ALLIANCES MADE
After the young men were seated, the first years were then sorted into each house, and soon began the start of term feast. From mumbled conversations, the volume in the Great Hall slowly escalated, spirits were gradually lifted with the dawning of a new year, and everyone was determined to make the best of it. Even the Slytherins were starting to break from their melancholy air.
Duo was currently charming the girls at the Slytherin table, while Heero resigned himself to eating quietly, his demeanor closed off from the curious others. Although, close by was Draco Malfoy's critical gaze focused upon the new housemates. A look of pure condescension was cast onto Duo, the blonde heir obviously unimpressed by his endless chatter and acting like a pure idiot, but Heero was just as how a true Slytherin should be. Distinguished, reserved, and a no-nonsense attitude. But Duo was undoubtedly one of the lesser for his obvious lack in refined manners. No one of wealth would demean themselves by playing a fool, even if he had the majority of the Slytherins' rapt attention.
Inwardly, Draco was somewhat grateful that the attention was taken off of him. Ever since his parents had been damned to Azkaban, the Malfoy name had forever been tarnished, hostilities from the other houses were directed at him and disappointment from his own came instantly. He was the laughing stock among the Slytherins, along with a few others who's relations were also caught during that fateful battle the summer before his sixth year could be initiated. Draco was both devastated and enraged when news of Lucius and Narcissa's capture was pronounced in the Daily Prophet, for it was expected of him, but as his sixth year at Hogwarts passed he came to realize that he was glad it happened, and more importantly, he was free.
There was no denying that he was spoiled rotten by his parents, but nevertheless he was their obedient puppet, not truly their son, just another thing for them to control and exact power over. That year allowed Draco a great amount of self-reflection. Reassessing himself, he appreciated his newfound freedom, no longer shackled to the obligations his parents weighed him down with. May their soon-to-be soulless husks be forever a monument to Draco's abolished servitude. Perhaps this view is a tad heartless, but Draco wasn't a Slytherin for nothing.
Well, grateful or not, being a Malfoy demanded that everyone be focused on him (even if the name lost a bit of its prestigious edge), and currently Duo was obstructing this unwritten rule. For his lack of regard of said rule, it is only right that he'd be loathed for having done so. Really, it was the principle of the matter.
Rising from his seat, he sauntered over to where Heero and Duo sat, flanked as always by Crabbe and Goyle. Slipping on that mask of evident egoism and speaking with hinted conceit, he addressed the two, their eyes now locked onto the stranger presented to them.
"I'm Draco Malfoy, and that's Crabbe and Goyle," he said, gesturing to each of the thugs at their respectful names; the trollish teens grunted in their own form of greeting. "Welcome to Slytherin. I believe you'll find it in your best interest to make the acquaintances of those who are obviously better than others. I, myself, can help you greatly in the matter," he finished while offering his hand. At this, the others began to snicker and make a few remarks, but once Draco shot them a disdainful look they fell silent. He may be a laughing stock but there was yet for anyone to outwardly show their disrespect to the young Malfoy.
Heero simply looked at the proffered hand, then back at Malfoy, arching a brow in silent inquiry. The boy's snide attitude was nothing new to Heero, he was accustomed to such people from his undercover work at the massive private schools during the war in their own time. The arrogance the overindulged children expressed was nothing short of irritating, but he paid them no mind having a mission to be completed, and easily ignored their presence as they usually did his. Well, the wiser ones at least.
Draco frowned, indignation beginning to rise from being treated with such lack of interest. He was just about to resign the offer and give the Japanese a piece of his mind, till the Prussian-eyed youth gripped his hand in a strong hold, giving it a firm shake before releasing.
"Heero Yuy," he replied. Heero may not have liked the boy, but would have to establish some semblance of a normal life while in this world, and acting like he belonged was definitely important. After all, it had already been a month and it didn't seem like they would return anytime soon. With such a precarious situation, one had to be ready for every scenario possible, even if it meant living in a world not of his own. When the former pilots were taken to the Ministry of Magic, it was then they met Albus Dumbledore and the situation was explained to them, as well were they informed of the many possibilities concerning their problem.
Heero recalled the conversation they had with the aged wizard, after describing the world in which they lived in hopes of somehow returning, they were informed of the war brewing between Voldemort and the rest of the wizarding populace. It was that precise moment when the Perfect Soldier once more took its place before the world. If there was a risk that human lives would be lost, then Heero would do all that he possibly could to prevent anymore suffering. Everyone had looked at him with utter shock when he proclaimed his want to help, except Duo; Duo was furious with him for some reason he could not fathom.
