A/N: I'm very, very, very sorry this took so long to come out. But, on the other hand, I HAVE A DEGREE!!!!! /boggle. Wow. Weird. I'm all – like, edjumakated and stuff. Hot damn.
Well, on with the fic!
Chapter 14: Revelations
Draco looked up as his godfather strode into the Slytherin common room. The tall Potions Master had a worried, preoccupied expression on his face. The lanky man scanned the room carefully before coming over to where Draco and Blaise were sitting, playing wizard's chess. They were ensconced in a corner of the common room near the fire, enjoying the heat the flames were emitting. The dungeons were always cool, and held a particularly sharp bite in the wintertime, which made the many large fireplaces that dotted the Slytherin dorm necessary rather than decadent. Draco sat back in his chair, causing the leather to squeak softly, and watched the older man approach, a strange feeling of dread creeping into his stomach. He had been plagued with horrific nightmares the night before, nightmares that had left him ill and shaking after he had woken. He couldn't remember fully what the dreams were about – and he was happy for that. Blaise glanced up and followed Draco's gaze before making his move, then settled back in his own chair, waiting for their Head of House to arrive. Draco wondered if his godfather's expression had anything to do with his dreams, and then considered if he really wanted to know the answer to that question or not. Hells bells. I do. Bah. He snorted at himself. Much more of this and you'll be a right proper Gryffindor, now wont you, his inner voice taunted. Draco frostily ignored the annoying voice, deciding it was far too beneath him to argue with imaginary voices. He glanced down at the board, frowning slightly at Blaise's move. Blaise was an excellent chess player, and while Draco had a mind for the strategies behind the game, he really didn't have the patience for it at all.
Severus lowered himself into a chair next to Blaise and Draco, scanning their game quietly, but not saying a word. The older man let his hair fall in front of his face as he studied the chessboard, a strange light in his eyes as his gaze flicked between the two younger Slytherins. Blaise and Draco played in silence for a few more moments before Severus finally slipped a note onto the table next to Draco's elbow. Draco looked down at the folded piece of parchment and then back up at his godfather, a confused expression on his face.
"Sir?" Draco asked, not picking up the note. Severus glared at him, flicking his gaze down to the note and then back up again. Draco bit back a sigh and picked up the note, unfolding it carefully. Blaise cocked his head slightly as he watched Draco with the note, his dark eyes sharp. He watched with some concern as Draco read the note, then seemed to read it again, as if he didn't believe what was there in the first place.
It was for Potter was what Draco had read. The blond looked up at Severus, confusion in his eyes, before returning to the note and reading it again. He glanced back up at Severus and took in the man's grave expression – then it clicked. The Vision Potion. Dear god in heaven, Draco's mind whispered, shock running through him. He glanced back down again at the note, but it still didn't change. Potter, you fool. What have you done?
"But – how – that's, that's ludicrous! What were they –," Draco sputtered, face now flushing pink as he tried to express the idiocy of the Gryffindors involved; he was egged on, no doubt, by Dumbledore, Draco thought viciously. Bloody, foolish, idiotic Gryffindors! Blaise looked at Draco oddly, one eyebrow tilting upwards, leaning back in his chair. Severus snatched the note away from Draco, conjured a quill and an inkpot and then began to scribble furiously, a frown marring his face. Draco let his eyes stay on the chessboard in front of him, his mind chasing itself around in little circles the whole time. Potter – it was for Potter? How could the Headmaster do something like that? How could he chance it? What the hell did he have to gain from it? The boy's insanity? His death? Why would he risk his precious figurehead – unless, unless the Headmaster is planning on getting rid of the figurehead because of the bad press…Draco could feel his mind working a mile a minute, trying to figure out Dumbledore's strategy – and purpose behind something an action that was so risky. Severus interrupted his thoughts again by thrusting the note back at Draco, who snagged it carefully, mindful of the wet ink.
Potter's scar is an even more direct link to V. than the Marks. He has access to the man's mind. Potter took the potion last night. He is – not well. Draco snorted, feeling his eyes narrow and his blood pressure soar. Of course he's not well, he thought scornfully, he just had his brain fried by some evil, Dark potion, of course he's not bloody well, he could feel his teeth begin to grind together. He glanced up at his godfather, trying to control his temper. He paused, and glanced down at the note, then back up at the Potions Master.
