Summary: Chapter 2 BABY! On the train to Hogwarts Harry begins to try to
win Malfoy over... not in THAT way! Well, not yet^^. Anyhow- he starts to
show the Slytherin side to his peers. Harry and Ron have a small argument
but everyone brushes it off as stress and grief. Malfoy is confused 0_o at
Harry's strange behavior.
Parings: Draco and Harry!!*sizzle* and of course the usual and painfully obvious couplings.....*cough* 'Mione and Ron *cough* ^_^
Ratings: R... this fic will be exceptionally angsty and dramatic. I am a hopeless romantic so there will be love scenes^^! But alas, I will try to break poor Harry and co with all sorts of evil things running through my head!
Disclaimer: I do not own them and if I did well _ err... nevermind. No the goddess JKR owns the wonderful world of HP I am just a fan-girl toying with slightly OOC versions. But I will try to keep them as close as I can get to the originals.
A/N: I am currently working on this and How Can I Say... I love you?...so sorry if I take a bit to update at first. Oh and my computer decided to crash on me -_-. Umm I don't think I did all that well on the 1st chapter... it went kinda fast. I will try to follow up on the different characters reactions- 'member Harry 'sjust trying to find what he's really got worth fightin' for. All reviews are welcome!
*********
"It is good to keep your allies close, but wise to keep your enemies
closer."
Ancient Proverb
********
This is who I am....... See the real me
***
~ Number 12 Grimmauld Place; the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters ~
In the basement kitchen at number twelve Grimmauld Place, a large room with roughly hewn stonewalls, seated around a long wooden table in the middle of the room, were the only available members of the secret Order of the Phoenix.
The Order members sat in a silence nearly as oppressive as the heavy smoke billowing softly from the kitchen's only light source; a large fire roaring at the far end of the massive chamber.
The eight wizards and witches: Arthur and Molly Weasley, and their son Bill Weasley, Remus Lupin, "Mad-Eye" Moody, Nymphadora "Tonks," Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mundungus Fletcher had all been present during Harry's strange outburst. They all sat waiting, eyes downcast, for the one they could tell their troubles and receive comforting advice. The Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix.
WHOOSH
Everyone looked towards the fire and watched in relief as Albus Dumbledore stepped from the jewel green flames, shaking loose ash and soot from his robes. He looked up at the troubled group twinkling blue eyes studying each of their solemn faces. Mrs. Weasley gave him a small smile before rising.
"Would you like a cup of tea, Albus?"
"Thank you Molly, but I can not stay long."
Dumbledore sat in an empty chair at the end of the table and let out a weary sigh, nodding at the muffled and halfhearted greetings he received. At his right, sitting silently were Moody, Kingsley, Mundungus and Tonks. At his left sat the three Weasleys, concern clearly creasing their brows. Lupin sat separated from the others idly tracing the table's deeper cuts. His gaunt features were shadowed with a look of confused rejection. Dumbledore spoke softly after a few minutes of hesitation.
"What has happened that has troubled so many? What has caused you to send for me in urgency?"
No one replied. There were glances exchanged between the members on the right, Moody opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it. This was clearly a matter between those closest to Harry. Dumbledore noticed this and his wizened face turned to the others, questioning. Bill looked at his parents before speaking quietly to his old Headmaster.
"I- we all went with the kids to the Platform today. And well- well... Harry has been actin' strange these past weeks. It wasn't nothin' bad; it was just strange. He'd be fine and normal mostly but then... He- he'd withdraw within himself for a bit and get this look in his eyes. It was kinda as if he was annoyed or something- impatient and restless. At first I thought he was just nervous 'bout You-Know-Who or even just anxious to get back to school..."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled a little brighter when Bill smiled at him, the young member's mind wandering to days when he had been younger and had waited longingly for the day back to the mystical paradise that was Hogwarts. Then Bill's smile faded as he went on.
"... But at the platform, he said some things... I- we think there might be somethin' wrong."
Dumbledore's wise gaze fell on Lupin's pained expression. He saw Moody's anger, Tonks, Mundungus and Kingsley's uncomfortable looks and the Weasley's worried confusion. He turned to Moody while keeping an eye on Lupin.
"What did he say?"
The old wizard watched as Moody recounted the scene at the train station. Harry's anger, his hard cold laughter and the harsh words. Lupin flinched slightly when the scarred ex-Auror repeated the taunt.
"I don't know what's gottin' into Potter but I'd put me money on somethin' dark."
"It-It's all my fault, Albus."
Lupin looked up his face streaked with tears. He shook slightly and more salty drops ran down his cheeks.
"I- I was pushing him to hard. Trying to make him get over last year. Trying to make him forget. How could I be so stupid?"
He hit the table in frustration.
"Si-Sirius was like a second father to him, and he watched him die! Watched as he was murdered before his eyes, before our eyes! He is just a child. It's my fault Harry said what he did. He- He... I think he has turned Albus! It's all my fault! "
Lupin covered his face with his hands and shook a harder. Mrs. Weasley went and sat next to him wrapping her arms around his small frame. She looked at the others a little teary-eyed. They all knew that Lupin had been closer to Sirius than anyone had.
Dumbledore and the others looked away in respect until Lupin's quiet sobs had abated. He muttered a muffled thanks to Mrs. Weasley who let go but remained next to him.
The headmaster rested his chin on his long fingers thoughtfully.
