Hello readers! I really loved your reviews last chapter, you guys made me keep smiling and now I have more motivation to get this next chapter out.

Thank you especially to emi and piglett, my guest reviewers.

Piglett, a few of your questions were already answered in this chapter. You are right about the slow reveal, that one won't be solved anytime in the near future.

Emi, as always your reviews are a delight. I'm afraid I won't be able to say anything further about Henry. That one will remain a mystery for a while, but sooner or later, everything will all come out. Regarding Draco and madness, I can't say for certain one way or another…one thing that I can say is that I am trying to showcase the unhealthy lifestyle Draco is continuing in right now. A human body cannot take such stress coupled with lack of food and sustenance for too long. As for Sirius, he isn't directly involved with Draco for quite some time, so it might be much farther down the road before we see him in this story. As far as your last point, I really just wanted to emphasize that Draco is kind of going off the rails at the moment. Eventually someone will put him (or push him) back into line.

...

As Draco and Charlie approached the lake shore, the journalist apparently heard their footsteps and turned to face them. He brightened at seeing their faces. "Hello, gentleman! Glad to see that despite the disturbances this afternoon, you still plan to carry through with the interview you asked for. I must say, I was delighted at this opportunity. It is not every day you see a Malfoy and a Weasley agree to do anything together." He paused, and blushed a little bit. "Oh, but I am getting ahead of myself. My name is Roy Almeidas, newbie reporter for the Daily Prophet. Please call me Roy!" He shook hands with both Charlie and Draco.

Charlie smiled politely back at him. "Thank you for your time and willingness to speak with us, Roy."

Roy was all smiles, clearly delighted to have such a scoop. "It is me who should be thanking you! This will jump start my career!" He gave a nervous glance toward Draco, who had been silent this whole time and had a dark look on his face. "Now what was it that you wanted to talk to me about today?" he asked Charlie.

Surprisingly, Draco answered. His posture was straight and elegant, and he looked every bit the Malfoy heir. Clothes pressed, hair combed neatly, and face expressionless. "I would like to begin with a story." His voice was smooth and melodic, the voice he sometimes slipped into when Seer business was involved. "It is a tragic love story. Generations ago, Clarence Weasley and Cressida Malfoy were engaged to be married from a young age. Over time, they fell deeply in love with each other and began planning a marriage ceremony. Even though they were lovers, their family backgrounds were quite different. Weasleys have always been opposed to dark magic." He looked at Charlie with a wry look. "Malfoys, on the other hand, have always been drawn towards the darker magic. This caused many arguments between them, but they were too much in love to heed their difference in opinions, or take it very seriously." Draco drew in a breath, stormy grey eyes trained towards the sky.

Roy was scribbling it down frantically, intrigued. "But something changed?"

Charlie glanced at Draco, who was silent, and decided to take over. "Yes. A conflict began to happen. At first, it was only political, but the movement quickly escalated into a war. Circumstances placed the two lovers on opposite sides, and things got ugly very quickly. Cressida felt betrayed that Clarence would choose a political campaign over her love and abandon the Pureblooded way of life. Clarence thought Cressida was being heartless and cared nothing for those who were being hurt by misuse of dark magic. They went their separate ways, with many bitter feelings. Clarence cancelled the engagement and quickly began to court another woman, who was also Pureblooded but agreed with his cause. Cressida was incensed and declared a blood feud." The Dragon Tamer's eyes were still on Draco, who just stared into the sky sightlessly. "Ever since then, the Malfoys and the Weasleys have been at war and never at ceasefire."

"Fascinating, absolutely fascinating." Roy murmured, still scribbling notes down. "And why does this story bring you here today?"

Draco finally pulled his thoughts back to the present, and cleared his throat. "We called you here to publicly put an end to the Malfoy-Weasley blood feud. Times are changing, and it is important that we do not remain stuck in the past. The quarrel between the lovers should have ended with them, but instead it has blossomed into something far larger and more hateful. There is no reason for our families to be in a constant state of war over something that happened decades ago. It is illogical and unnecessary."

Roy was wide-eyed. A conflict showed on his face: fear of Draco, yet curiosity about his situation. "How did you and Mr. Weasley meet. Mr. Malfoy? It can't have been easy."

Draco exchanged a look with Charlie. "Actually, I was doing some networking during the Triwizard set-up and he cornered me. When we discussed things, we found that we had more in common than expected. We realized that there was really nothing that we truthfully had to argue or fight about, and that it was all just what we were used to doing." Draco smirked in a rather superior matter. "I may be a Pureblood, but I am certainly not stodgy or predictable. This was a logical next step."

Roy nodded, but still looked wary of Draco. "And Mr. Weasley, how is it that you came to trust Mr. Malfoy? He is much younger than you, is that correct? What was it that drew you to him?" Roy looked up at Charlie with eager eyes.

