Malfoy had stayed behind, though this obviously wasn't met well by some of his Housemates. There had been a tremendous fight in the Entrance Hall the day before everyone was to head home. Malfoy had taken a fair beating from six of the older Slytherin students. Whether he let himself take it to appear weak or whether he genuinely couldn't fend off that many attackers on his own was anyone's guess. Harry didn't plan on asking, certainly. A bit of friendly sparring to check the blonde's current level wouldn't he a bad idea.
Pansy had been avoiding Harry for the most part. She looked about as good as Harry felt anymore. Bags had started to form under her eyes, due to lack of sleep, the issue with Harry, and worry about what would happen to her now that she had stayed at Hogwarts and cemented her side on the inevitable war that was approaching.
Harry still had nightmares. Balthazar hadn't reached out to him since the last time, which left Harry worried about how close to completion Voldemort's plan was. The Pit was almost completely empty now, with almost everyone home for the holidays. Harry spent much of his time reading and thinking. There was a lot to think about now. If nothing else, Pansy had helped focus him. His thoughts weren't as wildly out of control as they once were. At least, not when he was staring at something. A book, the fire, anything so long as it wasn't the quietness of the room. He still couldn't form his Occlumency barriers before going to bed.
A few days before the break began, Harry had approached Tonks and Solieyu, telling him what he had told Pansy. If they couldn't get themselves together, grow up, and get stronger, then he was going to leave them behind. Tonks seemed steely-eyed at this and Solieyu just looked angry. It was the last time Harry had spoken to either of them. Neither had come by to comment, which lead Harry to make a very difficult choice. Did he continue to wait, showing that his ultimatum had no weight behind it, or did he do as he said he would?
Moving on meant leaving four and a half years of memories behind him so he could focus on the future. It meant that every night of comfortable sleep, every day getting to spend with Tonks, every time he had made her laugh... it meant leaving it all behind. All because they couldn't see reality for what it was. Harry had tried researching vampires, but came up empty in regards to counteracting the vampire's veela-like charm.
The students of Hogwarts actively got out of Harry's way now. He skulked through the halls so much that he could have passed for a younger Snape if he tried a bit more. Now that the break had begun and the two Slytherins had made their decision, it wasn't as dangerous for them to be seen talking. At least not until everyone else returned. Very few stayed at Hogwarts that year. Too many killings being reported. Harry wondered, not for the first time, how many of his friends he would never see again once the holidays were over.
It wasn't the whispering about Harry that bothered him, really. Usually he just blocked it out. People had talked for him in secret for almost five years now, after all. But they were starting to come up with ridiculous nicknames for him now that he was getting moodier and paler. It didn't help that Fred and George had helped out, spouting nonsense like 'The Dark Prince' and 'King Raven' about.
When midnight on the 24th occurred and Christmas Day officially began, it was to find Harry on the Pit's couch, gazing at the fire. It was deathly quiet in the Pit, as it had tended to be lately, but it bothered him this year. Normally, he would at least have Tonks and Solieyu to talk to. He didn't have anyone around this time. He had idly danced around the idea of transfiguring something into a Christmas tree, but the idea seemed to sour him in the end. Why bother? He wouldn't have anyone to share it with.
Malfoy had made himself scarce after the fight he had had. He was probably mulling over what his decision had meant, too. It had been a brave thing to do, and it was a big step for the blonde. Harry didn't blame him for wanting to be alone. But Harry wanted just the opposite. He needed someone there for him. He needed to be able to know someone cared. He couldn't go see Sirius for the holidays. He couldn't even send his godfather a present. It would be intercepted. All mail coming into and going out of Hogwarts was being inspected these days.
Naturally, Harry was awake all night. His mind went over the same things countless times. He knew the answers to all the questions he had given to himself. But it helped to pass the time. It helped distract him. Anything to avoid feeling so empty on such a festive day. Hogwarts wasn't decorated as much as it usually was this year. Hagrid's giant pumpkins were nowhere to be found, for one. Apparently, he had taken offense to Umbridge's comments about his teaching style and he had become distant. It hadn't helped that Dumbledore was removed from command of the school.
It was a miserable, depressing Christmas, the first one Harry had experienced since learning he was a wizard.