Why had Harry acted so violently towards Remus?
Was there something wrong?
Something to do with Voldemort?
Had Voldemort been able to turn Harry?
Dumbledore stood abruptly at the thought, dismissing it forcefully. Voldemort could not have turned Harry. No this was just a normal reaction. A way to deal with the death of someone so dear, someone so close. He sat down again, smiling softly at the worried faces turned towards him; he had quite forgotten himself for a pondering moment.
"I do and do not agree with you Remus. Harry has been through more than anyone I have ever known. He has suffered so much for so many at so young an age. In all honesty, I believe that is it, a good sign that Harry is so angry; it shows he has emotion. Harry has not been acting strangely for just this past month. Ever since the battle with Voldemort..."
All but the Headmaster flinched slightly.
"...And the death of Sirius, Harry has expressed much fury. But is it not only right that he should do so? By striking out at the ones he loves most Harry is trying to push away the pain he feels. Do not trouble yourselves. Harry will be fine, I am sure that his friends will be quite up to the task of cheering him up. Don't fret, Harry is just like his parents, he would die before ever siding with their murderer."
The others looked relieved at his words.
It would all turn out all right.
Harry was the one who could save them all.
He was their Savior, their Weapon, and their Hope.
But as the Headmaster rose and called out cheerful goodbyes to the Order members, one man frowned doubtfully. Remus Lupin shivered slightly and murmured bitterly to himself after Dumbledore's figure had disappeared from the roaring flames.
"No... No you did not see his eyes.."
A vivid blue eye stopped its magical whirling to fix on the werewolf's shivering form, its owner deep in thought.
~ The Hogwarts Express ~
Harry sat alone in the last compartment on the train. The others were off somewhere, in either the prefect's compartment or saying hello to their peers. Harry did not really care at the moment, to busy trying to decide how to best gain Malfoy as a friend.
The green-eyed boy ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He was confused and unsure about his plan. Not just regarding Malfoy but the others as well.
What was he trying to prove really?
Should he really show people the strange mix of Gryffindor and Slytherin that he was?
Should he go back to being good-boy Harry?
Could he keep hiding the Slytherin aspects of himself?
No- No he was tired of being what everyone wanted him to be, tired of trying to fit into the role of Perfect-Harry-Potter.
But how the Hell would he be able to convince Draco that he was through with being someone he wasn't.
True, Harry was still a Gryffindor but he was also half Slytherin. Malfoy knew, he had recognized the potential in Harry before Harry even knew what it was.
But Harry had sided with the first people he had met in the wizarding world without thought to what the other side would say.
He had been prejudice towards someone because of their name, because of their family. He had done exactly what people did to him all the time, no wonder Draco had hated him.
True, Lucius Malfoy had most likely been involved with the deaths of many good wizards and witches, but was his son really a Voldemort supporter?
Harry had seen the hate filled fearful glances that Draco had given his dad when the older Malfoy's back was turned. He suspected that supporting the Dark Lord had been beaten into Draco, rather than a choice.
Then there was the I-sent-your-father-to-prison thing... Might 'cause some problems for the possible friendship.
Harry absentmindedly traced his lightning bolt-shaped scar, biting his lower lip in thought.
Yep, he would have to go about this very carefully.
He stood and stretched, watching with little interest as the green hills rolled on outside the compartment window. The door slid open behind him suddenly,
"Ron? That you.."
No, it wasn't Ron or Hermione, or any of the other Dumbledore's Army members. Nope it was the blonde haired icy blue-eyed boy he'd just be thinking of. Fate was a little pushy at times.
"Hello Potter. Alone this time?"
Draco smirked at the lone boy, who glanced warily at the huge thug looking boys behind him.
Harry also realized that they all had their wands out expecting trouble. Harry's first instinct was to reach for his own wand and throw a storm of insults- not to mention hexes- at the three before him, but no, he remembered...
He was not the Golden-Boy-Gryffindor any longer.
"Ah, Malfoy I was wondering when you would show up?"
He sat down calmly and pointed to the seat across from him politely.
"Would you like to sit down? Or are you going to stand there for the remainder of the conversation?"
To say that Malfoy was shocked would be an amusing understatement, in fact the utterly confused look on his face was rather amusing.
"Wh-What are you going on about, Potter?"
Malfoy sneered once his calm exterior was back in place. Harry smiled at his rival and again gestured towards the empty seat.
"I was wondering if you'd be willing to rethink our rivalry with me?"
Crabbe and Goyle - if humanly possible- looked even more stupefied than usual. Harry Potter wanted to talk to Malfoy, about the war between the two? Neither of the brutish boy's minds could grasp this amazing concept, instead they looked around for any possible threats to their leader.
Malfoy himself looked as though he was waiting for someone to jump out and laugh at the joke. Harry sighed impatiently, it was getting darker outside and the others would probably burst in here at any moment. He smirked slightly.
"Don't tell me the Prince of Slytherins is afraid of a conversation with the Boy-Who-Lived?"
Crabbe and Goyle clenched their fists in anger at the Gryffindor's audacity to insult Malfoy. But Draco's cold eyes were narrowed in curiosity. Something interesting was unfolding here...
"Grabbe, Goyle go back to our compartment and wait for me. If I'm not back before the train reaches the school come get me, with reinforcements." The two Slytherins stood dumbly for a moment before doing what Draco had ordered, they knew too well what happened when you crossed a Malfoy, even for something as insignificant as this.
