiciously. "You agreed to that way too easily, you were planning on using your magic weren't you?"
"You're already accusing me of cheating!" Harry asked in mock outrage. "We haven't even started yet. Delia, I'm wounded."
"So you weren't going to use your magic?" Delia asked suspiciously.
"No I wasn't," Harry said. "And I promise you, wizard to elf, that I won't use it."
"All right," Delia said nodding. "I believe you."
"Good. Now may we proceed?" Harry asked.
"No, now we can GO!" Delia shouted the last word while taking off at a dead run.
"Now who's cheating?" Harry yelled as he took off after Delia's retreating form.
Harry kept Delia in sight for another hall length until he ducked into a secret passage and proceeded to take his own route down to the lake. Harry really thought that he had Delia beat from the beginning until he came around the corner of the castle to see Delia sitting by the lake waving happily at him.
"I'd say she beat you and beat you good," Elle said laughingly.
"Jeez thanks for pointing out the obvious," Harry muttered sarcastically.
"How did you beat me here?" Harry asked once he reached Delia.
"You know it's really amazing the passageways you can find when you have a lot of free time to go exploring," Delia said grinning.
"You know you really could have mentioned that before we started," Harry muttered, sitting down beside her.
"Why?" Delia asked innocently. "Besides you're the one who wanted to race."
"Don't remind me," Harry said. "Though it looks like I'll be taking you to Hogsmeade."
"Yes you are!" Delia said happily.
"Do you think we should head back to the castle now?" Delia asked about two hours later, looking up at the sun.
"Probably," Harry said, though he made no effort to move. "I'm sure it's about time for lunch."
"That it is Potter," A voice said from behind the two, causing Harry to quickly jump to his feet and whip around wand out aimed directly at the intruder.
"Malfoy," Harry said tightly. "What do you want?"
"You don't own the castle Potter." Draco snarled. "I can walk around where I please."
"Or on whom you please," Harry muttered, still bitter about his fight with Ron.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Draco asked angrily.
"If you're as smart as you think you are Malfoy, figure it out yourself," Harry said helping Delia to her feet. "Come on Delia it's time for us to leave."
"Hey Potter I heard you didn't show up to your last class," Malfoy taunted at Harry's retreating figure. "You're friends you're looking for you, you know? Well it was more like the mudblood, Weasel didn't seem to . . . ump." Malfoy let out as he suddenly found himself flat on his back, an enraged Harry on top of him.
"Malfoy I believe I told you once that if you came near my family or got in my way again I wouldn't hesitate to destroy you," Harry said in a dangerous voice, low enough so Delia couldn't hear. "Just because I let you go free once doesn't mean I will do it again. So I'm warning you Malfoy, another word about my friends or family and you'll regret it. I think you remember my little friend Elle, don't you?" Harry said, averting his gaze to a hissing Elle in Delia's arms as Draco did the same, before Draco returned his eyes back to Harry angrily.
"Just because you have powerful friends and you saved my life Potter doesn't give you or your friends the right to throw it back in my face every time you see me!" Malfoy spat pushing Harry forcefully off of him and clamoring to his feet. "I thought at least YOU would be better than that or at least understand."
Harry was taken aback for just a moment at Draco's admittance, before quickly narrowing his eyes and jumping back to his feet angrily. "If I remember correctly Malfoy, you're the one who was rude first. Do you expect Ron just to sit back and take crap from you anymore? Especially since you've been nothing but nasty since you've met him? And as for me Malfoy, I've finally learned that you just can't teach in old ferret new tricks. "
Malfoy's attack came as such a surprise to Harry, that he didn't even have time to react before the punch connected with his right jaw making him stumble back a little.
"Malfoy, I sure hope you know what you just started," Harry said rubbing his sore jaw. "Because I'm just angry enough to finish it, Expelliarmus!" Harry yelled sending Malfoy's wand into his hand.
"Of course we're going to finish this just the way you started it," Harry said tossing both his and Malfoy's wands to Delia, who caught them automatically though completely stunned at the events that were unfolding before her.
"Now, Malfoy we can finish this," Harry said, crouching low into his fighting stance.
"Potter you're sadly mistaken if you don't think I've ever had any training in fighting," Draco said, also taking a fighting stance. "I had to learn many things to survive around my house."