Getting to his feet, Harry headed for the door. He had something he needed to do. As he walked the familiar corridors of the castle, he slid his hands into his pockets. Hogwarts itself almost seemed sick this year. Harry could understand that, given the mess going on inside its walls. At least Hogwarts seemed to be on his side.
Harry saw her from down the hallway the minute he rounded the corner. She was walking with a few of her friends. They stopped when they saw him approaching. Pansy's friends backed away from her when they saw the look on his face. As Harry drew closer, he pulled his right hand from his pocket, put it under Pansy's chin, gently tilted her head up, and moved his in.
This time it could be Pansy's turn to be shocked by a kiss out of nowhere.
When Harry stepped back, hand sliding back into his pocket, he gauged the girl's reaction. She was blushing quite deeply, of course. Her friends had a mix of confusion, horrified, and jealous expressions on their faces. Pansy herself just looked stunned, as though she would never have expected Harry to do something like that. To be fair, Harry himself didn't think he had it in him. But she was willing to be there for him - willing to help him - when Tonks wouldn't. She knew how he felt, she knew exactly what was going on, and she was still willing to do that. It meant more to Harry than he could adequately express in words.
"We need to talk." Harry finally said, his voice quiet.
Pansy simply nodded slowly, following behind Harry as he turned and walked off. The minute they had vanished from view, her friends immediately launched into a conversation that would consume the better part of their day.
"That... wow..." Pansy said as she caught up to Harry. "I... didn't expect that kind of answer..."
"Sometimes..." Harry began, offering the girl a wan smile, "The best choice is the obvious one."
"So... wait, does this...?" Pansy began.
"It does." Harry said.
"I know it won't be forever..." Pansy said. "But... at least for now..."
"Yeah." Harry murmured. "For now..."
Back in the Pit a few minutes later, Harry sank back onto the couch. Pansy sat next to him, still looking incredulous at the whole situation. After awhile, though, it finally sank in. When it did, she scooted closer and leaned against Harry.
Harry blinked at this. "...You really have cared for a long time, haven't you? Why?"
"Second year." Pansy murmured quietly. "You changed my way of thinking. About breaking free of the path I was on and finding a new one to walk down. Without even having to pause to think about it, and with me pinning you to the wall, wand aimed, you said you'd risk your life even to save someone like me."
"I remember that." Harry said, slipping an arm around Pansy's shoulders as he continued to gaze at the fire. "I'm sorry for all the mean things I said to you that day. You gave me my first kiss ever. You know that, right?"
"...What, seriously?" Pansy asked, turning her head to look at Harry.
"Yup. Foreshadowing, I guess." Harry chuckled.
Pansy smiled at him. "Seems like it. Things didn't quite work out the way I'd hoped. I was kind of hoping you would notice me at the Yule Ball last year..."
"And then I went and kissed Tonks in front of everyone. Guess that explains that. Sorry..." Harry said.
"It's partly my own fault. I got all dressed up and didn't even have the nerve to approach you. Figured you wouldn't notice me even if I did..." Pansy muttered.
"Times change." Harry said. "You did look very pretty, for the record. It did make me a minute before I realized it was you, though."
"Yeah, I tried something different. I liked it. Not a great night on the whole, though." Pansy admitted. "...Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Does this mean... y'know... tonight?" Pansy asked.
"I... not tonight, no. I'm sorry, Pansy." Harry sighed. "We're going to have to start small... You have to realize what a big jump this is..."
"No, I understand. It's alright. Now that I know... I don't mind waiting." Pansy said, laying her head over on Harry's shoulder.
Leaning his against hers, Harry closed his eyes. "Merry Christmas, Pansy. Sorry I wasn't able to get you a proper present."
"You gave me better than I was expecting." Pansy said, unable to keep a grin from rising. "Could've been worse."
"Yeah. I could have gift-wrapped Goyle for you." Harry said.
"Ohhh, Harry! Please don't make me think about that! Oh, I don't want breakfast now..." Pansy scowled.
Laughing for what seemed to be the first time in ages, Harry apologized. "Sorry, sorry. Cheap shot. Couldn't resist."
Pansy tilted her head to kiss Harry's cheek. "It's good to hear you laugh."
"It's good to have the ability to laugh back." Harry said.
"Merry Christmas." Pansy said. "I hope I'm a good enough present."
"You are." Harry said, kissing the girl's forehead softly. "You are."
