Authors Note - FUCK ME I AM SOOOOOOOOO SORRY! I know you must have heard this so many times but… I had writers block, then when I finally know what I want to write about, my laptop breaks down and I've literally just bought a whole new lappy! I didn't lose my other chapters thank god! I hope you like this little thing, I really wanted to get something out to you guys! I really hope you stay with this story! Review me and tell me what an arse I have been and how much you hate me LOL 3
21. Together We Stand
For the Slytherins, the rest of the day ran as smoothly as could be expected. They attended their lessons, wrote the required notes, learned the required spells and prepared for any required homework. The Gryffindors had been slipping in little glares whenever they came into contact with Harry, only to have them returned with a look full of venom, rather than fear.
Harry, Draco, Blaise and Hermione entered the Great Hall and headed towards the Slytherin table. During their entire walk, they felt the eyes of the angry Gryffindors burning holes into the sides of their heads.
"I don't think they've realised who they are dealing with yet." Draco whispered, as they took their seats. "They're still glaring as if they're trying to scare you off, Harry."
"I mean, come on, have they not noticed that you're sending them right back? Like, I would be running away from you if you glared at me like that." Blaise said, earning nods of agreement, before he added, "No matter how hot I think you are, Mr. Or how much I want to…"
"BLAISE!"
"Sorry! Did you all have to shout? I think I burst an ear drum thanks to you." Blaise said, with a finger in his ear, trying to diagnose the damage.
"Yes, yes we did. I don't appreciate hearing your little fantasies about Harry," Hermione said, slapping down Blaise's hand and sparing a glance at Draco, who looked less than impressed. "And I'm sure Draco doesn't either."
"Well, it's true. And Drakey-Poo here knows I'm only joking, now that Harry's actually taken." Blaise smiled, seeing Draco's face soften. "And what a shame that is."
"Guys, we all know how slow those Gryffindors are though. It'll take them a while to realise I'm not actually scared of them at all. Which will give me time to come up with a plan for revenge. A plan that they won't like at all." Harry's smile changed from happy to evil in a matter of milliseconds, before changing back to happy, "for the time being, I think we should have a little play about. Let them think I'm terrified of what they'll do next."
Blaise began clapping and squealing like one of the gossip queens in their year. Just when Harry and Draco though it was over, Blaise whispered to Hermione, who began the squealing too.
"Merlin, will you two shut it already!" Draco said, throwing a balled up napkin at Blaise.
"Sorry, but Blaise has come up with a little idea. How about we make it look like Harry is actually scared. Have at least one of us with him at all times, Harry you could look scared every time they are around you. Make them think that they've won and then… BAM! We hit them when they least expect it."
"Are you sure Blaise came up with that?" Draco said in disbelief.
"Hey! I'm good with plans. I got you two together, remember!" Blaise said, partially hurt that his best friend didn't believe in him. Only partially, though.
"Yeah, Drake. Remember all that he's done for us. If it wasn't for him, we'd still be dancing around each other, wouldn't we? Let him have his moment… I think he needs it. Look at that face." Harry said, as he reached over the table and squashed Blaise's cheeks together. "How could you deny that face?"
"Quite easily." Draco mumbled.
"Heard that, boyo. Why are you being so mean to him?" Harry pouted.
"He knows I'm only joking," Draco said, and kissed Harry softly on his lips.
After they pulled apart, they looked into each other's eyes and moved back in for more. The kiss lasted much longer, yet stayed soft. They were lost in their own little world. So lost, in fact, that they didn't notice Dumbledore stand and step towards his podium and hush the rest of the students in the hall.
"Guys, no matter how sickly sweet your PDA is, I think Professor Dumbledore has something quite important to say." Hermione whispered across the table to the happy couple.
Dumbledore stood at his podium, and for once, the twinkle in his eye had dimmed and his usual calming smile was faltering, the longer he stood there. Everyone in the hall was confused as to why there was a speech being made since Dumbledore only chose to do this either during celebration meals and if something special was happening.
"Good Evening, students." He said, his face more sombre than anyone had seen it. "One of your esteemed teachers has brought something to my attention, something incredibly important. He, and I, believe it would be beneficial to share it with you all as a group, as opposed to talking just to the small group that this involves. Now, I will not hold up any longer, please welcome, Professor Snape."
"Oh, shit. I think I know what, and who, he's going to talk about." Draco said, his smile fading.
"Great. Now everyone's going to know." Harry said, placing his head in his hands.
"Wait, no. This could work to our advantage. Even if Professor Snape doesn't mention any names, most people will know you're involved." Hermione said, as a plan began to formulate in her head, but before she could continue, Blaise hopped in.
"Then people will look over at you. Harry, can you start that whole 'looking scared' thing now? People will see the state that you've been left in and we'll have them on our side because you're Harry Potter. And knowing Professor Snape, he will some how manage to mention Weasely's involvement."
"That's a good plan. Okay I take it back, Blaise. You are good with plans. Now, baby, put on that sad little pout we all know and love" Draco said, pulling Harry's head to his shoulder and holding on to his boyfriend's waist tight.
Professor Snape glided, cloak billowing, up to the podium and stood with a stern look gracing his features. He didn't say a word. He stood and listened to the chatter that was circulating the hall. He waited until they were all finished, and had realised that he was waiting.
"Students, as those of you that grew up in the Wizarding World know, homosexuality is very common. Unlike the Muggle World, there is a lot less prejudice held against anyone who does reveal themselves as gay." He pointedly chose to glance to the couple at the Slytherin table, causing everyone else to look over, even sparking a few "Awhhhh's" from the girls in the hall. "It has come to my attention that certain members of a certain house," Pause to glare at the Gryffindor table, "some pureblooded and some with Wizarding parents, have taken it upon themselves to bully and threaten someone who has been brave and honest enough to tell you all who they truly are. It seems these students were not raised well enough to know that it is not their victim who is the one they see as sick and disgusting, they should really look in the mirror and feel sick and disgusted at their own behaviour. I requested to talk to you all tonight to inform you of this and let you all know that all teachers are on higher lookout for all forms of bullying and the punishments that are received are going to be a lot bolder than they have been before. This school does not condone any kind of bullying, and we all believe you have all been brought up with enough common sense to know a warning when you hear one." And with that he left the podium and went back to his seat, with one final look towards the moody Gryffindors.
Professor Dumbledore stood up, "Thank you, Professor, for that inspirational speech. Now, why waste any more time, Dig in."
And the tables filled with food. But no-one seemed to touch it. Ron, Dean and Seamus were still glaring at Professor Snape and the rest of the hall was gob smacked that Professor Snape sounded so passionate about something other than potions. Meanwhile, Draco, Harry, Blaise and Hermione attempted to hide their amusement at everyone else's reaction.