Chapter Seven

"Do you realize what you've done?" a lilting male voice said from behind her.

Taryn was silently walking with the rest of the crowd of excited Slytherins to their house lodgings in the dungeons. She was confused. Everything that she had heard about Draco seemed to suggest that he usually took up with a willing witch at the slightest provocation.

Instead, after the feast was over, he had blatantly ignored her, striding ahead with Crabble and Goyle without a backward glance.

Taryn turned toward the voice. It belonged to a slight, spare boy. His hair was thick golden streaked brown that curled into fat ringlets, but was semi tamed by a short cut. His eyes were a bright, alert hazel. He wasn't much taller than Taryn, perhaps five foot seven at the most. If Tracey's memory served his name was Chase Morgenstern.

Chase was one of the few openly gay boys at Hogwarts. That, plus being a half-blood, didn't put him in the best light to many of the bigots at school. Being in Slytherin house, he dealt with his share of teasing and outright bullying. As a result he became a dab hand and curses, hexes, and defensive spellwork. After Theodore Nott received a nasty stinging hex in retaliation, most wizards kept the bullying to only words.

Taryn's brow rose in question. "What have I done?"

Chase nodded toward Pansy Parkinson, who was walking with Millicent and Daphne, and Taryn's gaze followed. Pansy glared at her with a look so cutting, that it was all Taryn could do to keep from drawing her wand.

"You're acting as if you don't know that Pansy considers Draco her property. Are you forgetting what happened to Alexandria? Last I heard the girl still hasn't grown back her hair," Chase said in amusement.

Taryn frowned. It seemed that she hadn't considered all of the possible ramifications of her plan, and that was unlike her. On the other hand, shouldn't you strike while the iron was hot?

If she was going to seduce Draco, she couldn't very well do it right under Pansy's pug nose, so that meant a room change was in order. She wasn't worried about Pansy's curses. She felt that she could hold her own in that department, but she didn't want to spend the entire year watching her back, especially in her own room.

"Shit. I'm going to have to change rooms," she said in irritation.

Chase scoffed. "That's not going to help much. I wasn't the only one watching you and Draco eye shag at the table. So, what's up with that?"

Taryn's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "Why are you so interested?" As far as she knew, Tracey and Chase hadn't even spoken more than ten words to each other in the entire time that had gone to school together. Matter of fact, she couldn't recall that Chase had even had close friends ever. Not that Tracey had been much better in the friend department.

Chase laughed. "Why wouldn't I be? It's like my own personal soap opera playing out right in front of me. You know, you can stay with me if you want," he tentatively suggested. "I have my own room in Serpent Hall."

Taryn's brown crinkled as she thought. Serpent Hall? It pissed her off when she finally realized what Serpent Hall actually was. The damn Slytherins had a bloody resort! She didn't like the fact that Slytherin House had so much room when Gryffindor only had the tower. It also seemed that Slytherin house was more...lax...on rules. There were no enchantments to keep the opposite sexes from...mingling.

She thought about Chase's offer. She had never thought to live with a male, but since she knew that Chase wouldn't be interested in her, well, it seemed like a logical choice. As far as not knowing him, it was much more preferable, getting to know him, than living with Pansy. Also, Chase seemed like a decent bloke, and she really needed a friend. Until she figured out some sort of plan, Harry and Ron weren't available. Even though she had helped Harry she didn't really think they would want to be friends with her, and she would need someone in Slytherin House.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked.

"Sure I am. I really got the room because I couldn't stand rooming with people I didn't like once more. You seem nice, and even though we haven't really talked before, I think I would help anyone who is pissing on pureblood sensibilities," he laughed.

"Well, thanks. Its really nice of you to offer this. I guess I should go get my luggage," Taryn said, not relishing the prospect.

"You could always send the house elves," Chase reminded her.

"No, I think this should be a more personal errand," she said as the crowd finally reached the wall to the Slytherin dungeons.

"The password this year is Minuit," Pansy said, pinning her prefect badge to her robes.

Dammit, Taryn thought, I just can't win. It only got worse as she watched Draco follow Pansy's action pinning a shiny new badge to his robes. He seemed less than pleased at the prospect.

The wall slid open, allowing the crowd to enter.

This was the first time that Taryn had been allowed to see the Slytherin common room, or dungeons with her own eyes. During her second year, after that unfortunate polyjuice potion incident, she hadn't been able to go with Harry and Ron to finagle information from Draco. At least this time there wouldn't be any potion, but there sure would be finagling if she had anything to do with it.

