Thank you to all who review I appreciate it SO much! Thank you for your ideas some fell into my original plot and some were quite interesting that I am thinking of adding them. I have recently restarted school, thus it has taken more time for me to update. I want to have a few chapters in advance and I am now able to upload this one! Enjoy!

To Sakae Doragon I don't know why but I really enjoyed your review and thought I would answer your question as much as I can without giving too much away I usually enjoy bashing on Hermione as well, but I wanted to try something different with her. Sorry though Ron just annoys me, there was no saving him. Lastly, Harry isn't quite against him, but not quite for him. Though in the next few chapters he might need that creepy man, but that's spoiling my plot too much READ ON!

To CurlyCee my answer is….BOTH! but mostly the first

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter. Characters and main plot are property of J.K. Rowling. However, in this story the main plot will be manipulated to fit my imagination.

A True Heart of Darkness: Chapter Five

A Letter, A Friend, and a Burn

Harry was sure he would have to read the letter a few times over to really let the facts sink in. While he prided himself on quick logic and tact, this letter had hit a nerve. He had gotten it earlier in the day while he stayed at the Leaky Cauldron awaiting his friend's return. At the Dursley's he had lost control and blown up his 'aunt' and had been taken here to keep him safe and back to school. He had gotten a letter at the beginning of the summer from the twins saying they would be in Egypt and today they should return. Hermione had also written and would be at Diagon Ally today to go school shopping. However, this letter had complicated things. Today would have to be business with Hermione instead of fun. Or perhaps both if the teens were lucky. Harry picked up the letter again and read it once over.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I wish to inform you about the case of Sirius Black before another source should taint your views. While some would discourage you to seek out Black because of his supposed mix with the Dark Lord I am here to tell you different. It is a fact that Lord Black never supported or aligned himself with the Dark Lord. In fact he was the best friend to James Potter and would never align himself in the dark arts if he could help it. What they will tell you is a lie. Sirius was a good man, and would never betray your parents to the Dark Lord, especially since the Dark Lord was never interested in hurting your family. I know for a fact that Sirius was wrongly imprisoned, but the true story he must tell you himself, for I am sworn to secrecy.

I also wish to tell you that Lord Black is your godfather, and if you can find a way to exonerate him, you could potentially live with him instead of your muggle family. I think you would prefer that living arrangement. Be careful through the year. I have been told that this year Dementors will be posted around the school. They are placed to find Lord Black, but I know they will not be able to. Stay clear of them, their only goal is to drain their victims of happiness and hope till they are worse than dead. Lastly the Defense Against the Dark Arts post will be filled with a man named Remus Lupin. He is a clever man and may be able to see behind the Golden boy mask. Watch out for him if necessary, but he may become a beneficial ally in the future.

I hope this letter reaches you before you hear from another source about your Godfather. Keep ignorant to those you do not trust, but know that he is an innocent man.

L.M.

Harry finished the letter with a sigh. He had heard about Black's escape from Azkaban, and the supposed reason he was put in there. Now that he had Lucius telling him this, it made his head spin. He knew that the information was true, but just to destroy all doubt in the Malfoy he would cross check the information with Hermione. Harry turned to look at the clock, seeing that he had ten minutes to get to Diagon Ally to meet said girl. He grabbed the letter, casting a word scrambler charm wandlessly, and then took off to the Ally entrance. He left his aunt and uncles home early after an 'incident' with the family. He smirked as he remembered blowing his aunt up like a balloon and seeing her rise into the sky as Vernon screamed. He pushed aside the memory as he walked into the wizard shopping alley. As he was walking down the street Harry took out his school list and made his way to Flourish and Blott's. Suddenly his best friend attacked him from behind. He laughed as she called out his name in excitement.

"Hermione you cannot do that without warning!" He laughed at the not so bushy haired girl. Her once frizzy mane now fell in soft curls that framed her face. He knew that she was trying to look more adult, but the boy slightly missed her frizzed out hair, but just a little. The Hermione before him was beautiful. To bad Harry was already smitten with his dragon or he would look at her differently. However, she would always be his best friend, and almost sister. Hermione shook her head, unable to contain her smile as she noticed Harry get lost in his thoughts. Harry stopped spacing out at her shaking her head and went to business. Harry's face turned serious and the girl knew something was up.

"We need to talk about something important, though I don't know if we should wait for the twins. I don't want that Weasel coming along." He said the nickname with distaste, and Hermione couldn't blame him. The younger redhead annoyed them both.

