Why thank you for Stopping by
Sympathy For the Devil
" Are you alright?" He asked with sympathy.
" Damn Potter . . . Why do you have to be so curious…" She started then she bit her lips and moved towards him. " It's Draco he's been attacked. He's bleeding so much . . . It's my entire fault he offered to play countdown I should have denied his offer. And he just disappeared… Normally all he'd have to do is sleep but with a wound like this…" She trailed off.
"What am I going to do?" she asked with fear in her voice.
Quickly Harry lifted Draco and place him his shoulder. He kicked his door open; his two friends startled by the noise drew their wand.
" Harry what did you do? What happened?" Hermione asked in horror.
" I didn't do anything. He's been attacked and if we could just wake him up we'd find out what happened." As he place his enemy on his bed.
" No! He's having a vision. Look! He's eyes aren't moving. Somebody … or something gave him some sort of a portal. This has been planned." Hermione said.
Leia rolled her eyes, upset by Hermione's knowledge and thrown off that she didn't thought of it first. Willing to prove herself by finding the attacker himself.
" Kovu! Come my pet you have yet to fail, go and find who is Draco's attacker.' Lea said
" Find him and bring him forth."
The cat came over sniffed Draco and faded in the dark.
Hermione got up and went over to the bathroom grab a few towel, hot water and came back. She kneeled beside Draco and started to clean the wound of the blood that overflowed it.
"He's going to need stitches. Harry, get you invisibility cloak and get some potion and stitching material from the infirmary. Anything that look like it can help." She said after a while.
Harry took his cloak cast a long look at Draco and departed. He came back to a pile of bloody towels.
" Harry whatever happens in his vision happens in real life. We have to get McGonagall" Hermione cried desperately.
" I say we let him, die." Ron said soothingly.
'Shut up Ron!" They both cried.
Harry came forward and dropped all he was carrying. He closed his eyes and started to concentrate just as he had done for Snape he entered Draco's mind.
There he was, lying in the grass of some forest. Suddenly he saw Draco, running as if his life depended on it. Harry's eyes widened as the forest began to disappear. The ground tremble with full force. It is a stampede. Harry thought. No! It's a serpent.
" Come 'ere to save me have you? Just like with all those different people. Well you can't save me." Draco said as Harry caught up to him
"Who's the snake?" Harry asked disregarding what he'd said before.
" Are you that slow? It's the dark lord." Draco answered
Despite his situation Draco had a smirk pasted on his pale face.
" How do we get out?"
" The forest changes every time last time I found the portkey in the mountain." Draco said pointing to the dark deserted land.
"You can't escape me. You'll bow down to me. Together we shall do great things," Came the hiss of the snake.
Harry stopped for a moment as his eyes surveyed the land. He spotted a tree, which unlike all the rest had a metallic trunk. Quickly he pulled a bloody Draco towards it, and escaped just before the snake snap its jaw shut.
Their eyes fluttered open.
" Thank god you are alright! Harry you were moaning frantically a moment ago we had to put a silencing charm on you." Hermione said as she hugged him.
As Malfoy tried to sit up, his chest erupted with pain. Hermione had already stitched his wound and had done so perfectly.
" Damn you Potter, now he'll think we're alliances." Draco shot at Harry.
"You're welcome Malfoy. I should've of left your arse there" Harry cringed.
"Hey that's what I said but does anyone listen to Ron anymore? Nooo! I believe your words were ' Shut up Ron.' I say we should bake a cake for anyone who chases Malfoy with the intention of killing him. You know sometime you act like Hermione is your dream girl. Although I'd like to point out that I'd be highly upset if the two are doing anything of this source." Ron eyed them suspiciously.
" Yeah! Between getting fucked up by the Dursley's and being targeted by Voldemort, I ride Hermione loads. If you hadn't been there we'd probably do it right now. Does anyone beside me have to carry the faith of the world? Has anyone been corrupted so much that he feels he needs to drink and smoke weed to escape reality? Is anyone an orphan? You think you understand Ron but you don't. You have a family that loves you, and what do I have? Fame and Riches! You think it's enough?" Harry roared.
"Shut up both of you! This isn't the time to be bickering. Honestly I thought you changed after 5th and 4th year, Ron. If you two don't support each other who will? Tell me! I can't go through this again. I'm sick of being the glue between the two of you. Promise me this is the last of this nonsense." Hermione shouted in tears.
"We're sorry 'Mione." They mumbled together.
"Oh pull yourself together mudblood!" Draco whined.
"Hey! If it wasn't for her you'd be bleeding like shit so shut up an lay down." Ron said.
