A/N: Animagus forms – The reason I included the symbology of Boy's animagus form and not Demon's is because Silas thought it could be useful in helping to treat Boy's mental trauma. Besides, Demon is a werewolf and that has never been considered as an animagus form. There would be no information there to look up.
Now. Many of you asked if Harry will be able to access the different forms even when he merges. As tempting as that is, the answer is no. His form will change and reflect the new, more complete, personality. I must also point out that there were no forms that could have been Kitten or Rose and so therefore the other alters won't keep their forms either. Before Rose joined with Harry, he most likely wasn't a stag. And before Silas absorbed Kitten, he probably wasn't a snake which holds both the negative and positive aspects of sexuality as well as cunning and adaptation.
A/N2: Alright. Here it is. The moment many of you have been waiting for. Draco is back!
Goblet of Fire and Slytherin's Chamber
"I don't believe it!" Ron said in a stunned voice as the Hogwarts students filed back into the school after the arrival of the foreign students. "Krum, Harry! Viktor Krum!"
"For heaven's sake, Ron, he's only a Quidditch player." Hermione rolled her eyes disdainfully.
Ron stuttered and stammered at her in incredulous shock as they sat down at the Gryffindor table. Harry and Neville were laughing, but the twins seemed as offended as their younger brother. They weren't the only ones. Students were practically drooling at Krum and searching for things the star could sign. One girl was sobbing when she realized she didn't have a quill on her.
In the end, Krum signed nothing and merely scowled at everyone. Durmstrang students sat with the Slytherins and Beauxbatons students sat with the Ravenclaws, much to Ron's disappointment. He was still staring mournfully at Krum when Dumbledore began speaking.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and – most particularly – guests!" He cried cheerfully, opening his arms expansively. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The Tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"
Dinner took longer than normal to finish as there was so much food to try. Everything went smoothly, except for Ron tripping all over himself when a beautiful Beauxbatons girl came and asked him for a dish on their table. Only Harry, Hermione, and Neville seemed unaffected by her shimmering blonde hair and gorgeous perfect smile. Hermione was instantly jealous and scathingly told Ron off for being such an idiot, but Harry and Neville suspected she must be part Veela as Ron wasn't the only one to seem enchanted with the girl.
When everyone was done eating, Dumbledore cleared the plates and introduced the two new arrivals, Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman, and explained the power of the Goblet of Fire and the general rules of the three tasks. They wouldn't know exactly what they were until it was closer to the time to be completed. The students were silent as they soaked in what Dumbledore was saying.
"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament," Dumbledore went on calmly, "One from each participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champions with the highest total after task three will win the TriWizard Cup. The champions will be judged by their magical prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction, and, of course, their ability to cope with danger."
Dumbledore set the goblet on a stand in front of the staff table where all the students at the four House tables could see it easily. He explained the age line (you had to be seventeen or older to enter) and that they had twenty-four hours to enter. The three names would be drawn the very next night after the Halloween Feast.
"An Age Line!" Fred grinned. "Well, that should be fooled by an Aging Potion, shouldn't it?"
"And once your name is chosen, you're obligated to compete! They can't stop us!" George finished.
"But I don't think anyone under seventeen stands a chance." Neville frowned. "It sounds really difficult."
"Speak for yourself." George glared. "We're competent and could really use the victory prize."
"You'll try to get in, won't you, Ron?" Fred leered.
But Ron didn't answer. He was too busy staring the Durmstrang students who were a bit ahead of them, trying to exit the Great Hall like everyone else. "Back to the ship." Headmaster Karkaroff was calling to his students. "Viktor, how are you feeling? Did you eat enough? Should I send for some mulled wine from the kitchens?"
Krum shook his head silently in refusal as he pulled his furs back on.
"Professor, I vood like some vine," another student said hopefully.
"I wasn't offering it to you, Poliakoff." Karkaroff spat. "I notice you have dribbled food all down the front of your robes again, disgusting boy!"
Harry and his friends had stopped to let them exit first, seeing how Ron wasn't walking anyway, and Karkaroff nodded at them distractedly. He was almost passed when he froze. He turned his head back to Harry and stared at him as though he couldn't believe his eyes. The Durmstrang students studied him curiously and when they got to the scar on his head, they froze in equal disbelief as their headmaster.
"Yeah, that's Harry Potter." Mad-Eye Moody growled at the Durmstrang students as he came up behind the still Gryffindors.
"You!" Karkaroff yelled, pale and frightened as he stared at Moody.
"Me." Moody grinned. "And unless you've got anything to say to Potter, Karkaroff, you might want to move. You're blocking the doorway."