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Harry had spent the better part of the winter holidays steeling himself. When they came to an end, he knew that all hell would end up breaking loose if he wasn't careful. Harry had talked to Malfoy many times about what he planned to do. Malfoy had shrugged the concern off, saying he would be able to handle the riffraff by himself. Harry accepted this, but said that if anything should happen, he had better escape to the Pit. Better to preserve one's life than one's pride.
Harry had spent most of the holidays in the Pit with Pansy, slowly getting used to her being so close to him. Things had yet to progress up to where Harry would feel comfortable with her sleeping with him, but he was feeling better than he had in months. It wasn't saying a whole lot, then, that he still looked like hell and couldn't sleep properly. But his days, at least, were less painful now. It was a step in the right direction and one that he was happy with having made.
Still, things weren't going to be pleasant once everyone returned. Many things would come crashing back down. His issues with his friends and the Slytherins harassing Pansy and Malfoy being paramount. Harry was sure Lucius was planning something to get even with his traitorous son. Most likely tapping fellow Death Eater children to do his dirty work for him. That or he'd have Umbridge spirit his son off. If Harry had his way, Malfoy would just stay cooped up in the Pit until Umbridge was booted from the headmistress position. But, as he had no idea when that would be, not to mention the fact that Malfoy would laugh if he even suggested it, it wasn't to be.
The day the holiday break ended, Harry was in the Great Hall. He and Pansy had spent most of the morning talking. She and Malfoy assured him time and again that they would be fine - that not all Slytherins were destined to be Death Eaters. Malfoy had been very well regarded in their House and should still be able to pull respect from those without the Mark. It wasn't a lot of hope to go on, but it was enough to keep Harry from worrying about it as much.
There was no use trying to hide it anymore. The Death Eaters' children now knew for certain what side Malfoy had chosen. Trying to hide it now would be pointless. And with Harry in such an unstable mood, he was sure that if Malfoy couldn't make the Slytherins cower away from him, HE could. He was banking on it, anyway. And with the fallout sure to occur when his friends saw that he and Pansy had more or less become an item over the holidays, he was sure to be in a bad enough mood to pull it off.
They began arriving in mid-morning and, by lunchtime, everyone was in the Great Hall. At the staff table, Umbridge gave a simpering welcome back speech to those who had gone home. Harry once more sat at the end of the Ravenclaw table. He got up to greet the Weasleys when they came back, asking how their father was.
"Good as ever!" Fred declared.
"You don't seem to look as bad anymore, either." George observed.
"What happened?" They asked in unison.
"You'll see." Harry said, his smile fading slightly. "In fact, I'm sure everyone will. Might need help fending off Tonks and Leon."
"Oh dear." Ginny said. "This isn't going to be good, is it?"
"Not in the least." Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But it had to happen. And, as you've noted, I look better now. It isn't a coincidence. Oh, and if any of you happen to overhear someone talking about Draco, shake them down and ask what for. It's going to be dangerous for awhile."
"Roger that." The twins said, glancing at the Slytherin table. Draco and Pansy were sitting at the end closest to the door, like Harry was. A few of their real friends were acting as a buffer between them and the Death Eaters' children. There were openly hostile looks being shot their way.
Harry went back to the Ravenclaw table and sat as the Weasleys headed for their own. Harry had made no real plans for how things were going to go. He would fly by the seat of his pants like usual and just pray for the best outcome. He new it wouldn't occur, but it never hurt to try. If neither Solieyu or Tonks got in contact with him by the end of lunch, things with Pansy would continue as planned. And judging by the fact that neither had even said hello to him when they showed up...
Harry blew out a sigh and poked at his plate of food. He wasn't hungry, to be honest. His stomach had been in knots all day. Still. He had told them what he was going to do if they didn't grow up. It wasn't his fault if neither wanted to comply. It was their own fault if they got upset at the sudden change that had taken place. He had done everything he could.
When lunch drew to a close, Harry was the first to get up to leave. Pansy took note and hopped over to him, catching up before he left the room.
"You okay?" She asked quietly.
"About as well as to be expected." Harry said, glancing over his shoulder. Solieyu and Tonks both seemed to be watching him out of the corners of their eyes. "...Hey, Pansy?"
"Yeah?"
"Wanna throw rocks at the hornet's nest?"
