Chapter 13: What Happened to You!

(A/N: Right, umm, so this chapter is devoted to one of my friend's sick obsession she USED TO have. I put emphasis on this, for the BDG's sake. Thank you for your time, feel free to partake of refreshments.)

"You know, it would be the perfect solution."

"How about not."

"But, you know you want to." She snaked an arm about his neck. He pulled away.

"I made my decision."

"When?" she pouted.

"The day we met, Pansy."

Pansy crossed her arms and glared him down. "Draco, you know that the whole school must know by now. And," she leaned in, "you also know that I know that you are most definitely not gay. We can show the whole school the truth, together." Her face was inches from his. She breathed in deeply, thinking that here was the real reason she was alive. But, they were interrupted.

"Hey, Draco? Don't you want to head down to DADA? Professor Sharper is posting the group lists, and we have a bet to settle." Kera waltzed in, brush settled deep in her hair. She hiccupped. "Oh. Am I barging in on something here?"

"Yes, I suppose you are." Pansy sulkily got up from the emerald couch she had Draco pinned to. Looking from Kera's bright face to Draco's pale one, it began to dawn on her. All those days of strange looks passed between them in the few weeks since the holidays had ended, those new robes she wore to school. "You… you like this… trash?"

"Pansy, what are you talking about?" he sputtered.

"Her! Why didn't I realize it! I mean, it's so obvious. The whole time over break, when you two were alone in here! The way you stopped us from laughing, and we all thought it was some joke of yours? She's your servant; why wouldn't you take advantage of her? How were we all so foolish?"

Kera blushed; she didn't even know Pansy knew what the word foolish meant. "Now, wait a minute, Pansy…"

"Shut up Kera," Draco ordered. Mouth glued shut, Kera glared with a hurt expression, unable to intervene. Luckily, Pansy was too busy staring down Draco to notice how quickly she obeyed. "Pansy, why the-"

"Save it!" Pansy sniffed. "Well, Draco, my offer will always stand, when you come to your senses and stop messing around with… squibs. But, until you do, we can't see each other, and I certainly won't be kissing you any time soon!" She stalked out. "The others will here about all of this, mark my words."

"Thanks Kera," he muttered. He tugged at his collar and got up with disgust. "You can talk now."

"Look, I thought there was no one else in here, alright?" Kera wrenched her jaw apart. "How was I supposed to know I was right about you and Pansy all along? Huh, and I thought I was joking!"

"Hey, there's more to Pansy than meets the eye," he told her defensively, not knowing why. He hated Pansy; she disgusted him beyond all reasonable doubt. Maybe he was scared, scared at what Pansy had said, or mad at Pansy and Kera for sticking him in such a situation.

"Yeah, a whole lot, if you count the worms in her head and the snakes in her heart. You told me you couldn't stand her Draco; yet when she insults you, insults me, you rush to her defense?"

"Kera, I have an image to maintain-"

"Yeah, I know all about that image of yours. The image that hates me, and mocks people like me in public? You don't think I don't know who came up with 'wingardium sneeziosa'?" She turned away, afraid to show him the tears that shouted to be released upon frowning cheeks. "Of course, I know all about him. But, he's not my friend, is he?"

Draco decided a softer approach couldn't hurt. "You know that I'm your friend, Kera."

She whipped back around and grabbed his arms, shaking him as hard as she could, channeling all the fear, hatred, and hurt possible through the painfully close gesture. "You feel this, Draco?" He did, and was glad it was early Tuesday morning, before anyone else was awake. "Have you ever actually been hurt by someone before? I doubt it!" She laughed a choking cough that welled up from the lungs. She was beginning to feel a little ill, cold and dizzy. "Your family is so cold, I don't think you'd ever get near enough to one another touch, let alone become close enough for such emotions! And, how about those girls of yours? They're all notches in your belt! I will not become one of them! You can't hurt me like that, Draco!" She shoved him, much harder than necessary.

"Kera, I would never- I'm your friend." He wanted to soothe her, maybe even give her one of those 'hug' things. This was the absolute display of emotion anyone had gotten from her all year, aside from depression.

"No," she pulled away. "You've been lying the whole time. You're not my friend, you don't care about me, and this whole thing is a joke. You don't love me! Well, I won't have it!" She ran out, stumbling, through the stone exit.

Draco merely stared, unable to say or do anything. What had just happened? One minute, he was sitting down, trying to have a quite moment after what had happened the night before, and then Pansy was practically consummating marriage, then Kera, Pansy, and Kera again, but hurt, yelling. He rubbed his arms; unsure if it was true or not, but there were the forming bruises to prove it.

