Title:Game Without Tears

Disclaimer: I do not own, wish I did, but I don't. I only own my plot line. Full disclaimer, first chapter.

Author: ShaeLynn Teelle

All other information: See first chapter.

Polite constructive criticism welcome. FLAMES WILL BE FED TO THE DRAGON IN MY BED.

Chapter 27: Nobody Told You

After daybreak when the bonded couples awoke, neither saw Draco or Harry all morning. Daphne would laugh quietly at odd times as she looked to the only closed bedroom door in the suite. At the quiet sound Pansy would indulge herself with a smile before she returned to her mythology books. It was almost an hour before lunchtime that the door to the suite opened.

"Mr. Crabbe, the Headmaster requires your presence in his office," Remus said quietly from the doorway.

Vincent nodded and stood from the couch he'd been sitting on. He left the room and walked to Dumbledore's office, Remus just a few steps behind. When they reached the gargoyle Vincent politely stepped aside so Remus could mumble the password. They rode the staircase up and when they reached the open door of the office, Vincent stopped.

"August."

The nine year old in the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk turned to look at Vincent. A moment later the Slytherin was kneeling next to the chair, concern in his eyes.

"What happened?"

"Mother, Father, and Hans left one morning about a week ago while I was still asleep. Then, yesterday people in white masks started coming into the house so I hid until they left. Then, I grabbed my trunk and my things and used the Floo like you told me to go to Tarence's house. Then, Viktor brought us to the Three Broomsticks and Madam Rosemerta was kind enough to call Professor Dumbledore. Why aren't you at home, Vinny?"

Vincent smiled slightly at the nick-name, but then sighed, "Do you remember when I explained what our fathers did and why Hans ignored you, August?"

"Yes, and you said that your father was going to make you become one as well, but you wouldn't ignore me like Hans did. Did he make you do that?"

"Yes," Vincent said, pulling up the sleeve on his left arm and baring the mark so August could see it. "I was spying to help stop the Snake and we were discovered. If I were to go home now, my father would kill me for betraying the Snake. So, I'm staying here with my friends."

"The other spies?"

"Yes, the other spies," Vincent said, pulling his sleeve back down.

"Okay! Can I stay here with you and be a spy, too?" August asked, grinning for the first time since entering Hogwarts.

"I don't think so, short man."

"Hey, I'm not short!" August said, standing up on the chair to prove it.

"Like I said, short. And there's no spying anymore. It's up to the Headmaster if you can stay here or not."

"Please, Professor Dumbledore? May I stay here with my cousin?"

Dumbledore was thoughtful for a moment, looking between the two, "For now you may, Mr. Crabbe. Mr. Krum," he continued, looking to the side of his office. "Are you going to be staying nearby?"

"Yes, Headmaster. We will be staying at the Three Broomsticks for now," Viktor Krum answered, his English having improved greatly since the Triwizard Tournament.

Vincent stood and turned, coming face-to-face with Viktor Krumm. For several moments neither said a word, then, Vincent held out his right hand to the other who shook it firmly.

"Thank you for watching after my cousin, Viktor, and for bringing him to Hogwarts."

"He is a good kid, Vincent. Also my brother would never have spoken to me again if I had not helped," Viktor said and another boy stepped forward. This one had the same look about him as Viktor, but was about eight years younger.

Vincent held his hand out to the other, "You must be Tarence then. August has told me a great deal about you in his letters."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet the one he speaks so highly of. With everyone's permission, I would like to spend some time with August before we leave," Tarence's accent was not as thick as Viktor's, but it was still enough to tell where they were from.

"I do not see a problem with that," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling. "Perhaps you would like to acquaint young Mr. Crabbe to where he will be staying while I have a word with the Krums, Mr. Crabbe. Professor Lupin, if you would escort them."

"Of course, Headmaster," Remus answered and waited for Vincent and August to proceed him down the stairs.

The ride down the stairs was uneventful, but as soon as they started walking back towards the rooms, August could not contain his excitement any longer.

"Vinny, is that the Professor from your third year that you wrote about?" August asked, his excited whisper not much quieter than if he had spoken aloud.

"Yes, August, that is the same Professor."

"Wow! Do you think he'll stay and teach when I'm eleven?"

"I don't know, August. That is Professor Lupin's choice," Vincent replied, already knowing what his over-energetic cousin was going to do next.

August turned around so he was now facing Remus and walking backwards, trusting Vincent to move him if he was going to hit something. "Professor Lupin, sir? Will you stay and teach when I'm eleven? I'm nine now, please? Vinny told me all about his third year and how good you are as a teacher."