"Good. Now I don't have to hold back," Harry said as the two started to circle each other. "I don't like fighting incompetent people."
"Good, because I'm not one," Malfoy grounded out as he made the first move and launched himself at Harry with a right upper cut which Harry easily dodged, before countering with his own punch to Malfoy's gut that connected solidly and sent Malfoy flying back.
"Did I also mention that I've had a little training myself," Harry said as he watched Malfoy clutch his stomach.
"So I see," Malfoy said standing back up straight after a minute. "But this fight is anything but over," Draco said as he once again launched himself at Harry, who again easily dodged the assault by blocking Malfoy's punch with the palm of his hand before quickly stepping sideways and twisting Draco's arm painfully behind his back.
"I think it's clear who had the better trainer," Harry said as Malfoy hissed in pain.
"I hate you Potter," Malfoy said tightly. "From day one you've always thought you were better than me, better than everyone and I'm sick of it!" Malfoy yelled out, using all his anger to launch his elbow into Harry's gut sending Harry stumbling back and causing him to let go of Malfoy's arm.
Malfoy took advantage of Harry being off balance, immediately spinning around with a right hook. Harry barely dodged it in time before countering with his own punch to Malfoy's face that connected with the left side of Malfoy's eye causing Malfoy to back off establishing some space between the two again.
"You know what Malfoy? I never once thought I was better then everyone," Harry said, crouching back into his fighting stance. "But you were right about one thing, I was, am, and still are better then YOU. And your actions since I've returned haven't proven other wise."
Malfoy growled low in his throat and recklessly propelled himself at Harry who quickly sidestepped the onslaught and clothes lined Malfoy hard across the chest sending Draco hard to the ground.
"You sure you really want to continue?" Harry asked, bending over Draco to look him in the eye. "Because you're not going to win this."
Draco didn't even bother to answer instead he took advantage of Harry's slip up and did a quick leg sweep, sending the off guarded Harry hard to the ground. Malfoy then rolled until he was sitting directly on top of Harry were his hands went immediately around Harry's throat.
"Do you even realize how much I hate you?" Draco asked as he gripped Harry's throat even tighter making Harry gag. "You're the reason my father's dead, you're the reason I have no friends anymore, you're the reason I have to be watched 24 hours a day!"
Harry, who had not fought back when Draco had first taken him down due to being winded and surprised, started to fight back only to find he was too weak to pry Draco's determined hands from his throat.
"Dr . . . a . . .co . . . st . . op," Harry managed to choke out as he succeeded in prying Draco's hands a little off his throat.
Draco however seem not to be listening, as he renewed his assault.
"Stop it!" Delia yelled as she ran forward, Elle at her heals, only to be knocked forcibly back by an invisible shield surrounding the two.
"Wh . . . at?" Harry choked out in surprise at the sprawled Delia.
"No one's going to be saving you this time Potter," Draco said smirking wildly.
"Stop it please!" Delia pleaded as she had once again regained her feet and was at the barrier again this time pounding on it as tears slipped down her face. "You're going to kill him! Please let go!"
Draco, however, seemed to be deaf to Delia's plea's as he continued his rant at Harry. "You know what really makes me mad?" Draco asked Harry as Harry continued to struggle to breathe. "It isn't the fact you have guardians that really care for you, or that you have friends that will do anything for you, or even the fact that Dumbledore thinks you're the world's savior. It's the fact that I killed my own father and everybody thinks that I DON'T EVEN CARE! Do you people really think that I have no feelings? Sure my father was evil, sure he was a complete bastard, but he was still my father!" Draco choked out, finally loosened his grip enough to allow Harry the strength to flip Draco off him and sit up to suck in a much-needed breath.
"Harry! Are you all right? Can you hear me?" Delia asked hurriedly as she was still pressed against the barrier, Elle at her side. "Can you let the shield down so I can get through?"
Harry, who had been carefully watching Draco since flipping him off of him, turned to the still frantic Delia who was still trapped outside the invisible barrier.
"I can't," Harry said, getting to his feet and walking over to Delia, still keeping in eye on Draco. "It wasn't my magic that put it up."
"Then whose was it?" Delia demanded.
"Mine," Draco said quietly.