Pansy was going to tell the school. He would be ruined in the Slytherin house. Him being 'gay' was bad enough, but to be accused of taking advantage of the outcast? The boys might love it, but he would definitely be on the wrong side of hexes from several girls, and their boyfriends. His father would not be happy about this at all.

This would turn ugly. Better to do some damage control now, but who to ask? It certainly wouldn't be Kera; he'd never realized how much he relied on her biting comments. He groaned as he realized who the perfect person, well people were. He was going back to the portrait. But first, to check those lists.

The groups were an invention of Professor Sharper. It was her idea to pair up girls and boys from the same year into a group, and then have that group work on the same DADA project as another group from a different year, so they could compare answers at the end. Everyone was anxious to see the posting, and though she claimed the process was entirely random, there were still insane rumors and bets flying about the school. Harry and his friends were no exception. They were among the first to arrive at the second floor corridor, alongside several third years. They clustered about the long lists and anxiously scanned for names.

"Hey, here I am and- Hermione, you're in my group!" Ron exclaimed.

"Am I on there?" Harry questioned him. He was a bit stung that it looked like his friends would be having fun without him.

"Sorry mate, we're partnered with Padma and Ernie." He kept scanning, head easily above the rest. "Oh, look, you're right at the top of the second list. Let's see, you're with- crikey."

"What?"

Ron gulped, and squinted just to make sure. "Well, it looks like you're with Neville and this Ravenclaw, Anasil Assay."

"Well, that's not so bad."

"Yeah, but Kera's in your group."

"So? We'll just keep her away from anything magical or wooden."

"No, you won't let me finish, Harry. There are five people in your group. You, Neville, this Anasil, Kera… and Malfoy."

Harry swallowed. "You're kidding. Ron, tell me you're kidding."

"He's not Harry." The musical voice of Professor Sharper accompanied her shadowed figure as she stepped up to them. "When I first saw the group, I myself was tempted to change the organizing spell. But, once I saw the task you had been chosen for, I decided to keep it the same. You see, Harry, your group will be one of the few with special permission to venture into the Forbidden Forest."

Ron's face had dropped. Harry swallowed. "Professor, I sure you mean well, but, these people…"

"These people are not the people who would be your first choice, I guess." Harry nodded guiltily, and she laughed. "Harry, how well do you know these people?" Hermione, sensing the professor wanted to speak to Harry alone, dragged Ron off.

"Neville's useless at anything that doesn't involve plants, Malfoy is a jerk, I've never even heard of Anasil Assay, and Kera can barely hold a wand without causing a catastrophe," he burst out.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," muttered Kera, coming out of nowhere to appear at his elbow. She looked dreadful, with red-rimmed eyes, and exhaustion permeated from her skin. "You're just helping my day to go so well. Am I really going to have to work with something in the forest?"

"Kera," the professor smiled, "all the teachers know what you really can do when that wand is gone. I am giving you not only permission, but requesting that you use your magic."

She brightened slightly. "You mean…" Professor Sharper nodded. "Thank you!" Kera yelped with glee. "Maybe Lady Ramp doesn't have my name after all." They both stared at her. "Sorry: mythical representation of bad luck."

"You see, Harry, these people are going to be more useful to you than you can imagine."

"Professor, I'm not quite sure why you're telling me all this," Harry explained. "I mean, I'm sure they're great people and all, but-"

She held up a slender hand. "Harry, listen to me now. As I've already told you, this is a very well-constructed group. I will tell all of you later. Or, as soon as Mr. Malfoy arrives, since it is apparent the rest of your team is here."

Draco was not long in coming. It was a matter of breaths before he had found his name, frowned in dislike, and came over to where his new group was clustered. "Professor, you can't do this," he told her.

"Actually, Mr. Malfoy, I believe I am quite within my power to do this. I hope, of course, that you are referring to the group placement." She smiled. He did not return the expression.

"Now, I'm sure you are all curious why you are all getting a special explanation from me, instead of merely reading a packet of information like your peers. You see, the task which you five have been given is somewhat precarious in nature, and it will be understood if you pack out, though I hope my randomness was right in picking the best people."

"The best people," Draco snorted.

"Yes, Draco, and Harry, the best people. Your group is charged with going into the Forbidden Forest and tracking the movements of a large and fairly dangerous spider that has recently taken up residence in our woods. You will actually be reporting back to Dumbledore, instead of me, it is that important. We believe the animal is a Drifaroius; now do you see it?" No one nodded. She sighed. "Harry, you will be in charged. You've proven your leadership skills on several occasions, and it should be no problem."