"What?"
"Kiss me." Harry stated, looking the girl in the eyes.
Pansy gaped at him. "Here?! In front of everyone?!"
"Best way to get the point across, isn't it?" Harry asked, grinning.
"Well yeah, but..." Pansy shook her head. "You're certifiable, Potter. You know that?"
"I'm getting better." Harry said, still smiling. "I have a good shrink."
Pansy snorted. "It's a good thing you're cute, Harry. You'd never make it as a comic. Oh, very well. But you have to protect me if something happens." Pansy said.
"As you wish, milady." Harry murmured.
The reaction wasn't exactly what Harry had figured it would be. The first thing that happened was gasping and shock from general areas of the room. Then hurried whispering broke out. By the time the kiss had ended, Tonks was on her feet at storming over. Solieyu was still seated, though it looked like he wanted to get up, too. The Gryffindors were just staring. Luna had her head tilted and had an interesting look in her eyes that Harry couldn't quite make out. Malfoy just looked exasperated.
"What was that?" Demanded Tonks as she got closer. "What the hell was that?!"
"Me doing what I said I was going to." Harry stated, crossing his arms. "Would you have me wait forever?"
"There's nothing to wait for." Tonks declared.
"Clearly." Harry agreed. "So why the fuss?"
"That isn't what I meant."
"Well aware of that."
Tonks glared, her gaze turning to Pansy, who glared back. "What did you do to him?"
"I made him feel better." Pansy said.
"Don't bother." Harry said, glancing aside at the Slytherin. "She probably didn't even notice that I looked better."
"I did too." Tonks said, lifting her head higher.
"Thanks for saying hi when you came back, by the way." Harry said. "My holidays were fine, thank you."
"So it would seem." Tonks said. "So, is this really what you want?"
"All things considered? I have little alternative." Harry said.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Asked Tonks.
"What do you think?" Harry asked, glaring at his former girlfriend. "She's been there for me when you were wistfully chasing after Leon! I've finally gotten some rest!"
"You're sleeping together?!" Tonks screeched.
"Not yet." Pansy muttered.
"Just napping on the couch right now. I seem to be hung up on the past - can't imagine why - so I'm taking it slow." Harry said. "For now. But given your actions, it seems I don't have any reason to keep holding myself back. You clearly don't care about me anymore, so why bother acting like you do? Who are you trying to kid here, NYMMY?"
Harry's head jerked to the right as Tonks slapped him. Clenching his teeth to bite back a string of insults that was building, he slowly looked back at Tonks, whose eyes had gotten watery. There was also the very distinct fact that she had her wand aimed at his chest. Pansy had drawn hers almost as quickly as Tonks had and was aiming at the same place on the Ravenclaw girl.
"It's alright, Pansy." Harry said, bringing a hand up to gently push Pansy's arm down. He then looked down at the wand that was inches from his chest. "What do you think you're doing?" He asked, glancing up at the girl. "You've already destroyed what was in there."
Tonks stared up at Harry for a few seconds before shoving him to one side and running from the Great Hall. Solieyu got to his feet and crossed the Great Hall in a few very long strides. He paused only briefly when he passed by Harry, his face twisted in rage.
"You have no idea how much she's hurting." Solieyu growled.
"Yeah. I do." Harry replied. "Almost as much as I am. I'd hoped you two would get better over the holidays. I can't be expected to wait forever, Leon. I'm sorry."
"Not as sorry as you will be if you ever do that to her again." Solieyu spat, quickly leaving the Great Hall to chase after Tonks.
Harry blew out a sigh as he watched the vampire leave. "That went about as well as expected. Think I'm gonna go lay down for awhile."
"Want me to come along?" Pansy asked tentatively.
"I'd rather you keep with Draco for awhile." Harry said. "You can watch each other's back. Drop by tonight for dinner? I'll probably be in dire need of some rest. Maybe I'll have cleared my head out by then, too."
"Sure." Pansy nodded. She leaned up to kiss Harry on the cheek before heading back to the Slytherin table. Harry smiled faintly before turning to head out of the room.
He was only halfway to the Pit before the twins and Ginny caught up to him.
"You sure do know how to create a stir." Ginny commented, eyebrows raised.
"Figured I'd get it out of the way as soon as I could." Harry said, hands in his pockets.