"Why are you writing all this down?" he asked, confusion creating a small frown on his face. Severus sighed and flicked his fingers at the piece of parchment, obviously irritated.
"Because Albus tricked your father and I into an oath of silence about – It – although there was a loophole that the dodgy old wizard overlooked. The oath only specified that Lucius and I could not speak about what we saw and learned last night. It said nothing about us writing the information down," Severus explained, a self-satisfied smirk crossing his face as he folded his hands in his lap. Draco smiled slightly at his godfather and nodded his understanding. Then paused, and frowned again.
"Father was there?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone. Father, helping Potter? That's – well, strange doesn't even begin to cover it. Blaise nudged Draco's leg with his foot and reached out for the piece of paper, his curiosity getting the better of him. Draco glanced at Severus for permission, and handed it over when his Head of House nodded once. Blaise scanned the note, and looked shocked when he put two and two together. His expression was faintly ill when he looked back up at Draco.
"Yes, your father was there," Severus answered, watching Blaise carefully. "Albus meant to keep us in the dark about – about his involvement – but ended up needing my help after all. I –," Severus began and then stopped abruptly when no sound came out. He frowned fiercely and gestured to a white-faced Blaise to hand the note back. The sable-haired boy handed it over and the Potions Master scribbled on it for several seconds, his mouth compressed into a grim line, his irritation with having to communicate in such a manner clear on his face. Furiously he handed the note back to Draco, who read it swiftly before handing it over to Blaise.
I managed to trick Albus into bringing both of us down to the Hospital Wing. Potter was suffering from the after-effects of the potion – neither Pomfrey nor the Headmaster had thought of the effects the potion will have on the boy. Potter will be having episodes like last night's for months to come if he's unlucky, and knowing Potter – it would be his luck for it to linger in his system longer than normal. Draco felt ill; so that's probably why my dreams last night were so awful, he mused. The blond sighed, and brought a hand up to rub at his temple. What to do? he wondered.
"So. Potter has taken a potion that can potentially send him mad, while stuck in a House that hates him, and has a mole that none of us can find – you did, I hope, speak to the Headmaster very severely about this?" Draco finally asked, dryly. Severus chuckled abruptly at Draco's disgusted tone. He sobered quickly though, his expression turning serious.
"Unfortunately, yes, that is what the situation looks like," the Potions Master said, leaning forward, placing his elbows on his knees. He pinned Draco with an intense stare. "Whatever lingering conflicts you have with Potter, Draco, I advise you forget. As much as I hate to admit it, he needs our help and the House's protection, understood?" Draco nodded quickly. Not that I have any lingering conflicts with him, Draco thought with some amusement. I'm quite beginning to enjoy his company – however short those meetings between us were. Potter has a – refreshing sense of humor, he admitted grudgingly to himself. He wasn't about to let his godfather know, though.
"Completely, sir. Do you want us to go and find him today – approach him about perhaps transferring to Slytherin?" Draco asked calmly. Blaise raised an eyebrow at him, and Draco frowned at the other boy for a moment. "What?" he asked the sable haired boy. Blaise's face was blank as he sat back in his chair, but his eyes revealed that his mind was working overtime.
"That would not be the best angle of approach, I think," Blaise murmured. The two other Slytherins looked at him curiously. Blaise shrugged and glanced between Severus and Draco as he continued. "It might be something to bring up in passing with him – but Potter's too independent for us to simply walk up and demand that he switch Houses – providing, of course, that the Headmaster would even allow that. Besides, he has that Gryffindor pride, as well. The best plan would be to approach him obliquely, to become his friends first and foremost. Then try and persuade him to join the House." Blaise spread his hands out in front of him, laying out his idea. "Besides, with us as his friends, or at least, trusted allies, Potter will benefit from having us watch his back for him. Perhaps that, instead, is the better way to go. He needs the protection, and I think he has the cunning to appreciate our offer." Draco thought about it for a moment, then nodded, looking over to Severus for his reaction. The Potions Master was rubbing his chin distractedly, eyes unfocused. Finally his eyes cleared and he nodded once.
"Do you know where Potter is at the moment, sir?" Draco asked. Severus frowned, thinking.
