DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 14 - Let the Games Begin
Harry rolled his eyes and accepted the piece of parchment Hermione jammed into his hands. The witch then put her nose in the air and flounced into the classroom ahead of him. Shrugging his shoulders, Ron gave him a consolatory slap on the back and trailed after his girlfriend, leaving Harry standing alone in the hall. Sighing, he folded the parchment and slid it into his book bag.
Hermione, after hearing about the Slytherins challenge, had insisted upon writing out several rules to make sure the game was played fairly. The rest of Gryffindor hadn't seen the point of making the rules formal. It was assumed the Slytherins would cheat so why bother?
Shuffling nervously, he moved into the room and glanced around. To the left, the Gryffindors watched him with quiet interest, grinning as he swung to face the smirking Slytherins. His face reddened as Draco pulled out the empty chair next to him and patted the seat in silent invitation. Head hanging, he shuffled over and dumped his bag on the ground next to the chair.
"Don't look so glum, Harry." Draco purred softly into his ear, sounding very much like a cat who had found the cream bowl left open on the table.
Mumbling under his breath, Harry jerked his book bag open and dragged his books out, slamming them down on the desk. Draco's snigger of amusement had him reddening again. "Shut up Malfoy." He grumbled, unfolding the parchment and sliding it toward the Slytherin. The blondes snort had him sighing and flipping one of his texts open, pretending he was more interested in the Great Dragon Wars. He tipped his head when the blonde withdrew a long feathered quill and pulled the parchment closer. "What are you doing?"
Draco ignored the hissed question and continued his writing. Sitting back to admire his contribution to Hermione's list, he allowed Harry to drag the parchment from under his quill. "I felt it lacked something." He murmured, glancing at the front of the class where the professor was organizing his books for the days class.
Harry's lips moved as he read the line Draco had added, jerking back with a horrified look on his face. "No way!" He yelped, slumping down in his seat when the professor looked up at him and frowned in disapproval.
"Why ever not?" Draco whispered, smirking as he fiddled with his quill. The terrified glint in Harry's eyes amused him but had Beau rising into his mind quickly. Shaking his large head, the tiger made his opinion known. Apparently the smell of fear wisping around the dark haired wizard was unacceptable.
"I absolutely refuse!" Harry bellowed, fingers tightening around the quill he clutched. His outburst had the entire class turning to look at him. Hermione's hiss of warning and Ron's grin had him cringing and narrowing his eyes on Draco. "I will not agree to this."
"Afraid you'll lose?" Draco murmured, eyes veiled by long lashes. He crossed his arms over his chest and focused on the front of the classroom, aware of Harry seething unhappily next to him. He bit down his triumphant smile when the Gryffindor slashed his name under Draco's addition and pushed the parchment away. Smiling in victory, Draco gracefully wrote his name next to Harry's before leaning closer to the raven-haired wizard. "That wasn't that hard, now was it?"
The professors voice covered Harry's growled answer. Smiling in contentment, Draco slid down in his seat and propped his boot heels on the back of Blaise's chair. Sulking, Harry crumpled the contract up and dropped it into his bag before dropping his forehead on his folded arms. Drawling on, the professor failed to notice the change in the classes seating plan.
XxXxX
Draco fixed the cuff on his black shirt and smiled at his smirking image. Dark jeans and a pair of comfortable trainers completed the ensemble. Nodding to Pansy and Blaise who were whispering back and forth upon his bed, he stalked from the room and down the hall into the Slytherin Common Room. Silence met his arrival. Draco glanced over his assembled army and smiled savagely, there was no way Gryffindor was going to beat them at a war game.
"Unfortunately," he began, "there are rules to every game. It was decided that no magic is allowed to be used. This means no curses, no charms, and no hexes. However, if they don't see you coming you may as well go ahead and use it."
Shaking her head and sighing, Pansy pushed Draco into his chair next to the blazing fire and took his place. "Granger and I split the school into three sections earlier: Slytherin territory, Gryffindor territory, and no-mans-land. These areas have been marked by strips of ribbon in the colours that we can relate to each area." Holding up three strands of ribbon, she made sure they all saw what she meant before tossing the green, red, and white ribbons onto the mantle. "The flags are a combination of our house colours and have a small symbol on both sides. Hide it well because as soon as its found the game is over."