Leia walked over to Draco and sat by him, whispered something to him and calm him down.
Hermione came over and shoved a potion in Draco's mouth and made him fall asleep. Leia refused to leave the room and Harry stayed behind so she didn't cook anything up.
(Next scene in parseltongue.)A/N
" Why did you help us?" Leia asked as she took the pile of bloody towels in the bathroom to magically clean them.
"That's what I do, help the helpless. Beside I want nobody killing Malfoy but me." He added humorously.
That seemed to satisfy her for she was biting her lower lip.
" So you don't know your parents at all?" Leia said trying to change the subject.
"No. Heard of them and their doing and our resemblances but that's it." He answered.
" You are like Draco in so many ways." She said softly. " What do you suppose your faith is?"
" Death." He said. The word left a cold chill in the room.
After a moment Leia drew in some air and said.
"I don't think so. I have a deal. Voldemort killed both our parents. We both want to get revenge. If I help you get ready for battle. Add to your army Give you all the researches of Slytherin all the counter spells of the unforgivable curses. If I help you with Voldemort's weaknesses, and help you find the prophecy then would you help with me as to help me kill him?" she asked.
"Deal but you have to prove yourselves. You and Malfoy. I saved Malfoy's life now it's your turn." He said
She nodded and Harry got up to discuss the matter with his friends, who after taking it all in accepted the fact it was a good deal.
When the trio went back to Harry's room they found Kovu sitting on Leia's lap
"Did he find anything?" Harry asked.
" No, just a rat's tail.' She said vaguely.
Their eyes bulged out and slowly together they gasped "Wormtail."
Draco then woke up just in time to hear the teal of the foul Wormtail.
"So you mean Black was innocent?" Draco asked.1
"Yes!" Harry sighed.
"Enough about Potter. I think I'm healed so come and take the stitches away so that they don't leave scars." Draco said.
"You aren't actually going to touch me with your bare hands and give me mudblood germs." Draco panicked as Hermione grabbed a pair of scissors.
After a moment of silence Harry reflected out loud.
"It doesn't make any sense Voldemort would never have attacked so early. I would have sensed it." He said massaging his scar.
"Well he might be less powerful since you destroy the h… well you know." Hermione said.
"Hey no secrets if we are going to be allies." Leia said
" Yeah! And you haven't proven yourselves." Harry bit back.
"You are right Hermione and since I'm weaken to resurrect Dumbledore." Harry sighed.
"Yeah, pretty stupid if you're according to me." Draco said.
"Yeah but I don't give it a damn what you think." Harry said. "And according to Dumbledore, you were scared that's why Snape did it himself." Harry smug
" Scared? Me Potter! Never." He said like he did the night of their detention in the forest when Harry first encountered Lord Voldemort.
The room resumed its silence.
"Well so now what are we? Alliances?" Ron asked.
"Alliances?" Draco asked.
"Um… Drake we need to talk." Leia said.
Joining Forces
And the trio took it as their cue to exit the room.
A few minutes after being filled in Draco still couldn't believe his ears.
"You mean I have to prove myself to them?" Draco asked furiously.
"Yeah well, he proved himself by saving you." Leia exclaimed.
He thought it over for a minute and agreed. Quickly he dressed himself and together they too exited the room.
"Well," Hermione said " I have to shower for class."
"Shit, I have potion… thank God Snape isn't here to torture us." Ron smiled.
Draco winced at this, he knew Snape was innocent, but he couldn't tell them for it was too soon. Yes. He thought this was perfect.
His eyes shifted to Leia. I can't tell her either. I mean she didn't even know Snape. Not even like I did well sure he attacked Voldemort that was all part of the plan. I mean even if he did more than just for the plan that wouldn't, after Potter of course.
" … We'd need in the room of requirement for a meeting. I'd find new ways of course of preventing snitching we'd still be enemies outside of our secret… headquarter. We'd have spies, attack dementor, but of course at a certain point people would start to get suspicious but we'd deal. We'd form the D.A. again at certain level. They would be totally on the inside except for emergencies. But we'd need to put Ginny on the inside. Of course, Longbottom too, because of his history with Voldemort. All we need is your sworn loyalty before you prove yourselves meet us tonight in the room of requirement. Of course we'd be okay if you have some others that you'd want to include in the circle inner or not." Hermione said breathlessly.
" I have a group of silver vampires well trained for they belong in the kingdom's army although they are quite young. They're going to unroll in the school they are my friends who are really my body guard. They'd need to be in the inner circle." Leia said, " McGonagall won't be suspicious, Dumbledore would be."
