Hey guys! I'm really sorry about taking so long to update but I'm traveling so Internet access is not too good. Anyways, I think you're going to like this chapter, it reveals a lot about Harry and what's going on. Thank you for favoriting following and reviewing. Thank you to all the ideas you Hugh's give me, you all really mean the world to me.

"The bond will be forcing them to be together faster than most. We'll be lucky if they don't start dating before third year. Although knowing my son they'll be together this time next year."

"And knowing mine, they'll be taking things slow for a while."

The next couple of months went by smoothly. Draco and I were as close as ever, and I found out that my inner circle respects me. I don't know whether it's because I scare them in our meetings (that's what Draco says) or if it's because I've exceled at all the spells we've learned so far, in addition to others that I have found in the library. Personally, I hope it's the later. Anyways, according to what Blaise, Theo, Neville, and Pansy have found out, the Ravenclaws are on my side, and the Slytherins are no longer completely against me. Although I think the only reasons that the Slytherins are now not constantly glaring at me is because of the run-in I had with Markus. It went something like this:

I was sitting in the empty common room reading a book on the Ancient Elven race when Markus came strutting in with two of his goons. Normally Draco would have already started to tell Markus to piss off, but he was helping Neville and Blaise with some potions homework in the library. Surprisingly enough, Draco doesn't completely dismiss Neville. Neville, other than Draco is one of my closest friends. It also helps that Neville grew a backbone and told Draco off when Draco started to take his teasing too far. But there I was, alone while faced with an angry 6th year. Nothing about the situations sounded promising except I knew that Markus was completely loyal to Father.

"Hey look," Markus said to his two goons. "It's the idiot. Where's your boyfriend? Did he finally get smart and leave you. About time, too. He finally realized that he's crossing the Dark Lord by being with you."

The goons laughed and I simply rolled my eyes and went back to my book. If only they knew who I was, then they would learn to keep their mouths shut around me.

When Markus didn't get a response from me he got angry. "Just because they call you a mini-prodigy you think you're better than the rest of us, don't you?" Interesting, I didn't know people were saying that about me. "Well, you need to learn to respect your betters, Potter. This'll teach you."

I had been staring intently at my book when I saw him reach for his wand. I'm a first year, he's a sixth year, the odds don't seem in my favor, but I have the Dark Lord's blood running through my veins; I am soon to be one of the most powerful wizards to ever live. The same overpowering energy came to me as it does whenever I hold meetings with my inner circle. By now, most of the Slytherins that had been in their dorms had now come out to see the commotion. At that moment the common room door opened, revealing said inner circle and Draco.

Just as Markus was about to say whatever curse his small brain held, I raised my voice so that it was heard over the whispers of the watchful students, and said, "Sectumsempra."

My eyes had traveled to the lit fireplace as Markus fell on the floor in agony, screaming in pain. No one moved. Markus' screams echoed through the room. All eyes were on what I assumed to be the very bloody body now. When it became apparent that nobody was going to be doing anything about the boy, I closed my book and slowly stood up. I walked over to the body and without giving it a second glance I said, "You two. Take him to the hospital wing. I'm going to assume that he has learned his lesson and doesn't need death to teach him that I am superior to him. You would do well to remember that." I made eye contact with each and every Slytherin as I said that final sentence.

I moved back over to the armchair that I had previously occupied and began to read my book where I had left off. Taking that as a signal, everyone moved into action. The two goons picked up the bloody Markus and moved out of the common room. All the onlookers began to go back to whatever they had previously been doing and gave me curious looks as they did so. I paid them no mind. Draco, however, was the only one to approach me afterwards.

"You're okay, right?" He was whispering, knowing that I would lose some of the image I had built up in the last 10 minutes is he was overheard. "Because if you're not I can go fix you up back in the room. I've been learning some healing spells. I thought it might come in handy since I'm best friends with you."

"Draco, I'm fine." I let my hand rest on his arm. "He just yelled for a bit and then I cursed him before he could do anything else. I figured now was as good a time as any." Draco nodded, knowing that I had been planning to show a portion of my full potential for a while now.

"Scourgify," Came a voice from behind us.

I looked and saw Neville had cleaned up the mess that Markus had left on the floor.

Blaise looked at where the pile of blood had previously been and said, "I don't think that's ever going to fully come out. It's stained."

"Good," I said smiling. "Now we know that they'll never forget."

Since that night, none of the Slytherins had bothered me or any of my inner circle again. Most would say that they were now terrified of me, but I knew better. While the second and third years think of me as a god, the older years only partially respect me. They're waiting, trying to see what my next move will be. We all know that I can either make their lives hell, or give them my protection.

"Draco," I said laying down on our bed. "I'm bored."

Draco was sitting down at his desk, and without looking up, he said, "Well then go find something to do."

"But there's nothing to do."

"Read."

"That's what I've been doing all day."

"Do homework."

"I already finished."

Draco turned around and glared at me, "Harry, I am this close to strangling you. I have to finish this Charms essay, and then I have several very important letters to write. Please go bug someone else. I am not in the mood."

