Of course, Draco Malfoy was almost always in a bad mood. But as of late, the blonde had been irritated seemingly all of the time. The first years had already learned to stay away from him. Crabbe and Goyle had even been dismissed rather viciously after they failed to take the not-so-subtle hints that Malfoy was dropping about wanting some space.
Draco sat in the Slytherin common room, legs crossed and arms stretched out along the back of the couch, staring intently into the fire that was roaring. A plan was slowly forming in his mind. A plan that included humiliating Harry Potter in front of the whole school. The rumor mill at Hogwarts was startlingly fast, so it wasn't a secret that Potter was frightened to death by Dementors.
In addition, Draco had overheard that the upcoming Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw Quidditch match would take place during a particularly nasty thunderstorm. Dementors were drawn to large groups of people and, despite the headmaster's wishes that they remain a certain distance from any buildings on the grounds unless Black was spotted, Draco felt they would be pulled towards the pitch. Most of the school in attendance with energetic students cheering on their friends? It was a shame Draco didn't have control over the Dementors.
In addition, other rumors had been circulating. Very interesting ones, to say the least. At first, he hadn't paid much attention to them. Draco rarely listened to the groups of chattering harpies that ditched their schoolwork to gossip. But, as he had overheard an acquaintance's name being mentioned, he had listened in discreetly. What he had found out was rather confusing, though it was quite intruiging, as well.
He hadn't decided on a path to take for that, though. Instead, he watched the flames lick at the stones around them, a frenzy of ideas soaring through his mind. He would make sure Potter was humiliated. If the Dementors just happened to be around when it happened, well...
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Dammit, could the weather get any bloody worse?" Harry cried, his voice lost in the sound of a crack of thunder.
He was flying high above the Quidditch pitch, as the snitch had decided to see what clouds were made of. Only Harry had lost sight of it after a sudden flash of lightning temporarily blinded him. Below him, Gryffindor's Seeker was alternating between circling the pitch and glancing up at Harry.
Harry wasn't very happy with being so high above the ground in the storm. Especially since every time lightning filled the sky, the sight of an army of Dementors filled his vision. And maybe it was just a trick of the light or his imagination playing with him, but they seemed to be getting closer each time the sky was illuminated. Figuring that the snitch would just have to jolly well come down to him, Harry started descending again back to a more rational height.
For whatever reason, he happened to glance off towards the Forbidden Forest. He wasn't sure what he saw moving through the trees. He wasn't sure even when it stopped and seemed to face his way. All Harry could make out was that it was large and dark in color. Harry had been forcing himself to keep track of all dark, moving objects just in case the Dementors decided to swarm the pitch or something.
And then, just as soon as it had appeared, whatever it was had gone. Harry resumed his descent and, slowly, Lee Jordan's announcing filled his ears again. The Ravenclaw team was having an off year, to be sure. They had lost their Keeper and one of their Chasers that year, since Ray Gainsborough and Carol Allenby had graduated last year, and the replacements still weren't playing up to Lynch's standards. The score was 140-100 in favor of Gryffindor. Harry was going to have to be careful when going after the snitch. If the Gryffindors won on quaffle power alone, the whole Ravenclaw team would be too embarassed to show themselves. Making matters worse was Lynch's almost manic drive to make his team be perfect. Harry could at least understand why, though. It was his (and Beater Ellie Shott's) last year at Hogwarts. Harry didn't blaming him for wanting to win.
Harry was sweeping low, as he thought he saw a glimmer of gold near the ground, when it happened. Shortly after flying past the base of Ravenclaw's goal posts, a black, cloaked shape swept out onto the pitch. A wave of cold washed over Harry, causing him to yank his broom back and go into a jarring climb. Voices erupted in his head and, so sudden was the Dementor's effects on him, Harry barely managed to level himself out again. The sounds of Lee Jordan and everyone else seemed to be far away and echoing, as if they were at the far end of a very long tunnel. Harry's grip on his broom weakened, despite his best attempts to stay airborn.