"I am sure I can fill them in later, plus everyone wants to get together once we get to school. For both an update and some fun." She ended with a smile and Harry nodded his head. At the end of the year the group had begun looking up interesting spells and training. Also potions and possibly becoming animagi, one skill that would aid them all. Harry led the both of them out of the bookstore once they had acquired all the needed textbooks. They made their way to the Three Broomsticks and sat at a private table in the back, away form prying eyes and ears. Once they ordered Harry let Hermione read the letter that Lucius had sent him. The two had never really gotten to talk about Harry aligning himself with the Malfoy's, and the letter now opened that up for discussion. After she was done Hermione placed the letter on the table, a frown set on her face.

"I think we should let Black come to us Harry. It seems that you would be the thing he is looking for anyway. Also I think adding in Mr. Lupin would be good. We could use another adult that has skill into our trust. Loyalty goes a long way. Though I don't know if I fully trust the Malfoy's." She sighed when he glared at her.

"Don't get your knickers in a bunch. I know that he swore a Wizard's Oath. It's unbreakable unless you let him out of it. I trust you Harry, and if that means I have to trust him so be it. Just remember this is your dragon's father not Draco himself, and we should be a little wary considering what side he is on. He could be useful in teaching us and providing an in, but remember to watch him at first. Besides this is reliable information." Harry raised an eyebrow at her last comment.

"I looked all this up when I found out Black had escaped. I already knew he was your godfather, though I did believe him guilty when I read over the court papers." She huffed

"Hermione I thought court papers were under lock and key?" He said as she only smirked back.

"I wanted to know." And that was enough for him. The rest of the day the two spent talking about the upcoming meeting and shopping for their school supplies. Eventually they ran into Fred, George and Ginny. The five of them ran off, leaving Ron to get new robes with their mum. The next day they were headed off to Hogwarts.

The dementor attack on the train was at the forefront of Harry's mind. They had just arrived at school and after the feast he had postponed the meeting to the next week. The vision he had when they came near frightened him. He had seen his mother shouting at a hooded figure. He could not hear her voice, only the words 'how could you' were heard before the vision was filled with green and her screams. Thankfully Professor Lupin had been in the compartment and drove the creature off with a spell. Though he was grateful to the professor, the humiliation that came with the save was horrible. He watched various Slytherins impersonate his fainting, laughing and making snide remarks. While on the outskirts a group of five kept silent. Draco and his four close friends had not partaken in the ridicule. Perhaps Lucius had told Draco about their new allegiance and those in Draco's group followed him. He was after all the Prince of Slytherin house. If only Harry could get a chance to speak with him. Though that would have to wait. Not even thoughts of his dragon could stop the screaming of his dead mother.

About a week later Harry called together his group and one by one they entered the portrait hole, awaiting orders. Harry stood at the head of their table with a sour look.

"Okay well lets have a bit of an update." Harry started as he told them about what had occurred that summer. Along with Lucius as a new ally they spoke about Black, and possibly getting into contact with the five Slytherins.

"You might want to ask the elder Malfoy Harry, he may be able to get Draco to find a way to speak to you. That is the route that seems the most beneficial." Said Luna in a dreamy voice. Harry nodded his head and looked to Fred and George.

"Do you two think that you could cause a distraction in the hall one day so we can all get out to meet? I can link them all in as part-time guests here. They won't be able to get in without one of us willingly letting them come in with us. That way we can have a safe place to meet." He finished looking at the twins.

"Leave it to us Harry! Just give us some kind of signal and we will be ready for it any day after lunch tomorrow." Fred grinned while the two boys began plotting. Harry shook his head while a small smile graced his face.

"Alright everyone that's all for the business part of the evening. Stay as long as you want, but I think I will head out. I need to do some classwork and Lord forbid I'm out of the common room too much." Harry packed up his belongings and made his way to the exit. Neville followed quickly behind him. He fell in line with Harry breathing heavy from running to catch him.

"I need you so I can make it look like I forgot the password again. Sorry Harry, but have to keep up my reputation!" Neville said with a wicked grin. If only the world knew just what an evil genius Neville Longbottom was. The two boys exited the portrait and made their way to the common room. Right as they left Ron appeared behind a statue and tried to get into the portrait before it closed. He was about there when the snake hissed loudly. The portrait slammed shut on Ron's fingers and he howled in pain. The serpent only hissed in joy at the boy's pain and made a note to tell its master about the constant visitor.

Harry was currently in the dorm room with Neville reading the response Lucius Malfoy had sent about Draco and the other Slytherins. It had only taken a day for Hedwig to return with his response.