After the door had closed, Malfoy hesitated slightly before sitting across from a relaxed Harry. Harry reached inside his robes and drew out his wand, slowly, seeing the other boy tense. He laid it next to him and watched with approval as Draco did the same. It was a signal for a temporary cease-fire between the two.
"Now what is going on with you Potter? Is this some sort of trick? Why are you acting so- so..."
"Slytherin?"
Draco raised his brows at Harry's seemingly innocent suggestion. But nodded in agreement. Harry was acting like a Slytherin, attempting to make a deal that would benefit both of them.
"Yes. If I didn't know you were Dumbledore's Golden-Boy then I agree to `rethinking` this rivalry between us..."
"You mean you won't even hear me out?"
"Don't interrupt me Potter! As I was saying- I might consider this truce you obviously are trying to get from me IF I know what is going on in that scarred head of yours!"
Draco sneered as Harry touched his fingertips to the scar that had made him so famous.
Harry sighed, yep this was definitely gonna be tricky.
"I can't tell you everything- yet. I am not trying to trick you or anything, though the thought is appealing- Damn! Why does this have to be so bloody difficult?"
Harry frowned before looking Draco strait in his eyes determined to make this work.
"I am sick of being The-Boy-Who-Lived. I am sick of putting on a smile when I wanna punch those idiots in the face. I am sick of having friends that are jealous of me- that doubt me. Tired of the pathetic whining that those bastards think is important. I hate the petty bullshit that they push on me, Harry Potter Fucking-Savior-Of-The-Wizarding-World. Voldemort's right there is no good or evil, only power and those to damn weak to seek it. The bastard was right, but I refuse to be the weapon everyone uses to get power. I refuse to serve, refuse to hide what I am, refuse to be Dumbledore's fucking bitch!"
They both sat in stunned silence for a moment. Both realizing that Harry had shown a little more than he had wanted. Harry cursed himself and Malfoy watched him in suspicion.
What was Potter's game?
Was Harry truly serious?
Or was he just acting?
Some sort of spy for the Muggle loving Headmaster?
Malfoy's blood boiled at the thought and a tension hung in the air.
He was not like his father!
He would not be so easily ensnared by either Potter or Dumbledore's traps.
Harry sensed the anger in Draco and knew that if he said anything- anything- wrong everything would be ruined. He watched as Malfoy's eyes became hard and sharp sending a shiver down his spine.
Harry knew then that there was much more to Draco than the egotistical snob, he showed the public. He watched the familiar smirk appear on the pureblood's face.
"And what makes you think I would consider a friendship with you, if that is what you are asking for? You the sworn enemy of the Dark Lord. You the sworn enemy of the Slytherin house. You- Potter- who have disgraced the name of Malfoy repeatedly. You who is responsible for my father's imprisonment at Azkaban. You my archrival. Why turn to the one who would betray you to the Dark Lord the first chance he got?
Harry turned away from the mocking fury of the blonde boy.
Why indeed?
"I- I cannot apologize for what happened to your father, Malfoy. I cannot apologize for being rivals with you. You who has hated me with an equal passion. I am not an enemy to the house of Slytherin- though I am a Gryffindor. And my business with Voldemort is my own, though I may someday tell you. As for why I chose to turn to you for an alliance I am not sure it's just- it's just you have always been truthful about who I am to you. You never hid the fact that you hated me or tried to win me over with any cheap tricks. I turned to you because I honestly trust you more than anyone. You are more of a friend to me than anyone is. You- you have always been there for me - even if it was in hatred. And for that I- I well... thanks."
Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair nervously, not looking at the blue-eyed boy.
Draco sat and stared at Harry in surprise. He had not expected that outcome. Strangely, Draco could not help but believe the fidgeting boy before him.
I wonder what has happened to twist Potter into a friendship with me?
Could there be more to this boy than what I see?
Draco thought back to all the times he had secretly been impressed with Harry. All the times Harry seemed different from the others. When he had offered his hand to Harry the first time the Boy-Who-Lived had actually raised his hand a bit before uncertainty made him pause, swirling in the jade eyes shining behind his glasses.
He remembered the cold rejection that had hurt him deeper than anyone knew. He had been so angry at Harry. How could the Muggle raised boy reject him, Draco Malfoy.
Draco had hated Harry from that moment on because he had shown Draco a weakness within himself.
Had made Draco question the value of his name, his fortune.
So, now it came down to him, he held the power over Potter.
What should he do?
The Malfoy in him screamed to reject the boy as viscously as possible, but...
No- No he was tired of doing what was expected of him.
This friendship could prove to be a worthwhile experience.
Besides he was to intrigued now, curious about who the real Harry Potter was.
"I accept."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, he had been worried for a moment.
"So how do you want to tell people, Draco? I can call you that right?"
"It is my name Potter- I mean Harry. And whatever you do is fine, but I will not hang out at the Gryffindor table."
"Ok if you won't then I will! In front of everyone! Make them all panic!"
"You are acting awfully Slytherin... whatever just don't do anything foolish."
"Me? Foolish? Why Draco why would you think Harry Golden-Boy Potter would do anything foolish?"
"Probably because of the scheming look on your face, or because you always get me into trouble."
"I do not! You are the one who always gets me into trouble."
"Really? Name once."
"Umm... HA! Norbert!"
"Who?"