Karkaroff glanced once more at Harry and swept out of the hall in a way that reminded all the Hogwarts students of Snape, but it was a poor imitation at best. The Durmstrang students followed in grim silence. Harry looked to Moody for an explanation, but Moody was already walking away, returning to the staff table where the teachers still sat talking with Dumbledore.
xXxXxXx
The next morning Gryffindor laughed as the twins tried the Aging Potion and ended up with white hair and long beards, nowhere near getting their names in the goblet. After that, the twins were taken to the infirmary, and the others decided that instead of returning to study, they would spend their Saturday morning down with Hagrid. They hadn't exactly spent time with him yet this year with everything that they were involved with. Despite their intentions, they ended up staying all day, and before they knew it, it was time for the Halloween Feast.
"He fancies her!" Ron said incredulously as they made their way up to the castle, trailing behind Hagrid and the Headmistress of Beauxbatons. "Well, if they end up having children, they'll be setting a world record – bet any baby of theirs would weigh a ton."
"Don't be so insensitive, Ron." Hermione chided. "I think they're sweet together."
"You would." Ron rolled his eyes.
The Great Hall looked incredible. There were floating pumpkins, carved magnificently with candles glowing inside them. Hundreds of white candles floated in the sky and decorations set a perfect mood. Still, everyone was too anxious to really enjoy the holiday treat and the feast seemed to take forever. The plates were finally spelled away and Dumbledore stood.
"Well, the goblet is about ready to make its decision. I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them to please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber" – he indicate the door behind him – "where they will receive their first instructions."
The students muttered excitedly as the blue fire licking out of the goblet stilled and then doubled in size, flaring red. Like ash, a piece of parchment fluttered away on a magical breeze and landed right into Dumbledore's hand. The chatter died instantly as the old wizard slowly unfolded the paper. Everyone held their breath.
"The champion for Durmstrang is… Viktor Krum!"
"No surprises there!" Ron yelled over the loud cheering filling the Hall.
Harry clapped good-naturedly and watched as Krum rose from the Slytherin table and slouched up to Dumbledore with his slightly waddling walk. He turned as directed and walked along the staff table before disappearing through the door into the next chamber. The clapping and cheering would have gone on for many more minutes, but the Goblet was already flaring red again and another paper fluttered into the air.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is… Fleur Delacour!"
"It's her, Ron!" Fred grinned at his younger brother.
"Your lady love who adores your bouillabaisse." George batted his eyes.
"Shut up!" Ron went red.
The beautiful blonde girl walked gracefully to the staff table, her hips swaying just so. Many people's eyes were pinned on her perfect form and ideas of romance and passionate encounters filled their minds. Harry firmed his shields, but before he did, he noticed spikes of despair and powerful disappointment and looked over at the Ravenclaw table to see many of the Beauxbatons students in tears.
"They're all so disappointed." Hermione frowned in sympathy. "Do you think they'll have to go home now that they weren't chosen?"
The others shrugged and turned their attention to the front where the goblet had gone red and a third parchment danced out of its fiery depths. Dumbledore caught the paper and called, "The Hogwarts champion is… Cedric Diggory!"
Hufflepuff went wild, leaping to their feet and screaming their approval. Cedric looked stunned for a moment before grinning and making his way up to the staff table. Everyone clapped for him even though the other Houses were filled with disappointment that one of their own wasn't chosen. Dumbledore was in the middle of dismissing them when the goblet flared red for a forth time.
The hall fell silent, watching with bated breath. Dumbledore read the parchment and looked surprised for a split second before masking his face. Harry went ridged as Silas hissed furiously in his mind, making dire promises of revenge. Confused, Harry was about to ask why he was so upset when the headmaster looked right at him.
"Harry Potter."
The teachers and foreign headmasters all converged on Dumbledore, whispering and gesturing frantically. Pale and trembling, Harry faced his friends. They stared back at him with equal shock. "I didn't put my name in. You know I didn't." They didn't answer him. The whole Hall was looking at him, shock turning into anger and disbelief. Harry flinched. How was it possible he was chosen? He hadn't put his name in… Gabriel? Did you do this? He asked, biting his lip.
No! Gabriel cried indignant.
I wouldn't have let him. Silas agreed. Dumbledore has something to do with this. Didn't you notice his disappointment when he saw Diggory's name? He left unsaid the fact that if Dumbledore didn't do this then Voldemort's agents had. Silas hadn't forgotten his visions. Nor had he forgotten all that he had learned from Draco's letters.
"Harry Potter!" Dumbledore called again. "Harry! Up here, if you please!"
"Go on," Hermione whispered faintly.
Harry stood and unclenched his hands from around Neville's forearm. His brother was staring back at him helplessly. Swallowing, the young teen made his way up to the headmaster. He felt sure the rest of the Hall could see his shaking. Wide, innocent eyes stared up at Dumbledore as the headmaster stared down at him sternly. The teachers all grouped behind the old wizard staring just as hard.
"I – I didn't – I don't know how – " he stuttered.
"Through the door, Harry." Dumbledore answered.
