IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!

I feel that I should take this moment, before you read the chapter, to say again that this was written before it was clear what sex Blaise Zabini is. I say again, she is female here, so please don't send me reviews telling me that Blaise is a boy, because I know and I don't care. That is all. ENJOY!

Chapter Seventeen

Blaise Zabini

ONE

"Oh, please, Granger," Draco drawled with annoyance. "You're one of his closest friends. You don't expect me to believe that he didn't tell you what would happen to him, do you?"

"He didn't say," Granger replied in with equal annoyance. "If you don't believe me, that's your problem."

"Fine," Draco said, giving up on the argument. "I'll just have to muddle through on my own until Potter decides to wake up."

"You act as though he has control over this!"

"Well, Granger, it seems to me that he lands himself in the hospital wing more than any other student in this school."

"You bastard," Granger said in a dangerously low tone. She moved forward, stood up on her toes and put her finger on Draco's chest. "Don't you dare talk like you know anything about him! If he could trade places with you, he'd do it gladly and without regret. Don't you dare presume to understand what he's been through." With that, she turned on her heel and stormed away. She was very intimidating... for a girl.

'That was interesting,' Draco thought. He moved casually down the halls, heading for the Slytherin dorms.

"Draco, sweety!" Pansy shrieked when he entered, throwing her arms around his neck. "Where have you been?"

"Away from you," Draco replied nastily, pushing Pansy away.

"Draco, love," Blaise said, ambling over and lacing her arm through Draco's. "Pansy is only worried that you haven't been around much lately. Isn't that right, Pansy?" She turned her brown eyes to the puggish blonde girl and graced her with an evil smile.

"Of course," Pansy replied, quelling under Blaise's piercing look.

"You see?" Blaise asked, leading Draco to a relatively private corner of the common room.

"Thank you," Draco said as he sat down. It was common knowledge in Slytherin territory that Draco and Blaise were off limits to the other's of their house. Everyone, including Pansy, respected the arrangement, despite the bride price Draco's parents had paid for her. Blaise didn't tolerate anyone near anything or anyone she considered to be her territory. This included Draco.

"No problem," Blaise replied, sitting across from him. Her smooth black hair was pulled into an elegant french braid, which she flung over her shoulder. "Pansy is the bane of Slytherin. She lacks refinement and style. What were her parents doing when she was growing up?"

Draco shrugged and leaned his head back, wondering what he should cover in his next class.

"Where have you been going lately, Draco?" Blaise asked cautiously, her strong alto pulling Draco from his musings.

"Hm?" Draco asked, thinking fast for a suitable reply. "I've been doing a bit of independent study."

"Oh?" Blaise asked, looking more interested. "Professor Snape didn't mention being allowed to do independent studies."

"Oh, he doesn't know about this," Draco replied, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm doing it on my own."

"Really? What is it?"

'Damn Blaise and her curiosity,' Draco thought. "I'm just reading up on Dark Magic," he said, using what he hoped was a bored tone. "It's nothing overly spectacular, I assure you."

"It sounds like fun," Blaise chirped. "May I join you in the future?"

"I would rather work alone," Draco replied.

Blaise gave him a very unsettling and calculating look. "There have been rumors floating around the castle," she said after a moment.

"Oh? What about?"

"About you, consorting with a certain black-haired, bespectacled Gryffindor," Blaise replied coldly. "I suppose he makes a better study partner than I would?"

Draco didn't allow his surprise to filter into his demeanor. "Is that so? And who have you been talking to?" He added a little chuckle for effect.

"Some Gryffindors who have seen you together," Blaise replied promptly. "What have you been up to?"

Draco felt himself being pushed into the proverbial corner. "That all depends on what you've been told," he sneered.

Blaise chuckled darkly. "Well, you've been seen with Potter and Granger on numerous occasions, by people from several houses. I didn't establish my repertoire with the other houses for nothing."

"Why don't we go somewhere more... private?" Draco suggested. He got up and led the way to his private bedroom, courtesy of his father. "Look, I am trying to get closer to the Golden Trio, okay? Can you imagine the reward I would get if I delivered them personally?"

"That sounds fascinating," Blaise commented, doing a very good impression of Draco's drawl. "I want in."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard what I said. I want a piece of that reward."

'Now what?' Draco tossed ideas around his head and found that he'd have to let her into the D.D.L. and then keep a close eye on her. "Fine. I'm meeting some people on Wednesday night. You can come along if you like."

"What people?"

"Some students. You don't get any details unless you come."

Blaise watched Draco thoughtfully before giving him a curt nod. "Fine."

"You can't tell anyone."

"Fine."

"And you have to pretend to be on their side."