"Hagrid's baby dragon. 'Cause of you-"
"Don't try to pin that on me P-Harry! You and Granger were the idiots who forgot to use your invisibility cloak!"
Draco smirked at the look of utter astonishment on Harry's face.
"How- how do you know about my invisibility cloak?"
"I'm not the only one who walks the halls at night. I just don't need an invisibility cloak to be seen."
Harry blinked, that reminded him of what Dumbledore had said. There was more to Draco than met the eye. He certainly looked different- by God he was smiling!
Draco also wondered at the easy camaraderie they had shifted to. It was so strange to be here teasing Harry as if they had been friends for years. It came so easily.
"This is so..."
SLAM
The two rivals grabbed their wands and turned towards the compartment door simultaneously. Panting hard with looks of shocked concern plastered on their faces stood Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny.
Harry ignored their looks and he turned to Draco again. Malfoy was back in full Slytherin mode. He met Harry's glance for a second before turning to smirk at the intruders. Things could be different between them but no one else was to know- yet.
"Harry are you ok?"
"What are you doing here Malfoy?"
"Simple Weasel-boy I was insulting Potter."
"Oh? Well were are your back-up thugs? We all know you need someone to back up your empty threats."
"Empty threats? I have learned things that Granger hasn't even read about, and some things she has. I bet she could tell you that my threats are neither empty nor idle."
Draco's face was cold again, a stone mask. Ron looked at Hermione and was surprised to see that she looked uneasy. She knew something the others did not. Whatever it was if she was worried so was he.
"Whatever Malfoy..."
"Ron just shut up!"
"Harry?"
"I'm sick of you guys treating me like I'm a little kid!"
"I didn't.."
"You are so dramatic all the time!"
"What are you talking about?!"
"You always start trouble with people! Can't you just lay off?!"
"Now wait just a minute!"
"You don't need to rush to my rescue every time someone YOU don't like is near ME!"
"YEAH! Wonder where I learned the 'rescuing thing' from!"
Hermione, Ginny and Neville gasped at Ron, who had quickly gone from beet red to a sickly pale.
Draco's eyes widened at the remark and he turned to see Harry's reaction.
Everyone knew who and what Ron had meant by that last stinging jest.
Harry stood wide-eyed looking very much like a child that had been slapped by a loved one. His head lowered his raven hair shielding his eyes from view. They saw his hands clench as a tremor shook his body.
After a moment, he raised his head and smirked with a contempt that rivaled Malfoy's best.
"I see, Weasley"
"Harry- Harry he didn't mean it you know he didn't.."
"Quiet Mudblood! I didn't ask what you thought!"
Draco's mouth dropped. He never would have though he would hear those words come from Harry's mouth.
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth and a tear ran down her reddened cheek.
Ginny and Neville both were at a loss for words. They had always looked up to Noble-Good-Guy-Harry. The Harry that faced them now was...scary.
Ron however saw Hermione's tear and flipped. He could understand Harry hurting him for what he'd said, but Hermione?
"How dare you! What the Hell is wrong with you Harry? How could you say something like that?"
"How could I? How could I?"
Harry laughed a cold hard laugh that sent shivers down all but Draco's back.
"I'll say the same thing I said to the wolf..."
Draco frowned, the wolf? Then it hit him..
"Yes Weasley... Lupin... I will tell you all what I told those fools at the station. Spare me your petty concerns and your pathetic company. Now leave. I am not the only one who knows more dark arts than it would seem. Go now or you will regret it"
The four Gryffindors retreated. Three of them pulling along a furious Ron. All were disturbed at the side of Harry they had just seen, the side of Harry that made them realize that every word of the threat he had uttered had been truthful.
After they had left Harry smiled at a pleasantly surprised Draco, who smirked. Then they spent the rest of the trip planning how to shock the school with their newfound alliance.
Before he left, Draco turned towards Harry hesitating slightly before speaking.
" Just because we are friends doesn't mean I will take it easy on you when we compete. Especially Quiddich. Th-This is all so strange for me, I never thought I would forsake my family honor on a sudden whim. I know that we must keep secrets from each other until the time is right, but I just want you to know that I am glad you turned to me- I would have done the same to you."
Draco smiled at the boy who smiled at him. Then he opened the door, Prince of Darkness attitude fully restored.
"Potter."
He smirked, ice blue eyes gleaming merrily. Harry stood and gave a mock bow.
"Malfoy."
Draco allowed himself a small smile as Harry's laughter followed him down the corridor.
~ The Headmasters Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ~
Dumbledore sat silently at his desk lost in thought. He had a roughly half an hour to himself before the students arrived.
The pictures crowding the walls of the chamber whispered amongst each other. They had rarely seen the Headmaster so deep in his thoughts. Even Fawkes noticed the strange weariness in Dumbledore's movements.
He stared at some point on the opposite end of the room, occasionally bringing his wand tip to his temple and adding a milky white memory strand to a small stone basin. The Pensive, liquid swirls of his memories and thoughts.
Harry will be fine.
He is stronger than any of us can imagine.
He just lost the closest thing he had to a parent, it is just grief.
The war is at a temporary standstill.
Each side recuperating and gathering forces for the last strike.
Yes Harry would be ok.
He would be.
He had to be, for the sake of them all.