"Have a seat. We have a few announcements," Draco said his voice managing to convey equal parts authority and boredom. "On second thought, I'm going to let you handle this Pans," he said, ignoring Pansy's irritated glance and striding from the room down a corridor to the right.

Taryn sat down on one of the sofas, Chase at her side.

The Slytherin common room was large, lit by greenish lamps and furnished with many black and green leather sofas. It was very austere, maintaining a cold elegance. Curiously, despite being located partially under the lake, it was dry, the temperature comfortable. Not and all dank, and full of damp like she had expected.

"For the newbies, the password for our common room changes every fortnight," Pansy was saying, "It is posted on the noticeboard which can be found on the wall to the left of the entryway. If you forget, that's your problem. You'll be locked out until either you remember, or someone feels sorry enough to let you in," her voice revealed her disgust over such an action. "This isn't Hufflepuff, so learn to take care of yourselves. Draco and I won't be bothered by little annoyances, so unless its something big, don't even knock on my door."

Taryn realized that Pansy was going to be living in the prefect quarters, but she was still firm on her decision to room with Chase. Millicent and Daphne were still less than ideal.

"I'm not going to go over the schedule for everything. It's your job to check the board. We aren't babysitters. That's all. You can all go find your rooms," Pansy continued.

Animated chatter filled the air once more as the students began to file out of the room.

Taryn stood to follow Millicent and Daphne, intent on getting her luggage.

"Davis? Mind if I have a word?" Pansy's voice rang out behind her.

Sighing, Taryn turned around. "Not at all."

The first years, ignorant of house politics, happily made their way to their way to their rooms. Everyone, second year, and up stopped to watch the fireworks that were soon about to erupt.

Pansy strode closer, stopping a few feet away. "Lets not beat around the bush. Draco is mine, keep your filthy half-blood hands off of him."

"Shouldn't that be his decision?" Taryn asked, her lazy voice belying her alert senses.

Gasps echoed around the room. Now this was getting interesting.

Pansy drew back slightly. This wasn't how she had imagined this conversation going. Usually the witches backed down quickly once a threat was issued. This wouldn't do at all.

"He doesn't want you. Why would he when he has me?" Pansy hissed.

Taryn smiled, amused. "Really? Then why did he shag Alexandria, and plenty other witches six ways to Sunday? Need I remind you that you aren't his girlfriend?"

Chuckles went through the crowd. Not many people actually liked Pansy. She was rude, vindictive, and thought that she was much better than anyone else.

Pansy's face grew red with rage. "That's none of your business, you bitch! Alexandria was a slag, and so are you if you go after a guy that is clearly involved with someone else. You better watch your back. Need I remind you what happened to Alexandra? Here's some of what she got!" Pansy said drawing her wand from her robes.

"Expelliarmus! Duratus!" Taryn said sharply. Pansy was knocked to the ground, frozen, her wand skidding across the floor. Pansy's face turned a greyish color, her lips tinting blue, as ice formed in her hair. She was literally slowly freezing.

Taryn advanced on her slowly, eyes scanning the crowd for anyone else thinking to cast a hex at her back.

"How can you be so thick, Parkinson?" She said, walking in a slow circle around the other girl. "You might be able to bluff all of these other girls, but you don't scare me. I will do what I want with whomever I want, and nobody is going to tell me not to. I went easy on you today, but next time I might not be so nice. So you watch your back," Taryn said quietly, before turning and striding through the crowd to go get her luggage.

Everyone goggled at her back, including Pansy who was slowly unfreezing on the ground, icicles dropping from her hair, shivers shaking her body as feeling returned to her skin. Her clothes were completely soaked, the chilled fabric sticking to her skin. She was enraged and confused. The Tracey she remembered had been a wimp, always going along with whatever she said, just to be a part of the group. She now realized that Taryn wasn't going to be easily scared away. She had to find another way to get rid of the witch.

Chase ran up to Taryn who had reached the room and was levitating her luggage to follow her out of the door. "Damn, Davis. You are my new best friend," he said animatedly, practically hopping in excitement beside her.

Taryn laughed a bit, before asking, "Do we need to let Snape know that I'll be rooming with you this year?"

Chase shook his head. "No, he won't care. I think he has a parchment that self-updates on the lodging front. Besides, I've paid enough for my room to invite any bloody person I want."

"You should let me pay you half or something," Taryn said.

"No way, I invited you," Chase insisted, stifling any argument attempts.

"Okay, but I at least intend to help with household items and food, and if there is anything I can do to help you out just say so. You really are doing me a huge favor."

"You could join the yoga group I intend to start," Chase said.

"Yoga? I guess I could. It would definitely help me with flexibility," she said, thinking.