"But Dra-" I started.

"No buts! Just GO AWAY!" As soon as Draco yelled, his eyes grew wide, realizing his mistake. I stepped back, afraid of what he was going to do next. Draco never yelled at me. Never. " Harry, I-"

I ran from the room and slammed the door behind me. Panting, I pressed my back to the floor and sat down as I hugged my knees. Draco's under a lot of stress. Father and Lucius have him working with Severus on some things, plus our giant homework load, it's surprising that he didn't blow up sooner. Making up my mind to go back inside to talk to him, I saw Neville coming towards me.

"Hey Hadrian," he said as he sat down next to me.

"How many times have I told you to call me Harry?" I said smiling at the boy.

"A lot," He said laughing. "So what are you doing out here?"

"Nothing, I just got bored of staying in the room." It was an obvious lie, but Neville knew not to push it.

"I was about to go down to the lake, want to come?"

So Neville and I walked down to the lake, talking about the most random things; from classes to the war. It was amazing what a few months will do to a person. Neville was no longer the shy timid boy that I first met on the train. He was witty and confident. Plus, he was completely loyal to me. I honestly believe that I could ask him to jump off a cliff and he would. I wouldn't ever ask him that, but still.

As we sat down by the lake together, a girl with bushy hair walked over towards us. She was wearing Ravenclaw robes, and I remember her slightly from class. She's the muggleborn that's quite smart, always has her nose in a book and doesn't talk much. I think I had seen her staring at me a couple of times, but I had put it off to the fact that I was just imagining it.

"He-hello Harry. I was wondering if I could talk to you?" She stood nervously in front of us and was twisting her hands together. Ravenclaws; book smart, yes, but social skills, no.

"Of course," I said as I stood up. "Neville, you don't mid, do you?" I gave him a warning look.

"Yeah, that's fine. I was about to go inside anyways. It's getting chilly and I forgot my cloak." Rubbing his arms for emphasis, Neville went back inside. I smiled, making a note to reward the boy for putting on a good show.

The girl and I began to walk around the lake together in silence. She was struggling with some inner thoughts, and I knew it was best to wait until she was ready to speak than to push her.

"I'm Hermione! Hermione Granger!" She blurted out. Pink spots immediately covered her cheeks in realization of what she just did.

"Well, Hermione," I started, testing the name on my lips. "What did you call me out here for? We've been walking around this lake for a while now, and yet you've stayed mysteriously silent."

Ducking her head she mumbled, "I've seen you. And I've heard things too." I waited for her to continue. "Well, I- I heard two girls from your house talking yesterday in the library, and I've seen you in class and-"

"Hermione," I said. "What are you trying to say?" I knew what she was getting at, but I wanted her to say it herself.

Collecting herself, she began, "You're powerful, Harry. And smart, too. People talk about you like you're going to be the next Merlin, and it's all so surreal. I want you to teach me. Please. I'm eager to learn, and I willing to learn anything." Her eyes were full of hope and sincerity.

"Well, I don't know if I'm going to be the next Merlin, but yeah I'm at the top of our class. I'll think about it. Not a yes, not a no. It's a maybe. I have a lot going on and I'm not sure if I have time for you to be honest." I also don't know if I can trust you.

"Oh please, Harry! Please!" Begging. Wow. I hadn't expected her to go that far. I guess she realy does want me to teach her.

"I said I will get back to you about the matter. Do not push me." My voice was laced with venom and she took a step back.

"The rumors are true." She murmured under her breath.

"Go. I'll let you know my answer in time."

She practically ran from me. But the thing is, she wasn't only completely terrified of me, like most people, there was something else there, too.

I walked back to the castle, and as I entered the Slytherin common room, I was reminded of how I left Draco. He's probably still mad at me. I paused at the door. Should I go in? Maybe I should just stay away from a while. The door opened, revealing a disheveled look Draco.

"Harry! There you are! I've been going mad with worry! I yelled at you and then you left, and I was-" I was suddenly wrapped up in a giant hug that I easily returned. "Merlin, don't ever leave me like that again! I was so worried!"

I sniffled, suddenly ashamed of running out earlier. "I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to make you worry. It's just that, you yelled at me! You never yell; at least, not at me."

I don't know where it came from, but suddenly I started sobbing. Thoughts of being abandoned by Draco ran through my head. That then led to thoughts of Father leaving me as well. Suddenly, I was picked up and placed on the bed. I could feel Draco's arms wrap around my middle.

"It's okay, Harry. I'll always be here. I promise. We're going to be together forever. Okay?" Draco whispered in my ear. "I love you."

Smiling, I could feel sleep begin to take me. "I love you too, Dray." I fell asleep with thoughts of Draco possessing my dreams.

How was it? Did you like the Markus scene? Hermione. I'm trying to make her OC but still Hermione. Same with Neville. Hopefully I did pretty good. More about Regulus is to come! Let me know any ideas you have because this is all still developing. Love you all! Review! :)