Blaise raised his hand from his new place atop one of the study tables, making sure everyone was looking at him before beginning. "A small wager was placed upon the outcome of this game. If we lose we'll be stuck parading around in Gryffindor uniforms for the next two days."
Shaking his head and making a face, Draco held up the flag, waving it back and forth to gain the attention of the house. "Capture the flag starts officially in twenty minutes. We still need to hide the flag and pick our prison location." Immediately following his announcement, the entire house surged to their feet and began to argue over locations and suggestions. Smiling in pleasure, Draco leaned back and handed the flag over to Pansy. Eyes darting to the clock, he allowed Pansy and Blaise to set up the rest of the details while he pondered his contribution to the contract. Running his tongue over his lips, he reached into his mind where the tiger slept and woke him without remorse. He was, after all, a Slytherin and cheating had become second nature to him.
XxXxX
Harry shook his head and held his hands out before him. Shaking his head frantically, he waved aside the flag Hermione shoved at him. Frowning, she stepped back and crossed her arms. Ron sat on the back of the couch between Dean and Seamus, all three watching in amusement as Hermione glared at Harry.
"You said I could hide the flag Harry." Hermione argued, the red and gold cloth fluttering in her hand. Raising an eyebrow, she held the material out to him again. Eyeing the flag with distaste, Harry took another step back and glanced beyond her for help.
"It is a good idea, mate." Ron said, face reddening as he attempted to restrain his laughter. The elbow Dean jammed into his side lost him the battle. Giggling like a bunch of girls, the three wizards watched Harry shake his head in defeat.
Accepting the flag, Harry glared around the Common Room before storming upstairs towards the dorms. Tossing the flag aside, he tore into his trunk and pulled out a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt. Eyes locked on the lion smirking up at him, he slid the pants up his legs and dragged the shirt over his head. Scowling, he sank down beside his bed and pulled a worn pair of shoes from beneath the hanging sheets.
"It honestly isn't that bad mate." Ron offered as he flopped onto his bed and crossed his legs. Glancing at the clock, the red head shrugged his shoulders and pulled his wand from a pocket. "Besides, you have an additional bet riding on the outcome of this game. If I were in your place, it would already be hidden."
Sighing, Harry stood and stretched slowly. His ears picked up the loud buzz of voices rising from the Common Room. Wrapping his fingers around the flag, he trudged from the room behind Ron. Arriving downstairs just in time to hear the final words of Hermione's speech. Pushing through the crowd streaming towards the portal, Hermione halted next to the pair. A dark eyebrow was raised as she noticed the flag Harry still held. "We've set up our prison in one of the girls bathrooms on the fourth floor." She said, bending down to tie one her shoelaces.
Rubbing her hands together, she glanced at Ron. Gesturing the sulking raven-haired wizard towards the exit, she pulled her boyfriend back towards the fireplace. "Do you believe the Slytherins will cheat?" She whispered anxiously, looking over his shoulder to where Harry was playfully shoving Dean.
Ron snorted at the question before wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist. "Of course they will." He muttered, peering at the fire crackling happily behind her. Her indrawn breath had him rolling his eyes and pulling away from her.
Her eyebrows drawn together, the witch glanced up at him before drawing his head down towards her. "Do you think we should . . . ah, use any special powers we might have?" She asked quietly.
Gaping, Ron opened and closed his mouth. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he stood up all the way and looked down at her carefully. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked loudly, drawing out each word. Still in shock, he glanced over her head to where Harry was leaning next to the portal.
Wringing her hands, Hermione pulled away and looked over at Harry. "You saw Malfoy's addition to the contract. We can't lose." She hissed, still shaking her hands before her.
"Harry's a big boy, Hermione. He can take care of himself." Ron reminded her, looking at the clock hanging over the mantle. "The games gonna begin soon."
"I know but still-" She trailed off with a sigh. Shaking her head in disgust, she spun around and headed towards Harry. "Would you hide that already?!" She demanded as she passed him, one finger prodding the flag he still held.
Rolling his eyes, Ron joined Harry and watched as Hermione left the Common Room. Throwing an arm around the other wizards shoulder, he pulled him from the room. Outside the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry stashed the flag quickly while ignoring the grin on the redheads face. Reaching the bottom of the steps, he pushed Harry away from him and smiled. "You have to stay on defense duty."