"Fine." Blaise moved forward and ran a slender finger down Draco's chest. As much as he liked Granger, Blaise's touch could still elicit a reaction from him. "You should have known that you couldn't keep this from me."

"My mistake."

Blaise smiled and kissed Draco's chin gently. "We will speak again later, my fascinating drake." She opened the door and blew him a kiss before leaving.

Draco shook his head in exasperation before going back to the commons...

TWO

"What is she doing here?" Granger whispered furiously as the latest D.D.L. meeting broke up for the night. Needless to say, Blaise's reception had been less than warm. Granger was very suspicious of Blaise's motives.

"She's not dangerous, Granger," Draco said, annoyed. "She signed your little list, didn't she?"

"I don't trust her," Granger spat in an angry whisper.

"She wants to learn," Draco pointed out. "You said that the club would be open to anyone who wanted to learn. I didn't see the harm in letter her in."

Granger glared for a moment, but made no response.

"I hope I haven't caused too much of a stir," Blaise said meekly from behind Draco. "I simply couldn't pass up this chance."

"And what chance would that be?" Granger snarled. Draco had never seen the levelheaded witch so angry before. He admired her ability to sniff out a rat.

"To work with the smartest witch at Hogwarts without having to worry about House rivalries," Blaise replied, adding some honey to her alto. Draco could practically feel the shy smile he knew she was giving Granger. Granger didn't fall for her tone.

"Isn't that sweet," she replied, spitting out the word 'sweet' as though it was a disgusting swear word. She pushed passed them and left the room, an air of disgust and dignity surrounding her. Draco's heart fluttered at the sight, but he pushed the feeling aside.

"She's going to present a problem," Blaise said thoughtfully after the door had closed.

"Once you win over one, the other two will follow," Draco replied, praying to the gods that he was wrong.

"Where was Potter this evening?" Blaise asked.

"I don't know," Draco replied with a shrug. "He said he had things to attend to. That was on Friday. I haven't seen him since." Now that Blaise mentioned it, Draco hadn't heard anything about Potter since they'd last spoken. "I'll see you around, Blaise," he said, leaving the room and heading for Snape's office.

THREE

Severus was sitting at his desk in his office when someone knocked on his door. He'd only just been released from Pomfrey's care that evening and he had a lot of work to catch up on. "Come in," he called, not bothering to look up from his work.

"Professor?" a drawling voice Severus recognized only too well said.

Severus mentally cursed the boy as he looked up. "What is it, Mr. Malfoy?" he sneered.

Young Malfoy looked calculating and wary as he observed Severus from near the door. "Do you know what happened to Potter?" he asked.

The question immediately put Severus on his guard. "Why do you want to know?" he asked.

Malfoy seemed irritated by the question, but answered in his usual arrogant tone. "We have some things to work on, but he seems to have vanished."

"What things?" Severus asked.

"School work," Malfoy shrugged as though the topic bored him. "So, where is he?"

"He is ill, Mr. Malfoy," Severus said. "I shall tell him that you were looking for him."

Malfoy nodded, but the look on his face was indiscernible. "Thank you, sir," he said, leaving the office quickly.

FOUR

So Potter was ill. Draco figured that he should have guessed as much. He decided that Potter was most likely in the hospital wing, or else Snape wouldn't have been in his office. Draco went toward the hospital wing, hoping that no one would see him.

"Malfoy?" Granger's voice asked as he got to the top of the stairs.

Draco cringed slightly and then turned to look at her. "Granger," he said in recognition.

"Where are you going?" she asked, walking up to him.

"To see Madam Pomfrey," Draco replied vaguely.

"Why?"

"Oh, you know. I don't think my dinner agreed with me."

"I'll walk with you."

Draco was annoyed, but he only shrugged and continued on his trek to find out what happened to Potter.

"Are you sure that Blaise isn't a liability?" Granger asked after a moment.

"No," Draco replied truthfully. "She's dangerous. That's why I let her come."

"Why? So she can give away our secrets?" Granger spat angrily.

"Of course not, you moronic little M... Gryffindor," Draco sneered. He barely stopped the word 'Mudblood' from spilling from his lips.

Granger pursed her lips, but let the slip go. "Why then?" she asked.

"You know what they say. 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.' She'd already figured out that I was making friends with you all. If I'd tried to get rid of her, she would have become suspicious. At least this way I can keep my eyes on her." Draco stopped walking as they reached the doors to the infirmary.

"What's the matter?" Granger asked, looking at him strangely.

"I have to tell you something before we go in," he replied. "I don't feel ill."

"Then why are you here?" Granger asked, knitting her eyebrows together.

Draco sighed and turned to look at her fully. "I believe that Potter is in there."

"What?" Granger asked, not understanding his meaning.