"He was supposed to go to his dorm and rest – but the chances of that happening are slim to none. Where does he usually go?" Severus asked, knowing that his Slytherins had been keeping tabs on the Boy-Who-Lived for a while. Draco and Blaise exchanged a look.
"Usually he's in the Library – he spends all his time there now. He's gotten quite good at dodging that Granger girl too – I don't even think that fuzzy haired bit – er, girl, realizes that Potter's even in the library with her. She irritates the Ravenclaws something awful, though, or so I've been told. We'll stop by the Gryffindork's dorm on our way to the library though. Perhaps we'll catch him on his way out," Draco said, standing, abandoning the game in front of him. Blaise stood with him, and they looked to their Head of House for permission to go. Severus waved them off with a curt motion and a meaningful look. Draco nodded briefly to him and led Blaise out of the dorm.
Getting to the Gryffindor dorm unseen was ridiculously easy, considering how most of the school was at Hogsmeade. The two Slytherins had just rounded the corner into the hallway containing the portrait of the Fat Lady, when the painting swung open. Draco swore softly and pushed Blaise inside a dark doorway, praying it would be enough to hide their presence from whomever was leaving the dorm. It was with some pleased surprise, however, that Draco got a good look at Potter himself as he left the dorm. He looks tired, Draco thought. A chill ran down his spine as Potter paused, scanning the hallway with a small frown on his face. It's like he knows he's being watched, Draco thought idly. Eventually Potter gave up and headed off down the hall at a brisk walk. Draco and Blaise had waited impatiently for the two Ravenclaw girls to pass by their hiding space before they detached themselves from the shadows and followed after the dark haired boy at a discreet pace. They slipped into the library, their eyes scanning the tables quickly, noticing Harry's absence from them. Blaise nudged Draco gently, and nodded off to one side of the doors, where the tale-tell swirl of a black robe could be seen disappearing. They hurried after the figure.
Colliding with the youngest Weasley and Longbottom had to have been one of the more embarrassing things that had happened to Draco in a while. He stared at the other Gryffindors, irritation and anger vying for dominance on his face as he tried to regain some measure of his dignity. The two Gryffindors merely gaped at the Slytherins like stranded fish, much to Draco's amusement. The blond looked back to Harry, noting the confused expression on the boy's face as he stared at the strange party that had suddenly appeared in his small alcove. Draco smoothed down his robe, and stepped away from the Gryffindors, eyeing them carefully as he did so.
"Potter," Draco began evenly. He opened his mouth to continue, but the young Weasley beat him to it.
"What are you doing here?" she spat, eyes narrowing at him, placing her hands on her hips. Draco arched a blond eyebrow at her.
"I was going to ask Potter if he minded Blaise and I coming to study with him. What are you doing here?" he lied smoothly, thrusting his hands into his pockets. Ginny took a quick breath, looking as though she was about to launch into him again, and then stopped, her eyes running down Draco. The anger on her face faded and she snorted abruptly. Draco eyed her warily, not liking the sudden mood swing; girls are so odd, he thought to himself. She covered her mouth with her hand and snickered, eyes becoming slits as she tried to contain her laughter.
"What's so funny, Weasley?" Draco finally spat, anger making his voice sharp; he hated being laughed at. Her mirth faded a bit, but a smile still lurked around the corners of her mouth. She sighed and shook her head at him, crossing the small space and pulling a chair out across from Harry, who was watching the unfolding scene avidly, head resting on his palm, eyes wide and bright.
"Enjoying yourself?" she asked him, ignoring Draco. The blond bristled. He also hated being ignored. Harry smiled at the youngest Weasley and glanced at Draco, his expression hesitantly drawing him in, causing the blonde's ire to fade slightly.
"Somewhat. Just don't fight, alright? I'm really not in the mood to break you guys up, ok?" he said, voice light, but with enough underlying tiredness that sent warning flags up in Draco's mind. The blond moved forward hesitantly and pulled out the other chair next to Ginny's, sitting himself in it carefully, eyeing the redhead carefully as he did so. He wondered why she suddenly stopped her attack on him – as a Weasley it was almost second nature for them to attack first and question later with Malfoy's; he had to admit, he rather liked the change. Neville and Blaise looked at each other evenly, and then moved to the two other empty seats in the room, effectively blocking Harry's escape.