Waving him away, Harry grumbled and stalked down one of the halls just beyond the stairs. Shaking his head unhappily, he continued down another staircase until he found a comfortable position to watch for Slytherins from
XxXxX
Beau crept along one of the halls and flashed a fanged grin. His whiskers twitched anxiously as his nose sought the scent he wanted. He flicked his tongue over his nose and trotted down a dark hallway, freezing at the sound of someone slinking through the shadows toward him. The Gryffindor slid by him without a glance, trotting further into Slytherin territory. Snarling softly, he continued on his way. Paws carrying him up stairs and down endless hallways as his nose carefully deciphered each smell wafting around him.
Beau paused at the light click of claws, eyes following the form of a wolf as it leapt nimbly down the stairs the cat had just crept up. Snuffling loudly, the red wolf swung its massive head around before trotting onwards. The wolfs sleek form was followed by a much smaller frame; the vixens fluffy coat waving as she trotted down the stairs.
"Frost, the red wolf is moving into your territory." He warned, halting abruptly as the sweet smell of chocolate overwhelmed him. Ears cocked, he heard the pounding of footsteps and the loud shouts of several wizards and witches as they hurtled toward him. He watched in bemused fascination as a third year Slytherin was taken down by four Gryffindors, among them was Harry.
The dark-haired Gryffindor gave an order and stood with his hands on his hips as the squirming Slytherin was dragged away. Beau slid from his hiding spot and stepped into the center of the hall. Tail lashing and ears shifting as he watched emerald eyes lock on his form. Shuffling backwards, his prey nervously moved away from him. The white tiger purred happily, yawning as he trotted toward the Gryffindor.
"Damn it Draco, that's cheating!" Harry said loudly, glancing down the halls on either side of him as the tiger approached from the fore. An amused chuckle had him turning to glare at the blonde wizard.
"Like the Weasel isn't prancing around on four legs." Draco murmured sarcastically, swaggering forward to where Harry stood impatiently. "Now I'll be having your flag."
Sinking a hand into his hair, Harry glared at Draco before shaking his head in denial. "I have no idea what you're talking about." He stuttered nervously, eyes widening as the Slytherin continued his slow glide forward.
Smirking, Draco continued forward. "You and I both know that everyone has their own unique scent. Now either Granger's been wearing your underwear or that flag she was manhandling earlier is down your pants. I'll assume it's the last one." Draco stated calmly, muscles tensing as he watched the Gryffindor shift. "You can surrender the Gryffindor flag or I'll take it by force."
Professor McGonagall walked quietly down one of the halls, wand held before her as she searched the shadows for a slinking form. She paused and drew a deep breath as the darkness before her shifted. She sighed in relief when the potions professor stepped from the shadows, cloak floating behind him.
"Severus, I didn't think you'd still be up." The witch called, gathering her skirts and hurrying towards the tall wizard. Huffing quietly, she put a hand to her chest and looked up at the Potions Master. "I had several students tell me they saw a tiger in the school."
"Hm, did one of your seventh years projects get away from them?" He asked with as little interest as possible, dark robes sliding as he shifted.
"I don't know. I don't think so." Minerva murmured, brow drawn down as she thought deeply. Shaking her head, she sighed and straightened the hat she wore. "What are you doing up here?"
"A number of your house members were running around my dungeons. It seems Mister Malfoy and Mister Potter have decided to amuse themselves by using their houses as armies." Severus snarled, arms crossing over his chest in disgust. "I sent them back upstairs only to be informed a number of my own house were being held hostage in the girls bathroom on the fourth floor."
"Well, while you're on your way to negotiate for their surrender perhaps you should look for a tiger or some other creature that may have found it's way into the school." Minerva suggested, gathering her cloak around her as she hurried past him, wand tip glowing so she could see dispel all shadows.
Shaking his head, Severus continued on his way to the girls bathroom on the fourth floor, smiling at the thought of giving detention to several Gryffindors. Perhaps his night wasn't going to be as bad as he thought it was. Then again, his dungeon was most likely once again being over run by a bunch of yelling screaming Gryffindors.
