AN: Hm, watched the movie, and it was cool, but not what I expected. Oh well.
Harry smirked confidently as he stepped through the portrait door; this was the moment that he was waiting for, the reaction of his Housemates.
He was met by surprised silence.
Excellent.
They were all in shock, before, where they would have seen a silent prankster, now stood a gorgeous looking wizard. He held confidence in his stride as he walked toward the fireplace, basking in the silent awe of the Slytherins.
All he needed was for Severus to see him, and if he had timed his entrance right, the fifth year would be coming soon.
The creak of the portrait announced his arrival, along with the soft chatter he and Lucius brought. Harry grinned triumphantly.
"You're wrong Severus, he won't know what – " Lucius trailed off, eyes widening as he stared at Harry and halted.
Severus frowned. "What's wrong?" He pushed past the blonde and paused, eyes resting on Harry. "What in Merlin's name – "
Harry waved. "Hello Severus, nice night, isn't it." The shadows on his face flickered in the firelight.
There was a scowl. "What is the meaning of this Potter, casting glamours so that you might feel a bit better about yourself?" Severus sneered, trying not to show that he was impressed.
"Actually, this is all natural." He smiled as he gestured toward himself. "A few friends helped out, but besides hair spray and gel, this is the new Harry."
The students continued to look between the two wizards, knowing something was going unsaid by the tense air surrounding the pair.
Of course Mia would choose such a time to make her appearance, surrounded by her group of friends. Her emerald eyes narrowed suspiciously at the silence, and upon seeing Harry, lit with anger.
"Seems little Potter has finally realized he's nothing but a worthless sod." She smirked, raking her eyes over his body. "I like the glamour."
"Same here." Harry replied coolly.
"Excuse me?"
Harry gestured toward his own eyes. "The green you've decided to charm over your natural eyes. Very nice if I do say so myself, though I would suggest a color different from my own." He smiled charmingly. "We wouldn't want Severus getting any ideas, now would we?"
He stepped forward menacingly, bearing down on the dark haired girl with a hidden viciousness.
"Or perhaps that's the exact reason you've charmed your eyes to be like mine." He cocked a dark brow as he whispered. "Worried he won't like the real you?"
The witch gaped incredulously. "H-how dare you!" She cried, shielding her eyes from view as everyone turned toward her in an attempt to see if the rumor was true or not.
He shrugged easily and shifted toward the stairwell. "Whatever." He glanced over his shoulder. "And Miyake? This isn't a glamour." He winked. "Say hello to your new and improved rival."
--- --- ---
"Well I heard that they had a duel, and Harry won!"
"No, that wasn't what happened, I was there, Mia hexed Potter before he could make a move toward his wand!"
"Really?"
"I thought it was Snape who hexed both of them. Isn't he the angry lover?"
"Of course not! Harry's the one!"
"No!"
"Yes, it's true!"
Harry smirked as he rounded the corner, keeping to the shadows. Rumors were spreading fast, all false, and far from the truth. He couldn't believe some of the things people were making up in the halls.
"What about Lily? Wasn't one of the Slytherins going out with her?"
"It was Potter!"
He chuckled silently, that rumor was still firmly in place too.
This could turn out to be fun. He slunk around the corner, eyes narrowed predatorily as he watched for any witnesses. His targets that fine morning were the Marauders, one, for getting in his way and two, it was in an attempt to impress Severus.
A soft swish of a fluttering cloak forced him into a crouch and he glared at his surroundings tensely.
"Harry." A teasing voice drawled.
A soft sigh was the only show of irritation. "Malfoy, you really need to stop following me." Harry stood quickly and shot a quick glare at the blonde, this wasn't the first time he had caught Malfoy tagging after him that particular morning. I'm starting to understand why Severus was so annoyed with me when I did it.
Lucius grinned charmingly. "But you have such a lovely arse my dear Harry." He purred silkily. "How can I resist following such a sight?"
"Please." Harry rolled his eyes. "Do contain yourself."
The older teen stepped forward and leaned against the wall above the green eyed boy, trapping him with his body. "I know about you and Severus." He whispered.
Harry stiffened, eyes widening and then narrowing in mere seconds. "What are you trying to say?" he demanded. If you think I'll be your little fuck toy, you got another thing coming to you.
"Let me take his place." Lucius murmured, surprising the boy at his forwardness. "I promise you I am a very able lover, and I would spoil you Harry, the way you deserve to be."
He shook his head. "No, I can't." Harry pushed away. "And neither can you Malfoy, what about Narcissa? You're just going to drop her every time you see something pretty?"
"Think yourself pretty, Potter?" Lucius smirked.
"Yes, but that's not the point and you know it. I don't even know you, why would I want to date you?" A brow was cocked in an imitation of the elder. "What I've seen though, is another matter; you're a cold, heartless bastard. I don't want anything to do with people like that."
Lucius remained calm, smiling in what was beginning to be an irritating manner. "You wound me Harry." He breathed. "But that won't stop me from claiming you. I will have you; a Malfoy always gets what he wants."
"Not this time Lucius." Harry glowered.
"We shall see." He smiled. "But on a lighter note, I've bought a present for you." The aristocrat pulled out a silver box with small holes drilled into the sides.
Harry started to back away. "I don't think so." Severus never bought me anything and this feels so wrong with Lucius trying to win me over.
"I insist." Lucius forcibly pushed the box into Harry's clammy hands.
Before the dark haired wizard could refuse and give back whatever it was, Lucius had already swept down the hall and disappeared.
"Damn him." Harry cursed silently.
He stood for a moment in silence and then sighed reluctantly. Might as well figure out what it is. He relented.
A tiny latch on the side was the only thing keeping the lid closed, so of course Harry flipped it open, not at all suspicious of its contents. Sometimes he wondered why he was put in Slytherin with his trusting tendencies.
It was at the exact moment that the lid flew to the ground that he wondered such a thing.
What the – He had winced away from the soft glow of amber, but now slowly turned, eyes bugging out in amazement. Bloody hell! Is he serious?
Within the silver box, and placed lovingly on the green tinged cushion, was a snake. Not just any snake, but a young Runespoor. Slowly the three miniature heads turned, flicking out curious tongues at their new master.
It was a beautiful creature, orange scales, and ragged black stripes. Almost like a tiger. The only thing that unnerved Harry was the fact that Runespoors were usually companions of Dark wizards.
There was now no doubt that Lucius had connections with Dark wizards, not that Harry hadn't thought that before, but since he had gotten his hands on a snake of this species, the blonde had to be a Death Eater, if not worse.
It figures he would buy me an evil little snake in an attempt to woo me. Some people I wonder about, Lucius especially. Does he think I'll actually like it?
The small reptile slithered up his cloaked arm, scales smooth and glinting as it came to rest loosely around his neck.
"Hello there little beauty." A chill stabbed through his gut as he softly hissed and stroked his new pet.
How had Lucius known?
AN: I don't know.
-Red