"He knows what you are, Professor Lupin," Vincent said quietly.

"What are you talking about, Vinny?" August asked as he faced Vincent, now walking sideways down the hall, missing the look of surprise that had crossed Remus's face at both August's speed of conversation and his genuine interest in having him as a teacher.

"You know that he's like Great-Aunt Freida."

"Oh! Of course I know that. You told me he had Lycanthrope in one of your letters. So? What does that have to do with him teaching when I'm old enough to go here?" August asked, genuine confusion on his face.

"Nothing at all, August," Vincent answered, a smile on his face that Remus couldn't see.

Then, August suddenly turned back to Remus, walking backwards once again, "Will you at least consider staying to teach in two years, Professor?"

"I'll consider it, Mr. Crabbe. You'd best turn around, we're almost there."

August turned around in time to see the portrait of Godric Gryfindor and the red phoenix before Remus mumbled the password and it lifted, revealing the door behind it. As the portrait slid upwards, the phoenix winked at August as it had when the five were first brought to the rooms.

August stared at where the portrait had slid into the wall, then, he turned to Vincent, "Vinny, did..?"

"Yes, August," Vincent said and nodded at the younger boy.

Remus frowned, but said nothing as he followed the two into the main room. They were greeted by Pansy, Daphne, and Gregory laughing. When they were noticed, Pansy stopped laughing and approached them.

"Who's this, Vin?" she asked quietly.

"This is my cousin August Crabbe. August, this is Pansy."

Pansy knelt down in front of August, "Hello, August. How old are you?"

"I'm nine," he answered, then he looked up at Vincent. "Vinny is this the flower you wrote about?"

"Flower?" Pansy asked as Daphne and Gregory started laughing again.

Vincent ignored Pansy for the moment, "Yes, August, this is the one that I said reminded me of a flower."

"Wow!" he said, turning back to Pansy and looking up at her admiringly. "You were right. She is really pretty."

Pansy blushed slightly, not expecting the compliment and forgot her slight irritation at Vincent, "Thank you, August. Let me introduce you to the others. This is Gregory Goyle and this is Daphne," she said, leading him over to where Daphne and Gregory still sat on their couch.

"Hello," he said quietly and the two simply nodded with smiles on their faces.

Then, the door to Draco's bedroom opened and Draco stepped out, stopping when he saw August. He raised an eyebrow at Vincent in question.

"Dragon, this is my cousin, August."

"That's the Dragon?!" August asked excitedly, eyes wide. At Vincent's nod he turned back to look at Draco, awe stamped across his face, "Wow."

"Look, Dray, you've got your own fanclub," Harry said from behind Draco, trying not to laugh.

"Be quiet, Potter. It's about time I get one," Draco said, tipping his nose into the air and Harry mimicked the gesture, causing the others to laugh, but even above the laughter everyone heard August.

"That's really Mister Potter? Tarence is going to be so jealous, he's always asking his brother for stories."

At Harry's confusion Vincent explained, "Tarence is Viktor Krum's younger brother and a good friend of August's."

"I see."

Augustus had opened his mouth, only to stop before he spoke as the door to the rooms opened. Professor Snape entered the room followed by Tarence and Viktor Krum. Professor Snape waited until they were within the room before he swept out with a glare. Viktor paused for only a moment as he took in the sight before him. Then, he quickly walked to Harry and held out his hand.

"Harry."

"Viktor," Harry said and nodded as he took the other's hand.

After the handshake, Viktor turned to Draco, "Malfoy."

"Viktor. How have you been?"

"Good. I understand that I owe you an apology. The Headmaster has told me about what you have done in assistance to stopping the Dark Lord. I regret the words I spoke in the reply I sent you. You are not a coward and you are not evil." Viktor bowed half-way to the Slytherin, shocking nearly all in the room.

"Accepted, but there is no need. The secrets were kept well hidden and you could not have known that things had changed after fourth year. Will you be staying with us for lunch? It should be served shortly," Draco spoke back quietly, a touch of amusement in his eyes.

"If it is not an inconvenience. Tarence would like to spend some more time with August before we must return to the Three Broomsticks."

Draco nodded just as the table set itself with dishes and food. Gregory and Daphne rose from their places on the couch and took chairs at the far side of the table. Vincent and Pansy sat next to them so August could sit at his cousin's side. Tarence sat next to his friend and Viktor chose a place beside his brother. Before Harry could walk with Draco to the table he heard his name called quietly from near the door. He turned and saw Remus beckoning him over. With a nod to Draco, whom moved to the table on his own, Harry went over to the entrance of the rooms where Remus was standing.