Harry grinned and shrugged - right before he spun around and took off down the hall. Feet pounding and lungs heaving, he shot down one hall, aware of the Slytherin running behind him. Puffing for breath, he ran up a set of stairs and dove down a side hall. His ears picked up the eloquent curse words spouting from the wizard behind him. He was almost to freedom when the unexpected happened. Laying face down on the hall floor, he rolled over slowly and swore at the shoelace that had become undone.
"That was sad, Harry." Draco stated, kneeling next to the groaning Gryffindor. Rolling his eyes, the blonde threw a leg over Harry's thighs and straddled him before unhooking the button at the top of the jeans. "This means Slytherin wins. It also means I'll be seeing you on Saturday." He announced as he slid his hands into Harry's pants and began to fish around.
Squirming, Harry yelped and tried to pull away from the cool hands now roaming around inside his pants. His eyes were locked with the pale blue orbs half closed in concentration above him. Swearing, he tried to catch Draco's hands but froze when a loud cough broke the silence. Freezing, both wizards remained locked together on the floor as they listened to the boots shift inches from their heads.
"Mister Malfoy, would you please remove your hands from Mister Potter's pants?" Snape asked dryly, one hand still covering his eyes. The quiet whimper of embarrassment and the growl of indignation had him turning on his heel to stare down at the pair. "That wasn't really a question, Draco."
Sighing, Draco began to pull his hands from Harry's pants. As the pale fingers were withdrawn, they pulled with them the long red and gold Gryffindor flag. Still sitting astride Harry's thighs, Draco held the flag aloft and grinned. "We won."
"And what, Mister Malfoy, did you win?" Snape asked icily, his eyes still locked on his godson sitting atop his youngest nemesis.
"Capture the Flag: Slytherin versus Gryffindor." Draco purred triumphantly as he stood. Straightening the cuffs of his shirt, he watched with interest as a red faced Harry re-buttoned his pants.
"I see." Snape growled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I do hope you got something other then my detention out of this little game."
Harry and Draco exchanged a look before both of them rolled their eyes. Smiling, Draco ran the flag between his fingers and stared at Harry. "Losers have to wear the winner's colours." He informed the Potions professor, ignoring the sudden whitening of the older wizards face.
"Lovely." Snape grumbled, running a hand over his forehead. "I'll see you both tomorrow night in my classroom at seven." Turning around, Professor Snape stalked down the hall shaking his head and muttering under his breath.
Still grinning, Draco pulled a watch from his pocket and held it up for Harry to see. It was official curfew which meant both were out of their dorms after hours. "I'll see you tomorrow, Harry." Draco crooned, leaning closer to the Gryffindor. "And when I do, you'd best be sporting silver and green." Giving him a quick caress on the cheek, Draco practically skipped down the hall, red and gold flag streaming behind him.
XxXxX
Harry flopped onto his bed and stared up at the canopy, ignoring the many whimpers and groans passing around the dorm. Hermione had already announced their defeat to the entire house and then insisted upon teaching everyone the spell they should use to change the colours of their robes. Groaning, Harry rolled over and buried his face in his pillow.
"It was a good game." Ron consoled, dropping onto his bed and kicking his shoes off. Dean and Seamus came into the room slowly, both looking depressed as they collapsed on the end of Harry's bed.
"At least you look good in green." Seamus implored, patting Harry's ankle. Harry opened one eye and looked over his shoulder at the pair sitting on his bed. Muttering a sarcastic 'thank you', he returned his face to his pillow. As the others changed into pajamas and crawled into bed, Harry slipped out of bed to open the window. Standing there, he heaved a sigh before changing and allowing himself to curl back up on the bed.
"Uh, Harry? How did Draco get our flag anyway?" Dean asked, the question loud in the quiet room. Whimpering, Harry rolled over and squeezed his eyes shut, cutting off any further questions his roommates may have had.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review. I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, as it was a delight to write while at the same time being challenging.
websurffer – Close enough? lol, hopefully it's written something as you had envisioned it.
Black Roses of Death – Yah, I know what you mean. It drives me crazy when I have to continually scroll to the top to check something out.
NinjaoftheDarkness – lol, random people are the best type. My friends say I'm random but I'm just absent-minded, honest.
Iredesent - Maybe kind of close to what you were picturing? lol, there will be other chapters where I could use the idea and trust me, I can see it happening.
LandUnderWave – Of course they'd win, who else would cheat so obviously then deny it?
karenelaine – lol, I think they're gonna drive poor Snape through the roof.