"So you and Parkinson are together now? When'd this happen?" Asked George.
"Christmas Day." Harry said. "I told her I'd make up my mind by then. Leon and Tonks didn't even say goodbye when they left. I was depressed. Spent most of the day curled up on the couch together."
"What about Leon and Tonks?" Fred asked. "If they come to their senses, I mean."
Harry sighed. "Pansy knows what would happen. She's fine with it. At least, that's what she tells me. I know she isn't. She really does love me. But she's willing to be there for me. She's willing to listen to me when I need to get things off my chest. I don't have nightmares around her. Like I said, we're not staying in the bedroom or anything, but... I need to soon. Napping is just making me realize how much sleep I really do need. I can't wait much longer."
Putting a hand on his back, Ginny asked, "Have you talked to Luna any?"
"She didn't write." Harry said. "Have any of you?"
"She came to visit." Ginny said. "She's still your friend, by the way. She and Hermione both. We all spent some quality girl time together gossiping over the holidays."
"Nearly drove us crazy." Said the twins.
Harry chuckled. "Reached a verdict, huh?"
"Yup. Malfoy and Pansy are fine in our books. He's proven as much by now. And Pansy... well, like you said. She clearly loves you." Ginny said.
"So how's Luna doing? Hermione can distance herself from this mess and look at it logically. Luna's involved directly." Harry said, sighing.
"She's a really strong person, Harry. She realizes what's going on and is willing to wait. Actually, in her own words, she said, 'I'm willing to wait for my idiot boyfriend to stop acting like there's a Red-Speckled Wharfrat on his back.'"
"She's fine, then." Harry said, smiling crookedly. "Probably a bit depressed, but she understands. That's good. Leon needs someone strong."
"So what's your plan now?" Fred asked.
"Regarding?"
"This whole situation. Umbridge. The Slytherins. Leon and Tonks." George continued, waving a hand in a vague gesture.
"Umbridge I'm still thinking about. I'm hoping the Slytherins, divided as they are now, won't end up tearing each other apart. Snape's going to be hanging around the common room for awhile, I think. Or at least checking in on it regularly. Draco and Pansy are both strong, so I don't have to worry too much. Still... Umbridge is a Death Eater. Snape told me himself, after all. I'm just worried she'll try and spirit Draco off or something."
"Yeah, that would be a problem. Guess we're gonna have to keep a close eye on him, huh?" Ginny said.
"Pretty much. As for Leon and Tonks, I've already made my decision. If they want to be a part of my life again, it's up to them." Harry said.
"Pretty harsh. Justified, though." Ginny said.
"Anyway, I'm gonna try and take a nap. Try and keep the school from exploding while I'm off having nightmares?" Harry said, leaning against the spot near the invisible wall that lead to the Pit's stairs.
"Sure. Good luck with your nap." Ginny said, grinning.
"Yeah, boatloads of fun." Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Oh, and tell Hermione and Luna I said thanks for not deserting me. Told Pansy she and Draco should come down for dinner tonight. Wanna gather everyone and stop in?"
"Sounds like fun." Fred said. "Better than listening to the gossip mill run their mouths!" Fred said.
"Our dear sister did enough of that for a whole year." George added.
"Oh, I did, huh?" Ginny said, rounding on the twins, who back-stepped.
"Well, we'll be off then!" Fred said quickly.
"See you tonight!" George added.
The two turned and ran up the hall, with Ginny giving chase. Harry just smiled as he stepped through the wall and headed down the stairs. After greeting Levi and giving the password, he stepped into the Pit and trudged over to the couch. Flopping back on it, he stared up at the ceiling.
"How did it go?" Boris asked from his position atop the fireplace.
"Could've been worse." Harry murmured, eyes shutting. "Everyone save Leon and Tonks should be coming by for dinner. So that's nice."
"Providing the Slytherins don't try anything." Boris said.
"Yeah, providing the Slytherins don't try anything." Harry said, nodding.
"Going to try sleeping?"
"That's the plan." Harry yawned.
"Good luck."
"Thanks. I think I'm going to need it." Harry mumbled.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
It had been the first time Malfoy had actively joined in on dinner at the Pit. It had proved to be an interesting experience. Everyone but Solieyu and Tonks had arrived, which was just fine with Harry, who had slept barely an hour before waking to the nightmares and visions. He was hoping for a full turn-out.