*************
A/N: Hey guys.... thanks for all the reviews so far.... you boost my inner Aelf's ego so much..._ err anyway I want to know if you guys have any suggestions regarding the way my plot is going. Am I doing ok ' cause this is my first ever HP fic and I wantta make it good for you!
R/R pwease!
Parings: Draco and Harry!!*sizzle* and of course the usual and painfully obvious couplings.....*cough* 'Mione and Ron *cough* ^_^
Ratings: R... this fic will be exceptionally angsty and dramatic. I am a hopeless romantic so there will be love scenes^^! But alas, I will try to break poor Harry and co with all sorts of evil things running through my head!
Disclaimer: I do not own them and if I did well _ err... nevermind. No the goddess JKR owns the wonderful world of HP I am just a fan-girl toying with slightly OOC versions. But I will try to keep them as close as I can get to the originals.
A/N: I am currently working on this and How Can I Say... I love you?...so sorry if I take a bit to update at first. Oh and my computer decided to crash on me -_-. Umm I don't think I did all that well on the 1st chapter... it went kinda fast. I will try to follow up on the different characters reactions- 'member Harry 'sjust trying to find what he's really got worth fightin' for. All reviews are welcome!
*********
"It is good to keep your allies close, but wise to keep your enemies
closer."
Ancient Proverb
********
This is who I am....... See the real me
***
~ Number 12 Grimmauld Place; the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters ~
In the basement kitchen at number twelve Grimmauld Place, a large room with roughly hewn stonewalls, seated around a long wooden table in the middle of the room, were the only available members of the secret Order of the Phoenix.
The Order members sat in a silence nearly as oppressive as the heavy smoke billowing softly from the kitchen's only light source; a large fire roaring at the far end of the massive chamber.
The eight wizards and witches: Arthur and Molly Weasley, and their son Bill Weasley, Remus Lupin, "Mad-Eye" Moody, Nymphadora "Tonks," Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mundungus Fletcher had all been present during Harry's strange outburst. They all sat waiting, eyes downcast, for the one they could tell their troubles and receive comforting advice. The Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix.
WHOOSH
Everyone looked towards the fire and watched in relief as Albus Dumbledore stepped from the jewel green flames, shaking loose ash and soot from his robes. He looked up at the troubled group twinkling blue eyes studying each of their solemn faces. Mrs. Weasley gave him a small smile before rising.
"Would you like a cup of tea, Albus?"
"Thank you Molly, but I can not stay long."
Dumbledore sat in an empty chair at the end of the table and let out a weary sigh, nodding at the muffled and halfhearted greetings he received. At his right, sitting silently were Moody, Kingsley, Mundungus and Tonks. At his left sat the three Weasleys, concern clearly creasing their brows. Lupin sat separated from the others idly tracing the table's deeper cuts. His gaunt features were shadowed with a look of confused rejection. Dumbledore spoke softly after a few minutes of hesitation.
"What has happened that has troubled so many? What has caused you to send for me in urgency?"
No one replied. There were glances exchanged between the members on the right, Moody opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it. This was clearly a matter between those closest to Harry. Dumbledore noticed this and his wizened face turned to the others, questioning. Bill looked at his parents before speaking quietly to his old Headmaster.
"I- we all went with the kids to the Platform today. And well- well... Harry has been actin' strange these past weeks. It wasn't nothin' bad; it was just strange. He'd be fine and normal mostly but then... He- he'd withdraw within himself for a bit and get this look in his eyes. It was kinda as if he was annoyed or something- impatient and restless. At first I thought he was just nervous 'bout You-Know-Who or even just anxious to get back to school..."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled a little brighter when Bill smiled at him, the young member's mind wandering to days when he had been younger and had waited longingly for the day back to the mystical paradise that was Hogwarts. Then Bill's smile faded as he went on.
"... But at the platform, he said some things... I- we think there might be somethin' wrong."
Dumbledore's wise gaze fell on Lupin's pained expression. He saw Moody's anger, Tonks, Mundungus and Kingsley's uncomfortable looks and the Weasley's worried confusion. He turned to Moody while keeping an eye on Lupin.
"What did he say?"
The old wizard watched as Moody recounted the scene at the train station. Harry's anger, his hard cold laughter and the harsh words. Lupin flinched slightly when the scarred ex-Auror repeated the taunt.
"I don't know what's gottin' into Potter but I'd put me money on somethin' dark."
"It-It's all my fault, Albus."
Lupin looked up his face streaked with tears. He shook slightly and more salty drops ran down his cheeks.
"I- I was pushing him to hard. Trying to make him get over last year. Trying to make him forget. How could I be so stupid?"
He hit the table in frustration.
"Si-Sirius was like a second father to him, and he watched him die! Watched as he was murdered before his eyes, before our eyes! He is just a child. It's my fault Harry said what he did. He- He... I think he has turned Albus! It's all my fault! "
Lupin covered his face with his hands and shook a harder. Mrs. Weasley went and sat next to him wrapping her arms around his small frame. She looked at the others a little teary-eyed. They all knew that Lupin had been closer to Sirius than anyone had.
Dumbledore and the others looked away in respect until Lupin's quiet sobs had abated. He muttered a muffled thanks to Mrs. Weasley who let go but remained next to him.
The headmaster rested his chin on his long fingers thoughtfully.
Why had Harry acted so violently towards Remus?
Was there something wrong?
Something to do with Voldemort?
Had Voldemort been able to turn Harry?