"Oh, yeah? You have some big plans for Malfoy, eh?" Chase said, grinning at her.

Taryn slapped his shoulder. "I dance ballet, but sure, I'll join," she said, rolling her eyes at her new friend.

They strode down Serpent Hall, stopping before a portrait of thin, older lady decked out in a blue dress and a huge matching hat with a white plume. Chase's name appeared on a plaque over the doorway.

"Are you Morgenstern?" she asked Chase in a nasally voice.

"I am," Chase replied.

"I am Lady Prescott. I require you to perform the Nimetage charm to verify your identity," she said, glancing at him suspiciously.

"Nimetage," Chase said, pointing his wand at the portrait. An orange glow erupted from the wand and outlined the portrait.

Lady Prescott's eyes closed for a moment before opening. "Identity approved. Now you may add a password, using silent spellwork to maintain privacy of course."

Chase did so, waiting until they entered the room to tell her that the password was Pitt.

"As in Brad," he said on a laugh.

"Wow," Taryn said looking around the room taking in the amenities. "How many rooms do you have in here?"

"Just the one. We'll have to share, not that you'll be spending much time in here. Did you happen to notice who leased the other rooms?" he asked her slyly.

"No, who?" she asked, pulling her gaze from the kitchenette. It would be nice to cook her own meal occasionally. She didn't relish the thought of meal upon meal, day after day with the rest of Slytherin house.

"The room directly across from ours belongs to Grahame Massenet. Down from his is Livia Carson, but just a wall away is none other than Draco "His Royal Hotness" Malfoy," Chase said, watching for her reaction.

"Hmm, well that is interesting," Taryn said blandly. "So you think he's hot?"

Chase sighed dramatically. "Really? Interesting? That's all you are going to give me? And, of course I think he's hot. I have eyes. He has excellent hair and a ripped bod. What's not to like?"

"How about his attitude? Or the fact that he can be a total asshole?"

"He is actually one of the only guys who didn't fuck with me about being gay," Chase said quietly.

That didn't mesh at all with the Draco that Taryn had observed for the last five years of school. The Draco she knew wouldn't hesitate to strike at the weakest spot a person had.

"Why are you going after him if you think he is such an asshole?" Chase asked curiously.

"Maybe his hotness finally sank in," Taryn said trying to diffuse the awkward conversation.

Chase knew an evasion when he heard one. "What color do you think we should tint the room? I was thinking purple," he said changing the subject.

Taryn shivered. Purple would probably always remind of Dolohov's curse. "How about yellow? Its cheery."

"Right. I always thought the dungeons could do with a bit of cheer," Chase said in agreement.

After an hour of magical adjustments the room had bright yellow walls, white furniture, white curtains on the windows, and yellow and white area rug spread over the stone floor. The kitchen was tinted a spring green with yellow kitchen items.

Upstairs they went with a calmer, soft, golden color. They transfigured the bed into an l-shaped bunk bed that had a desk attached.

Taryn was pleased to note that there was both drawers and a closet, even if she would be sharing. It would make for less anti-wrinkle charms.

They flipped a galleon to see who got the bottom bunk, and Taryn was glad that she she wouldn't be the one climbing to the top bunk every night.

"You know, you should really give me the bottom bunk," Chase said, "You'll be spending so much time in Draco's bed that I bet you won't even be using this one very often."

"You calling me a slut?" Taryn asked in a mock fierce tone.

"Well, if the shoe fits..." Chase was cut off by a pillow hitting his face.

The next day Taryn and Chase secured a table to themselves in the newly decorated Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. She glanced at the table across the aisle from hers, frowning when Draco ignored her. She didn't know how to begin her plan of seduction, especially if the wizard she wanted to seduce wasn't cooperating. She was confused. He had seemed to be interested, but now he was acting as if she didn't exist. Maybe she had put too much stock into a few heated looks.

She turned her attention to the front of the room as the door opened, Harry and Ron entering the room followed by Snape.

The room was dim, curtains drawn tightly over the windows, the only light coming from several lit candles. The pictures decorating the walls were frankly disturbing, depicting people contorted in pain, missing limbs, or deformed in strange ways.

"Books away," said Snape, closing the door and moving to face the class from behind his desk. "I wish to speak, and I want your complete attention."

His dark gaze went around the room. "You have had five teachers in this subject. Naturally, all these teachers had their own methods and priorities. You lot are lucky to have scraped by with an O.W.L in this subject. I will be supremely surprised if any of you are able to keep up with the far more advanced N.E.W.T studies."