"But – "
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, and Harry turned and hurried toward the back door. Heart pounding, he entered the dimly lit room. It was about the size of Gryffindor's common room, lined with paintings and suits of armor. A huge fireplace stood at the back and a gentle fire was burning merrily there. The other champions stood in front of it and turned to look at him as he entered.
"What is it?" Fleur asked. "Do zey want us back in ze Hall?"
Harry couldn't answer. Now that he was away from the crowded Hall his empathy revealed the three teen's clearly to his eyes. Viktor was angry and tired. He didn't like that he was chosen. Cedric was nervous and running on adrenaline, happy but already having second thoughts. Only Fleur was happy, ambition and smug confidence rolled from her misleading small frame.
Before she could question Harry further, the rest of the teachers and Headmasters came pouring into the room. Harry winced away from the adults as vicious anger, sharp worry, and smothering suspicion filled the room like a tidal wave. They were all yelling at each other and Harry whimpered, falling away and into troubled dreams. Gabriel took his place and straightened his spine as he glared at the teachers and headmasters fighting over his fate. Bagman saw Harry's scowl and broke away from the tumult to come to his side.
"Extraordinary!" Ludo exclaimed, squeezing Gabriel's arm. The Gryffindor yanked away with a glare. Ludo laughed that away nervously and continued right on. "Absolutely extraordinary! Gentlemen and lady, may I introduce – incredible though it may seem – the fourth TriWizard champion?"
Krum straightened up. His surly face went blank as he surveyed Gabriel. Cedric looked bewildered, his eyes dancing back and forth between Bagman and his younger schoolmate. Fleur, however, went ugly with rage. Her voice soon joined the screaming of the others.
"This is absurd! Potter is fourteen years old! He clearly broke the rules by entering and should not be allowed to participate!" Severus yelled at Dumbledore, but pretended to yell at the Ministry officials.
"Two Hogwarts champions? This can not be allowed!" Karkaroff shouted.
"C'est impossible! It is most injust!"
"Your age line must have been faulty…!"
"He is not qualified for this sort of endeavor, Albus…"
"One of them MUST be disqualified and Diggory is clearly the one to continue…"
Dumbledore silenced them with magic and turned to the two Ministry officials. "Mr. Crouch… Mr. Bagman… You are our objective judges. What do you deem as the best course of action?"
Ludo wiped his round, boyish face with a handkerchief and looked to Mr. Crouch. The dark-haired man had a dull and bored expression, but answered his colleague with an even, emotionless voice. "We must follow the rules, and the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the Tournament."
Something's not right with him. Silas said darkly. He was already suspicious of everyone with the name Crouch and had been watching him closely. His eyes… They remind me of something.
"Well, Barty knows the rule book back to front." Ludo smiled in relief. "I agree with him completely! Harry Potter must compete!"
The headmasters demanded to have a second champion as well, but they were refused. The rules of the First Task were given and as soon as they were done, the headmasters left furious, trailing their champions behind them. The Ministry officials followed and Gabriel was left alone with Dumbledore and his teachers. The teen glared at them.
"Thank you for doing all you could to prevent me from competing in a dangerous and frivolous competition. You upheld your duty to me as your student honorably, and I will never forget it."
They stared at him, silent and pale.
"That was sarcasm if you didn't catch it." He growled, but focused his fury on the headmaster. "I won't be your pawn and I won't compete. No one asked me if I was willing, and I'm not."
"I'm deeply sorry, my boy, that I couldn't do anything to protect you." Dumbledore said with heavy sincerity. Gabriel scoffed at him, but the headmaster wasn't deterred. "But this is a magically binding contract and there will be penalties for breaking it."
"And what are the penalties for willfully endangering a vulnerable minor child under your protection?" Gabriel demanded. "What penalties are there for THAT?"
"He has a point, Albus." Moody growled from the shadows by the door. It was his job to make sure no one could listen in on them. "The boy didn't enter his name. Someone else did. And that someone had to be powerful to bamboozle that goblet into forgetting that only three schools compete in the Tournament. I'm guessing they submitted Potter's name under a fourth school, to make sure he was the only one chosen. Why would such a powerful and resourceful person go to such lengths to subject Potter to this dangerous competition unless they were trying to get him killed?
"Thank you, Alastor." Dumbledore said harshly. "That is enough."
"Surely he is mistaken." McGonagall said worriedly.
"It doesn't matter." Gabriel snapped. "I'm not doing this. I won't face the penalties because I didn't enter my name into that goblet!"
"These tasks will be difficult and dangerous, but they are all surmountable if care is taken before entering. Harry isn't the only one who might suffer in the competition." Dumbledore said gravely. "Cedric, Fleur, and Viktor face the same dangers and could get severely injured. At least Harry has someone from his own school to look out for him and possibly protect him from certain attacks. And vice versa."