His mother's screams pounded in his head as more and more Dementors entered. With each new arrival, the cries of his parents grew louder and louder. Harry flattened out on his broom and clasped his hands over his ears, but it was no use. There was no way to silence the effect the Dementors were having on him. The grip his legs had on the Nimbus grew weaker and, eventually, Harry slipped off one side. Darkness began to approach and, as one more bolt of lightning filled the sky with light, Harry almost thought he could see Tonks' panic-stricken face.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Ugh..."
"Told you he was waking up."
"Honestly! I know how you could and all, but that was creepy, Leon."
"Wouldjoo two shu'p?" Harry slurred, his eyes cracking slightly. Why did the bloody hospital always have to be so bright? Didn't they ever think of a patient's eyes after they were out for a long time? "How long've I been out?" He asked after clearing his throat a few times.
"Oh, just a few hours." Tonks said, grinning.
"Dumbledore did a handy bit of wandless magic to catch you." Solieyu explained. "You just sort of stopped a bit above the ground. He didn't let you fall into the swarm of Dementors."
"Awful nice of him." Harry mumbled. "Th'hell were they stormin' the pitch for, anyway?"
"Dunno. Dumbledore looked as mad as we've ever seen him, though. He practically chased all the Dementors away on his own." Tonks said.
"Still got a headache." Harry groused.
"That would probably be an after-effect of the Dementors." Solieyu said. "Madam Pomfrey said there was nothing wrong with you physically."
"I've gotta talk to Professor Lupin about this... I've gotta do something about this stupid weakness. If Dumbledore won't let him teach me, I'll learn it on my own."
"That's a right bit of complicated magic, I hear." Said Solieyu. "But, perhaps, the headmaster might have changed any thoughts on the issue after that game."
"Yeah, well, let's hope so." Muttered Harry. "I'm not taking a dive like that again."
"Did I not tell you to inform me if he woke up?" Came the voice of Madam Pomfrey, who had just re-entered the room. "Honestly, the day one of you students listens to what I have to say is the day I retire."
Harry chuckled. "We got to talking, that's all. Sorry."
"Yes, well... Let's just be glad you weren't hurt this time, hmm?" Said the nurse, giving Harry a pointed look. "You may leave as soon as you're feeling strong enough to walk. I'm no expert on the effects of Dementors, but I hear they can be quite taxing on your strength."
"Mm." Harry replied. "I feel completely drained. Wouldn't surprise me if I fell back asleep if I just laid here, not saying anything."
"As well you should. Your Defense professor saw fit to bring up a bar of chocolate for you, by the way. Nice to have a man in that position who knows what he's doing." Said Pomfrey.
"I second that." Harry agreed, glancing to the side and smiling slightly. He would have to thank Lupin for that later.
Madam Pomfrey did a few more tests on Harry just to ensure there weren't any ill side effects to the Dementors' attack. When she was satisfied that bedrest and chocolate would be the quickest path to recovery, she left the three Ravenclaws to go inform Professor Flitwick that his star Seeker had awakened.
"By the way, wanna hear what happened to Malfoy?" Tonks asked, her eyes lit up.
"What? Buckbeak have him for elevensies?" Harry muttered.
"Nope, but it's almost as good. They found him, Crabbe, and Goyle curled up between the pitch and the school. Apparently, those three had decided to try coming down to the field to try scaring you. They were dressed up like a Dementor, see. Only they didn't get there before the real Dementors started coming in. Seems like they got in the way." Tonks explained.
"Malfoy was supposedly whimpering about having his pet turtle taken away." Solieyu added, eyebrows raised.
Harry snorted. "Malfoy had a turtle?"
"Apparently." Solieyu said, smirking slightly. "Though he swore up and down that it was a lie."
"Oi oi..." Harry said, shaking his head. "Well, the little ponce got what was coming to him."
"You look like hell, mate." Tonks commented randomly.
"Yeah, I love you too." Harry scowled.
"No, I mean it." Tonks said. "You look a right state. Now eat your candy and go to sleep so you can escape this awful place."
