Chapter Fourteen

Get Out of My Head

ONE

Draco found that working on the defense club with Potter wasn't half bad. He even found the experience slightly enjoyable. Potter had an uncanny ability to recognize a spell even before it was cast, just based on the emotion of the caster. Potter had a very rare gift, though Draco wasn't certain that he knew it.

"No, Malfoy." The two boys were setting up their next meeting, but Potter didn't seem to agree with Draco's lesson plan.

"Come on, Potter! They have to know what to expect. Stop babying them!"

"I'm not babying anybody, Malfoy. This lesson plan is absolutely unacceptable. We learned enough about these curses from Moody."

"Potter, listen to me…"

"No. The Unforgivables are illegal for a reason. You can't block them and you can't counter them. About all you can do is get out of the way, and I already know how to do that, as I'm sure our classmates do as well."

"Fine. Have it your way." Draco leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms moodily.

"Is there nothing else you can think of that might be useful?" Potter asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Like what, Potter? You just shot down my whole plan for tomorrow night. Do you just expect me to pull something new out of my bum?"

Potter raised his other brow and stood up, packing his things as he did so. "Honestly, Malfoy. I expected you to be more creative than this." He slung his bag over his shoulder and leaned over the table. "You know, the Unforgivables must have started somewhere. I wonder what they were based on." He shrugged and walked away, leaving behind a gob smacked Draco.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Draco wondered aloud and went to the library to research his new idea. He pulled down several large tomes and piled them high on a table. He had parchment, several bottles of ink, a quill and a knife to sharpen the quill if need be. Opening one of the books, he began taking notes. He worked late into the night, finishing in his room after being kicked out of the library.

When Draco arrived in the Room of Requirement, a room Potter had found, Potter was already there as usual.

"You're early," Potter said as he adjusted the pillows on the floor.

"So are you."

"Ah, but I'm always early, and thus you are not surprised," Potter said. "You, on the other hand, always show up late, therefore it's surprising to see you here early."

"Stop it, Potter," Draco said, moving farther into the room. "I'm starting to think that you're an imposter of some sort."

Potter snorted and sat on one of the large fluffy pillows. "So have you made up a new lesson plan, or do I have to do it all myself tonight?"

"Of course I have a plan, Potter," Draco spat irritably. "Would I be here if I didn't?"

Potter shrugged. "Who knows what you would do? It was just a question."

"Do you want to discuss the lesson before the others arrive?"

"No, that's all right."

"So what are you planning then?"

"I'll just wing it based on whatever you do."

"Wing it?"

Potter nodded.

"Have you been asking the… Granger for advice?"

Potter chuckled but didn't reply.

Draco shook his head and began preparing himself to perform Dark Magic. As the other students arrived they gave Potter a warm welcome, though they were cordial to Draco as well. Granger and Weasley were the last to arrive, and once they'd settled, Draco began his lesson.

"Today, I thought we'd cover the history of the Unforgivables. I am going to start with the most deadly to the least." Granger raised her hand. "What?" Draco said, irritated with being interrupted.

"Are these spells illegal?" Granger asked.

"Who cares?" Draco asked.

"Well, I for one, have had enough of learning illegal curses from Barty Crouch Jr.," Granger said. There was a murmur of general agreement around the room.

Draco sighed. "No, they are not technically illegal, though they are frowned upon."

Granger gave a wave to indicate he should continue.

"The first spell is called Exitialis," Draco began. "It is the predecessor to Avada Kedavra, though it isn't as effective or painless. It can be blocked and when it does hit, it doesn't always kill." Draco removed a rat from a pouch he had brought with him. He placed the rodent on the floor and pointed his wand at it. "Exitialis!" he exclaimed. A jet of orange light erupted from his wand and struck the rat.

The rat squealed in pain as it began to scorch as though it had been set on fire. It took nearly a minute for the poor creature to die. Afterwards, the room was filled with a thick silence.

"As you could see," Draco said. "That was very unpleasant."

"That was horrible!" Angelina Johnson exclaimed angrily. The room erupted in angry yells. Draco held up his hands and soon the room quieted once again.