"Harry, why were you in Malfoy's room?"

For a moment, Harry couldn't keep his blush under control at the suspicious look in Remus's eyes. "We were talking this morning and we didn't wish to be interrupted so we used Draco's room."

"Talking?"

"Yes, we were talking this morning."

"And last night?"

"What?" Harry asked a bit loudly, attracting the attention of those at the table waiting.

"Ron informed me this morning at breakfast that you had not returned to your room last night."

"And what did Hermione say?"

"Nothing, though she did glare at Ron and I believe Neville was glaring at him as well."

"Is it a problem that I wasn't in my rooms last night?"

"No, but it would be nice to know that you are safe wherever it is you were staying."

"Don't worry, Remus. I was perfectly safe last night. I'm nearly eighteen and you know that I don't trust easily anymore. But I trust where I was and whom I was with last night."

"Alright, Harry. Just be careful. You may not want anyone to worry, but there are some of us that will do so regardless. I don't want to see you hurt," Remus acknowledged with a sigh and placed one hand on Harry's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.

"I'll be okay, Remus. Are you going to stay for lunch?"

"No, thank you. I'm meeting the Headmaster for lunch. He has some things to go over with me about the werewolf community."

"I see. Will you still be here for dinner?"

"Yes. Tonks is coming to dinner tonight to speak with Albus. She's asked me to stay."

Harry had a bright smile on his face as he nodded and watched Remus leave the suite. Then, he moved to the table and found Viktor and the five Slytherins watching him. He shrugged and took the only open place between Draco and Viktor.

\/\/\/\/\/

It wasn't until mid-afternoon that Harry finally saw Ron and Hermione. Viktor and Tarence had left shortly after lunch had ended, leaving August in the entertaining hands of the rest. From somewhere in her trunk, Daphne had produced a handful of Muggle coloring books and a large pack of crayons. The small table that had been between the two couches was moved and the two bonded couples and August were now sitting or laying on the large rug in front of the fireplace with the books spread between them and the colors laying in their midst.

Draco and Harry were sitting in their armchairs, hands clasped across the short distance. They were both content to just relax for a change and laughed at their friends on occasion. The two bonded couples also took the time to relax completely and Daphne was singing quietly with a smile on her face. Pansy was helping August since he had never seen colors or coloring books before. Gregory and Vincent were taking the opportunity to tease the girls and they would often lean against them or lean over them to reach a crayon conveniently hiding on the other side of their partner.

Which explained why Gregory's trees were purple and blue and the frogs in the picture were bright pink above yellow water. Every one of those colors had been on the other side of Daphne and he used them all after taking the time to nearly lay on top of her to reach them or snaked an arm underneath her torso where she lay coloring at his side.

It was in the midst of this playful and calm atmosphere that the door to the suite opened and Professor McGonagall allowed Ron and Hermione into the room before closing it as she left. The two Gryffindors stood there for a few moments, both nervous, but Hermione was curious as well. Ron on the other hand was more angry than curious and it was obvious just from looking at him.

Harry stood and moved to his friends, his smile gone from his face. Ron opened his mouth to speak and Harry held up a hand to stop him. He took one last look at the group in front of the fire that was currently watching them before he ushered his friends out the door of the suite, refusing to argue anywhere near the Slytherins that had come to mean just as much to him as his prior friends.

The moment the group were outside of the door Ron opened his mouth, "What the hell's going on, Harry? You're spending your time with them?"

"I thought you were giving them a chance yesterday, Ron. What changed that? You seemed fine after dinner when you were here. They haven't changed since last night you know," Harry answered, nearly as angry as his friend.

"That was before you never came back last night. Where were you? We thought that something—"

"You thought that something had happened to him," Hermione interrupted her boyfriend. "I figured out where he was and told you that he was safe, but you wouldn't believe me. And you were safe, weren't you Harry? You were safe and happy last night, right?"

"Yes, Hermione, I was."

"Something, anything could have happened to you, Harry. How can you just wander to wherever you feel like—"

"I didn't wander anywhere, Ron!" Harry interrupted, taking a step closer to his taller friend. "I was right here last night. I didn't return to my rooms because I never left here. And, NO, I wasn't forced to stay," Harry spat out when Ron opened his mouth. "It was my choice to stay and I did and I was perfectly safe and for once in the last two years I was completely happy and able to forget about Voldemort for a little while. Why can't you trust me to know when I'm in danger? They're not what you've always thought they were, Ron!"

"They're Slytherins, Harry!" Ron shouted, gesturing to the door wildly. "They may not be on his side any longer, but they were once. They tormented us for seven years, Harry! How can you just dismiss that like this? You don't know them."