Gabriel stiffened as he immediately understood what Dumbledore was saying. He wasn't a normal fourteen year old. In fact, because his specialty was combat and he was equipped physiologically to deal with battle situations efficiently, he had an advantage over all the other champions. If he let himself continue with this farce, he could be there to catch any of the champions if they fell, protect them, and maybe even save their lives. Granted, they entered this with their own free will, but none of them knew the tasks and who knew whether they would have still consented if they had known what the tasks held ahead of time.
No! Gabriel, I refuse! You can't do this! Silas yelled furiously. Don't you remember my visions? Voldemort has his eyes on the TriWizard Tournament for whatever reason and we can't get involved.
Moldy-wart is another reason to compete. If he's coming, he'll be after me and the other champions will be innocent bystanders. Gabriel stood straight and looked into Dumbledore's eyes. "Alright. I'm in." His gaze slid to Severus. The man was staring back at him, stricken. He and Silas would just have to understand; he didn't need their permission. This was something he had to do.
Gabriel! You moron! If Voldemort is really after us, joining the Tournament only puts the other champions in MORE danger! Silas screamed.
Sorry, Sy. Gabriel said sincerely, but he was unmoved from his course.
"Very well." Dumbledore bowed his head. "You should get to bed. I am sure Gryffindor is waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."
Gabriel left the room in silence and made his way up to Gryffindor Tower with an equal silence resounding in his mind. Silas was not happy and was letting him know it. He winced, but couldn't do anything about it. Instead, he braced himself and entered the Lion's Den, ready to face the accusations and questions he was sure would come.
xXxXxXx
Gabriel expected anger and found it in all the wrong places. He had been swept up into a cheering mass in the Gryffindor common room. They hefted him onto their shoulders, wrapped him in banners, and laughingly demanded to know how he managed to ensure he was chosen. They praised him and made him promise to make them proud. Gabriel went with it, relieved.
It was very late when he was finally released and bounded up to his dorm. He didn't expect to find Dean and Seamus silent and watching Ron carefully, and Neville outright glaring at the redhead. He soon discovered why as the redhead started in on him, not believing he had nothing to do with his name coming out of the goblet and green with envy. Granted, Ron wasn't the only one who didn't believe him when he said he didn't put his name in the goblet, only Neville and maybe Hermione did, but at least the other Gryffindors were supporting him.
"I didn't put my name in that goblet!"
"Yeah, okay." Ron sneered. "Only you said this morning you'd have done it last night, and no one would've seen you… I'm not stupid, you know."
"Could've fooled me! A true friend would know me better than this." Gabriel snapped, sick of Ron's attitude. "Guess you're not much of a friend."
"Well, neither are you!" Ron spat back. "You're too busy being an attention seeking celebrity to care about us little people!"
"The only little person in this room is you! I can't believe you'd be jealous over this! You should know better than anyone by now that this isn't a walk in the park! There's ALWAYS danger involved with being me!"
"Poor you. I think I'll cry myself to sleep tonight." Ron gritted before sliding his curtains closed violently.
"Don't talk to me again, Ron, until you are ready to apologize for being a complete arse of a friend."
Great going. Silas sneered.
Shut up, Sy. You can't stand him, so you don't really care. And don't bother telling me Harry would have handled it different. I know he would, but I'm SICK of that idiot's immature attitude. Ron needs to grow up! Gabriel climbed into their bed and pulled the curtains closed.
It took him a while to fall asleep, but when he did, Silas was ready and came to the surface. He carefully climbed out of bed and grabbed their invisibility cloak. No one heard him leave. He slid silently through the darkness toward the dungeons, burning with irritation and anger at Gabriel's actions. A cold smile touched his lips. He knew Gabriel wouldn't approve of what he was doing, and that made his decision all the sweeter, but he wasn't doing it just for that. He did feel that this was necessary to their continued survival. The more information they had, and the more people looking out for Voldemort's influences, the better.
He got to the Slytherin common room. It wasn't guarded by a portrait. Instead, like Diagon Alley, you had to touch the correct stone in the wall and the doorway would be revealed. It was clever and harder to bypass than a portrait, but he knew a spell that would get him by easily. With four quietly whispered words and a swirl and flick of his wand, the wall lit up. The more often a stone had been touched in the last twenty-four hours, the brighter it was. Silas touched the single revealed knot of light and the portal opened with a soft growl.
Harry had been in the Slytherin common room in second year. It didn't look much changed. It was different from Gryffindor in the fact that it wasn't one large round room of open space. Instead it had many turns and stairs so that it was divided into several private areas. There were three fireplaces and the carpeting was a deep green. There were three stairs leading up into dorms and Silas cast the point-me spell.
He went to the far right and climbed silently, his eyes carefully looking and feeling for spell residue that would betray a trap. There was nothing. Of course, he thought with amusement, the Slytherins couldn't make it too difficult to get up to the dorm rooms when there were people like Crabbe and Goyle who would most likely forget and constantly set them off.