"I went to see Snape. He said that Potter is not well."

Granger frowned. "No. They would have told us if something had happened to Harry."

"Oh, don't be so naive, Granger!" Draco snapped, pushing the doors open and walking into the blindingly white ward.

At the end of the ward, near Pomfrey's office, was Potter. He was on his back, unconscious, and looking as pale as a ghost. Granger gasped and ran to Potter's side. "Well, that answers that question," Draco said. He walked to Potter's side and gazed down at him.

"Oh, Harry, what happened?" Granger whispered, pushing Potter's hair away from his face.

"I wonder what those 'pressing issues' were," Draco said, frowning.

"What are you talking about?" Granger asked, sitting down in the chair next to Potter's bed.

"Oh please," Draco muttered. "Don't tell me that you don't remember just last weekend. Potter told us on Friday that something had come up and he wouldn't be able to teach the D.D.L. He knew something bad was coming. He just didn't know how bad it would be."

"Why didn't he say something?" Granger asked in a defeated voice.

Draco gently touched her shoulder. "Because he didn't want anyone to worry about him," he said.

"That does seem like something he would do," Granger said sadly. "I hope he gets well soon."

Draco squeezed her shoulder gently, but he was only half listening. He was wondering how Potter knew what was coming. He also wanted to know just what had happened to leave Potter in such a state. Where was Snape? Wasn't he entrusted with Potter's care? Where had he been when this happened? Draco was worried...

FIVE

Hermione was irritated. How could Malfoy just allow that Zabini wench to come to the D.D.L. meetings? It had been three days since Malfoy ad taken her to see Harry and she was now half-listening as Malfoy taught advanced blocking charms. She already knew how to do these, so she devoted her time to watching Zabini like a hawk.

The girl in question was sitting on one of the little poufs close to Malfoy. She was very little, only about 5', and had waist-length, straight black hair; brown eyes, a small waist that was somehow still visible under her school robes, average breasts; and a shy, agreeable personality that Hermione didn't buy for a second.

Malfoy paired everyone up to practice and then pulled Hermione aside.

"Stop," he said sharply. "Okay? Just stop."

"Stop what, Malfoy?" Hermione asked.

"Glaring daggers at Blaise every time she comes into your line of sight. It's irritating."

"I don't trust her!"

"I don't either," Malfoy replied, lowering his voice and pulling Hermione farther into the corner. "Listen to me. If you want to find out what she's up to, then I suggest that you make her trust you. You can't find out what she wants if you alienate her."

Hermione stared for a moment. "You're right," she said. "I'll calm down." She took a deep breath and joined the class. She and Malfoy moved around the pairs, helping people with their techniques. Hermione went out of her way to help Zabini.

SIX

"Harry, shame on you for not telling us something like that," Hermione admonished the day after Harry had woken up. He'd explained to Ron and her what had happened the last weekend as well as what he'd done for Snape.

"Sorry," Harry muttered, coloring slightly and looking down. "I just didn't want you to worry about me."

"And what did you think would happen when we found you up here?" Hermione snapped.

"I wasn't planning on helping Professor Snape," Harry retorted. "I wouldn't have been up here this long if it weren't for that!"

"All right," Ron said, stopping Hermione's sharp reprimand with a look. "We know that you didn't want us to worry, but could you please tell us next time? We were scared when you just vanished from the school."

"Okay," Harry agreed. "I'll keep that in mind, though I doubt I'll have advanced warning if this happens again." They were quiet for a moment before Harry spoke again. "What's been happening with the D.D.L.?"

"Malfoy's been trying to cover for you," Ron replied. "But he's not nearly as good at defensive magic as he is at dark magic."

Hermione was debating whether they should tell Harry about Zabini, but Ron made the decision for her.

"Malfoy let Blaise Zabini join," he said. "She's a little shy, but not bad... for a Slytherin."

"He just let her in?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes. "He didn't take a vote or anything?"

"No, but it's not a problem," Ron said with a shrug.

"I shall speak to Malfoy," Harry stated, looking very thoughtful.

"Why?" Ron asked.

"We don't know her," Harry replied. "If anything, the three of us should approve of anyone he wants to bring into the D.D.L. I shall speak to him."

SEVEN

"You should have waited until we had all spoken to her and come to a decision," Harry said, crossing his arms over his chest. He and Malfoy were in the library, and Harry was lecturing Malfoy about his discrepancy.

"She was badgering me, Potter," Malfoy said in a dismissive tone. "I was tired of listening to her, so I let her in. She won't cause any problems."

"That is not the point, Malfoy," Harry replied calmly. "Do not let me hear of this happening again, or you shall find yourself short an ally. We let you into our club and I would not have any trouble chucking you out. I am not a patient person, and I do not like it when people do things behind my back. Good day, Malfoy." He stood up and walked away, fully aware that Malfoy was watching him go.