Snape began to walk through the room as he spoke. "The Dark Arts are varied, ever changing, and continuously evolving. Fighting against the Dark Arts is akin to fighting a many headed beast, which, each time a neck is severed, spouts another more dangerous and clever than the first. You are fighting against a force that is unfixed, mutating, and indelible. Your methods of defense must therefore be as diverse and inventive as the arts you seek to undo. These pictures," he said motioning to the horrible photos on the wall, "Are are a fair representation of those who suffer because of the Dark Arts."

He walked back toward his desk, his dark robes billowing, as every eye followed his movement. "You are all, I believe, total novices at the art of nonverbal spells. What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?"

Taryn's hand flew in the air. This was something she could do. If everything else in her life was a complete and utter mess, at least she could rely upon her brain. After Snape acknowledged her she said, "A nonverbal spell gives you the advantage of your adversary not being able to anticipate the kind of magic you're about to perform. It also has the additional time benefit."

Many a Slytherin, including Snape, stared at Taryn. Even a few of the Gryffindor boys found themselves taking a second glance at the girl. None could remember a time when the witch had troubled herself to speak aloud in class. Snape himself was surprised. The only reason Tracey Davis had received good grades was because of her excellent essay skills.

"Twenty points to Slytherin," Snape said, pleased. "Miss Davis is correct. Those who progress to using nonverbal spells gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting. Not all wizards can do this; of course, it takes a fair amount of concentration and mind power which some" ̶̶ his gaze landed on Harry spitefully ̶ "lack."

Taryn watched Harry's face suffuse with anger.

"You will now divide into pairs. You will each attempt to jinx the other without speaking. The other will try to repel the jinx in equal silence. Choose someone who is not a friend, as a friend may be able to anticipate the kind of spell you might use."

Taryn frowned. She didn't want to trust another Slytherin, besides Chase, to jinx her. She knew that the Gryffindors would all pair off with each other, as would the Slytherins. On the other hand, this was an excellent chance to get close to Malfoy.

Just as the idea formed in her mind, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she saw that Draco had instead approached her.

"Wanna be my partner Davis?" Draco said, his mouth crooked into a smile.

"Sure," Taryn said, eying him with a measuring look. "I kind of thought that you might be avoiding me."

"I'd never avoid a beautiful girl," Draco said, in direct contradiction to his actions.

"Hmm," Taryn said, one brow risen in disbelief. "Would you like to attempt to jinx me first? Or shall I go?"

"Ladies first," Draco drawled.

"Fine," Taryn said as they turned to face each other.

Draco's eyes ran slowly down and back up her body, his gaze frankly appreciative. She refused to acknowledge the shiver that ran through her body in response. He slowly raised one arm, positioning to repel her action when attempted.

Taryn was so fiercely intent on her nonverbal Tarantallegra, that she was startled when Harry's shout broke through the relative silence of the room.

When she glanced toward the commotion, Snape was picking himself off of the floor, dusting off his robes and scowling.

"Do you remember, Potter, that you were to be practicing nonverbal spells?" Snape snarled.

"Yes," Harry said stiffly.

"Yes, sir."

"There's no need to call me 'sir', Professor."

Several people in the class, mostly Slytherins, gasped at Harry's impudence. Behind Snape, however, Ron, Dean, and Seamus grinned appreciatively.

"Oh, Harry," Taryn said, shaking her head. At Draco's sharp look she added, "How thick can he be?"

Draco continued looking at her in suspicion.

Great, she thought, this is all I need. Her plan was not going well at all.

"Detention, Saturday night, my office," Snape was saying. "I don't take cheek from anyone, Potter...not even the Chosen One."

Shortly thereafter class ended. Taryn had wanted to talk to Draco, but when she had finally gathered all of her books and reached the doorway, she only caught a glimpse of his pale hair further down the corridor.

Chase and Taryn had a free period together which they spent gossiping.

"So, what is going on in the Draco front?" Chase asked, leaning forward to listen avidly.

They were in the their room on the sofa, each nursing a cold soda.

"Abso-bloody-lutely nothing," Taryn sighed, rolling the cold bottle against her forehead. She was starting to get a horrible headache, probably from the whiplash of Draco's hot and cold attitude.

"What do you mean nothing? I get that you can't get up to much in class, but where was the witty banter? The lingering looks?" Chase asked in exasperation.

"There were looks alright, but it isn't going anywhere. I just don't get him. Any other guy, no offense, would be all over me from the signals I've been sending."

"Taryn, can I be honest with you for a second?" Chase asked.

"Sure," Taryn said curiously.