~*~ "So young and yet so old for your ages," Dumbledore mused. "To live in a world so technologically efficient, but where children are made to fight in a horrendous war, battle after grueling battle," he sighed. A most aggrieved expression now ghosted over his wrinkled features when snowy brows furrowed in thought. "By what you have told me, it is unlikely that any are aware of the wizarding world, much less remember it. But, if it is not pulled under the rule of Voldemort, then what resulted in this war today still stands as a mystery."
"It can only be assumed that the entirety of this world was completely destroyed by whatever events occurred in-between this time and ours," stated Heero, his words blunt and voice without inflection.
"Yes...sadly, this is true and also a prominent possibility."
"And according to what we've heard and can assess of the situation, both your chances and Voldemort's are narrow. If nothing is to be done quickly, both sides will crumble. Lives will be lost."
"Too many, I'm afraid."
"Then I will help you in your cause."
"What?!" Instant bewilderment had befallen on the other pilots and Dumbledore, too. Shock was written clearly on the man's face before he shook his head fiercely.
"My intentions of relaying these current events to you was not to recruit but merely to inform. If you are to be confined within this time then you all would have to cope and adjust, nothing more."
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" interjected Duo, anger apparent within those burning violets. "Heero, what happens here is none of our concern, none of it is our responsibility! It's not your job to keep saving the world, you know!" shouted the American before his face softened, the remnants of fierce vehemence dissipating.
Heero was a bit taken aback with the closeness when the braided teen rested both his hands on his shoulders, the slight hint of sorrow showing through heart-shaped features, once harsh voice now a low whisper.
"Why do you always do this?" he queried, "always have to save the day, don't you?" Clear amethyst pools stared straight into dark oceanic depths. "You sure you want to do this?" he asked, voice uncertain even as he questioned the shorter teen.
The Japanese youth looked wonderingly into those pleading eyes before feeling himself nod, his own voice soft as he whispered back a "hai."
Duo closed his eyes briefly as he took in a long breath, then heaved a great sigh. Opening his eyes, a wide grin was already plastered across his face. He slung an arm over a surprised Heero's shoulder, before swinging around to face the Headmaster of Hogwarts, his other hand placed nonchalantly on his hip. Determination unwavering as he quickly regarded the others staring intently at the pair.
"Well, you all heard him, let's get a move on it! I'd be damned before I let Heero go off and kill himself without me along with. Tell us what we gotta do, gramps!"~*~
Heero quickly glanced over to where Duo was giving Malfoy a fake, cheery smile. It was evident that Duo disliked Draco just as much as the blonde did him. After spending so much time with the braided baka he could discern the other's behavior easily. However, the quiet Asian was more preoccupied with other matters. Like, how is it that he came to have feelings for his energetic partner?
He didn't understand it at first, but after he had confided in Wufei long ago about these confounding emotions, the onyx-eyed youth explained that it was a form of affection. Something much more intimate than mere friendship, feelings akin to love, but in a lighter sense. Speaking with the justice-prone pilot always did manage to answer his puzzling questions concerning emotions. Ever since that pivotal point when he had spoken of the little girl and her puppy to the Chinese, as Wing plummeted towards the black waters, they had grown closer as friends. Wufei in turn divulged stories of his past, mostly about Meiran, the wife he had lost. It look a while for them to bond, but ever since both would come to one another for some form of reassurance every now and then, helping each other deal in living a life without fighting, without war.
"So, Heero," came the intruding voice, breaking the silent teen from his musings, "did you play any position on your Quidditch team? I'm Captain for the Slytherins." He met Draco's curious expression and replied in his usual monotone, "No."
"I'm sure you'd want to. In any case, you should try out. I might be persuaded in letting you on the team," said Draco, confident that Heero would jump at the chance at his most generous offer. Who wouldn't be?
"I don't think—"
"Aw, c'mon Heero. It'll be fun, we'll both try out and make the team. It'll be like old times," interrupted Duo, grinning madly as he entered the conversation, much to Draco's dislike.
"I'm afraid there's only one open position," gritted out Draco.
"One more wouldn't hurt. How 'bout it, Heero?" prompted Duo.
"Hn."
"Then it's settled! We'll both go for it. When are the try-outs, Drake?"
"It's Draco. And the try-outs won't be posted until a few weeks from now. But—"
"Great! We'll talk to you in a few weeks then. Come on, Heero, I'm all finished here. Let's go up to the common room," finished Duo. Both the pilots got up from their seats and started making their way to the Slytherin dorms, leaving behind a seething Draco Malfoy.