EIGHT

Harry was leaving the Room of Requirement, having just begun teaching the D.D.L. how to create a Patronus.

"Hi, Potter," a soft, female voice said to Harry's right.

Harry turned and found Blaise Zabini watching him from beneath lowered lashes. "Hi, Zabini," he said.

She walked to him slowly, looking at the floor and wringing her hands in an almost nervous fashion. "That was a good class tonight," she said. She looked up briefly and then down at the floor again, a slight blush coming to her cheeks.

"Thank you," Harry replied kindly. He'd noticed during the lesson that she was a bit shy. "You did very well."

The blush on her cheeks darkened as she turned her head to the side slightly. "Thanks," she muttered. "Draco told me that you agreed to let me in."

"Yes, well," Harry replied, his irritation at Malfoy returning. "I'm willing to help those who need it."

Zabini backed away at Harry's sharp tone. "I'm sorry if I'm being a bother," she said meekly, looking on the verge of tears.

Harry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not you. He just didn't inform me about the addition before agreeing to it. I am merely irritated at his lack of cooperation. Don't be offended."

Zabini smiled shyly, looking up at Harry for the first time. "Thanks. I guess I'll see you next time."

"Yes," Harry said. "Until the next." He watched as the petite Slytherin walked away, her hips swaying pleasantly beneath her robes. Shaking his head, Harry walked down to his room and took out his homework.

"Working again, Harry?" Professor Snape asked from the hallway.

"Yes, sir," Harry replied without turning. "It seems that there is a never ending river of make-up work for me to do."

"That's what happens when you keep missing classes," Professor Snape replied, sounding amused.

"Ha, ha, ha," Harry deadpanned, flipping through books to find relevant passages.

"I'll leave you to it." Harry heard receding footsteps and a door closing softly.

NINE

Severus set his journal aside, touching the golden letters on the cover fondly, before rubbing his tired eyes. He turned off the lights with a flick of his wand and lay down to sleep.

"How many years, Albus?" Severus asked. "How many more sacrifices? He's done enough. Why must he do this as well?"

"It is his destiny to die for us," Albus replied.

Severus shook his head sadly and stood up, leaving the office in poor spirits.

"What's wrong, Professor Snape?" Harry asked when Severus entered his quarters.

"It's nothing for you to worry yourself with, Harry," Severus replied.

"Let me kiss it better," Harry said, moving to Severus and engaging him in a searing kiss. Clothes began to fly as the two lovers stumbled toward the bedroom. They fell onto the bed and were soon engaged in heated, passionate lovemaking. Severus kept his eyes on the beautiful creature beneath him, nearing his climax.

"Don't let me die," Harry said hoarsely, raining kisses upon Severus' neck.

"What?" Severus asked.

"Don't let me die," Harry repeated. His face began to wither and decay, his hair falling out in great clumps onto the pillow. His fingers became bones as he caressed Severus' back and arms, repeating, "Don't let me die," over and over again.

Severus scrambled away in fear, staring at the green eyes of the corpse on his bed.

"You promised!" the corpse exclaimed. "You said you wouldn't let me die! You're a liar! Liar!" The corpse pointed an accusatory finger at Severus and continued to scream 'Liar!' in an eerie, dry voice.

"NO!" Severus screamed, sitting bolt upright in his bed. He stared around wildly, heart rate racing and breathing fast, looking for the corpse from his dream. He saw that he was alone in his room and buried his sweaty face in his hands.

"No," he whispered, shaking his head violently. "I am not a liar. He's not dead, he's not. It was a nightmare; only a horrible stupid dream. He's not going to die. I won't let him." It took several moments for Severus to compose himself before he took another shower and went back to bed.

'Harry is a strong wizard,' he thought, trying to force his mind to relax. 'He will defeat the Dark Lord and live to see peaceful times. He's stronger than Albus thinks he is.' With these encouraging thoughts, Severus drifted into a restless slumber.

Author's Note: Many thanks to Victoria Ennis for her hard work on this chapter. Thanks also to…

Sliver of Melody

LeeLeePotter

Anarane Anwamane

Shiemi Shimabukuro: It will all be explained, not to worry

Sword and Magic

Ktoddhim

DestinyEntwinements: Not a problem, m'dear

Pure Black

Kears: We shall see

Mariana

JazzDancin'

Hikari-Aoi: Happy Birthday!

Jujube 15

Aurelius Dawns: Don't worry, this isn't a SuperHarry fic. He's just come into his powers, but I did it a little differently. If there's one thing I hate, it's being clichéd. I refuse to go down like that… hehehe

Sh'arra Rie