The Other Sky
Chapter 2: Where not a Frost Has Been
Beta: Thanks again to Black Lightning Bolt for suggestions to look over certain parts.
A/N-Disclaimer: So here's chapter 2, sooner than I thought. I'm sorry to say that updates won't always be this often, but I was excited- perhaps a bit overly so. Any ways, I don't own HP… but here is my little take on the wonderful world that was created nonetheless. The title of this chapter is taken from the same Emily Dickinson poem as the last chapter. Well, not so brief authors note, but here's chapter 2.
"I need your help." Zabini said.
There's no way, I thought to myself. Outwardly, I raise my eyebrow. "What for?" I don't allow any emotion to show in my voice.
He rolls his eyes as if he suspected I would act like this. "Draco is missing. I need your help, Potter, to find him." This time when he says 'I need your help', it sounds like he's choking.
My eyes widen only slightly, but I can tell that he notices. I try to cover up the intrigue in that small motion by seeming almost bored as I reply. "Why would I want to help you find the git? In case you didn't know, Zabini, Malfoy and I didn't really get on at Hogwarts. And, on top of that, how would I be better at finding him that you, the git that has probably been putting up with him his whole life." I'm practically glaring at him by the time I'm done, hopeful that it will dissuade him from pressing the matter.
He only smirks a bit. "Damn, I was hoping to spark that hero complex of yours." I shoot him a dirty look that basically screams, 'Hero complex? With Malfoy involved? I don't think so!'. He puts up his hands in a gesture of mock surrender and continues, "Fine, but I do hear that you're pretty good at finding things."
Now I give him the full 'you're crazy' look. "What the hell are you on? Even if I was good at finding things, which I'm not saying I am, why would I want to find Malfoy, of all people?"
He rolls his eyes again, as if my reactions are still as he was expecting. "I'll pay you, of course, but he needs to be found. Look, I'll tell you the truth, he's been getting into some bad things recently. Don't give me that self righteous look. It's not anything illegal, just not the best for him. So, to answer your question, yes I have been putting up with him his whole life. That only means that I don't want to see him get hurt. I'm sure you would feel the same if it were your little friends in danger. I just want your help because I hear you have experience finding things that don't want to be found. And, I reiterate, I'll pay well." He takes a deep breath when he's done, and I'm surprised to see that he looks truly at a loss of what to do.
I take a deep breath to try to respond to all that. "First, I don't need the money. I can take care of myself. Second, you seem to think I'll be satisfied with you just saying 'not illegal'. What would truly calm me, and what you probably can't say, is that there is nothing wrong with what he is doing. Thirdly, you still seem to be under the impression that I give a rat's arse what happens to Malfoy. Next, what the hell do you mean 'finding things that don't want to be found'? Last and I reiterate, I don't need money." I take a deep breath, surprised I said that in one.
"You're right I can't say there is nothing wrong with it, but the little wrongs are what make the world work. Nothing is ever completely innocent. You don't have to care about what happens to Draco, but I can tell you are in desperate need of adventure. I was simply stating I don't want to see him hurt. And," he leans closer for this, "there are other forms of payment than money." He winks and leans back.
I feel my jaw hit the floor. Zabini did not just say that. I shake my head and lean back. I try to speak as calmly as possible, I'm quite sure it does not work. "In your dreams, Zabini, perhaps not even there. I don't need adventure, not after the last nine years. And, one last time before you really annoy me, what do you mean finding things that don't want to be found?"
He has the audacity to roll his eyes again. "Don't knock it till you try it, Potter. And, trust me; you need adventure, especially after these boring past two years. We all know what happened between you and Voldemort, especially the ones that were on the wrong side." He shrugs and leans back as if that is enough explanation. And, maybe it is in a strange way.
Despite the fact that I am intrigued, I shake my head. "No way, Zabini. I can't help you. I have my own shit to worry about. Try Neville, he'll help." I smirk, roll my eyes, and head towards the door.
*O0o-o0O*
As soon as arrive home, I put down my purchases and cast a Tempus Charm. Only half one, I thought. Damn, I still have five hours until haveing to leave for the Burrow. Despite not having everything I needed from Diagon Alley, I decide against returning, for obvious reasons.
Before beginning to unpack my things, I decide to reset my wards. Before, they allowed the Weasleys and Hermione in. I reset them to only allow myself. Though I doubt anyone would have been able to fool them, I don't really want Hermione barging in anymore.
By the time I'm done, it's three o'clock. I begin to unpack my purchases intending to unpack them the Muggle way, but end up using magic when it got too tedious. By quarter to five, I had nothing to do. I head upstairs, hoping to encounter a task. Apparently, when I start doing something I can't stop and I have to have something to occupy my mind. By the time I reach the third floor, I have lost hope of finding something, anything, it hardly ever crosses my mind to come to the third floor.
I pass the nondescript doors with so little enthusiasm that I almost miss the door that is a bit open. I open the door a bit more, intrigued. My eyes widen a bit as I see what's in the room. Then I realize that I'm all alone and I allow then to widen even more.
A/N: Know I said I wasn't doing this, but just wanted to say that the next chapters will be longer. :D I Hope to post in a few days, if all goes well. If not, definitely next week.