Most of the conversation revolved around everyone's holidays and what they had gotten as presents. Harry made sure to steer the conversation away from himself, Pansy, and Malfoy. Thankfully, everyone picked up on this quickly and stuck to their own stories. It was a pleasant dinner, though Malfoy had been a bit quiet. His mind was probably still whirling in regards to what he had done. Pansy was more talkative, however, and had spent a good ten minutes actively talking with Luna about creatures that Harry knew didn't actually exist.
Once the meal was over, people slowly began to file out. Hermione gave Harry a hug and said that she was glad he was feeling better before she took off. Luna just smiled at he and Pansy before excusing herself. The three Weasleys more or less left in a group. Ginny ended up chasing them again.
Harry stretched, leaning back in his chair and glancing at the two remaining Slytherins. "So, how did your days go? Anything happen yet?"
"Not as such." Malfoy said. "But you can see it in their eyes. I may be spending more time down here than I had envisioned."
"Perfectly fine. Umbridge doesn't know about this place. No one but us, Dumbledore, and a few members of staff do. And the staff hate Umbridge as much as we do." Harry said. "You and Pansy both are welcome to stay as long as you want. Got everything you need, really. Could always do something else with the training room - turn it into a second bedroom or something."
"I trust everyone in my dorm." Malfoy said.
"Crabbe and Goyle too?" Harry asked.
"They're idiots. They just go along with what the majority does. Besides, even if they do try anything, they're completely awful with hexes and the like. The day I can't drop both of them in five seconds flat, even from a deep sleep, is the day I stop being a Slytherin." Malfoy said.
"Plus Blaise is there to help watch his back." Pansy said. "He wasn't Marked. And you saw my friends, Harry. They all lingered behind, too. But their parents weren't Death Eaters, so..."
"Yeah. Well, alright. The invitation stands, though." Harry said. "You two should get back soon, then. Umbridge's stupid curfew and all."
Everyone got up and walked to the Pit's door in the main room. Pansy gave Harry a tight hug. "You sure you don't want me to stay?" She asked.
"Not entirely. Another day or two, Pansy. I promise, I won't take much longer. I need sleep in the worst way." Harry said, smiling apologetically.
Pansy nodded. "Alright. Well, try to keep yourself entertained overnight, then."
"I'll try. Draco, good luck with your former bodyguards." Harry said, smirking.
"Yes, yes. You know, we should duel again someday, Potter. It's been awhile. I want to see how strong you are these days. Gauge my own power." Malfoy said, smirking back.
"Sure. It'd be a good way to get rid of some of this built-up frustration." Harry said.
"Boys." Pansy said, turning and opening the door. "C'mon, Draco. Let's get going."
"What are you, my mother?" Malfoy scowled, turning and following Pansy. "See you tomorrow, Potter. Try not to go insane overnight."
"I'll do my best." Harry said, glaring at Malfoy. It was their usual 'good night' words to one another since Malfoy had jumped ship to the right side, but it was still annoying.
When they had left, Harry walked to the fireplace to collect Boris before heading into the bedroom. "Another day down." He said.
"You lot sounded energetic in there. Have a good time?" Asked the taipan.
"I did." Harry said, setting Boris down on the nightstand and going to change clothes. "It was the first bit of real fun I've had in awhile."
"Are you going to let Pansy start staying in here with you?" Boris asked.
"I think so. After what happened today, it's clear that this problem isn't going to solve itself any time soon. No sense in waiting much longer. I'll give them a few more days to come to their senses." Harry said, walking back to the bed and flopping forward onto it. He groaned quietly and remained motionless for awhile before crawling up and laying down properly. "I need real sleep again."
"Yes, you do." Boris said. "Occlumency still not working right?"
"Nope." Harry said. "Hopefully soon, though."
"Hopefully."
Taking off his glasses and setting them next to Boris, Harry closed his eyes and yawned out a 'good night' to the snake. Getting to sleep wasn't difficult anymore. It was remaining asleep that was the problem. Not that he wanted to remain asleep through all the chaos he saw on a daily basis. Still, he had resumed a somewhat normal schedule, sleeping in his bed every night rather than staying awake and staring into the fireplace all night.