Dumbledore stood abruptly at the thought, dismissing it forcefully. Voldemort could not have turned Harry. No this was just a normal reaction. A way to deal with the death of someone so dear, someone so close. He sat down again, smiling softly at the worried faces turned towards him; he had quite forgotten himself for a pondering moment.
"I do and do not agree with you Remus. Harry has been through more than anyone I have ever known. He has suffered so much for so many at so young an age. In all honesty, I believe that is it, a good sign that Harry is so angry; it shows he has emotion. Harry has not been acting strangely for just this past month. Ever since the battle with Voldemort..."
All but the Headmaster flinched slightly.
"...And the death of Sirius, Harry has expressed much fury. But is it not only right that he should do so? By striking out at the ones he loves most Harry is trying to push away the pain he feels. Do not trouble yourselves. Harry will be fine, I am sure that his friends will be quite up to the task of cheering him up. Don't fret, Harry is just like his parents, he would die before ever siding with their murderer."
The others looked relieved at his words.
It would all turn out all right.
Harry was the one who could save them all.
He was their Savior, their Weapon, and their Hope.
But as the Headmaster rose and called out cheerful goodbyes to the Order members, one man frowned doubtfully. Remus Lupin shivered slightly and murmured bitterly to himself after Dumbledore's figure had disappeared from the roaring flames.
"No... No you did not see his eyes.."
A vivid blue eye stopped its magical whirling to fix on the werewolf's shivering form, its owner deep in thought.
~ The Hogwarts Express ~
Harry sat alone in the last compartment on the train. The others were off somewhere, in either the prefect's compartment or saying hello to their peers. Harry did not really care at the moment, to busy trying to decide how to best gain Malfoy as a friend.
The green-eyed boy ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He was confused and unsure about his plan. Not just regarding Malfoy but the others as well.
What was he trying to prove really?
Should he really show people the strange mix of Gryffindor and Slytherin that he was?
Should he go back to being good-boy Harry?
Could he keep hiding the Slytherin aspects of himself?
No- No he was tired of being what everyone wanted him to be, tired of trying to fit into the role of Perfect-Harry-Potter.
But how the Hell would he be able to convince Draco that he was through with being someone he wasn't.
True, Harry was still a Gryffindor but he was also half Slytherin. Malfoy knew, he had recognized the potential in Harry before Harry even knew what it was.
But Harry had sided with the first people he had met in the wizarding world without thought to what the other side would say.
He had been prejudice towards someone because of their name, because of their family. He had done exactly what people did to him all the time, no wonder Draco had hated him.
True, Lucius Malfoy had most likely been involved with the deaths of many good wizards and witches, but was his son really a Voldemort supporter?
Harry had seen the hate filled fearful glances that Draco had given his dad when the older Malfoy's back was turned. He suspected that supporting the Dark Lord had been beaten into Draco, rather than a choice.
Then there was the I-sent-your-father-to-prison thing... Might 'cause some problems for the possible friendship.
Harry absentmindedly traced his lightning bolt-shaped scar, biting his lower lip in thought.
Yep, he would have to go about this very carefully.
He stood and stretched, watching with little interest as the green hills rolled on outside the compartment window. The door slid open behind him suddenly,
"Ron? That you.."
No, it wasn't Ron or Hermione, or any of the other Dumbledore's Army members. Nope it was the blonde haired icy blue-eyed boy he'd just be thinking of. Fate was a little pushy at times.
"Hello Potter. Alone this time?"
Draco smirked at the lone boy, who glanced warily at the huge thug looking boys behind him.
Harry also realized that they all had their wands out expecting trouble. Harry's first instinct was to reach for his own wand and throw a storm of insults- not to mention hexes- at the three before him, but no, he remembered...
He was not the Golden-Boy-Gryffindor any longer.
"Ah, Malfoy I was wondering when you would show up?"
He sat down calmly and pointed to the seat across from him politely.
"Would you like to sit down? Or are you going to stand there for the remainder of the conversation?"
To say that Malfoy was shocked would be an amusing understatement, in fact the utterly confused look on his face was rather amusing.
"Wh-What are you going on about, Potter?"
Malfoy sneered once his calm exterior was back in place. Harry smiled at his rival and again gestured towards the empty seat.
"I was wondering if you'd be willing to rethink our rivalry with me?"
Crabbe and Goyle - if humanly possible- looked even more stupefied than usual. Harry Potter wanted to talk to Malfoy, about the war between the two? Neither of the brutish boy's minds could grasp this amazing concept, instead they looked around for any possible threats to their leader.
Malfoy himself looked as though he was waiting for someone to jump out and laugh at the joke. Harry sighed impatiently, it was getting darker outside and the others would probably burst in here at any moment. He smirked slightly.
"Don't tell me the Prince of Slytherins is afraid of a conversation with the Boy-Who-Lived?"
Crabbe and Goyle clenched their fists in anger at the Gryffindor's audacity to insult Malfoy. But Draco's cold eyes were narrowed in curiosity. Something interesting was unfolding here...
"Grabbe, Goyle go back to our compartment and wait for me. If I'm not back before the train reaches the school come get me, with reinforcements." The two Slytherins stood dumbly for a moment before doing what Draco had ordered, they knew too well what happened when you crossed a Malfoy, even for something as insignificant as this.