Mr. Potter,

While I cannot guarantee that Draco will take my advice I told him to communicate with you in your first potions class this week. I heard from Severus that you are both partnered up and I can only hope one of you can cast a silencing charm without notice. Severus will be giving a potion that day and will not interrupt the two of you if Draco decides to take that route of communication. Just don't do anything till you hear him out. My son is just as stubborn as any pureblood, but he will see reason. I told him of our new alliance and I grecieved a neutral feedback, which means he was relieved and agreed with me. First potions class is what I told him, any meeting after that I cannot help you with. You have that one class to convince him.

Also I heard about the incident on the train with the dementors and I hope you are now in good health. Try talking to professor Lupin; he should be able to assist with warding off those creatures.

L.M

"I guess we have our meeting with Draco. However, I think it might be prudent to wait to talk to Lupin till at least a few more classes. Make him feel like your reluctant. That falls into the mask you are trying to create right?" Neville said after they finished reading the letter. He had been sitting right beside Harry, but now moved over to his bed to give the teen some breathing space.

"Yes that would fit. Now I just need to think of a way to convince Draco that our way is the right one. I know he is seen as Slytherin's Prince and hopefully with him on our side we will gain most of that house. I know most are loyal to Voldemort, but maybe we can work a truce." Harry thought as he folded the letter before casting a secrecy charm on it to scramble the words. Neville sat back onto his bed and was about to speak when the door to the dorm opened. Neville jumped up and began looking through his things as Ron came in. Harry didn't move, but Ron huffed and walked right up to him.

"Harry I wanted to come and warn you about Sirius Black. My dad told me that he is bad news and to warn you not to go looking for him. He is an escaped murderer after all, but I wanted you to know that I've got your back, mate." He finished as Neville snorted trying to hold in a laugh. Ron turned to him with a face full of anger.

"Like you could do better Longbottom, at least I have decent marks in my classes and don't blow up a whole room making the simplest potions." He scoffed and turned back around missing the dark glint that entered Neville's eyes as he glared at his back. Harry only rolled his eyes at the annoying red head.

"I know about Black Ron and trust me I'm not going to go looking for my Godfather any time soon. Now excuse me but I need to help Neville find his stuff before dinner." He went to go help the other Gryffindor 'look around'. Neville let his mask fall over his face, feign hurt as Ron turned to face them with a scowl.

"So what, I'm not allowed to know what you two talk about or what is going on? Yeah that's right, I know about your stupid little passage to the library and how you let Neville and some Ravenclaw use it. Why don't you ever let me know stuff! I'm your friend Harry why can't you trust me! I mean I know your Harry bloody Potter but that doesn't mean you're any better than the rest of us!" Harry turned on him with a glare.

" I don't trust you because you tell one person every single thing I do, where I go, and who I associate with. Don't sweat it, I've known you've been a little spy for a while now Ron." He walked closer to the red head. He knew he was losing his temper, but his rage couldn't be quenched.

"I let the rude Hermione remarks go because I know she can take care of herself, but insult me again and see what happens. I am tired of people thinking I am this haughty, arrogant boy. I am tired of being treated like a child Ron, so go report to your little friend and tell him I am done being spied on, I am done being treated like vermin, and I am done with you! Get out of here before I Crucio you to hell and back!" Harry said in a frightening tone that had the Weasley pale and sick looking. Just as he was about to make his escape from the dormitory Neville shot him with a stunning spell, knocking him unconscious. With an exasperated sigh Neville walked over to Ron's now unconscious body.

"Harry you can't yell at him like that, it blows your cover and mine. We need him to report back nonsense and lies." Neville sighed as he pointed his wand to Ron's temple.

"Obliviate," He said as he wiped Ron's memories and replaced them with harmless ones of the three of them talking about Quidditch. Harry was sitting on his bed with his head in his hands taking deep breaths and attempting to calm down. He knew he needed to control his temper, but it felt so good getting it all out at the boy. Neville placed Ron on his bed and then took a seat next to Harry who looked at him with exhausted eyes.

"I'm sorry Neville. I didn't mean to lose control like that I'm just so tired of him talking." Neville shook his head

"Just be careful next time, because I might not be here to rearrange his memories Harry. For now let's look to dinner with the twins and Hermione and our classes tomorrow. You still have to think of a way to convince Draco to join us completely. I know having him on our side will make you happier and also bring you closer together, how you two should be." He said

"How would you know how things should be Neville?" Harry asked

"Let's just say I spend a little too much time with Luna, and sometimes she lets me know what should happen to keep the future the way she likes it." He said with a grin wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulder.

Harry only shrugged and leant into the touch. He knew that he would prefer to be held by his dragon, but this would do. The boys stayed that way till Ron started to wake. The two then made their escape down the stairs to join their housemates at dinner.

