Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am making no money from this.

Author's notes: Hi, chapter four is complete, yay! I would like to say thank you to fifespice and ams71080 for reviewing and I would love more reviws and feedback, pretty please with a cherry on the top. I apologise for any mistakes I have made in the past and present chapters but this fic is un-betaed , I have been trying to make sure there are no mistakes but I could have missed some, truly sory if that has happened. If someone would like to beta this story please say. I don't think I am that good with punctuation. Well I hope you enjoy and please reviews would be great. :)

In the Skin of a Slytherin

Chapter Four – Not a Spider

Draco sat reading through his transfigurations essay. But he was not being very productive due to his anxiousness. He wanted to pace, just in front of the fire looked like an area screaming to be walked upon and worn down, but he was a Malfoy and Malfoys do not pace. It shows agitation and one does not show any weakness or emotion, sometimes Draco despised the unwritten Malfoy Law and Code of Conduct. But due to the fact that he was unable to pace he had resigned himself to trying to go over his homework to pass the time. Time seemed to have slowed down almost to a grinding halt yet sped by far too quickly. Draco couldn't make his mind up, something which he hated.

It was half past eight on Sunday evening and instead of doing something any other would do on a Sunday evening, like relax; Draco was frantic about the upcoming meeting he was to attend. He was worried about meeting a Gryffindor; Draco had scolded himself several times. Yet as the time got closer to nine 'o' clock he couldn't help the slight panic that coursed through his body.

"Draco" Draco visibly jumped and then scowled at Blaise who was grinning from ear to ear.

"What Zabini?" Draco snapped not at all happy.

"I said it's a quarter to, we should start to walk." Blaise replied bemusedly.

"Fine." He huffed, whilst standing and stretching. "I'll just go and put my essay away." Blaise nodded his acknowledgement, but followed anyway. "You do not need to follow me." Draco said over his shoulder.

"I think I do." The grin obvious in Blaise's voice. Draco turned his head and raised an eyebrow, Blaise's grin just got wider in answer. After shaking it and rolling his eyes Draco turned his head back to face ahead again.

"Nice room Draco" Blaise commented as they entered the Head Boy's room. "Lucky! Not only do you get to have a room to yourself, I swear Crabbe and Goyle's snoring has got even louder, but you get a bigger bed. I bet it's more comfortable as well." He said this as he walked over to the bed in question.

"Do not even dare." Was Draco's growled opinion of Blaise being about to flop onto the perfectly made bed.

"Yes, and you were the tidy one. Have you seen our dorm recently? Puts that broom closet on the first floor to shame." Blaise carried on as if hadn't heard Draco's threat at all but he had diverted his course not touching the bed.

"Zabini, I do believe it is time to leave now. You were the one who told me we had to go; I personally have no problems with being fashionably late but you on the other hand........" Draco was cut off by Blaise's lips pressing against his own briefly before Blaise pulled back and walked out of the door. It was only just the barest of contact for the briefest of seconds but it stunned Draco completely.

"Come, Draco we have lions to meet; wouldn't want to anger them now would we?" Blaise called as if nothing had happened. Draco followed in a shocked trance.

"What was that?" Draco demanded. They had gone through the whole of the dungeons and were currently in the Entrance Hall before Draco had been able to speak.

"What was what, Draco?" Blaise said innocently while looking around at the ground as if searching for something. "I hope it wasn't a spider, you know I don't like spiders Draco. Or was it a rat? I wouldn't be too surprised if they had rats at Hogwarts; of course Mother wouldn't be very pleased...." Blaise's mouth snapped shut with an audible click as he was swung around forcibly to face Draco who had been following him.

"You know what I mean." Draco's voice was a snarled low mummer.

"Oh, you mean the kiss? Well it couldn't really be called a kiss; but have you not heard of a kiss before Draco?" Blaise's voice was sickly sweet.

"I know what a kiss is." Draco snapped. "But why did you kiss me?"

"Well for one thing you were talking too much; you were talking more than me. Unnatural, Draco, unnatural." Blaise shuddered at this to emphasise his point before moving on. "It was also for luck. Good luck kiss." Blaise stated his answers as facts.

"I do not think that is a legitimate reason to kiss me." Draco replied coolly.

"I also kissed you because you were much too tense and worried about this meeting; you can be tense about something else now." Blaise grinned before he stepped back and pried himself from Draco's grip.

"Do not do it again, Blaise." Draco warned before he resumed following the one who had just kissed him. Although Blaise was right, Draco admitted silently to himself, he was not half as anxious about this meeting anymore.

"On time; that's good." James called as both Draco and Blaise stepped into the otherwise empty charms room. "You brought a friend, Draco?"