After the door had closed, Malfoy hesitated slightly before sitting across from a relaxed Harry. Harry reached inside his robes and drew out his wand, slowly, seeing the other boy tense. He laid it next to him and watched with approval as Draco did the same. It was a signal for a temporary cease-fire between the two.
"Now what is going on with you Potter? Is this some sort of trick? Why are you acting so- so..."
"Slytherin?"
Draco raised his brows at Harry's seemingly innocent suggestion. But nodded in agreement. Harry was acting like a Slytherin, attempting to make a deal that would benefit both of them.
"Yes. If I didn't know you were Dumbledore's Golden-Boy then I agree to `rethinking` this rivalry between us..."
"You mean you won't even hear me out?"
"Don't interrupt me Potter! As I was saying- I might consider this truce you obviously are trying to get from me IF I know what is going on in that scarred head of yours!"
Draco sneered as Harry touched his fingertips to the scar that had made him so famous.
Harry sighed, yep this was definitely gonna be tricky.
"I can't tell you everything- yet. I am not trying to trick you or anything, though the thought is appealing- Damn! Why does this have to be so bloody difficult?"
Harry frowned before looking Draco strait in his eyes determined to make this work.
"I am sick of being The-Boy-Who-Lived. I am sick of putting on a smile when I wanna punch those idiots in the face. I am sick of having friends that are jealous of me- that doubt me. Tired of the pathetic whining that those bastards think is important. I hate the petty bullshit that they push on me, Harry Potter Fucking-Savior-Of-The-Wizarding-World. Voldemort's right there is no good or evil, only power and those to damn weak to seek it. The bastard was right, but I refuse to be the weapon everyone uses to get power. I refuse to serve, refuse to hide what I am, refuse to be Dumbledore's fucking bitch!"
They both sat in stunned silence for a moment. Both realizing that Harry had shown a little more than he had wanted. Harry cursed himself and Malfoy watched him in suspicion.
What was Potter's game?
Was Harry truly serious?
Or was he just acting?
Some sort of spy for the Muggle loving Headmaster?
Malfoy's blood boiled at the thought and a tension hung in the air.
He was not like his father!
He would not be so easily ensnared by either Potter or Dumbledore's traps.
Harry sensed the anger in Draco and knew that if he said anything- anything- wrong everything would be ruined. He watched as Malfoy's eyes became hard and sharp sending a shiver down his spine.
Harry knew then that there was much more to Draco than the egotistical snob, he showed the public. He watched the familiar smirk appear on the pureblood's face.
"And what makes you think I would consider a friendship with you, if that is what you are asking for? You the sworn enemy of the Dark Lord. You the sworn enemy of the Slytherin house. You- Potter- who have disgraced the name of Malfoy repeatedly. You who is responsible for my father's imprisonment at Azkaban. You my archrival. Why turn to the one who would betray you to the Dark Lord the first chance he got?
Harry turned away from the mocking fury of the blonde boy.
Why indeed?
"I- I cannot apologize for what happened to your father, Malfoy. I cannot apologize for being rivals with you. You who has hated me with an equal passion. I am not an enemy to the house of Slytherin- though I am a Gryffindor. And my business with Voldemort is my own, though I may someday tell you. As for why I chose to turn to you for an alliance I am not sure it's just- it's just you have always been truthful about who I am to you. You never hid the fact that you hated me or tried to win me over with any cheap tricks. I turned to you because I honestly trust you more than anyone. You are more of a friend to me than anyone is. You- you have always been there for me - even if it was in hatred. And for that I- I well... thanks."
Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair nervously, not looking at the blue-eyed boy.
Draco sat and stared at Harry in surprise. He had not expected that outcome. Strangely, Draco could not help but believe the fidgeting boy before him.
I wonder what has happened to twist Potter into a friendship with me?
Could there be more to this boy than what I see?
Draco thought back to all the times he had secretly been impressed with Harry. All the times Harry seemed different from the others. When he had offered his hand to Harry the first time the Boy-Who-Lived had actually raised his hand a bit before uncertainty made him pause, swirling in the jade eyes shining behind his glasses.
He remembered the cold rejection that had hurt him deeper than anyone knew. He had been so angry at Harry. How could the Muggle raised boy reject him, Draco Malfoy.
Draco had hated Harry from that moment on because he had shown Draco a weakness within himself.
Had made Draco question the value of his name, his fortune.
So, now it came down to him, he held the power over Potter.
What should he do?
The Malfoy in him screamed to reject the boy as viscously as possible, but...
No- No he was tired of doing what was expected of him.
This friendship could prove to be a worthwhile experience.
Besides he was to intrigued now, curious about who the real Harry Potter was.
"I accept."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, he had been worried for a moment.
"So how do you want to tell people, Draco? I can call you that right?"
"It is my name Potter- I mean Harry. And whatever you do is fine, but I will not hang out at the Gryffindor table."
"Ok if you won't then I will! In front of everyone! Make them all panic!"
"You are acting awfully Slytherin... whatever just don't do anything foolish."
"Me? Foolish? Why Draco why would you think Harry Golden-Boy Potter would do anything foolish?"
"Probably because of the scheming look on your face, or because you always get me into trouble."
"I do not! You are the one who always gets me into trouble."
"Really? Name once."
"Umm... HA! Norbert!"
"Who?"
"Hagrid's baby dragon. 'Cause of you-"
"Don't try to pin that on me P-Harry! You and Granger were the idiots who forgot to use your invisibility cloak!"