"Whatever you say, mum." Harry said, rolling his eyes. His arm felt like it was asleep. It flopped awkwardly as he tried to reach for the chocolate. After a few tries, and telling the others that he could get the sweets on his own, Harry finally got the chocolate bar into his hand. He had a much easier time unwrapping and eating it. The effects were almost like a sedative. Not halfway through the bar, he had to put it down. He was only vaguely aware of Tonks moving the half-eaten chocolate and his glasses back over to the table. He thought one of them said something to him, but by that time, his eyes had slipped shut and, under the chocolate's restorative powers,he had drifted back off to sleep.
When he next woke up, it was dark and his friends were gone. He felt much stronger than he had earlier, though his long nap had left him feeling awake and bored. He wondered if he could make it all the way back to Ravenclaw Tower without running into Filch or his infernal cat. The sound of the main doors opening and closing made Harry sit up and grab for his glasses. He heard hushed back-and-forth conversation getting closer and closer. He relaxed slightly when a pair of redheads poked their heads through the curtain keeping his bed hidden.
"Morning, Harry!" Whispered Fred Weasley, grinning broadly.
"Shame that you're awake. We had a few ideas of doing the honor of waking you up ourselves." George said, a mock tone of lament in his voice.
"What brings you two by at this hour?" Harry asked.
"We were out grabbin' a midnight snack." Fred declared, tossing an apple Harry's way.
"A midnight snack?" Harry repeated, catching the apple and looking at it warily.
"Don't worry - we refuse to prank you." George said, sitting down at the end of the bed. "We nicked it - amongst other things - from the kitchens."
"...Kitchens?" Harry asked, blankly.
"C'mon, you had to've known about the kitchens!" Fred said. "Just off in a corridor past the Main Staircase, y'know. There's a big painting of a bowl of fruit. Gotta tickle the pear to get in."
"...How the hell did you two get all the way from Gryffindor Tower down there and then back up here without anyone catching you?" Harry asked.
The twins exchanged a meaningful look. "Well," Fred began, "About that. We have been in the possession of a very special item..."
"One that's made our lives here much more enjoyable!" George continued.
"Lets us sneak past staff and student security!"
"Lets us pinpoint where anyone is in the castle!"
"Lets us pretty much get away with whatsoever we want."
"... I DARE you to make less sense." Harry said after a moment of staring.
The twins smiled at one another. "Well," Fred began, pulling out what appeared to be a sheet of parchment from his robes, "It all has to do with this!"
"...I'm not following." Harry replied, staring at the parchment blankly.
"Right, look..." George began, pulling his wand. He touched it to the parchment and murmured, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
And with those words, lines began appearing on the parchment, drawing themselves out all across its surface. As Harry watched, the hospital was drawn out for him. And, roughly where he and the twins were, a trio of little figures stood, one for each of them. Each was labelled accordingly.
"Whoa..." Harry said, blinking. "So... it's a map, then?"
"Yup." Fred said. "The Marauder's Map."
"Marauder's Map?"
"Look at the top." George instructed. Harry did so and was greeted - literally - by four names presenting themselves to him. A Moony, a Wormtail, a Padfoot, and a Prongs were the only titles given and, Harry had to assume, were code names for the people who made the map. They must not have wanted to be caught or something to have not used their real names.
"So who're those four, then?" Harry asked.
Fred let out a wistful sigh. "No idea, mate. We would be thanking them daily for their effort in helping us out if we did know, though. We nicked this thing from Filch's office a few years back."
"But, as it seems you have a tendency to run into trouble more than we do..." George continued.
"We have decided to pass on this wonderful artifact to you." Fred finished, holding the Marauder's Map out. "You've already heard the way to activate it. To deactivate it, touch it with your wand again and say 'mischief managed,' got it?"
"Got it... But, I mean... are you two sure about this? This seems like it could be really useful." Harry said.
"More useful than you'd think." Fred said, grinning. "Weren't you wanting to go to Hogsmeade?"
"Yes... but I forgot the blasted permission form." Harry scowled.
"Not a problem." George said. And, pointing to a passageway, he said, "Look here... There are a number of secret passages leading out of Hogwarts. Seven in total. We figure Filch only knows about four or so. Trouble is... this one and this one are blocked off. Have been since we've had the Map."
"Your best bet would be the one that comes up in Honeydukes' cellar. It's right here, under the hump of this old hag of a statue on a third floor corridor. S'between the staircase leading from the Entrance Hall and the way up to Gryffindor Tower." George explained.