TBC...
After the young men were seated, the first years were then sorted into each house, and soon began the start of term feast. From mumbled conversations, the volume in the Great Hall slowly escalated, spirits were gradually lifted with the dawning of a new year, and everyone was determined to make the best of it. Even the Slytherins were starting to break from their melancholy air.
Duo was currently charming the girls at the Slytherin table, while Heero resigned himself to eating quietly, his demeanor closed off from the curious others. Although, close by was Draco Malfoy's critical gaze focused upon the new housemates. A look of pure condescension was cast onto Duo, the blonde heir obviously unimpressed by his endless chatter and acting like a pure idiot, but Heero was just as how a true Slytherin should be. Distinguished, reserved, and a no-nonsense attitude. But Duo was undoubtedly one of the lesser for his obvious lack in refined manners. No one of wealth would demean themselves by playing a fool, even if he had the majority of the Slytherins' rapt attention.
Inwardly, Draco was somewhat grateful that the attention was taken off of him. Ever since his parents had been damned to Azkaban, the Malfoy name had forever been tarnished, hostilities from the other houses were directed at him and disappointment from his own came instantly. He was the laughing stock among the Slytherins, along with a few others who's relations were also caught during that fateful battle the summer before his sixth year could be initiated. Draco was both devastated and enraged when news of Lucius and Narcissa's capture was pronounced in the Daily Prophet, for it was expected of him, but as his sixth year at Hogwarts passed he came to realize that he was glad it happened, and more importantly, he was free.
There was no denying that he was spoiled rotten by his parents, but nevertheless he was their obedient puppet, not truly their son, just another thing for them to control and exact power over. That year allowed Draco a great amount of self-reflection. Reassessing himself, he appreciated his newfound freedom, no longer shackled to the obligations his parents weighed him down with. May their soon-to-be soulless husks be forever a monument to Draco's abolished servitude. Perhaps this view is a tad heartless, but Draco wasn't a Slytherin for nothing.
Well, grateful or not, being a Malfoy demanded that everyone be focused on him (even if the name lost a bit of its prestigious edge), and currently Duo was obstructing this unwritten rule. For his lack of regard of said rule, it is only right that he'd be loathed for having done so. Really, it was the principle of the matter.
Rising from his seat, he sauntered over to where Heero and Duo sat, flanked as always by Crabbe and Goyle. Slipping on that mask of evident egoism and speaking with hinted conceit, he addressed the two, their eyes now locked onto the stranger presented to them.
"I'm Draco Malfoy, and that's Crabbe and Goyle," he said, gesturing to each of the thugs at their respectful names; the trollish teens grunted in their own form of greeting. "Welcome to Slytherin. I believe you'll find it in your best interest to make the acquaintances of those who are obviously better than others. I, myself, can help you greatly in the matter," he finished while offering his hand. At this, the others began to snicker and make a few remarks, but once Draco shot them a disdainful look they fell silent. He may be a laughing stock but there was yet for anyone to outwardly show their disrespect to the young Malfoy.
Heero simply looked at the proffered hand, then back at Malfoy, arching a brow in silent inquiry. The boy's snide attitude was nothing new to Heero, he was accustomed to such people from his undercover work at the massive private schools during the war in their own time. The arrogance the overindulged children expressed was nothing short of irritating, but he paid them no mind having a mission to be completed, and easily ignored their presence as they usually did his. Well, the wiser ones at least.
Draco frowned, indignation beginning to rise from being treated with such lack of interest. He was just about to resign the offer and give the Japanese a piece of his mind, till the Prussian-eyed youth gripped his hand in a strong hold, giving it a firm shake before releasing.
"Heero Yuy," he replied. Heero may not have liked the boy, but would have to establish some semblance of a normal life while in this world, and acting like he belonged was definitely important. After all, it had already been a month and it didn't seem like they would return anytime soon. With such a precarious situation, one had to be ready for every scenario possible, even if it meant living in a world not of his own. When the former pilots were taken to the Ministry of Magic, it was then they met Albus Dumbledore and the situation was explained to them, as well were they informed of the many possibilities concerning their problem.
Heero recalled the conversation they had with the aged wizard, after describing the world in which they lived in hopes of somehow returning, they were informed of the war brewing between Voldemort and the rest of the wizarding populace. It was that precise moment when the Perfect Soldier once more took its place before the world. If there was a risk that human lives would be lost, then Heero would do all that he possibly could to prevent anymore suffering. Everyone had looked at him with utter shock when he proclaimed his want to help, except Duo; Duo was furious with him for some reason he could not fathom.