"Blaise wanted to be here as well, I hope that is not an inconvenience for you?" Draco replied, although the question was out of necessity and curiosity. Blaise wouldn't actually be leaving if James said it was an inconvenience. James may have a slight upper hand with what he knew about Draco. But Draco was going to make sure he won this and wanted control as soon as possible. He was the one making the decision at the end anyway but having control throughout the whole meeting would be better.

"Oh, no not at all. It was just that it would be easier if caught you were alone Draco, as you would be able to elude any Professors of any punishment due to you being the Head Boy, is all. But having the two of you creeping around the castle maybe after hours, people could make up all sorts of stories, especially some people in Hogwarts." Draco barely managed to control the flush that wanted to spread across his face, especially after that kiss. Instead Draco focussed on the slight bitterness underplayed within the lion's voice while saying the last part. This Gryffindor had obviously had some bad rumours spread about them. Nothing new there then; there were bad rumours about everyone in this school, but many don't blink an eye about it and very few remember with such bitterness any that had been spread in the past.

"And what about yourself? You seem more concerned about our safety than your own." Draco questioned. Slytherins are self preservers, they save their own skins before others.

James waved a hand at him as if throwing the question away because of its irrelevance. "I have many means of going unnoticed within this castle." Was the evasive answer. "Now, I believe we should get down to business, do you not?" James pulled himself away from the teachers table he had been leaning against and walked up to a table, turning a chair around to face the two on the other side. "Have a seat" he called and gestured to the two opposite.

Blaise and Draco looked at each other before heading towards James and the empty seats. They quickly got themselves seated and comfortable; ready to begin the meeting. It was an uncomfortable silence that preceded their seating, but Draco thought that if James wanted to meet with him then he could be the one to start conversation, he had the quafflei, for now.

"So, gentlemen, how have you been?" James asked as if they had been old friends who were reuniting after some time apart. He said this whilst stretching and leaning back in his chair, looking extremely calm and confident. This was Blaise's territory not Draco's, one did not use small talk when dealing with business. Draco was feeling slightly uncomfortable around Blaise after what had happened earlier but he was glad the other Slytherin was here with him all the same.

"Wonderful. Yourself?" Blaise responded; jovially playing along.

"Not too bad thanks, not too bad."

"Splendid."

"Are we just going to sit here talking a lot of nothing or are we going to actually, as you put it, James; 'get down to business?" Draco cut in; tired already.

"Just leading you in gently, that's all." James replied. "What do you wish to speak of first?"

So, although seeming very relaxed, James had no idea what he was doing. Draco silently praised him for his outward attitude; although not emotionless he hid his inner feelings quite well. "You were the one who arranged this meeting; I presumed that it was you who needed to speak to me not the other way around." Draco wanted James to make the decisions; see him flustered due to having to think quickly.

James nodded, "yes I did arrange this. But unfortunately what I wish for shall not come until the end. I thought I might be answering questions and queries before your decision. Unless you have already made your decision?" James raised an eyebrow, he seemed very certain that Draco had not already come to a conclusion. Unfortunately this was the truth, how Draco wished to prove him wrong.

"Blaise?" Draco asked, the other Slytherin would not have joined the conversation unless prompted or he felt something necessary needed to be said.

"How about we go into detail of what each side of this exchange involves?" Blaise asked.

"Marvellous." James cried he reached into a bag Draco hadn't known the other was carrying; his observation skills had really slacked as of late. A piece of parchment, quill and ink bottle were retrieved and placed on the table. "Rules shall be written on here and place a compelling spell on it?"

"But we have not yet made a decision, nothing shall be written yet." Draco said, he would not be bound to a contract that he declined. It was a good idea; Draco would have thought the only Gryffindor with enough brain power to have conjured up this idea was Granger. But Granger couldn't be James as many other pieces of the puzzle didn't fit. Granger would have realised they would not want this written out before agreeing to the terms.

"Oh, yes, yes. Sorry." James said quickly embarrassment making its self known across his cheeks. "Well, we will just talk about it then shall we?" James looked to Draco for confirmation who nodded his agreement. "Right." There was a slight pause before James began. "We shall discuss what I wish for first then shall we?"

"If you wish" Draco found it unusual that the Gryffindor would choose that first. He would have expected to talk about what James was offering him first, persuading Draco from the beginning.

"Well as I said the other evening, I would like to be able to have access into the Slytherin common room. I am already able to get entrance but to be able to stay in there I need to have your support. I think it would have to be quite often for the others to feel safe around me. I wish to cause no problems or disturbance. It may have to be until Easter break as I realise many in Slytherin are secretive and reserving. Any irrelevant information shall not be spoken of to anyone outside your house. Although I may try to persuade people over to the right side, it will not be in any way forceful. " He said leaving space for Draco or Blaise to speak if they wished.