" Well it's settle then. Now I have to have a shower so I can go to potions." Ron said.
Hermione's yes bulged out never had she heard Ron go to class willingly. Perhaps this year he'd do his homework by himself too.
They each went to their room to ready themselves. Moments later they descended the stairs and scurried their way to the great hall, which was in usual ambiance as they came in, but slowly it quiet down at the sight of the 5 entering together. Slow whispers follow them as they took their seats.
Finally as Harry sat down Seamus dared to ask what was on everybody else's mind.
" Why, er… you an' Malfoy comin' in eer' together y'er getting' along now?" he asked.
The great hall silenced except for Ron's loud munching on the food.
Harry glanced toward Draco and said, " no we were just taking care of business … such as living the 1st year Griffindor to their peace."
That seemed to satisfy them for everyone else went on their usual conversation.
Quietly they started to eat when out of nowhere Malfoy gasped. He held his left hand close to his chest, which was heaving heavily. He's face turned to a shade of crimson. He gritted his teeth and close his eyes. Leia quickly whispered something to him and he nodded. The student never having seen Malfoy in pain knew not how to react, to laugh or …worry.
Harry stood up followed by his two best friends and headed out of the great hall. After what seemed like an eternity Draco came busting out with Leia, his hand still clutched very tightly to his chest.
" Oh shit… he knows… he's so furious… oh God! Make it stop." He heaved.
"It's his father he placed a cursed on Draco much like crucio but different." Leia explained.
"Oh I've heard about it in Forbidden & dangerous curses, read a counterspell… let's see … if wrongly done could lead to death … oh! Guerirus." She said pointing her wand to Draco's hand.
"Well it's gone… Funny how we hate each other and twice today you've healed me … guess it's a mudblood's way of sucking up to a pureblood." He stated wiping the brightly smile Hermione wore.
"Well I have to go Arithmacy. See you later boys." She said kissing them on the cheek.
"Uh… I'm taking Muggle and Wizards Physics. I have to go. See you later mate." Harry said slapping Ron on the back and going opposite to Hermione.
"You bastard." Ron murmured shoving Draco in the shoulder.
"Can't you let it go?" Leia questioned.
" My head says yes but my heart and mouth say no." he shrugged, " C'mon let's go to arithmacy. Just follow Granger."
"They really aren't as bad as you've preached." Leia added.
His eyes bulged out, "Oh no! Muggle germs have infected you, the same one that got to Weasly and Potter. By the looks of it, you also got St. Potter germs. Not even five hours and they already got to you." He said.
She grimaced and pocked him in the ribs, and he burst out laughing, and quickly squeezed her against him.
They chatted excitedly as they made their ways to the next side of the castle.
"… We'll be going a lot faster since we have a lot more to cover… Ah! If it isn't Malfoy bothering to show up after all today." Said Professor Trungsten.
" Oh no." he grinned, " I make time for even the likes of you. See, I managed to use my time wisely and squeezed your class in my agenda today."
He took his seat behind Hermione and Professor Trungsten gave a groan of frustration, and switched her look toward Leia.
"And you are?" she asked removing a strand of red hair away from her small face.
"Leia Serpent." She said proudly.
"Well tell us more about yourself." Trungsten said.
" I'm quite all right thank you." She said indicating she wanted to discuss the matter no further. Her hair shadowed while two blazing eyes stared ahead.
"… Ok… Um… Er…" Trungsten said.
" You do have my permission to continue." Draco said reassuringly, and the Slytherins snickered.
Hermione rolled her eyes; she turned from her seat and asked, "Could you be any more annoying?"
Malfoy hesitated as if he was considering not saying something smart and Hermione's word, but then he changed his mind. "Yes I can. How dare you question me you degrading mudblood?" he smirked
Hermione's face reddened and she turned around. With a flick of her wand, the board filled itself with equations as Professor Trungsten took her seat. The class groaned as they pulled out their parchments. After Arithmacy, Hermione left for Potions in the dungeons. As usual the class was cold and dark. The doors swung open and out came a hooded and ghostly woman. Her ruby eyes surveyed the class.
"Good afternoon, my name is Melor. Cut the professor crap. I'm pretty cool. I won't annoy you if you don't tap on my nerve. However, I have to warn you that I am strict. I'll make the class fun but my work must always be completed."
"That's great mate. May be we'll get a cool teacher for D.A.D.A." Ron whispered.
Her steel ruby eyes focused on Ron and she approached Ron but came striding by to Leia's desk.
"Leia." she whispered brushing a strand of mercury hair away from her face. Leia raised her head as she was being addressed
"Melor?" she asked softly.