"I was unaware that you could do wandless magic," Harry said turning back to Draco who was still sprawled on the ground.
"That's because I can't," Draco said softly. "I set that spell on a time delay before I approached you. I was so determined to settle the score with you today when I saw you sitting out here alone. I didn't want anyone to interfere."
"Why didn't you?" Harry asked. "Finish me? You had me, there was no way I was going to get out."
"I'm sure you would have found a way." Draco said, even softer. "But in all honesty I'm not sure why I stopped. But after I was done yelling at you I just seemed to lose all my anger."
"Do you still need to talk?" Harry asked, slowly walking back over to Malfoy and sitting down beside him.
"No. I think I've said all I've want to you today," Malfoy said, finally sitting up as some of his old malice returned back to his voice.
"Enough to call this whole five years worth of fight truce?" Harry asked.
"I don't want to be friends Potter," Draco said, turning to Harry and glaring at him.
"I'm not asking you to be my friend Malfoy, I'm asking for a truce of understanding and respect between the two of us, nothing else," Harry said. "Of course that goes for my family as well."
Draco didn't answer for a moment before he finally said. "I'll think about it Potter." And with that he got to his feet and started to walk away.
"Hey Draco," Harry called after the retreating figure. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about your dad. I'm not sorry he' s dead, but I'm sorry that you were the one that had to kill him."
Draco paused in his walking to turn and stare at Harry for a moment.
"You know it's funny, but coming for you that actually means a lot," Malfoy said a slight smile gracing his lips. "Thanks Potter."
"You're welcome," Harry said smiling back. "'Just remember if you need to talk, I'm always around."
"I thought I made it clear that I didn't want to be friends," Draco said.
"I'm not telling you as a friend, more like an open punching bag at your disposal," Harry said smirking. "Of course this punching bag does punch back."
"I'll keep that in mind." Draco said sending his on smirk over his shoulder before continuing to walk away.
"Harry!" Delia cried as she finally got to tackle her adopted brother. "Are you all right? Shouldn't you go to Madam Pomfrey, or maybe I should go get dad, or . . ."
"NO!" Harry shouted a little louder then he meant too. "You can't tell anyone what just happened."
"What? Why not?" Delia asked hotly as Elle echoed her question.
"Because Draco and I would both be in a lot of trouble if you did," Harry said resting his forehead against Delia's. "And as your unofficial big brother, I'm asking you not to."
Delia still looked a little uneasy about not telling anyone, but she finally nodded in agreement. "All right I won't tell anyone, but I think they'll know something's up when they see your bruised cheek and red marks on your neck."
"Oh, yeah," Harry said forgetting about his injuries for a second, wincing as he lightly touched his tender neck. "Do you think you can heal it for me?"
"Why don't you just do it yourself?" Delia asked, frowning.
"I can't exactly see my injuries," Harry said, wincing again as he touched his cheek. "Only feel them, besides having a beautiful young lady like yourself heal them would make me feel 100% better."
Delia smiled. "All right, but you'll owe me for this."
"And people think your innocent," Harry said snorting as Delia called on her elf magic to start healing Harry.
"What about Draco's injuries?" Delia asked after she was done. "I doubt anyone's going to miss that black eye you gave him."
"Trust me he won't be telling either," Harry said smiling at her and getting to his feet.
"Do you want me to go after him and give him a nice shock just to make sure?" Elle asked.
"No," Harry said shaking his head. "Now come on you two, let's get back to the castle."
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"Where have you been?" Hermione demanded angrily when Harry sat down opposite her at the Gryffindor table "I can't believe you missed charms! Don't you think you've missed enough school already? Do you want to flunk out of Hogwarts?"
"You missed charms?" Ginny asked frowning at both Harry and Hermione as she sat down next to her boyfriend. "Why?"
"Hermione, didn't Ron tell you what happened?" Harry asked.
"No," Hermione snapped at him. "He wouldn't even make eyes contact with me during class, let alone talk to me! So Harry Potter, you better start explaining or I'm going to start throwing hexes!"
Harry sighed and quickly explained to one mad Hermione and one curious Ginny what had taken place in potions and after.
"Of all the hypocritical, childish, immature things to do," Hermione mutter angrily while she quickly got up from the table. "I can't believe he would act like such a child over something so stupid. When I find him I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," Hermione finished before sulking out of the Great Hall.