He drifted off quickly, and for a time, he was able to dream normally. The ability had been returning bit by bit the longer he slept in Pansy's presence. But, just as with anything, he had good days and bad days. Sometimes, he'd barely be out five minutes before the nightmares would hit him. The longest he'd been able to sleep on his own was just shy of two hours. It wasn't much, but it was better than it had been.
Harry and Pansy had been sitting out by Hogwarts' lake in his dream, neither speaking, both watching as the giant squid played around with the merpeople. When he heard the familiar sizzling sound that indicated his good dreams would be going away, he was quick to kiss Pansy. He knew it wasn't the real thing, of course, but it still made him feel good. He was going to need all the happy feelings he could muster.
But something wasn't right. Things were fading away much faster than they usually did. Whatever was going on, it was stronger than Harry was used to. He quickly got to his feet as the dream Pansy vanished next to him. The dark void only lasted for a matter of seconds before a dark room came into vision. He had seen this room before. It was a room filled with strange little clear orbs. Balthazar had been involved in that dream, if his memory was serving him. Had the conduit gem been in this place at one point? Or was it merely a coincidence?
Harry had barely taken in his surroundings when a weak-sounding voice called out for help. He tried to move, as he recognized the voice, but found himself immobile. Just then, a chill went down his spine. His eyes slid to the right, where a familiar figure was standing, looking amused.
"Hello, Harry." Purred Voldemort, walking over. "How nice of you to join me once again. Oh yes, I'm quite aware of the fact that you've been seeing my plans. I've been actively trying to send them to you for awhile now. Have you enjoyed my work, Harry? Ah, don't struggle like that - I assure you, you can't speak. I am in full control right now."
Voldemort aimed his wand at Harry, who felt himself lifting off of the ground. The Dark Lord spun Harry to the left. "You may be wondering why I've chosen tonight to speak to you. Well, it's very simple. Look very carefully at the corner of the room. Do you see someone?"
Harry could feel his heartbeat increase. In the darkness of the room, a curled-up figure could barely be made out. The man, for it was too large to be a woman, seemed to be shaking. There was blood splattered around him.
"You know him, do you not? Yes, I believe so. Foolish Dumbledore, always sending his minions out to do his dirty work. Never doing it himself. So unlike me. I take pride in all I do, Harry. But I'm sure you've already seen enough of it to know that. But to think that I've been able to do this... it's been a very fun night for me, Harry. Would you like a better look at him?" Voldemort asked, whispering the final words mere inches from Harry's right ear.
Unable to respond or do anything to fight it, Harry was floated across the room by Voldemort. Once they had gotten closer to the corner, Voldemort lowered Harry to the ground before turning his wand on the man hunched in the corner, who let out a pleading gasp not to hurt him anymore. Voldemort assured the man that, for the time being at least, the pain would not continue. Instead, the Dark Lord illuminated the corner.
Moments later, Harry found himself jerking awake, coughing up blood for the second time that school year.
"Harry! What's wrong?!" Boris asked, lifting his head.
"He's dying." Harry coughed, wiping at his mouth with his hand.
"Another vision? Who is it this time, Harry? Who's been attacked?" Boris asked.
"Sirius." Harry groaned, getting out of bed as quickly as his tired, aching body would allow. "Voldemort has Sirius at the Ministry of Magic. He's killing him!"
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Author's Notes: Turmoil abound, eh?
To those asking - yes, this has become a Harry x Pansy story. For the time being, anyway. Don't worry, it will be Honks eventually. Unfortunately, a lot is going to happen between then and now. A lot of pain for everyone involved. If I were to gauge how long as of right now, when I haven't a bit of book 6 planned out, I'd say at least halfway through. Rough estimate, of course. I may do the change sooner than later. It depends on how the end of Order goes, really.
As you can see, it's almost time to go to the Ministry. You should all know what's coming. I shouldn't need to warn further. All I'll say is the next two chapters are going to be violent. Quite violent. And it's going to mark another drastic change in Harry's character. One that will stay with him for a long time to come. I really don't have much to say aside from that.
I don't know how long Order will be now. I'm guessing between 4 to 6 chapters, depending on how well I do in getting everything I wanted to out within that range. Chapters have been a bit better lately (we're passing Prisoner with this one.) but I don't think the word count will pass books 1 or 4. We'll see. Until next time, kids.