On the whole Draco found it a rather good speech. He seemed to find very little wrong with it. There were very few escape holes in there.

"What about information you do find relevant?" Blaise queried.

"That shall only be told to those who need to hear it." James replied easily.

"And if you are found out, what shall be said about us?" Draco asked, self preservation making an appearance.

"You shall not be spoken of being associated with what I am doing. You will be said to have been innocently mislead as to my trustworthiness." Was James's answer, as he said this he kept full eye contact with Draco; letting him see the truth behind the words.

"And if you are given veritaserum, our names shall come to the attention shall they not?" Blaise seemed as if he was musing allowed; but Draco knew it was directed towards him. Blaise wanted to make sure Draco knew this.

"But I can handle veritaserum well and anyway if we write this contract with a compelling spell I will be unable to speak of your involvement." James seemed very calm about this.

"We do not know how well you are able to answer questions under veritaserum do we?" Draco asked slightly sharper than he had intended.

James leaned in closer, "Do you know who I am?" was the quiet query accompanied by a raised eyebrow.

Draco's eyes narrowed and his cheeks became slightly brighter than usual. James replied with a smirk and sat back once again. There was a long pause after this where they could hear the rattle of the wind outside and the scuttle of some form of animal or another.

"That's one side of the bargain shall we start with the other, I think it only fair." Blaise's voice was cheerful, as if they had not been sat in uncomfortable silence for the last five minutes.

"Yes, of course." James shifted in his seat trying to find a more comfortable position. Again those blue eyes darted to Blaise before returning to Draco, nonverbally asking a question. In answer Draco nodded. "I'm assuming he knows then, Draco?"

"Yes, carry on, Blaise wished to be here for the whole of this meeting."

"Maybe if it is needed he could receive the same as you. Unfortunately Blaise, I do not know as much about the Zabini family as the Malfoy therefore am unsure where they lie within this war." The lilt at the end made this more into a question rather than statement.

"My mother does not like to restrict herself with potential husbands due to something like a war but we are close to the Malfoy family and others who are of the same notion." Blaise replied. Draco restrained the smile that wanted to curl his lips and the laughter that wanted to erupt. The most hilarious thing was that that sentence was completely true. Draco vividly remembered the time during the summer when he and his Mother had been at the Zabini's home.

Draco was walking in the hall about to find Blaise when he heard voice's coming from the drawing room. Checking to see if Blaise was present he crept closer and opened the large door slightly and peered in. He soon realised that it was his Mother with Mrs. Zabini and Blaise was nowhere in sight but the conversation caught his attention.

"Olivia, with present times you really should follow your beliefs." Narcissa's soft voice said with underlying command as she sipped daintily at her tea.

"But, Narcissa, you Know many people do not welcome these beliefs." Olivia replied, almost whinging. Like a child that was not allowed to play with its favourite toy.

"And that is why it is up to us to make sure they are heard."

"But think of all those beautiful men, who otherwise would give up everything to marry me, turn me away because I have a disgusting tattoo on my otherwise perfect arm. No thank you, Narcissa." The expression on the woman's face of one of utter horror. "Think of all the lovely clothes I would be unable to wear as well." She looked down at the garment she was wearing and her position to one where she seemed to be protecting the dress.

Draco quickly made himself scarce as he knew there was an arguement about to commence. He wished not to be the target if found eavesdropping.

Draco swam back into the present at James's conclusion "So you could be in the same situation as Draco then." Draco was impressed with the Gryffindor, most would probably be unable to find the answer but James had. They could make a decent Slytherin out of him yet. "I shall offer to you as well as Draco then, protection. Protection from your families and the Dark Lord."

"I do not see how you could be of much use protecting us." Draco said as he sniffed and his nose went higher in the air.

"No, you wouldn't would you, Draco?" James asked a smile tugging at his lips as he leaned forward. His voice dropped to a mummer, both Draco and Blaise had to lean forwards themselves to hear him. "Out of everyone within this school I am the one most likely to know what the Dark Lord plans to do next. Also I know of many places within this castle that would be fit for one to hide in. Escape routes to both enter and exit the grounds, and I know people."

Draco lifted an eyebrow and would have snorted had he been anything less than a Malfoy. "Because, of course, that makes me want to be running and jumping into your arms." He said sarcastically.

"I'll make you remember that when you're doing such an act." James said grinning. Draco heard Blaise's struggle to not laugh beside him, he scowled.