He reached the top of the stairs to see a long hallway with several doors and at the end another staircase going up. Casting the point-me spell again, he was relieved to find Draco on this floor behind the second door to the left. He sensed spells on the door and sighed. Softly whispering, he cast diagnostic spells that would begin to sketch for him the type of magic used and what it's most likely purpose was. From that, he could deduce what spells were used and cast the counters. Of course, Draco Malfoy had a Death Eater father and it was highly likely that he wouldn't recognize the spell signatures. And he didn't. Well, there was always plan B.
He knocked on the door, his ears straining to hear if he had woken any of the other Slytherins up. Nothing. He knocked again more loudly but for a shorter time. He heard rustlings inside Draco's room. The blonde opened the door and Silas had to appreciate that though he had waken the Slytherin Draco's eyes were alert and not at all sleep-fogged. Goyle also opened his door, looking much less alert, and asked what was going on. Silas contorted and slipped past Draco and into the blonde's room without touching him.
"Is this a joke?" Draco growled. "Who knocked on my door?"
"I didn't see anybody." Goyle whined. "I didn't do it, Draco."
"Go to sleep, imbecile, and if you do it again, I'll be very displeased." The blonde shut the door with a firm swing and turned back to his bed with a scowl. The expression was quickly erased when he saw Harry Potter sitting on his bed with an evil smirk. Draco's mouth fell open with shock.
"Very interesting." Silas said casually, eyes leaving the blonde to take in the rest of the room. "Do they often knock on your door and run back to their rooms?"
"What are you doing in here?" Draco hissed, recovering himself. "How did you get in?"
"Calm down, Serpentine." Silas stood and brushed at his shoulders nonchalantly. "You said in your letter that you had something to discuss, but privately and in person. Well, here I am. I also have a business proposition for you."
Draco quickly got his balance back and raised an eyebrow in interest. His gray eyes looked him up and down. "You are a very good actor, Potter. How can you stand pretending to be the blubbering Hufflepuff?" He drawled.
"Oh. It's easier than you would think." Silas smiled, but his eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you interested, Draco? Or aren't you?"
"I'm interested." Draco answered easily, flicking his fingers in assent.
"Good." Silas moved toward him. "Get dressed. We're going to talk somewhere where I'm certain we won't be overheard."
"Where?" Draco asked, eyes suspicious. He stood his ground, however, and didn't move as Silas stalked up to him. The teen was about two inches shorter than him, but somehow he felt much smaller and vulnerable with those piercing green eyes pinned to him.
"Don't you trust me?" Silas asked in a whisper. Draco thought about it and then slowly nodded. "Then get moving. We don't have all night. I'll meet you outside the potions classroom, but I won't wait long. Open your door."
Draco turned and did as asked. When he turned around, Harry wasn't there. He hurried and looked out the door, but the hallway was empty as well. Frowning and impressed, Draco hurried out of his silk pajamas and into slacks and a heavy green sweater of the softest cotton. It took him about seven minutes and another ten or so to get to the classroom without being seen. Harry wasn't there, so he reached for the door, thinking he might be waiting inside and out of sight.
"Don't."
Draco spun around and his mouth fell open to see Harry leaning against the wall across from him, hands in his pocket, and an amused half-smile quirking his lips. How was he doing that?
"Professor Snape has an alarm on the door so he knows if anyone tries to brew a potion outside class." Silas explained and came off the wall. "Follow me and keep quiet."
Draco shut his mouth, but hesitated. Things were getting really strange and it was creeping him out to watch Harry move and act so unlike he did during the day. This was the boy who stuttered when his name came out of the goblet? This was the boy who was rumored to have cried in Defense Against the Dark Arts when that bastard Moody demonstrated the Killing Curse? On the other hand, this person matched who he had come to respect and trust through their letters. So he followed.
Silas led him up to Myrtle's bathroom. His tread was silent and his gait was smooth. Draco kept up easily and stepped just as silently on the balls of his feet. Silas was thoroughly enjoying this. He felt Draco was a kindred spirit and their silent progression, with him a bit in the lead and Draco following blindly, filled him with a pleased contentment. Maybe Gabriel was onto something when the Gryffindor said that he wanted something just for himself.
"What are we doing here?" Draco whispered, his voice hard.
Silas knew the blonde was fingering his wand and smiled. Draco may be a kindred spirit, but that meant he was also dangerous and prone to betrayal. That was another reason he had decided to bring him here. It would be a show of strength that Draco couldn't possibly counter and give him the upper hand until the blonde could even the score a bit. It would also be a very blatant unspoken warning that betraying him would be very bad for his health and he should be really, really sure it was worth it.
"I want to show you something." He answered and entered Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Thankfully the ghost wasn't in sight and he stepped up to the sinks without trouble. "Are you coming, Draco?"