"I realize that was inhumane," he said, "but you all must understand me. The Dark Lord isn't against using older spells to agonize his victims. If he wanted you to suffer before you died, he wouldn't use Avada Kedavra to do it. It is called the Killing Curse, but it is not the only spell capable of producing that result. It is simply the most effective. Exitialis kills most of the people it hits, but it doesn't snuff out life the way Avada Kedavra does. It takes life, and the process is extremely painful, as you have seen. If the Dark Lord wanted to give you a painful death, this is most likely what he'd use."

There was a short silence before Granger's hand went up.

Draco sighed. "What is it, Granger?" he asked, feeling suddenly tired.

"You… you said it could be blocked?" Granger stammered.

"Yes," Draco replied. Everyone looked pale, but interested. "This blocking spell will block most curses, but it's more difficult to cast than Protego. This new spell is Obsidere. It takes a lot of concentration to cast, and should only be used in the most dire of circumstances."

Potter stood up and began pairing people off. "Draco will show us how to cast the spell and we'll practice. I only want you to use minor hexes such as Jelly Legs. We don't want anyone to get hurt."

Draco wondered briefly how Potter did that, but decided not to dwell on it. He paired off with Granger, and Potter paired with Weasley.

"Now, to cast Obsidere you have to concentrate on the strongest kind of wall you can imagine, such as steel. The trick is to gain that picture and will in the second you will have to cast it. You must move your wand in a quick half moon motion while uttering the spell. Obsidere!" Draco made the motion and a great, transparent, blue force field appeared in front of him. "The only trouble with this spell, as with all shielding charms, is that as long as you hold it up, you cannot cast anything else. The moment you move your wand, the barrier will disappear. Potter, throw Impedimenta at the barrier."

Potter stepped up and did what was asked of him. The spell hit the barrier and was absorbed into it. The barrier rippled like a pond before settling back to its original state.

"A good point of Obsidere is that it absorbs curses instead of deflecting them, thus it's safer to use when surrounded by innocent people." With that, the group set off with practicing the blockade. By nine o'clock, only Potter and Granger could do the spell perfectly and quickly, though the others were progressing nicely.

Potter remained sitting quietly on the cushions as the other students filed out. When they were all gone, he spoke.

"That was a useful lesson," he said cordially. "I suppose next time we'll be hearing about Crucio's predecessor?"

"I think so," Draco replied. "Well done with playing along, Potter."

"Thank you for that assessment, Malfoy," Potter said with a smirk. "So, tell me when you're planning on asking Hermione out."

Draco turned and stared at Potter in disbelief. "You're mad, Potter. That girl is completely insufferable, insulting, and down right bossy. Why would I do such a thing?"

Potter smiled and stood up, moving toward the door. "Oh, my mistake." He smirked infuriatingly and left the room.

Draco stormed back to the Slytherin common room, enraged by Potter's presumptuousness. How dare he suggest that Draco liked that know-it-all Mudblood? Draco had better taste than that! She might be pretty, and sure, she had a good mind, but other than that, what was there to her? She had bushy hair, and she would have buckteeth if it weren't for Draco hexing her in fourth year. She snapped at Draco all of the time, and she beat Draco in every subject except for Potions. She was nothing really, just another student looking to Draco for help in an increasingly violent war. She really didn't matter at all…

TWO

Draco was staring at the back of Granger's head in Care of Magical Creatures. It was early February, but the weather already resembled March. The oaf, Hagrid, was showing them Thestrals and old Umbridge was close by, asking infuriating questions. Draco supposed he might once have found Hagrid's anxiety amusing, but things had changed a great deal.

Hagrid was explaining about what Thestrals eat and why they're useful when Umbridge began insulting him again with her loud and deliberate speech.

"I think they're fascinating," Draco said loudly, overriding Umbridge's unkind banter. "Tell me, Professor Hagrid, do they eat toads?" Draco saw several people turn away to hide giggles and Umbridge visibly bristled.

"Mr. Malfoy," she said, moving to where Draco was standing. "Why do you ask that?"