"Really now, Potter. I would have thought with your Gryffindor courage and bravery, a heroic act such as that would be first on your list to do," Draco drawled casually leaning back in his chair. Harry, instead of snorting or becoming irritated with him, looked away from the blond, his expression darkening. Draco bit back a yelp when a foot connected with his shin sharply. He glanced over at the small redhead next to him, and found that she was now glaring daggers at him.
"I'm not feeling particularly Gryffindorish today, sorry Dr-Malfoy," Harry said softly, eyes trained to the window. Draco twitched at the near slip. He rather wanted Harry to call him by his given name. And just when did Potter become Harry, eh Draco? His sarcastic little inner voice muttered; Draco ignored it as usual.
"And why's that?" Draco pressed, now leaning forward on the table, eyes on Harry's face. The dark haired boy turned finally and looked at Draco, a small frown on his face.
"Why do you want to know?" there was no malice or mockery in the tone. Just confusion and a true desire to know why his long-time arch rival now wanted to know what was wrong with him instead of adding to that pain. Draco just shrugged, not wanted to blurt out to the other Gryffindors what Severus had written to him. He tried to convey his worry with his eyes. He let his gaze flick up to Harry's scar briefly, and was satisfied when the smaller boy's eyes widened abruptly. Ginny shifted in her seat, also noticing the sudden panic on the other boy's face.
"Harry, what's wrong?" she asked. The dark haired boy shook his head faintly.
"You – you know, don't you? You know – somehow Professor Snape told you and now you know." The last part was whispered from nearly bloodless lips. Draco watched with worry when the boy's face paled and his hands tightened severely on the tabletop in front of him, his gaze never leaving the blonde's.
"Know? Know what? What are you talking about Harry?" Ginny asked, glancing between the two of them. Harry shook his head faintly, glancing at her. His eyes were wide and round, and he looked pained.
"No one was supposed to know," he said softly. Draco snorted.
"And aside from us, no one will," Draco said calmly. "So stop acting so dramatic. Although, you might want to tell the young Weasley here before she breaks my leg with her kicking," he said dryly, causing Ginny to flush. She turned to Harry, raising an impatient eyebrow. Harry glanced between the two of them, licked his lips nervously and then glanced around the room. He withdrew his wand and swiftly cast a silencing spell around them, ensuring their privacy. Draco raised an appreciative eyebrow at him – the spell he had used was quite advanced for a fifth year student. It was comparable to something that a Slytherin would learn at home.
"I – Gin, you're not going to like this, and I'm sorry," Harry began, looking down at the table. "I – there's a potion that allows people that have a magical connection to see into the other's mind. I took it last night. It's called the Vision Potion, and –," he continued.
"Harry!" Ginny gasped, startling the dark haired boy into silence. "You didn't! Bill told me about that potion once; references to it were found in one of the tombs he was working on. You – you idiot! Do you know what could have happened to you! You could have died!" Ginny scolded, her concern making Harry's eyes widen. It was obvious that he had expected her to condemn him. Harry turned slowly to Neville, who was also mildly glaring at Harry, a disapproving look on his face.
"My parents were aurors, Harry. I still have their books. I know what the Vision Potion is – and what it does. And I agree with Ginny. Are you mad? You could have died!" he frowned at the other Gryffindor. Harry blinked at them owlishly.
"You – don't hate me then? Think I'm going to become another Dark Lord? Murder everyone in their sleep?" he asked after a moment. Draco looked down quickly, having to hide a smile. He could see Blaise doing the same thing out of the corner of his eye.
"Of course we don't hate you, Harry. And neither one of us believes that you'll become another Dark Lord. Although, we may end up helping you kill everyone in their sleep if they keep up with their current nonsense," Ginny said softly, reaching across the table and laying a hand over Harry's. The dark haired boy blinked rapidly, looking down where Ginny's hand lay over his own. Hesitantly he covered her small hand with his free one, hanging on tightly.
"I – that means quite a lot to me, thank you Ginny," he said softly, still not looking up. Ginny tightened her hand minutely and looked over at Draco, a warning in her eyes. Don't hurt him, Draco read clearly. Don't even dare. He raised an eyebrow at her, but nodded briefly. He understood, and what was more – he agreed with her completely.