The blonde hesitated, his muscles tight and ready to spring. He looked into Harry's green eyes and though they were hard and filled with amused intelligence, he couldn't completely forget that this was Harry Potter, the hero who wouldn't intentionally harm another. He stepped forward. Silas smiled to himself, knowing the blonde's thoughts from his expression, and hissed at the sink.
"Wha – " Draco heard the Parseltongue and had a moment to fear his assessment was wrong, but his question and thoughts were cut off as the sink opened to reveal a dark hole. Something pushed him from behind and he turned burning eyes to Silas who was smirking as he fell. He didn't scream, but he wanted to. His heart pounded in his chest and he felt lightheaded as if he might faint. The only thing that was keeping him conscious was his burning rage.
He hit the ground hard and all the wind was knocked from his lungs. Silas landed a few seconds later, but remained on his feet. Draco leapt up and aimed his wand. Silas's eyes glittered with warning and the utter coldness in that gaze reminded Draco of his father. It made him hesitate.
"Welcome to Slytherin's Chamber, Draco Malfoy. You are only the third person to ever step foot here in over fifty years."
That knocked Draco's anger askew and he looked around in wonder. Was he really standing in the Chamber of Secrets? Curiosity and awe filled him and he let his irritation at the small Gryffindor slide away. This was definitely more interesting. Silas smirked again and led the way down the hall. The debris was long gone as he expected. Hogwarts wouldn't have left it damaged, not when it was beloved by one of the founder's.
He hissed the doors open and the chamber was finally revealed. Torches lit and filled the huge room with light. The floor was as smooth and flat as glass and was so polished that it actually reflected the light as the calm surface of a lake would. The monument of Salazar Slytherin stood as it had and the corpse of the basilisk lay where it had died.
"Merlin." Draco's choked whisper sounded behind him.
"I defeated him in second year, as I'm sure you remember." Silas answered casually. "I destroyed Tom Riddle's sixteen-year-old memory as well. That's Voldemort's real name if you didn't know. His father was muggle and his mother was an inbred, pureblood descended from Slytherin. As for the basilisk, I know that it's parts are very precious and useful in potions and I thought you would be interested in helping me profit from this creature."
"Of course." Draco answered faintly. His mind was swirling with the knowledge given to him. Voldemort was a half-blood? His eyes returned to the basilisk's head and he felt sure he would never have been able to defeat the beast. It lay on the ground, only a few inches shorter than they were. Its body was a good four feet around and its length was thirty feet.
Silas was also staring at the snake. He shook his head as his memories of Gabriel fearlessly throwing himself against such a creature rose in his mind. And the idiot was going to be repeating those reckless actions during the Tournament. He bit back his rising anger and turned to the blonde.
"How did you kill it?" Draco demanded.
"If you look, you can see the sword wound that went up through the roof of its mouth and into its brain. I believe I mentioned it in the letter." Silas drawled, amused again. The blonde nodded, gazing at the basilisk once more. "What did you wish to tell me, Draco?"
The blonde's attention returned to him, but he didn't say anything.
"Alright. I'll begin." Silas tucked his hands into his pockets, watching Draco with steady eyes. "Your first letter to me was an invitation for a temporary cease fire. You said the supposed rivalry between us would remain."
"Supposed?" Draco sneered.
"Yes. Supposed. You set yourself against me, but in all honesty you were never a consideration in my actions." Silas shrugged and Draco's face flushed with anger. "But you also said that you would be willing to part with information about and gathered by your father. This was surprising and I accepted. However, in your last letter, the tone changed. You hinted that you found Slytherin House, and in extension Hogwarts, your home and not Malfoy Manor. You also said you wanted to tell me things you could not afford to write on paper. I assume whatever you want to say pertains to where your allegiance lies. Unfortunately, no matter what you say, your trustworthiness is an issue. That is why I decided to meet with you. I figured I'd be able to get a more honest feel for your intentions this way."
"And this just coincidently happens the night you are chosen to be the fourth champion." Draco growled. "I find that unlikely."
"You're right. It isn't a coincidence. But that should hardly matter." Silas shrugged again. "The point is still the same."
"What do you want, Potter?" Draco demanded. "Why did you bring me down here?"
"You could be useful to me, but so could other people. I figured I could give you a chance. So here it is, Malfoy. What do you want to say to me?"
"You'd give me a chance." Draco repeated in disgust. "I don't need anything from you."
"I beg to differ." Silas said seriously. "Don't waste this, Draco. Think beyond the pride you believe is being injured and see the bigger picture."
"And what would that be?" Draco snarled.
Silas met his hot gaze coolly. Draco's temper faded as the other boy shook his head in despair. "I'm not walking you into this, Draco. You have to do it on your own. Obviously, you're not willing. Let's go."
"Wait." Draco bit out as the teen began walking away. "Alright. I'll talk."