Charlie smiled at him, inwardly amused that Roy seemed much younger to him that Draco did. "Draco was raised to behave like an heir. That means that he does not act childishly or in a manner that might embarrass his family. He is younger, yes. But he is very mature and perhaps acts like more of an adult than I do." Charlie nudged Draco in the ribs with his elbow playfully. "Actually, I approached him because students weren't supposed to be in the Tournament grounds. He had a pass to be there, though. After that I bothered him for a while. Surprisingly, he didn't tell me to piss off. Must be those Malfoy manners of his." Charlie winked at Roy.

The journalist looked up from his writing, peering over at Draco. "If you don't act in a way that embarrasses your family, does that mean your father is supporting this decision?"

Draco tried not to pale and was suddenly glad that Charlie was such a people person. He hated things like this.

Charlie intervened. "Draco's family matters are not what we are here to discuss." He reminded Roy. "What other questions do you have about the blood feud?"

The reporter shook his head mournfully. "None, Mr. Weasley. Thank you. Would it be okay to take some photographs now?"

Draco quickly shook his head. "Just use some from the Tournament. You probably took hundreds." His head was pounding. Dealing with a serious injury, his dream, and these dreadful questions were making him irritable.

Charlie definitely noticed. "Thank you for seeing us today. Roy. We have some business to attend to, so we had best be going now."

The journalist started to speak but Draco had already spun away and begun to walk back toward the castle, shoulders hunched against the wind.

Charlie hustled after him, definitely not going to miss this chance to figure out what had actually happened earlier in the afternoon. They kept walking, Draco remaining conspicuously silent. Before they entered the castle, in the shadow of the building, Charlie reached out to stop Draco by his shoulder.

The younger blonde halted, but didn't turn. "It's been a long day, Charlie." He finally said.

"For you, it definitely has. But I can't be of any help to you if you don't' tell me what happened in that dream to completely maul your arm. It had to have been disturbing, or you wouldn't be trying to keep it to yourself. Now spill, you."

Draco smirked back over his shoulder. "Or what?" He taunted. The smirk quickly faded, though. He sighed deeply, and pulled Charlie around to face him. "You are going to have to start bringing Firewhiskey to all our little chats, Char. It seems like I am constantly unloading my baggage on you."

Charlie couldn't hold back a surprised smile at the unexpected nickname, but he didn't mention it. If he had, Draco probably would never have called him by the nickname again. "You're underage." He pointed out, raising his eyebrows.

Draco snorted. "Old enough to have disturbing visions, old enough to drink." He announced. Waving his head to dismiss the subject, he sighed once again. "I had a vision where someone was bit by a werewolf. It was too dark to tell whose eyes I was seeing from. All I know is that it was a male, about a foot taller than I am now." He shuddered. "It was…horrific. The person was in some kind of dark corridor, and there was no way to get away. If the werewolf hadn't been called away somehow, I might have died in the water while I was enchanted into sleep."

Charlie stared at Draco, shocked. "Let me see your arm." He finally got out.

Draco took a step back. "You shouldn't." he protested. "What good would it do?"

Charlie took two steps closer. "What if it changes you, rather than just giving you an awful scar? Werewolf bites are serious business, Draco."

The Ice Prince of Slytherin was backed up against the castle wall now. "The healers already looked it over. It isn't contaminated, just a normal flesh wound, I promise." He still put his bad arm behind him, preventing Charlie from grabbing it.

"Then why won't you let me see it, Draco Malfoy?" Charlie put his hands on his hips, indignant. They weren't even a foot apart now, and Charlie looked ticked.

"Charlie…" Draco protested again, still evading the redhead's grasp.

Just then, there was a choking sound behind them. Charlie whirled around only to come face-to-face with a young school boy that appeared to be a first year student.

Abruptly, Charlie realized how close he and Draco were standing to each other, and what that must have looked like to an outsider. The older Weasley blushed bright red as the younger boy scurried back inside, also as red as a tomato.

Draco took one look at Charlie's extremely mortified face and bust out laughing, unable to stop himself.

Charlie waved his hands, flustered. "Draco! We—That—" he couldn't find the words and gave up, hanging his head.

Draco wiped tears of laughter from his eyes, still sniggering uncontrollably. When he had composed himself, he clapped Charlie on the back cheerily, now in a much better mood after laughing at someone else's expense. "Don't worry, Charlie. That will only be all around the school by sunset. People love to talk about me. Better prepare yourself, your brothers will wonder if you've gone bent!" He chortled again, finding the situation far too amusing for Charlie's taste.

"Draco!" The Dragon Tamer protested. "This isn't funny! Seriously, on top of everything else, we don't need this kind of trouble."