"Well, to clarify, Professor Snape was only bound from speaking about what happened last night – which, by the way, he didn't go into detail about. He told us because he was – worried, I believe. I mean, it's no secret that there's something going on in the Gryffindor House, and that most of them currently hate you something awful. As does most of the school. I believe he told us so that you would have a group of people to turn to, if need be. We understand what it's like to be reviled and talked about – it's part of being a Slytherin," Draco shrugged carelessly, looking Harry in the eye evenly. The dark haired boy blinked slowly, and seemed to relax minutely.
"I – see," Harry faintly said after a moment, his gaze still on Draco. "That was very – kind of him." Draco flashed Harry a knowing smirk. He knew how his godfather could be – and how the dark haired boy had previously seen him. This must be a huge eye opener for the poor boy, Draco thought gleefully.
"I'll make sure to tell him you said so," Draco said dryly. Harry gave him a half-hearted glare.
"Prat," Harry said, but without heat. Draco grinned at him, leaning back in his seat. Harry gingerly returned the smile, looking down quickly at his hands. This is a good start, Draco thought to himself as he studied the small group. There is a lot of potential here. And that Weasley isn't half bad – if she'd stop kicking me, he thought with amusement. Harry glanced at Draco again, a small smirk on his face. "Studying, huh?" The reference made Draco blink for a moment, confused, and then he laughed.
"It was the first thing that came to mind," Draco admitted. Harry seemed to be watching him with a strange expression on his face. "What?" Draco asked, tilting his head to one side. Harry looked away and shrugged, a slightly embarrassed flush staining his cheeks.
"Sorry. It's just – well, you sounded, I dunno, human just then. Normally you have this haughty, holier-than-thou laugh. But, just now, you sounded normal," Harry said, shrugging slightly. Draco blinked and stared at Harry.
"Masks are a part of the Slytherin forte," Draco said evenly. It was his turn to look down. "Most of us learned the value of them early in life." Blaise nodded in agreement. Harry glanced back and forth at the Slytherin's, a strange half-smile on his face.
"I understand," he said simply. Draco glanced up at him, and nodded, once. A small, comfortable silence fell between them.
"You're going to catch it if Ron finds out you're here," Harry finally said, looking at Ginny. She sighed and shrugged.
"I'm already on the outs with the family right now. Mum found out about yesterday, and sent me a howler this morning. They're anything but pleased right now. I've sent a letter to Bill, but I don't expect a reply anytime soon." She picked at the table with her free hand. Harry tightened his grip on her hand.
"Ginny, don't. They're your family. They -," he began.
"Are complete and total fanatics who would rather have me follow their truths blindly than standing on my own two feet and making my own decisions. Don't, Harry. The situation between my family and I will work out, I'm sure. But don't feel guilty, understood? I've already said this once, but I'm saying it again – you're like a brother to me, alright? You're just as much family as Ron, Fred and George, and all the rest are. Just because most of my family has lost their minds doesn't mean that I have too – and I'm going to stay here, with you, until you understand that, got it? And it'll be of no use trying to feel guilty about it either – I'll kick you if you try," she finished fiercely, leaning forward, pinning him with her stare. Harry looked at her for a moment and then began to chuckle weakly. He glanced at Draco, who was also looking at Ginny with some amount of awe.
"This is why you never stand in the way of a Weasley woman," Harry said fondly, squeezing Ginny's hands tightly. She beamed at the dark haired boy and then cast a sly glance at Draco.
"And don't you forget it," she muttered to the blond, who blinked calmly at her. Neville smiled into his hand at Ginny.
"I'll make sure to take note of it," Draco answered her back dryly. Harry smiled at them, and then suddenly winced, pulling one of his hands free from Ginny and bringing it to his head. Ginny's attention whipped around to Harry, her eyes wide.
"Harry, are you alright?" she asked breathlessly. Draco leaned forward, watching Harry intently. Harry paused in the middle of rubbing his scar, glancing at them oddly.