"Potter's leading!" Draco exclaimed.

"Good," muttered Kera. She glared daggers at him.

"Yes," Professor Sharper replied. "Draco, you are in charge of protection. So far, you're one of the best cursers I've seen; it may come in handy. Anasil, your research skills are renown and you will need them to know the habits of your beast."

Neville raised a hand and whispered. "Professor, why me?"

She smiled. "Neville, I have heard from Professor Sprout that you are a star pupil in Herbology. Magical plants will prove invaluable on this task; possibly for medicinal purposes. And Kera, well, you know what you can do; I only hope it won't come to it. Now, while under your temporary schedules, you'll be spending your mornings every other day with a friendly centaur named Andre in the forest. Good luck, have at it!" She turned swiftly on a heel and left, as if she suddenly had better things to do. Professor Sharper was often seen doing such strange things, especially to other professors.

They stood about bewildered, until Draco broke the silence. "Well," he sneered, "won't this be amusing?"

Kera had backed away; Harry was perplexed at her behavior. She was the one who normally put Malfoy in his place. But today, she walked like something wounded. He was just about to leave this puzzling group and go find Hermione, when the sound of clomping hooves approached. "Ah, your are the group, then?" he questioned. Anasil and Neville gulped. "Well, then, we best be off. My brethren, you see, often take the early hours of the morning to sleep, and it really is the best time as any to venture in."

"Cen-cen-centaurs?" stuttered Neville.

The centaur stared. "Why yes of course, dear boy. As it was told to us through the stars, the centaurs and the wizards are allowing a rift to form between them. I am one of the few left who will even tolerate your presence about me."

"So-um- how far in will we be going?" It was the first time Anasil had spoken. He voice was not wraith-like, as you would expect from one so small and quiet, but instead full deep, like the echoes of great bells once their clappers have been silenced. "Because it has been proven that forests highly charged with magic work in circles, with decreasing power outwards and, while I am sure the Forbidden Forest can't be more than a six in its innermost part, wizards of our level could take at most the outermost fifth level, and that's if we're lucky."

While everyone, including Andre, stared in amazement, Kera only nodded. "That would make sense. But, if it's absolutely necessary, I can get us through to the seventh layer. Believe me; I came out alive from a four level forest when I was ten."

"And?" asked Anasil skeptically.

Kera shrugged. "And I was only bedridden for a week and a half. Like I said, only if need be."

"Relax," Andre told them all calmingly, but mostly for Neville, who looked ready to faint. "We shall merely penetrate the first layer for today, as that is all time allows for."

No one wanted to know what he meant.

Time passed quickly. It was an hour that felt like two fearful minutes until Andre let them go, extracting promises to return in two days 'when sun only just begins its skyward journey'. As they all went their separate ways, Harry decided it was time to become one of the cool muggle spies on the telly and follow Kera, who had continued her weird behavior throughout their little trip into the woods. Pulling out some black sunglasses he had been saving for just such an occasion, he turned his hands into a gun at the ready and crept after them.

Kera had stalked of towards the lake, but some was close behind. As Harry got behind a bush, Malfoy came out, and headed straight towards Kera. She started walking away but he said, "No Kera, stop." Once she had halted he closed the gap and put a hand on her shoulder before adding, "Please."

Moving again, she turned her face away. "Kera, look, whatever I said this morning, it was dumb- I was dumb. I was dumb, I was wrong, you were right; can we please be friends again?" She said nothing, and slowly Draco put an arm over her shoulders. It was the best he could do. "Come on, you know I'm your friend. It shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks."

Kera's eyes began to brim. Shoving Draco into the snow, she shouted, "You bloody hypocrite! How can you say that when you are only my friend if you know no one is around? And how could I be so naive to think it actually meant anything? Look, it's over!" As she turned to walk away, Draco grabbed her ankle and pulled her down into the powder. He gasped. She was frozen solid, even for someone out in the snow. Caught off guard, Kera sneezed, and managed fall into the snow a second time because of it. Draco wanted to do something, but they were beyond closeness now.

"So, how long do you think it before we watch them do it, Harry?" The small voice came from right next to his ear, and Harry jumped.

"Who's there?" he whispered.

Suddenly, a blond pigtail appeared next to his ear. As the rest of its body began to materialize, he realized Beatrice Diane Garrett had her head comfortably nestled against his shoulder, for the entire world like a lovesick puppy. Leaping back into the bush, he cut his hand painfully against a thorn.