Today was the fateful day that he would get to convince his dragon, Draco Malfoy, that he was the right choice and get his friends to join him. Now while talking to Draco might be on the top of his to do list, he didn't know exactly how to speak to him. So far they had been in a flirty teasing relationship. Now they would have to be serious and Harry didn't know how to do that with Draco. His mind usually could not just stop looking at him and for some reason lately he couldn't help as his mouth would water at the thought of the boy. 'Once Lupin is on my side as well, we have got to figure out if something is wrong with me' he thought as he made his way into Defense Against the Dark Arts. This was the last class before potions and as he entered he saw the professor have a large wardrobe in the middle of the room. He spent the beginning of class introducing himself and explaining that inside the wardrobe was a boggart, a creature made to survive off your fears, but only to save itself from harm. He taught them the spell to counter its fear tactic and then the class created a line to try it out. Harry tried to look eager and excited while on the inside he was only dreading his next class. He saw Ron a few people in front of him and had to suppress a laugh, as a giant spider became his greatest fear. 'I'll have to remember that for later' he laughed as Ron performed the curse and made the insect tap dance.

Once it was Harry's turn to face the boggart, now in the shape of a jack-in-the-box, he watched it contort and weave to create his worst fear. As he thought, soon it took the shape of a dementor and came at him. Harry could feel the hopelessness fall over him just as professor Lupin jumped in front of him. Harry saw the sight of what appeared to be a full moon before it turned into a balloon, spinning back into the wardrobe. It was only for a moment, but it made Harry feel curious about his professors fear.

"Class that will be enough for today. Write a two foot essay on what a boggart is, what your fear is, and how you can change it into something funny with the counter curse, good day." He said as the students made their way to leave. Before Harry could leave Lupin came over to him.

"If you need help repelling the dementors mister Potter come by tonight after dinner. I may have a way to help you." Was all he said as he then ushered Harry to his next class. Harry caught up with Hermione and the two made their ways to the dungeons.

"Harry I know professor Lupin spoke to you after, but for now you need to concentrate on getting Draco on our side. This is our only chance, show him why he should choose you." She said encouragingly and Harry did feel a slight lift from the pressure in his chest. He entered the dungeons and took his seat next to Draco. The boy made no notion to look or speak to him until Snape had finished explaining the potion they were to brew that class. As soon as he was finished Harry wandlessly cast a silencing charm. Draco immediately faced him with wide eyes, halting whatever he was about to say before.

"I never knew you could do wandless magic Potter. That is quite a skill." Was all the boy said, but Harry was mesmerized by the sound of his voice. He shook his head and placed on a serious face.

"I am sure your father told you of our arrangement…" Draco interrupted him.

"Yes he did, but he did not tell me why he had chosen to ally our family to a Gryffindor like you and I can't see why he would. I know you are not exactly as you appear Potter. I've seen you come from that room when you think no one is looking and make snide remarks about others when you think no one is listening." Harry smirked

"I didn't know you watched me so much Draco, how flattering. However, I am here to ask if you would like to try trusting me. You along with your trusted friends are only allowed one time into that room either accompanied by myself or Hermione do you understand? I want to let you all in on exactly who I am and who is on my side. Your father right now is the only adult wizard, but I need you all informed before I can trust you as well. " He looked the Slytherin hard in the eyes.

"Unless you and your friends agree to my terms and accept me as an alliance, I will erase your memories of all this. Though I do hope you come to see my way." He added at the end with a smirk.

"Name the place and time and we will all be there Potter." He paused to look Harry over.

"I don't understand what it is about you, but since I saw you that first day I can't quite seem to figure you out Potter." Harry held up his hand.

"Harry, please call me Harry." He held out his hand in a formal greeting. Draco gave a small smile and shook it. Harry felt something akin to electricity as Draco's skin touched his and it made his mind go fuzzy and slightly disorienting. Then came a slight burn in his throat, like the feeling you get when it's dry. Though as the Slytherin re-introduced himself, Harry overcame the intense feeling and suppressed the burning.

"Draco," And the two just looked at each other, but Harry quickly let go and grasped at his throat as the burning increased. Worried Draco went to touch him again, but Harry just pulled away and moaned in pain. He looked to Draco and before he ran off he said, "Tomorrow after dinner" And with that he ran out of the potions room, taking the silencing charm with him. Draco could only look at the spot where he disappeared behind the door.

'I do not understand you Harry, but I'll be damned if I let you go now.' Draco thought as he returned to his potion sending Snape a look of determination.

This is the beginning of the twists! Be excited! Next time we will get to hear all about Harry persuading the other Slytherins and the input of the rest of the gang. Harry will face his fear, but with what? A new memory perhaps :P You'll have to read to see!

Kakeru