"I shall do no such thing." He protested; his air of superiority raised.

"Oh, but you will." James purred, much too close for Draco's liking. He sat back, a look of disgust at such a notion and also a slight flush on his face, and James laughed heartily. Blaise was also sniggering quietly.

"I shall not." The nose was in the air once again. "To show you that I shall not I will just have to....."

"No, wait, wait." James's laughter had died down immediately a look of desperation now shaping his features. "Look..I'm sorry. It was only a bit of fun......I didn't mean to ups...offend you." James pleaded, stammering. The brunette had finally lost his facade of calm, obviously finally realising who was in control.

"How about we get back to business then?" Blaise interrupted a smile still playing at his lips.

"Yes." James said bringing his mind back to the matter in hand. "Well as I was saying I could protect you from those that you wish to disobey."

"And you did that tremendously well." wryly Draco interrupted.

"Do tell me what I said wrong."

"Think back to the little speech you gave."

"What about it?" James questioned, incomprehension written across his face. Draco was not going to answer such a question.

"To us it sounded like you and the Dark Lord are best friends." Blaise answered to please both James and Draco.

Draco watched as the understanding spread through the face of James as waves wash over sand on a beach. Draco preferred it when James showed his expressions; there was still a quality within him that screamed of Gryffindor; he seemed alive when the emotions within covered his features. He soon discarded that thought and decided it was because he liked to know what others were thinking.

"So are you going to enlighten us whether you and the Dark Lord tell each other all your deepest, darkest secrets whilst maybe painting your nails or not?" Blaise asked lightly even though it was a detrimental question.

In answer James burst into hysterics unable to control the laughter that coursed through his body. Both Draco and Blaise sat stiffly watching as the Gryffindor lost all sense of control. It was some time before James was finally able to calm himself enough to say, "Sorry but me and the Dark Lord painting our nails together. That's the most hilarious thing I've ever heard." Before he lost himself once again to the laughter.

Draco raised an eyebrow, "and yet you do tell each other your secrets?"

James sobered before answering. "Now there's a difficult question to answer." He seemed to ponder before speaking again. "It is unintentional. There are very few secrets I have told him, but he seems to know a lot about me anyway. It's usually him that tells me things, and believe me it's definitely unintentional on his side. Although I have been practising to make him open up more and it does seem to be working."

"And how is it that you and the Dark Lord communicate?" Draco was very curious. He was also very weary, even more unsure of which side James was on.

"Oh we have a special connection and are able to communicate long distances." Was James answer.

"If you and the Dark Lord are so close, why are you protecting us against him?" Blaise seemed equally as confused as Draco.

James cocked his head to the side, spending his time studying Draco and Blaise thoroughly. It made Draco uncomfortable to have those intense eyes so focussed on him. After some time of inspection James snorted and said, "You think I'm on the Dark Lord's side of this war don't you?" he smiled slightly bitterly and shook his head. "Amazing. Change your face and all of a sudden you can be on the opposite side of the war. Believe me I'm not on the Dark Lord's side, I think we are too alike in some ways and yet too different in others for us to be on the same side. Doesn't mean one can't pretend does it?"

"So you're pretending to follow the Dark Lord?" Blaise's eyes seemed to have bulged slightly.

"Maybe, that is not of your concern. Is there anything else you wish to know? I think it is almost time for this meeting to finish."

Draco shook his head and looked towards Blaise who also seemed to have no more questions. James eyes seemed to shine with excitement, curiosity, worry. And also something that made Draco curious was deep inside those ocean pools there seemed to be a hint of fear. Was this that important to the Gryffindor?

Draco looked to Blaise who nodded his agreement. Taking a breath and hoping he was making the right decision, Draco said, "we agree to your terms and wish to go into a partnership with you in this exchange." Draco held out his hand. There was something that flickered through the blue eyes but it was gone too quick for Draco to know what it was before James almost lunged to take the proffered hand, a huge grin stretching and contorting his face.

End of Chapter Four

i I tried to translate the idiom 'the ball was in his court' into Quidditch terms because Draco wouldn't know 'muggle' idioms. I don't know if this was the best translation, if someone has a better idea I would love to hear it.

A/N: well I hope people enjoyed it. I'm afraid it many be some time before chapter five is up as I've got a busy week next week but I will try to get it done by next Sunday. So they have agreed to this, although I'm sure it was quite obvious. are they doing the right thing? Also what is going to happen between Draco and Blaise? The part between Narcissa and Olivia is not hugely important and really just gives a bit of background although it could be relevant in later chapters, notice the emphasis on could. :) Feedback would be lovely. x chicken.