And on the explanations went for a good half hour. Harry would ask a simple question and would end up being told some story of the twins' various misadventures in trying to escape. After that, they decided to leave and let Harry test the map out for himself. They told him to keep an eye on them until they were back in the Gryffindor common room.Harry did this, shaking his head in wonder as he watched them go. This would prove to be very useful in combination with his invisibility cloak. Once they were safely back in their tower - they had a near run-in with a Prefect patrolling the fifth floor - Harry touched his wand to the parchment and whispered, "Mischief managed." And, as told, the map's features went blank again.
The next trip to Hogsmeade wouldn't be for awhile. So Harry figured he could make a trial run one night to the Restricted Section in the library. Harry never saw the point to such a place, if it didn't exist to tempt students into trying to sneak in and do some reading. And besides, if Lupin wouldn't help him out in regards to keeping Dementors at bay, he could always see if there was something in the library about how to do it.
Smiling, Harry tucked the Marauder's Map under his glasses and wand on the table by the bed. Tonks was going to love hearing about this.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Aa... why do you get all the cool stuff?" Tonks asked, pouting.
"Because I'm the hero." Harry replied dryly. "For better or worse."
"Lucky. You're officially capable of more stealth than everyone else in Hogwarts combined." Tonks said.
The three Ravenclaws were in the Nest the following day. Harry had gone over what had transpired the previous night and gave Solieyu and Tonks a brief demonstration of the map.
"So you'll be coming to Hogsmeade one way or another next time?" Solieyu asked.
"Definitely. We'll meet up in Honeydukes, as one of the secret passages leads to its cellar." Harry said, grinning.
"Have you had any time to just wander around?" Tonks asked.
"Not yet. Next sleepless night I have, I'll be out walking the school, though. Not like I have to worry about being caught anymore." Harry said. "...I wonder if the guys that made this map know about the Chamber..."
"Probably not... Unless one was a Parselmouth like you." Solieyu said.
"So, you two - what are we going to do on Halloween?" Harry asked.
"Not get into trouble for once?" Solieyu mumbled.
"Now where would the fun be in that?" Tonks asked. "You know, you've seemed grumpy for awhile." She added, looking at Solieyu. "Wha's wrong? Your girlfriend not free to snog on Halloween?"
"Girlfriend?" Sputtered Solieyu, whirling around to stare at Tonks, who had a cattish grin on her face.
"Oh, come on..." Tonks started, leaning back and grinning. "You don't think we've not noticed how you and that Luna Lovegood girl are around each other, do you?"
"I... that's not... girlfriend?" Solieyu said, sounding baffled. "...And what're you giggling about?" He demanded, staring at Harry, who had dissolved into laughter.
"You!" Harry declared. "I've never seen you get flustered before. It's quite amusing! And if she isn't your girlfriend, why are you blushing?"
"I'm NOT!" Solieyu stated, glaring.
"The hell you aren't!" Harry laughed. "You lit up like a bloody Christmas tree!"
"Luna and I, I'll have you know, are merely friends. She's too strange to even consider being anything more." Solieyu said, trying to regain his composure.
"I dunno, Leon." Tonks said, still grinning. "She does seem to be more coherent when she's around you. And she needs someone to look after her! Did you two hear what that prat Terry did to her?"
"What did he do to her?" Solieyu asked, looking at Tonks sharply.
After exchanging a brief smile with Harry, Tonks shrugged and replied, "Oh, not much. Only he stole all of her books and hid them. Seemed to think it was funny. They call her 'Loony Lovegood,' you know."
"Someone remind me how Boot got into Ravenclaw." Harry said, shaking his head. "Has Luna told anyone about this?"
"Dunno. It only came up between the two of us one day between classes. She asked me if I had seen her Charms book, I told her I didn't, and she just casually nodded and mentioned Terry pilfering her stuff! Like it didn't even bother her or something!" Tonks said, looking irritated.
"I'll have to... speak... with Terry." Solieyu said, his eyes going cold.
Tonks nudged Harry and, in a stage whisper, said, "Isn't it so sweet, Harry? He's defending her honor!"