"Neither do you, Ron! They are not the people you think they are. They're my friends!" Harry shouted back and Hermione quickly hushed him. "They're my friends, Ron, and so are you, but I will not choose between you. Please, don't try to make me."

"Fine," Ron answered in a harsh whisper and turned away. He stalked down the corridor, ignoring Hermione's calls for him to come back or wait, and Harry could only watch him go, frustration in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Harry. He appeared to be getting over that last night, didn't he? I'll try to talk to him."

"It's alright, Hermione. We both know that he won't listen until he's ready to. You said you figured out where I was last night. Are you upset about this?"

Hermione looked down the hallway in the direction that Ron had gone, then turned back to Harry, "I should be. I've almost got more right to be than Ron does. But I'm not. Like you, I've seen a different side to them, the part they've kept hidden for years. Granted, I don't know them like you do, but I trust your judgment. Not your study skills or Potions abilities—"

They both laughed at that, though it was rather strained.

"—but I trust that you can make your own decisions and not just accept things as they come. I've watched you, Harry, especially after they were brought to these rooms. The more time you're with them, the lighter you seem. And last night, before Ron and I left, you were happy like I haven't seen you be in years. I mean, it's a good thing Neville asked Ginny out since you seem to be taken at the moment, but you're happy. Please, thank Draco for that, from me?"

Harry nodded silently, then accepted Hermione's hug. They stood there wrapped in each other's arms for a bit, each giving and taking comfort that they didn't often indulge in. Finally Hermione pulled away and Harry tried not to notice as she swept a discreet hand across one cheek.

"I'm going to go after Ron. Maybe he'll calm down in a few days and be ready to talk without a fight."

"Okay. And maybe Hagrid'll decide that fluffy white Muggle bunnies are his favorite animal."

The two laughed again each at the image of the half-giant surrounded by creatures that did nothing dangerous for a change. Hermione waved and left down the corridor where Ron had stormed not long before. Harry sighed as he watched after her until she had turned a corner. He heard a whisper from beside him of a phoenix song. Surprised, he looked and only saw the portrait guarding the Slytherins' rooms. Then, he heard the whispered song again and watched the red phoenix nod slightly to him before the portrait slid up without a password.

Four pairs of eyes watched Harry when he reentered the suite of rooms. They took in the slight droop of his shoulders and his clenched hands. When they heard the portrait outside the door slide down Harry finally raised his head and looked at them.

Draco rose from his chair and crossed to stand in front of Harry. Without a word he took one of Harry's hands and led him back over to their chairs. Gregory, Daphne, and Vincent were still on the floor, but they had all stopped their coloring and were simply watching Harry. He gave them a ghost of a smile. No one said anything for some time until Pansy reentered the room with August.

The nine year old was rather subdued and cautious when he approached the group sitting in front of the fire. Instead of returning to the picture he had been coloring he sat on the floor next to Vincent and leaned against him. Vincent obliged by wrapping one arm about his cousin's shoulders.

"You okay, short man?" Vincent asked quietly.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Pansy showed me where I'll sleep if I can spend the night here," he paused for a moment. "Is Harry okay?"

All eyes turned to Harry whom was looking at the boy in surprise. "Yes, August, I'm okay. One of my friends and I had an argument, but don't worry."

"Are you still friends?"

"Yes, we're still friends. We just need a few days apart and everything will be fine. Thank you," Harry answered with a genuine smile, albight small.

August nodded and a moment later pulled away from Vincent to return to his coloring. Pansy took his place against Vincent's side, cuddling into her husband. Gregory and Daphne continued coloring with August while he asked various people what colors to use.

Nearly an hour after the argument in the hall had ended, the outer portrait slid upwards, the quiet sound echoing slightly in the large room. The door opened and a tired Remus walked into the suite. He didn't even pause as he glanced in front of the fireplace where they sat. He crossed to stand behind Harry's chair and to the side opposite of Draco. There was a slightly bemused smile on his face as he took in the colors and coloring books spread out on the rug.

"Dumbledore enquires as to whether or not any of you wish to join the others in the Great Hall for supper in an hour. He said it was your choice as you have a guest. And he mentioned that if you were amendable, August could spend the night here before he will be placed with the Longbottom's and Greengrass' until things have been straightened out," Remus said, smiling at the, once again, exuberant boy laying on the floor.

"Yay! I can stay!" he crowed and jumped to his feet, hugging Pansy and Vincent.