Draco smirked at the look of utter astonishment on Harry's face.
"How- how do you know about my invisibility cloak?"
"I'm not the only one who walks the halls at night. I just don't need an invisibility cloak to be seen."
Harry blinked, that reminded him of what Dumbledore had said. There was more to Draco than met the eye. He certainly looked different- by God he was smiling!
Draco also wondered at the easy camaraderie they had shifted to. It was so strange to be here teasing Harry as if they had been friends for years. It came so easily.
"This is so..."
SLAM
The two rivals grabbed their wands and turned towards the compartment door simultaneously. Panting hard with looks of shocked concern plastered on their faces stood Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny.
Harry ignored their looks and he turned to Draco again. Malfoy was back in full Slytherin mode. He met Harry's glance for a second before turning to smirk at the intruders. Things could be different between them but no one else was to know- yet.
"Harry are you ok?"
"What are you doing here Malfoy?"
"Simple Weasel-boy I was insulting Potter."
"Oh? Well were are your back-up thugs? We all know you need someone to back up your empty threats."
"Empty threats? I have learned things that Granger hasn't even read about, and some things she has. I bet she could tell you that my threats are neither empty nor idle."
Draco's face was cold again, a stone mask. Ron looked at Hermione and was surprised to see that she looked uneasy. She knew something the others did not. Whatever it was if she was worried so was he.
"Whatever Malfoy..."
"Ron just shut up!"
"Harry?"
"I'm sick of you guys treating me like I'm a little kid!"
"I didn't.."
"You are so dramatic all the time!"
"What are you talking about?!"
"You always start trouble with people! Can't you just lay off?!"
"Now wait just a minute!"
"You don't need to rush to my rescue every time someone YOU don't like is near ME!"
"YEAH! Wonder where I learned the 'rescuing thing' from!"
Hermione, Ginny and Neville gasped at Ron, who had quickly gone from beet red to a sickly pale.
Draco's eyes widened at the remark and he turned to see Harry's reaction.
Everyone knew who and what Ron had meant by that last stinging jest.
Harry stood wide-eyed looking very much like a child that had been slapped by a loved one. His head lowered his raven hair shielding his eyes from view. They saw his hands clench as a tremor shook his body.
After a moment, he raised his head and smirked with a contempt that rivaled Malfoy's best.
"I see, Weasley"
"Harry- Harry he didn't mean it you know he didn't.."
"Quiet Mudblood! I didn't ask what you thought!"
Draco's mouth dropped. He never would have though he would hear those words come from Harry's mouth.
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth and a tear ran down her reddened cheek.
Ginny and Neville both were at a loss for words. They had always looked up to Noble-Good-Guy-Harry. The Harry that faced them now was...scary.
Ron however saw Hermione's tear and flipped. He could understand Harry hurting him for what he'd said, but Hermione?
"How dare you! What the Hell is wrong with you Harry? How could you say something like that?"
"How could I? How could I?"
Harry laughed a cold hard laugh that sent shivers down all but Draco's back.
"I'll say the same thing I said to the wolf..."
Draco frowned, the wolf? Then it hit him..
"Yes Weasley... Lupin... I will tell you all what I told those fools at the station. Spare me your petty concerns and your pathetic company. Now leave. I am not the only one who knows more dark arts than it would seem. Go now or you will regret it"
The four Gryffindors retreated. Three of them pulling along a furious Ron. All were disturbed at the side of Harry they had just seen, the side of Harry that made them realize that every word of the threat he had uttered had been truthful.
After they had left Harry smiled at a pleasantly surprised Draco, who smirked. Then they spent the rest of the trip planning how to shock the school with their newfound alliance.
Before he left, Draco turned towards Harry hesitating slightly before speaking.
" Just because we are friends doesn't mean I will take it easy on you when we compete. Especially Quiddich. Th-This is all so strange for me, I never thought I would forsake my family honor on a sudden whim. I know that we must keep secrets from each other until the time is right, but I just want you to know that I am glad you turned to me- I would have done the same to you."
Draco smiled at the boy who smiled at him. Then he opened the door, Prince of Darkness attitude fully restored.
"Potter."
He smirked, ice blue eyes gleaming merrily. Harry stood and gave a mock bow.
"Malfoy."
Draco allowed himself a small smile as Harry's laughter followed him down the corridor.
~ The Headmasters Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ~
Dumbledore sat silently at his desk lost in thought. He had a roughly half an hour to himself before the students arrived.
The pictures crowding the walls of the chamber whispered amongst each other. They had rarely seen the Headmaster so deep in his thoughts. Even Fawkes noticed the strange weariness in Dumbledore's movements.
He stared at some point on the opposite end of the room, occasionally bringing his wand tip to his temple and adding a milky white memory strand to a small stone basin. The Pensive, liquid swirls of his memories and thoughts.
Harry will be fine.
He is stronger than any of us can imagine.
He just lost the closest thing he had to a parent, it is just grief.
The war is at a temporary standstill.
Each side recuperating and gathering forces for the last strike.
Yes Harry would be ok.
He would be.
He had to be, for the sake of them all.
*************
A/N: Hey guys.... thanks for all the reviews so far.... you boost my inner Aelf's ego so much..._ err anyway I want to know if you guys have any suggestions regarding the way my plot is going. Am I doing ok ' cause this is my first ever HP fic and I wantta make it good for you!
R/R pwease!