Solieyu deflated slightly. "It's not like that!" He said, scowling. "I just don't find Terry's antics amusing. There's enough rivalry between the Houses. We don't need members of our own house harassing others in it."
"That and Boot needs a good scaring regularly to keep him in line." Harry added.
"That too." Solieyu nodded.
"Gonna turn on the ol' vampiric power and heft him into the air one-handed or somethin'?" Tonks asked.
"There are enough rumors flying around this place about me as is. I'd rather not get more started. But I can be very... pointed, shall we say... when I want to be. I'll just have to sit Terry down and have a good, long chat with him about acting like a gentlemen towards women." Solieyu said.
"Yeah, well, if you decide to throw that idea out the window and want to beat him up, let me know." Harry said. "That idiot makes me embarassed to be a Ravenclaw."
"So when are you going to go harangue the poor dolt?" Tonks asked.
"After a nap, I think." Solieyu said, sitting down. "It's about time for another dose of that damned potion. Been sleepy lately."
"Ah, works for me. Tonks, wanna go skulking about the dungeons in search of hidden passageways?" Harry asked.
"How romantic." Replied Tonks dryly. "See, Leon - Harry knows how to treat a lady."
"Oh, shut up." Harry groused, blushing slightly.
"I'll be here if you two get bored." Solieyu said, yawning.
"...What, you're gonna take your nap here?" Harry asked.
"I see no reason not to. It's certainly more private and peaceful than our dorm." Said Solieyu.
"Well, there's nothing to sleep on, for one." Tonks said. "How're you gonna drift off on hard stone?"
Solieyu smiled. And, startling both his friends, he quickly changed forms. And, as the same giant wolf that Harry and Tonks had seen in the Forbidden Forest, he laid down, lowering his head to the floor. He seemed to be grinning as best a wolf could.
"Okay, that was just creepy." Tonks said. "You can't be randomly doing that! At least warn us."
"That or do it so often we get used to it." Harry blinked. "I know you said you could. and I remember the form well... but seeing the change in person was just strange."
Solieyu rolled his eyes and let out a low growl.
"I think we're being dismissed." Harry said, raising an eyebrow.
"We love you too." Tonks said, sticking her tongue out as she opened the trap door. "We'll be up to collect your furry, languid butt later."
"Man, you're hammering the big words today." Harry said as he followed her. "Been staring at a dictiona--OUCH!"
Solieyu couldn't see it, but he had the distinct feeling that Tonks had just given Harry a firm punching. Chuckling, his eyes slipped up. It really was nice and quiet up in the Nest. The faint sounds of students on the grounds could be heard, along with the odd noise coming from the lake. Owls would fly past back and forth, making their rounds in and out. The wind blew in lazily, helping the large wolf to drift off even faster.
Solieyu Reinhardt definitely had his fair share of troubles. Falling asleep, however, was not one of them.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Author's Notes: Why have I not gotten to Halloween yet? Jeez, I'm behind schedule here. Not a lot happened, save for the very distinct passing of the Map to Harry. I had almost forgotten about the dumb thing.
My sleep schedule's been all messed up lately, which is the primary reason this update's taken so long. I just haven't had the energy to do much of anything. I also don't have anything grand to say about this chapter, really.
I would, however, like to thank the reader who PMed me recommending the fic White Knight, Grey Queen by Jeconais. It's Harry x Pansy, over 200000 words, and VERY well written. Search his pen name here at FFN to get linked over to the site containing his works. ...His? Her? Whichever, it's GOOD fiction. And it helped keep me awake long enough last night that I THINK my sleep schedule's almost righted. So cheers to you, Jeconais!
Next chapter... I've no ruddy idea. I need to write out what I want to do the next five chapters. Which I'll probably abandon two or three chapters in.
Post-Edit Update: I have, since finishing this, gone and done more than write out the next five - I've written to the END of PoAR! It looks like I'm going to have 19 chapters for this one, though I have the feeling that at LEAST two of them are gonna be hell of long. While writing, I thought of something VERY interesting in regards to how I'm going to start Goblet. I think all of you are going to get a kick out of it, too. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Hope you enjoyedf the chapter! Until next time!