Silas laughed, "This isn't an interrogation. I just want to know if you're my enemy or not."
"I'm not your enemy." Draco glared at the basilisk corpse. "I will not be marked or serve the Dark Lord. But I will not support Dumbledore either."
"May I ask why you are turning against your father?"
"He's changed." Draco explained softly. His shoulders drooped. Not many people would recognize the grief hidden in his voice. "Ever since second year, he's begun to change and this past summer was worst. He never smiles and is always angry. He's driven and cruel, and there's no reason behind his cruelty. I don't want that to happen to me. I've talk to my mother and she told me that he was like this all the time when he was an active Death Eater and so she suspects that he is participating in Death Eater activities once again. Mother says that the Dark Lord enslaves his followers and eats their souls." He looked up and his eyes blazed with pained determination. "I won't let that happen to me. I'm a Malfoy. I serve no one and my soul is my own."
"Good." Silas smiled and it wasn't cold or hard. It was soft with understanding and honest pleasure. "I'm going to need your help."
Draco blinked at that. "What do you need help with?"
"This basilisk for one." He drawled. "But also with this Tournament. I didn't put my name in the goblet, nor did I ask anyone else to do it for me. Someone wants me to participate and I believe that person is working for Voldemort." He sighed dramatically. "Another year and another attempt at my life. How boring."
Draco was startled into a laugh.
Silas felt a rush of accomplishment and smiled. "Seriously, though, I believe Crouch Sr. is a part of this somehow. In any case, there is someone in this school who wants me dead or in Voldemort's clutches. I want to know who. Any information you can gather would be helpful."
"Why should I?" Draco frowned, crossing his arms. "If anyone found out what I was doing, I'd be in serious trouble."
"Because you will be recompensated for your help." Silas rolled his eyes. The boy had already agreed to help, so why was he arguing about this? "And the sooner I can get rid of Voldemort the better it will be for you and your family."
Draco eyed him, "I'm not fighting against the Dark Lord."
"I know." Silas soothed. "I never expected it. I've only asked you for information."
Draco nodded once. "Alright. I'll let you know if I hear anything, but I'm not going out of my way to find you answers."
"That's fine." Silas smiled. "Now what should we do with this beast?"
"Let's come back tomorrow night. I'll bring containers and dissecting tools." Draco offered, his eyes filled with greed as they roamed over the large snake.
"I have a book on what parts are more valuable and how they should be stored." Silas said casually. "I'll bring it."
"Good." Draco looked over at the brunette and smiled. Silas mirrored his gleeful expression.
xXxXxXx
Harry woke the next morning and groaned, burying his face into his pillow. Memories of the night before came crashing back and he wished with all his heart it had been just a dream.
I'm sorry, Harry. Gabriel said gently. I had a chance to get us out of this, but I didn't take it.
"What? Why?" Harry gasped, shocked.
Because someone entered your name and wants us in this Tournament. It's better to face it head on than to hide and trip over a trap we didn't see. If that makes sense. Plus, if they've booby-trapped the tasks, the other champions are in danger. I couldn't sit by and not accept the chance to help them if I could.
"Cedric was already nervous. I don't think he really thought he'd be chosen, and Krum didn't seem too thrilled either." Harry admitted. "Do you think Headmaster Karkaroff forced him to put his name in the goblet?"
Maybe. Gabriel said grimly. He's famous for Quidditch and they could expect him to continue winning them glory. He didn't seem thrilled with all his fans either.
"No." Harry sighed.
So you understand? I'm way ahead of the fourth year curriculum and more capable than the others. I have to be there to make sure they aren't hurt.
"I understand." Harry bit his lip. "What does Silas think of all this?"
He's not happy. In fact, he's not talking to me at the moment. Gabriel sighed. I think he's sleeping since he's in his room with the door shut.
"Oh." Harry frowned. "Maybe we shouldn't do this then."
It's too late now. Gabriel shook his head. Look. I care about Silas, too, but I'm not going to change my mind. I have to do this.
"Alright." Harry sighed again.
There's one more thing I have to tell you. Ron didn't believe me when I said we didn't put your name in the goblet. We got into a fight. I don't think he's talking to you anymore, but the rest of Gryffindor supports us. But only Neville, and maybe Hermione, believes us about the not putting your name in.
"Why wouldn't he believe you?" Harry threw his covers off and opened his curtains, intent on talking to his friend, but when he looked around he saw he was the last one up. He hurried into his clothes and rushed down the stairs. The Gryffindors cheered loudly as soon as he came into sight. Even with his shields at full strength, he could feel the excitement and anticipation swirling around him. He blushed hotly and lowered his eyes as his Housemates patted him on the back and congratulated him. It took him a good fifteen minutes to get to the portrait hole and he practically dived for it, almost knocking Hermione and Neville down.
"Harry!" Hermione scolded.
"I'm sorry." His blush intensified.