"I'm just curious," Draco replied innocently. "So, do they, Professor?"

"Er," Hagrid said, looking slightly surprised. "No, no they don't. They prefer larger animals, mostly mammals. They don't usually eat things they killed themselves. They like ter scavenge."

"Thank you, sir," Draco replied, looking at Umbridge with a raised brow. "He doesn't have any trouble understanding me. Perhaps it's your accent."

Umbridge looked angry now. "Your inspection is over, Hagrid," she said, her falsely sweet voice suddenly gone. "You'll have your results in a week." She walked away huffily and Draco turned back to the front. His heart missed a beat as he locked eyes with Granger. She looked impressed, surprised and grateful.

She's proud of me, Draco thought, slightly dazed. He forced his face to remain passive, though inside he was smiling. There's hope yet. I wonder if she likes flying double. Draco caught his thoughts and scowled as Hagrid dismissed the class.

"Draco, why were you protecting that great oaf?" Pansy asked as they walked back to the castle.

"Sod off, Pansy!" Draco snapped, walking faster. I did not just wonder if Granger likes flying double! Potter was not right, damn it! Draco was pulled from his thoughts by a light touch on his arm.

"Thank you," Granger said when he turned.

Draco blinked and fought back a strong blush that he felt coming on. "What for?" he asked, very surprised that his voice sounded normal.

"For helping Hagrid, of course," Granger replied. Behind her, Weasley nodded and Potter smirked gallingly. "That was wonderful."

"Oh," Draco said intelligently. "Well, you know. Umbridge had it coming, the old hag." Granger smiled brightly, causing Draco to feel inexplicably nervous.

"Yes, she did," Potter agreed, giving Draco a knowing wink.

"Er, I have to," Draco swallowed hard, "to go to class. Later." He walked quickly, furious with himself for acting so stupid over a filthy, worthless Mudblood. What the bloody Hell is wrong with me! Pull yourself together Malfoy! She's a Mudblood! She's not supposed to be worthy of your attentions! Get out of my head you filthy bitch!

THREE

"Malfoy's been acting very strange," Ron said as he, Hermione and Harry left the Room of Requirement. "He practically ran from the room after our meeting."

"He's just in a hurry, Ron," Hermione said, rolling her eyes in frustration. Ron had been going on and on about Malfoy's trustworthiness for the last two weeks.

"You're both completely dense," Harry said.

"Why?" Hermione asked. "What do you think his hurry was?"

"He fancies someone in the class," Harry replied, causing Ron and Hermione to stop walking. "Someone he doesn't think he should fancy."

"Do you know who it is?" Hermione asked, practically bouncing in anticipation of dirt on Malfoy.

"Yes," Harry said.

After a few moments, when it became clear that Harry wasn't going to say more, Ron asked, "Well, are you going to tell us who it is?"

"No," Harry replied. "Perhaps you could both benefit from being more observant. See you around." He waved cheerily and left Ron and Hermione goggling at him.

"What's gotten into him?" Ron asked, turning to Hermione.

She shrugged. "I bet I can find out whom he fancies," she said.

"Oh, what?" Ron asked. "Are you just going to walk up and ask him?"

"Of course not, Ron," Hermione replied, starting to walk again. "He wouldn't answer in any case. No, I'll just do what Harry suggested. I'll observe him."

"You'll observe him?" Ron asked incredulously.

"Of course," Hermione said. "Let's go, before we're late." They walked back to Gryffindor Tower in contemplative silence. Hermione was thinking of possible candidates for Malfoy's affections, and Ron was wondering why Hermione even cared who Malfoy fancied.

Three nights later found Ron and Hermione back in the Room of Requirement for another D.D.L. meeting. Harry had just called for everyone to pair off and Hermione was quick to act.

"I'll pair Malfoy," she said cheerily, standing next to the nervous Slytherin.

"Er, isn't there someone…" Malfoy said, looking around almost desperately.

"Everyone else is paired," Hermione said with an innocent smile. She guessed that Malfoy's nervousness was because he'd figured out what she was up to.