~*~ "So young and yet so old for your ages," Dumbledore mused. "To live in a world so technologically efficient, but where children are made to fight in a horrendous war, battle after grueling battle," he sighed. A most aggrieved expression now ghosted over his wrinkled features when snowy brows furrowed in thought. "By what you have told me, it is unlikely that any are aware of the wizarding world, much less remember it. But, if it is not pulled under the rule of Voldemort, then what resulted in this war today still stands as a mystery."
"It can only be assumed that the entirety of this world was completely destroyed by whatever events occurred in-between this time and ours," stated Heero, his words blunt and voice without inflection.
"Yes...sadly, this is true and also a prominent possibility."
"And according to what we've heard and can assess of the situation, both your chances and Voldemort's are narrow. If nothing is to be done quickly, both sides will crumble. Lives will be lost."
"Too many, I'm afraid."
"Then I will help you in your cause."
"What?!" Instant bewilderment had befallen on the other pilots and Dumbledore, too. Shock was written clearly on the man's face before he shook his head fiercely.
"My intentions of relaying these current events to you was not to recruit but merely to inform. If you are to be confined within this time then you all would have to cope and adjust, nothing more."
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" interjected Duo, anger apparent within those burning violets. "Heero, what happens here is none of our concern, none of it is our responsibility! It's not your job to keep saving the world, you know!" shouted the American before his face softened, the remnants of fierce vehemence dissipating.
Heero was a bit taken aback with the closeness when the braided teen rested both his hands on his shoulders, the slight hint of sorrow showing through heart-shaped features, once harsh voice now a low whisper.
"Why do you always do this?" he queried, "always have to save the day, don't you?" Clear amethyst pools stared straight into dark oceanic depths. "You sure you want to do this?" he asked, voice uncertain even as he questioned the shorter teen.
The Japanese youth looked wonderingly into those pleading eyes before feeling himself nod, his own voice soft as he whispered back a "hai."
Duo closed his eyes briefly as he took in a long breath, then heaved a great sigh. Opening his eyes, a wide grin was already plastered across his face. He slung an arm over a surprised Heero's shoulder, before swinging around to face the Headmaster of Hogwarts, his other hand placed nonchalantly on his hip. Determination unwavering as he quickly regarded the others staring intently at the pair.
"Well, you all heard him, let's get a move on it! I'd be damned before I let Heero go off and kill himself without me along with. Tell us what we gotta do, gramps!"~*~
Heero quickly glanced over to where Duo was giving Malfoy a fake, cheery smile. It was evident that Duo disliked Draco just as much as the blonde did him. After spending so much time with the braided baka he could discern the other's behavior easily. However, the quiet Asian was more preoccupied with other matters. Like, how is it that he came to have feelings for his energetic partner?
He didn't understand it at first, but after he had confided in Wufei long ago about these confounding emotions, the onyx-eyed youth explained that it was a form of affection. Something much more intimate than mere friendship, feelings akin to love, but in a lighter sense. Speaking with the justice-prone pilot always did manage to answer his puzzling questions concerning emotions. Ever since that pivotal point when he had spoken of the little girl and her puppy to the Chinese, as Wing plummeted towards the black waters, they had grown closer as friends. Wufei in turn divulged stories of his past, mostly about Meiran, the wife he had lost. It look a while for them to bond, but ever since both would come to one another for some form of reassurance every now and then, helping each other deal in living a life without fighting, without war.
"So, Heero," came the intruding voice, breaking the silent teen from his musings, "did you play any position on your Quidditch team? I'm Captain for the Slytherins." He met Draco's curious expression and replied in his usual monotone, "No."
"I'm sure you'd want to. In any case, you should try out. I might be persuaded in letting you on the team," said Draco, confident that Heero would jump at the chance at his most generous offer. Who wouldn't be?
"I don't think—"
"Aw, c'mon Heero. It'll be fun, we'll both try out and make the team. It'll be like old times," interrupted Duo, grinning madly as he entered the conversation, much to Draco's dislike.
"I'm afraid there's only one open position," gritted out Draco.
"One more wouldn't hurt. How 'bout it, Heero?" prompted Duo.
"Hn."
"Then it's settled! We'll both go for it. When are the try-outs, Drake?"
"It's Draco. And the try-outs won't be posted until a few weeks from now. But—"
"Great! We'll talk to you in a few weeks then. Come on, Heero, I'm all finished here. Let's go up to the common room," finished Duo. Both the pilots got up from their seats and started making their way to the Slytherin dorms, leaving behind a seething Draco Malfoy.
TBC...