"We thought you wouldn't want to go to the Great Hall." Neville helped steady them both on their feet. "So we brought you a plate."
"Thank you." Harry smiled, his green eyes bright. "I really, really appreciate it."
"Come on." Hermione tugged at his arm. "Let's go eat by the lake. No one will bother us there."
xXxXxXx
Harry sat next to his two friends and stared at Durmstrang's ship moored in the lake while he ate the breakfast Hermione had brought him. It was getting cold, but all of them remembered to bring sweaters so it wasn't that bad. Plus, with Neville sitting on one side and Hermione on the other, he had their body heat to keep him warm.
"Hermione, do you believe me? About not putting my name in the goblet?" He asked when he finished.
"Well of course I do!" She huffed, surprised. "The look on your face when Dumbledore read out your name! But the question is: who did put it in? Because Moody's right, Harry… I don't think any student could have done it… they'd never be able to fool the Goblet of Fire or get over Dumbledore's age line."
Harry nodded and bit his lip. "Did you see Ron this morning?"
Hermione hesitated, so Neville answered. "Yes. We saw him."
"Is he mad at me?"
"Well… no, I don't think so… not really." Hermione tried.
"Yes." Neville disagreed. "He's being a prat."
"He's just jealous." Hermione defended. "It's always Harry who gets all the attention. I know it's not your fault, Harry, but – well – you know, Ron's got all those brothers to compete against at home, and you're his best friend, and you're really famous – he's always shunted to one side whenever people see you, and he puts up with it, and he never mentions it, but I suppose this is just one time to many…"
"That's a really lame excuse, Hermione." Neville glared. "He's supposed to be Harry's friend, and for him to care about all that shite makes it seem like he was his friend only because of the attention it could get him, and now that he sees it's not working he's throwing a fit."
"That's not true!" Hermione yelled and then turned a pleading look to Harry. "Just go talk to him. I'm sure you'll see that everything will be fine then."
No way! It's not your place to go chasing after the prat trying to make him grow up! That's something he's just going to have to do on his own. Gabriel seethed.
Harry sighed, "I'm not the one that's separating us, Hermione. I'll be happy to talk to him, but I can't force him. That will only make it worse. Ron will just have to come around on his own."
They sat in silence, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. After a few minutes, Hermione stood, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm really worried about you, Harry. This tournament is dangerous and someone went to a lot of trouble to get you to compete. I think you should write Sirius and tell him what's happened. He's going to read about it eventually anyway, and maybe he can help you."
Harry looked to Neville for his opinion, but his brother only shrugged. He stood and decided that it would be worth it if it made Hermione feel better. He could feel her emotions tight as a spring and ready to snap, so he nodded and she smiled at him gratefully.
And it might be better if we give our spin on things before he hears about it, otherwise he might come rushing to the school and get caught. Gabriel added.
Good point. Harry agreed and picked up his pace.
xXxXxXx
Dear Sirius,
You told me to keep you posted on what's happening at Hogwarts, so here it goes – On Saturday night I got picked as a fourth champion. I don't know who put my name in the Goblet of Fire, because I didn't. The other Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory, from Hufflepuff. Please don't worry and don't do anything rash. Remus and I are worried about you. We don't want you to get caught. I promise I'll let you know if I need help. Until then, take care of yourself.
Harry
P.S. Hey, old man. I just wanted to make sure you understood the message. I've got things under control. You know I can take care of myself. There is something funny going on, but we've got our eyes open. Don't do anything stupid or I'll have to kick your arse.
– Your fellow Gryffindor
xXxXxXx
Silas met Draco in Myrtle's bathroom. Under his arm was the book he had found in Severus' library and had spent three hours copying with magic. In it, it detailed all the most potent basilisk parts and how they are dissected and stored. Draco smirked at the Slytherin and they descended into the chamber. When they reached the corpse, Draco placed a shrunken trunk on the ground and returned it to its rightful size. Inside were jars, bottles, and boxes made of different kinds of metals. One was even crystal.
They got to work, talking only of basilisks and the potions the ingredients they were collecting could be used in. It was peaceful. They worked for two hours before Silas called a halt. Gabriel didn't have an appointment with Severus, since it was the weekend, but he would once the week started and he didn't want Draco getting suspicious of why he was leaving early. It was best to set the precedent now.
They packed up and agreed to meet again on Wednesday. Draco took the trunk (the idea was that if it were found on him, he'd be able to explain it away easier than Harry could), and they went up the stairs found at the back of Slytherin's statue. It led them to a hidden door on the second floor behind a tapestry. They tried going back through it, but once it shut it could not be opened or seen from the second floor corridor. It was an exit only, and the third floor bathroom was the only entrance.
"See you, Shadow." Draco said.
Silas nodded and they went their separate ways; Draco to his dorm room and Silas to the library.
Chapter end - Please review!