"Oh… very well," he said, glancing at the expectant faces. "To perform Dominari properly, you have to…" he glanced at Hermione. "To apply all of your… er, concentration on the… on the, er… the er, the victim." He gestured toward Hermione. "Like so. Dominari!"

The blue light hit Hermione just under her breastbone. She stood silent for a moment and then felt strongly compelled to behave like a roosting hen. She clucked and began scratching the ground with her feet. When she came to her senses, the people around her were laughing.

"I want everyone to practice the spell on you partners until you can perform it perfectly," Malfoy said, glancing at Hermione guiltily. "And Potter, I must ask that you do not try to throw it. We'll never know if Weasley is doing it right if you keep throwing it off."

"Okay," Harry replied promptly.

"After everyone can cast Dominari, I want you to practice it using shields. You need to be able to cast your shields without warning. Okay, go."

Hermione wasted no time. "Dominari!" she exclaimed. The blue light caught Malfoy by surprise. Tell me whom you love, she thought at him furiously. Tell me whom you love. Tell me whom you love.

Malfoy's eyes glazed and Hermione could tell he was trying to throw the curse. She concentrated harder. Tell me whom you love.

"You," Malfoy said dreamily.

Hermione was so surprised that her fingers grew slack, dropping her wand on the ground. She stared at Malfoy, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

Malfoy blinked a few times before he regained his bearings. He looked up at Hermione, anger and betrayal shining in his eyes. "How dare you?" he asked, his voice shaking so badly it was little more than a whisper. "How DARE you?" he bellowed, and stormed from the room. Everyone stopped their practice to look curiously at Hermione. Harry left Ron's side and moved to Hermione's.

"What did you do?" he asked so only she could hear.

"I didn't know," Hermione whispered, on the verge of tears. "I didn't know."

"Obviously," Harry said. "Everyone, keep practicing until the usual time. I'm going to find out what happened. Ron, I'm leaving you in charge." He gave Hermione a piercing look before leaving the room.

FOUR

Harry found Malfoy slumped against a wall on the ground level.

"Malfoy," he said in greeting, leaning against the wall next to the blonde.

"Leave me alone, Potter," he replied, not looking up. "I'm not in the mood for your idle banter."

"Hermione was only curious, Malfoy," Harry said, ignoring Malfoy's comments. "She didn't mean any harm."

"What does that matter? She didn't have the right to do that, to ask me that. It was very Slytherin of her." Malfoy laughed sardonically at that. "I suppose she'll never come to another meeting now."

"She was very upset by this, Malfoy," Harry said.

"I'll bet," Malfoy replied. "The horrible, slimy Slytherin is in love with her. How… disgusting."

"That's not what I meant. She didn't mean to hurt you. She'll apologize if you give her the chance."

"Why should I?" Malfoy snapped angrily, straightening up to glare at Harry. "It should have been my decision to tell her when I was ready! How dare she take that from me? She had no right and I'll never forgive her!" He stormed away, heading toward the dungeons.

Harry sighed in defeat and went to his own rooms quietly, wondering what would come of this. It wasn't difficult to guess what Hermione had done. She'd used the spell to find out whom Malfoy fancied. Harry had to admit that it was a good idea, though it was very unlike Hermione to do something so unethical. What had she been thinking?

Author's Note: As usual, many thanks to Victoria Ennis for her hard work on this fic. Thanks also to…

Sliver of Melody

Ktoddhim

Jujube 15

Kears

Sh'arra Rie

Tamyka

Shiemi Shimabukuro

Mariana

LeeLeePotter

Nicky12330

Shadow Eclipse: A lot of the chapters are going to have sections that skip over large periods of time. I do this so that we can get to the HP/SS action that much sooner… hehehehe

Jenni

Chibi-Kaisie: Thank you

Anarane Anwamane

Hesfb: This is the same story you remember reading. I hope you stick to it, but I'm not planning on removing the rape scenes. I enjoy torturing Harry too much for that. Sorry.

DestinyEntwinements: It's going to be a while before we see any HP/SS action, but I promise it's coming.

CogniDi: Have fun in Italy. There should be plenty for you to read when you get back. We'll see you then, love.