Leaning in closer, and taking off his uber-cool sunglasses of his face, she suddenly yelled, "Harry, guess what I just realized? I HAVE EVERY CLASS EXCEPT FOR DIVINATION EVERY PERIOD AFTER YOU DO! ISN'T THAT GREAT? I CAN SEE YOU IN THE HALLS!"

"What was that?"

"What was what?" There was the sound of one person getting up and helping the other.

"Yeah, sure. Hey, Beatrice?" He tried to hurry; he knew what would happen if Malfoy got over here.

"Yes, oh love of my heart?" she blinked rapidly, a trait in girls that Ginny mocked in some way at least monthly. Hermione said it was PMS, and Harry and Ron were too disgusted with her answer to ever ask what PMS really was.

Harry barely registered that Malfoy had been an actual gentleman and helped Kera. "That really hurt, you know. And it is over after this."

"Yeah, I know." He sounded tired.

"Can you do that invisibility thing again? Get us out of here?" Harry was sure his heart was going to burst.

She blinked even harder. Harry could hear footsteps now. "Oh, anywhere my prince!" Unfortunately, she chose that moment to faint with delight, leaving Harry to face Draco and Kera.

As they came up upon him, Kera told Draco matter-of-factly. "This won't change my mind. I never want to see you again and just because I'm looking forward to seeing Harry pulped changes nothing."

When Harry returned to the Gryffindor common room, it was with fast fading bruises and several cuts. Kera was responsible for this bit; she had informed him she didn't feel like getting in trouble today. Ginny took one look at him from her seat alone and said, "Harry, what did you absolutely have to do this time?"

He grimaced. "Nothing. It was the bloody fan club's fault."

She frowned, giving an adorable little crease to her forehead that Harry longed to smooth out. "Yeah, let me guess. You were spying and the butter dish freak found you and got you ratted out?"

How did she know him so well? Here's to love. "Pretty much," he sighed painfully. "Worst of all, it was Kera and Malfoy. They were arguing about something. Malfoy wanted to be her friend and-"

"-and Kera wasn't buying, right?" He nodded. "Well, why were you spying on them in the first place?" Harry felt it was time to tell all. He recounted the entire event, leaving out only that Kera was fine with him being beaten up and he was fairly sure the BDG was still out cold somewhere. Wherever Kera used to live, they clearly still held true to strict reciprocity when it came to spies. Although, he had hoped for something better for punishment. He was now grateful for detention.

"I'm still wondering why Malfoy would want to be friends- I was sure he and Kera were already close," Ginny muttered when he had finished. "But, what I'm really dying to know; why the hell would Sharper put you in a group with these motley guys?"

"I'm not at all sure," he told her. "Apparently, Malfoy has some amazing defense skill, Anasil knows her way around the library, Neville has enough plant knowledge to teach herbology, and Kera can do- something. Aside from that, I think she just wants us all dead."

"Who?" Hermione's head jutted out into the common room. "Harry, what happened to you!" she shrieked.

"Beatrice Diane Garrett, that's what," Ginny explained. They had to go through another round of explanation, and then a third when Ron came back, with red stuff covering his chin. At this point, Harry was too tired to ask Ron if he had started sprouting fungus, and told Hermione to tell him.

"But why would Professor Sharper want to get you killed? And why would she let so many students die with you?" Ginny was skeptical. Harry thought she was just being a bit too morbid about the whole thing.

"Well…" Hermione trailed off.

"Oh yes, Hermy's going to share some amazing tidbit of information with us!" Ron cackled menacingly. They all stared at him, and he broke into a sweat. "Jeez, blame a guy for trying to lighten the mood here." He swallowed as Hermione continued to glare. "Go ahead, Hermione,' he muttered

"Anyway…" she continued, "do you guys remember the names from the Azkaban breakout last year?"

"Well, there were the Lestranges…"

"Yes, but not them. One of the names was the executioner; Melody Sharper."

"You don't think?…"

"I don't. Sharper is a common name; they don't look anything alike. It is just a last name, after all," Hermione told them. "But, it makes you think, doesn't it? What if it was-"

The common room entrance opened again. Parvati and Lavender came in and gasped.

"Harry, what happened to you?"

"Ron, are you growing a beard?"

Here we go again.

Ginny was about to explain, when Mia, one of the school owls, clicked her claws against the glass panes. Ginny let her in, and quickly took the note.

Ginny-

I really need to talk to you guys about something. I figured Harry might know about this sort of thing. I'm heading towards your common room now, so could you meet me when you hear the Fat Lady? I'm not feeling so good and really don't want to attempt to murder her.

-Kera

"Hey Harry, you want to tell me what you saw in the forest today again?" she called over her shoulder.