"Do you think we should stop her?" Harry asked worriedly. "At least until she's cooled down."
"Nah," Ginny said filling up her plate. "Ron needs to be kicked around a little by someone other than our family. Besides, after they're done fighting they get to kiss and make up."
"Ugh, not a mental image I needed to have," Harry said finally, filling his plate with food as well.
Harry's day just didn't seem to get any better as the day went on, but nor did it seen to get any worse.
When Ron and Hermione had shown up in the Defense room Ron had immediately separated from Hermione, who had sat in her usual place by Harry and Ginny.
During the whole class Ron and Hermione kept shooting glares at each other, Ron occasionally aiming his glares at Harry, while Kairi, who was the teaching, kept shooting curious glances at all four of them.
By the time the double defense class was done, all four of them wanted nothing more then to get away from each other's presence as they fled the room in different directions. Ron heading one way, Hermione another, telling the other two she was going to the library to bury herself in books, while Ginny and Harry went their way towards the lair.
Once safely inside Harry haphazardly dropped his bag on the floor before immediately collapsing on the couch throwing his arms over his eyes.
"Could this day possible get any worse?" Harry asked rhetorically.
"Well it could," Ginny said picking up Harry's backpack and placing it on the table.
"How? Ump," Harry groaned as Ginny suddenly collapsed onto him.
"I could always slap you and tell you that my brother is right before storming off and telling you I never want to see you again," Ginny said moving Harry's arms out of his eyes and resting her forehead against his.
"And that would make my day worse how?" Harry asked, smiling and popping one of his eyes open to stare into Ginny's blue one that were only mere inches from his.
"Harry Potter, that has got to be the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Ginny said, wrapping her arms around Harry's neck and kissing him lightly on the lips. "I didn't know you could be so charming."
"I have many hidden talents you are unaware of," Harry murmured mysteriously before adding, "You know there are other couches in this room besides the one I'm laying on."
"Are you telling me, in your all so subtle way, to move?" Ginny asked. "Just when I was getting conformable."
"Yes," Harry said, opening his other eye. "Unless you can convince me I would profit more if you stayed."
"Harry Potter, are you suggesting that I have to seduce you to stay here?" Ginny asked in mock horror.
"Maybe," Harry said, closing his eyes again and wrapping his arms around Ginny's waist.
"As much as a love you, I'm afraid I'll have to decline," Ginny said. "I'm rather tired and would like a nap."
"Sounds good to me," Harry murmured, already half-asleep. "Though if Ron comes in here and finds me sleeping with his little sister he may just kill me on the spot."
"Is that another one of your subtle hints to move because if it is then I'm obliged to decline again," Ginny said smiling. "I'm going to stay right here, so if Ron does happen to come in he'll have to go through me first."
"That's not an encouraging thought," Harry said, opening his eyes again. "He would most likely do away with the both of us, the way he's acting today."
"He wouldn't dare," Ginny said. "Mum would kill him, well that's if Sirius didn't get to him first."
"Umm . . .Good point," Harry said thoughtfully before suddenly capturing Ginny's lips in a passionate kiss.
"What was that for?" Ginny asked a little breathlessly.
"Just incase," Harry said winking at her. "And because I wanted to."
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"Mind telling me why Ron is looking at you like you're the scum of the earth and wants to rip you to shreds and why Hermione is looking at Ron in the same way?" Sirius asked his Godson quietly.
It was evening and Harry was in dueling class standing in the corner with his Godfather watching his fellow classmates mock duel each other for the last remaining minutes of class.
"Probably because Ron does think I'm the scum of the earth and wants to rip me to shreds," Harry said, turning to his Godfather.
"I see," Sirius said, looking at his Godson appraisingly. "Kairi told me about your defense class today."
"Did she?" Harry asked. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Because we don't keep important secrets in this family," Sirius said giving his Godson a hard look. "So I ask again what happened between you and Ron?"
Harry sighed and reluctantly told his Godfather about the potion class, the conformation with Ron afterwards, and how Ron hasn't spoken to him since.
"I see," Sirius said, glancing at Ron for a minute before turning his gaze to Hermione. "What about Ron and Hermione?"