"Of course there is not a problem with him spending the night here," Vincent replied, a small smile on his face. "I would prefer to spend supper with my cousin away from the volume and hecticness of the Great Hall."

Pansy looked at Daphne whom nodded before she answered, "Daphne and I will stay as well, Professor Lupin."

"Sorry, sir," Gregory replied quietly. "I'll stay by Daphne's side until she's sick of having me there."

"That'll never happen, Greg," Dahpne said in a whisper as her eyes shined with happiness.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Remus prompted when Draco did not readily voice his answer as the rest had.

"Harry?" the blond asked quietly and Remus looked to Harry in surprise.

"Ron and I have had a slight falling out this afternoon, Moony. I think I'd eat better here tonight."

"So will I," Draco agreed instantly and was rewarded with a smile from his lover. Then, he turned to Remus, "You are welcome to join us, Professor Lupin. There's always room for others at our table."

Remus looked about the gathered group in shock, seeing every face with acceptance on it. "I would appreciate it, Mr. Malfoy, if I may bring a guest as well? A friend is coming here tonight and I promised to stay and meet her."

"Of course, Professor. There is no problem with that."

"Thank you, all. I'll return shortly. I need to inform the Headmaster on your decision and collect my friend."

Remus gave a short nod to all assembled and left the suite. When he was gone Harry reached out and gave Draco's hand a light squeeze in thanks. The Slytherin nodded and suddenly laughed as his eyes caught the expression of awe and near worship on August's face. The others turned to where he was looking at and joined in the laughter. Vincent hugged his cousin when the boy looked at him and August shrugged before he began laughing as well, though he didn't know what they were laughing about.

"You really want Professor Lupin as your teacher, don't you, August?" Vincent asked quietly once the laughter had died down.

"Yeah, you always talked about him in your letters when he was first your teacher and you did in the few you sent this year, too. He sounded like such a great teacher and I want to learn about Boggarts and Hunkypinks—"

"Hinkypunks, August," Pansy interrupted quietly.

"Yeah, them, too," August said absently, causing an indulgent smile to cross the girl's face. August saw the smile and returned it with a happy girn.

"What would you like to do before supper, August?" Draco asked, glad the tension from Harry's argument with Ron had lifted completely.

The boy looked thoughtful for a bit, then turned to his cousin, "Vinny, can we practice? Mum wouldn't let me after you visited for Christmas. Please?"

Vincent glanced at the rest of the group and they all nodded at him, grins on their faces from August's pleading, though Harry's grin was one of confusion as well. "Okay, August. Just for a little while."

August jumped up and ran from the room to Vincent's. He came back out with two sticks half his height. One end was slightly tapered and the other had a wooden crosspiece an adult's hand's width from the end. One of these he gave to Vince whom had moved into the middle of the open space between the entry hall and the large table.

For the next half hour the other five occupying the room watched as Vincent and August had short mock-engagements with Vincent stopping often to correct a grip or stance. He showed August new ways to move to avoid being hit and different ways to press an advantage.

It wasn't long before the door opened again and Remus reentered the suite with Tonks to catch the end of Vincent's lesson. He was about to protest when he caught Harry's eyes. The Gryffindor shook his head and Remus waited, taking one of Tonks' hands into his own.

"You doing okay, shorty?" Vincent asked when he called it quits for the day.

"Yeah," August huffed out and leaned against his practice stick for a moment. "I just wish Mum would have let me practice since Christmas. I'm never going to get better if I can only do this twice a year."

"Hey, you improved a lot last summer when I visited. Don't worry, you're doing fine. Now, go put these away before our food arrives."

August nodded and took Vincent's wooden piece as he walked over to his cousin's room and disappeared inside. Vincent didn't even look around him as he returned to Pansy's side. She smiled at him as he sank onto the couch with his eyes closed.

"Did he wear you out?" she asked teasingly.

"It's been too long since I did anything against something other than my own shadow. But he is improving, whether he can practice regularily or not, he is improving."

"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks said loudly into the momentary quiet, startling all five of the Slytherins.

"Evening, Tonks," Harry said, holding in his laughter at the others' reactions. "Do you need me to intro—"

"Don't worry about it," Tonks answered, waving her hand in the air. "Everyone, my name is Nymphadora Tonks, but if you call me anything other than Tonks, you'll be very, very sorry." The Slytherins nodded and it seemed that was when Tonks first realized whom the blond next to Harry was.

"Oh! And that's my aunt Narcissa's son, Draco, but I don't think we've seen each other since he was in nappies." With that announcement Draco blushed a deep pink and his eyes were impossibly wide as he tried to slouch down as far as he could into his chair.

Reviews are appreciated.