Chase grabbed her shoulders, shaking her slightly. "Other than the look at the feast, I haven't seen you throw any signals. It's like you are getting your information from Cosmo or something. How did you attract your last boyfriend?"

Taryn blushed. "I've never actually had a boyfriend, and Cosmo can be informative!"

Chase goggled. "You're a virgin? And you are going after Draco Malfoy?"

"I'm not a virgin!" Or rather Tracey wasn't, Taryn thought in annoyance.

"You aren't trying to be his girlfriend are you? I just have to say that that isn't a good idea. You are going to end up hurt. Many a girl has tried and failed. I'm not saying that he is a horrible guy, but be careful. Now if you just want a shag, then go after the bloke," Chase said, taking a sip of his coke.

"Is that what you do?" Taryn asked him.

Chase looked uncomfortable. "I've had both. I've played the field and had serious boyfriends."

"What about now?" Taryn questioned.

"I...kind of have a boyfriend, but I'm not being really serious about it," he said quietly.

"Why not? He isn't an ass is he?"

"Well, no. Its just...He isn't out okay," Chase frowned.

Taryn's brow quirked. "I really can't see you dating someone that isn't out. Especially since you are so upfront about yourself."

"We're going to have a bonding moment aren't we?" Chase sighed in resignation.

Taryn nodded with a trace of amusement before sobering. "Yup."

Chase slouched further into the couch cushions. "I really like him. He's really amazing. Smart and handsome, but I don't think he is interested in letting people know about us and its frustrating. He's pushing me back into the bloody closet and I'm not really okay with it. We started out pretty casual, but when we decided to be boyfriends I kind of thought that he was really to tell people about us. I feel a little selfish though. I mean, everyone comes out when they are ready and I don't want to rush him. I get some of his reasons why though. He's older and his profession doesn't really appreciate gay men. I feel bad about it but I don't see us going much further if he doesn't come up to scratch soon."

"Who is he? I promise that you can trust me with the information," Taryn said, patting his shoulder in sympathy.

"I know you wouldn't. Do you think I'd let you live with me if I didn't think that you were trustworthy?" He said. "He's a – or he was – a Gryffindor," Chase said, watching her for an adverse reaction.

Taryn had to stifle a giggle. Of course he wouldn't know that she'd be one of the only Slytherins that would actually be happy for him to date a Gryffindor. "That doesn't matter to me," she said, and watched him visibly relax.

"Okay. Um...It's Oliver Wood," Chase said.

"Oliver Wood is gay? Puddlemere United's Oliver Wood?"

"Well since he's my boyfriend and we shagged all summer, I'd say that its a logical assumption that he's gay," Chase said with a laugh.

"Really...You know, I always thought that he was cute, and I don't remember him fancying any girls," she said musing. "How did you meet him anyway?"

"My Uncle buys season tickets and maintains a box. He also has a friend that his part owner of the team. I actually met Ollie during a dinner at my Uncle's home. It just sort of progressed from there."

Taryn sat up abruptly, clapping her hands together. "Okay, here's my advice. I think that you should have a serious talk with him about it. Just be gentle. Tell him what you feelings about the situation is and let him explain his own. If he needs a little more time and if you feel that he's worth it, then give it to him. If he doesn't seem like he will ever be ready, then I think that you should let him go. If you don't then you'll just end up bitter because you aren't being allowed to be yourself."

"Wow, that's pretty insightful Miss Davis," Chase said slowly. "Are you sure that you aren't looking for more from Draco? If you are just keep what I said in mind."

With Chase's advice swirling through her brain, Taryn began to realize just how unformed her plan actually was. One shag wasn't going to do it. She wasn't naive enough to believe that after sleeping with her that Draco would spill all of his secrets. She actually didn't think he had many, he was only sixteen after all. Voldemort wouldn't be stupid enough to spill secrets to a sixteen year old would he? Perhaps Draco had only overheard some of the things his father's cohorts had said out of turn.

Either way, she wanted to know anything that might help the order. It was going to take a far more aggressive plan than she had originally intended. She wanted to pry answers from him of course, but she also wanted to snoop in his room. Since Serpent Hall had a very nice common room, there was only one reason why he would invite her to his private quarters. This plan was forming into something that would have gone against everything that Hermione Granger had been and stood for. Bookish, and shy with boys, she'd even been too shy to try for Ron when she had the chance. She wasn't used to being aggressive with men. The few dates that she had had were always initiated by the boy. This was different. It wasn't a date to the Yule Ball. This was possibly a life or death situation, and it would call for a no-holds barred approach. The fact was that she would have to do more than seduce him. She was going to have to get Draco Malfoy to fall in love with her.