"Well Hermione took my side in the whole argument when I told her and I don't think it went very well with Ron," Harry said, sighing. "Like I said, I don't know the exact details."
"And Ginny?" Sirius asked.
"Do you even have to ask?" Harry asked, rolling his eyes.
"No," Sirius said, sighing. "Though, this is one big mess you've gotten yourself into."
"Sirius, you don't need to tell me, I know," Harry said. "But is Ron right? I'm I not being the true friend I should be being?"
"No," Sirius quickly assured him. "You've got to understand Harry, even though you're a kid in age, you're not one mentally. You've been through so much, more then a kid your age should have to, might I add; that your view of things are completely different. You just have to give Ron some space and time, he'll come around, you'll see."
"Sirius is right you know," Remus said from behind the two causing them to jump in surprise.
"Moony for Merlin sake don't do that!" Sirius said.
"Don't do what?" Remus asked innocently. "Don't agree that you were right for the first time in your life?"
"Moony," Sirius growled dangerously.
"What?" Remus said before turning back to Harry. "But all kidding aside Harry, you've got to remember that you view the world on an entirely different level then your classmates. Your friends are on a higher level than most, how could they not being friends with you, but they're still children."
"I know and thanks Remus," Harry said smiling at the ex-werewolf.
"Excuse me, what about me?" Sirius asked pouted.
"Sirius did you get to pick your Animagus form or did it pick you?" Harry suddenly asked. "Because I've noticed lately that you whining a lot like a dog."
Sirius looked at Harry completely speechless, while Remus burst out laughing.
"Harry 2, Sirius still 0," Remus said chuckling. "Actually I think Harry should get double points for that one."
"Well I think Harry should get double detention for that one," Sirius growled.
"Do I need to start calling you Professor Snape now?" Harry asked.
"Score another one for Harry," Remus choked out between laughter.
"Moony would you stop that," Sirius said irritably. "You're supposed to be on my side here."
"Says who?" Remus asked.
"Says your fellow marauder and partner in crime," Sirius said reasonably.
"As a Professor of this school now, I believe those reasons don't apply," Remus said. "One of us must set a good example for the students."
"And Merlin knows it's not going to be you," Harry added.
"That's it Harry, Godson or not those are fighting words," Sirius said, unsheathing his wand. "Draw your wand."
"If you insist," Harry said, drawing his wand. "How would you like to me to beat you raw, medium, or well done."
"Cute Harry, real cute," Sirius said. "First one to lose their wand loses, standard rules and no wandless magic."
"Doesn't matter. I'll win either way," Harry said airily.
"Cocky aren't we?" Sirius asked.
"Yes I . . . arg," Harry cried out, suddenly collapsing to his knees.
"Harry?" Remus asked fearfully. "What's wrong?"
Harry desperately wanted to answer him, but he was afraid that if he opened his mouth he would start to scream.
"Harry can you hear me?" Sirius asked gentle gripping his shoulders. "Just nod."
Harry did as he was told and gave a little nod to his godfather.
"Good, are you all right?" Sirius asked.
'Do I look all right?!' Harry wanted to scream at him, but settled for a nod.
"Is it Voldemort?" Sirius asked quietly.
Harry nodded again as the pain slowly started to ease and he was able to stand. Quickly looking around to make sure he hadn't attracted any attention he said. "He's attacking a populated town, we need to get there and help."
"Do you know where?" Remus asked hurriedly.
"Yes," Harry said steadying himself. "We need to tell Dumbledore."
I can't believe I left another cliffhanger! I am so evil someone really should hurt me! Oh well let's just say I'm preparing you for my last couple of chapters were I have some huge cliffy's to leave! Ha, ha I'm so evil!
I'm sorry this chapter didn't have much excitment in it, but I needed to get things moving again and these events were important for doing that! So if I bored you with this chapter I'm sorry, but Voldemort will be in the next chapter, so with the other stuff I promised at the End of the last chapter! Again I'm sorry.
I also want to thank my Beta Reader Natural Anthem who as literally been working her butt off to fix my other chapters and to also get this one back to me in record time! So a HUGE THANK YOU FROM ME! Also those who have tried to be my beta reader and couldn't do it because of time, no hard feelings I still love ya!