"Of course. It's just – a little painful. Really. Don't bother so. It happens all the time," he said hurriedly. Instead of fending them off, his comment caused them all to frown and exchange glances. Ginny caught Draco's eye and nodded at Harry. The blond nodded and stood. Harry watched warily as Neville and Blaise stood on either side of him and picked him up bodily.
"Hey!" he yelped as the two larger boys grabbed his upper arms and steered him towards the library exit. "I can walk! Neville! Quit it! This is highly unnecessary, really…" Ginny fixed him with a glare that cut him off.
"No, Harry. You're not alright. You need rest, food and sleep, in that order. The last thing you need to be doing is wandering around the school. Now, be silent and let Blaise and Neville help you to the dorms. Then call that house elf that likes you so much and we'll have a nice late lunch. And then, you'll sleep, got it?" She placed her hands on her hips and pursed her lips slightly, her tone booking no nonsense. Harry blinked at her, and then grinned mildly.
"Alright, Gin. You win. I'm going, I'm going," he said, letting the other two boys guide him away. Ginny held back, snagging Draco's sleeve. The blond paused, tilting his head at her inquiringly. She fidgeted slightly as she stared at him.
"Your House – they're not out to kill Harry, right?" she finally asked bluntly. The blond stared at her for a moment.
"No. And even if we were, do you think I'd tell you?" Draco scoffed. Ginny studied him silently for a moment, before nodding once.
"Hurt him in any way and I'll kill you," she said evenly. Draco opened his mouth to make a flippant remark when the look in her eyes stopped him.
"That's a – an extreme thing to say," he finally said. She shrugged and stared him in the eye.
"Harry is my family. My mum and dad – will more than likely disinherit me over this. Harry will be all that I have left. And he is family to me. And I wont let anything happen to him, got it?" she said severely, her tone too old for her age. Draco nodded slowly, a new respect for the girl blooming in him.
"Looks like we're on the same page then," he said softly. Ginny tilted her head to the side, and then smiled slowly.
"Yes, it does indeed," she said. She held his gaze for a few more seconds before slipping out of the small alcove, grabbing Harry's bag on the way out. Draco stood alone for a moment, lost in his thoughts, before snapping out of it and hurrying after her.
End Chapter 14
Review Responses
Kristine Thorne: Thank you for the wonderful review!
Usagi Serenity Yui Cosmos: ohh…Spain. I never got to Spain. Italy was my heaven. Hope you enjoyed your trip and thank you for another lovely review!
Lady FoxFire: =)
Renee Fay: Thank you for the awesome review!
AngelofShadows: Thank you =) Longer chapters coming up!
Shinigami: ::cringes:: Sorry. There was happy things coming, only not in that half of the chapter =/ Better things on their way!
Athenakitty: Harry knows that it was his Housemates that put the hexes and curses on his door – he's going to get them back for it, don't worry. Bill is going to have some choice words to say to his family, oh yeah. Gryffindor doesn't have a chance in hell for the Quidditch cup =) Sirius is going to come back to Hogwarts – but not for some chapters yet. Thank you for the lovely questions!! Keep 'em coming!
Belle: thank you!
Shaelynn: Thank you for wishing me luck! No more terms for me! It's graduation time! Woohoo!
Shakiya: Thank you for the wonderful review! Quicker updates on the way =)
Wild Star: thanks for the ideas!
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Relle: I know, I know – too short, but I wanted to get something out to all of ya; otherwise it would have been sometime after Wednesday that ya'll got the whole thing. Anyhow, thanks for wishing me luck!
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Chibi Zen-chan: Thank you for the lovely review! Gryffindorish happy ending? /shudder. Nope. =)
SmapFisher: thank you!
Hermione1807: thank you!!
Ysabell: Don't worry, Ginny and Neville will stay good friends. Thank you for the lovely review!
Heather: As you can see, it was Ginny, Neville, Draco and Blaise =) Thank you for wishing me luck!
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Silver Ice: I'm not sure if Ron will ever apologize to Harry. But even if he does, Harry will tell him to go to hell, that's for sure. Thank you for the review!
Rayvern: LOL. Thank you for the lovely review!
Fiera: Oh, the quidditch match will be featured. I'm looking forward to writing that chapter =) And the hell hounds do play a large role in this fic, don't worry. And thank you for reminding me about the minor characters – I'll try to work them in more.