Melor clicked her tongue and gave her a quick squeeze and whispered to her softly.
"Today we will learn about the potion which when swallowed provides its taker with a quick immune system lasting 2 or more days. Anyone know the specific name for this particular potion?" Melor asked addressing the class.
As usual Hermione's hand shot up in mid-air. Melor nodded, and Hermione paused slightly as if considering her words.
" It's called the Cenoex created by Godric Gryffindor himself in the wars against the lycanthrope. Many people got hurt and that greatly affected the number of aurors able to fight. So he provided a potion that healed them fast and kept on doing so for a while. So we were able to win the war." Hermione said proudly.
"Very well Ms…" Melor started.
"Granger. Hermione Granger"
"Ms. Granger, you just awarded yourself and your house 20 points. Now the ingredients are on the board as well as the instructions. You'll have forty minutes to work on your potion. I will divide the class in groups of five." And Melor did so and went to sit in her desk. Luckily, the trio ended up together along with Malfoy and Serpent.
Very quietly Hermione began to mix the ingredients.
"Perhaps you'd consider letting someone else participate." Came the voice of Leia.
"Sorry it's just that normally I do it." Hermione said apologetically. Leia gave her a dry smile and nodded.
"It's not a bother."
"So you know Melor I take it." Harry said.
" Yes, she took me in after … they were murdered. She trained and groomed me to take my position in the kingdom." She said coolly.
The trio looked at her bewildered.
"I'm a princess on the run you might say." She added.
"Why would a princess run?" Ron asked.
" Well, if I kept my title, I'd be easier to track, wouldn't I now? So everywhere I go, I change faces and names. Voldemort is afraid of anyone who can as much as scratch him, so he severely damage them, if not kill them." She averted looking at Harry then at Draco and Nerville, and lastly meeting Ron and Hermione's gazes.
They nodded and went back to work.
"Time's up" Melor said. "Now place the potions with your group number on them and bring them forth."
She awarded points to deserving houses and dismissed them.
The students rushed out leaving Leia behind.
" I thought you were dead." Melor sympathized after a long pause.
"I thought you were dead." Leia said. " I couldn't have stayed it would have endangered your life."
"Things haven't been the same since you left. Your kingdom is falling apart." Melor stated dully.
"Perhaps I'll reconsider." Leia whispered.
"Well enough about this. How is it going on finding your mate?" said Melor changing the subject for she saw the pain the previous one brought to the young vampire.
"Not yet." She growled
"You'll need him or … to increase your magic." Melor advised
" Yeah … Well."
"Promise you'll tell me what you decide" Melor said squeezing her shoulders. "Hurry to lunch now."
Leia left lost in her thoughts and went to the great hall where everyone was already eating. After lunch, they met the trio in the room of requirements.
Heavy dark curtains hung from the windows. In the middle of the room was a circle of candles surrounding a gold stand with a very sharp edge. Hermione supplied them with crimson robes, and a vial each.
" This is an ancient performance, called Sanginolous . Now each of you are going to walk to the stand swear your loyalty and then cut yourself with the edge. Then fill the vial with your blood." She said. " I'll go first".
" I solemnly swear my loyalty to you all. Never shall I do anything if from it nothing good shall come." She said as she drew in some air and cut herself in her thumb. Her blood ran from the acanthus edge. Then, she placed her hand on the opening of the vial and let her blood fill the vial.
Everyone did the same and the she collected the vial and pored them in a porcelain bowl and reached out from her robe and took a vial in which was a shimmering white powder.
"This is unicorn's horn dust for purity and loyalty." She said and poured it.
She walked over to the cabinet and took out some leaves and a piece of parchment.
She took a quill and drop it's ending in the blood and had everyone sign the parchment, which was a contract. Then everyone took a sip of the blood, which Ron whined about the whole time, and suddenly the curtains became of a light color, and the room lightened.
"That's it?" Draco asked
" Well do you have something else in mind?" Hermione smirked crossing her legs.
" No, Granger."
" What did I make you uncomfortable?"
Draco snorted and wandered around the room.
" He didn't do it." He said after a long pause.
" Who didn't do it?" Harry questioned.
" Snape. He didn't murdered Dumbledore. Well he did but it was Dumbledore's order knowing that you would have done your best to bring him back even though he told you it was impossible. Now, he is the most trusted death eater and has a more secure position now that he has proved himself. Now if anyone knows the Dark Lord's plan, it's him. Although he can't start spying yet it's to soon…" Draco finished thoughtfully.
Well that's going to be it for now. I will be posting four very soon.