Draco smirked back. "If you're worried that you won't be able to get a girlfriend, don't be. Most girls like to know that you've…experimented, and still want to date them." He couldn't help teasing Charlie.

"This isn't funny, Draco!" Charlie argued, but a smile was beginning to tug up the corners of his mouth.

"Sure it isn't." Draco agreed, still smirking. He was too busy enjoying himself to see the gleam in Charlie's eyes.

The taller redhead lunged at Draco while he was relaxed, grasping the injured arm and beginning to unwrap the bandages.

Draco froze, and grabbed Charlie's hands to still them, despite the Flashes that resulted. Surprisingly, Draco saw himself through Charlie's eyes, the first time they had met. Breaking out of it, he spoke to Charlie: "You really shouldn't do this. What help will it be?"

Charlie looked determined. "Let me see it, Draco. I want to know."

With a sad little sigh, Draco released Charlie's hands and looked away. 'Don't say I didn't warn you."

As the wound was unwrapped, Charlie turned a little green. It was an ugly wound, all torn flesh and scabbed over. Bruises surrounded the tears: dark purple, black, and red in color. It looked terrible. "This is going to leave a horrible scar." The Dragon Tamer finally said. He avoided saying what he was really thinking: that this wound was worse than anything he had seen in all his days of dragon taming.

Draco smiled ironically. "More to add to my collection." He pulled his arm away and began to re-wrap the injury.

"Did they not give you any healing potions?" Charlie asked in concern. "That looks as if it hasn't healed at all."

Draco laughed, but the sound held no humor. "Oh, they definitely did. You should have seen it before." Pulling the sleeve of his robe back over the retied bandages, he added, "Apparently I am also starting to develop a resistance to healing potions. They had to use twice the normal quantity."

Charlie became extremely concerned when those words left Draco's lips. "A resistance? That could be really harmful later on. Have you really taken that many lately? I mean, I know there was that burn, and then the thing with Harry. But surely Pomfrey wouldn't have given you that many?"

Draco turned his tired eyes on Charlie. "Pretty much every night there is something, some sort of injury. Severus has been brewing potions for me, so that Pomfrey won't become suspicious."

Charlie swallowed hard. "Draco…" he trailed off, unsure how to bring up this issue. "You know that people can become addicted to potions, right?"

Draco's voice could have frozen fire. "Severus would never give me anything if he thought that it would do more harm than good. I am not an addict!"

"I don't think you are; I am just being cautious." Charlie soothed.

Draco quickly calmed himself, realizing he had been ruffled a little too easily. "I know, I'm sorry, Charlie. It's been a long day. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Charlie nodded. "Let's get you back into Blaise's tender loving care, and then I can go explain to Ron that the whole story was made up by a scared firstie."

"Not to the twins or your sister?" Draco grinned.

"Fred and George would never stop laughing, rather like your reaction. Ginny is smart enough not to believe everything people gossip about in Hogwarts." Charlie explained.

Draco tried to look apologetic, but failed miserably. "Colour me surprised."

"As if!" Charlie chuckled. They stepped inside the castle, this time both putting on a notice-me-not charm. "The price of fame," the redhead joked.

With a snicker, Draco replied, "Welcome to my world. You wouldn't believe how many people are interested in my personal life." Abruptly he paused. "When you brought up your sister, I realized that I never apologized on behalf of my father for that whole mess in the Chamber of Secrets."

Charlie looked away. "That's a bit of a sensitive topic."

Draco pressed his lips together for a moment before deciding what to say. "I tried to help, you know. I slipped a page from a library book to Granger about basilisks. Guess you lot never wondered why Granger, goody-two shoes and book-lover that she is, would tear a page from a library book. She still probably wonders how that page ended up in her bag."

Charlie met Draco's eyes, his own blue orbs filled with amazement as he scanned Draco's face. "You really did that." It wasn't a question, but a statement filled with surprised admiration and gratefulness. "I had no idea. I can't believe that all this time my whole family thought you were an evil little beast, a certain future Death Eater." Charlie grasped Draco's shoulders and stared him down for a few minutes. Finally, he let go and shook his head fondly. "Draco, you astonish me. Is there anything you don't have a helping hand in?"

Draco rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "I'm not exactly a saint either, Char. Besides, I can truthfully say that I am involved in pretty much everything that happens at Hogwarts. Sometimes I don't think those outside of traditional Pureblooded circles realize just how rich my family is, and how much influence we wield because of that wealth. As long as I am in favor with my father, no one in Slytherin will dare to go against me or risk offending me. They tell me everything." He narrowed his eyes at Charlie, who wore a disbelieving expression. "My family didn't get this rich by sitting on our asses. They were clever, and made cunning business decisions. Malfoys are not to be underestimated, especially my father."

"And humble, too." Charlie teased, chuckling when Draco made a face at him. "Really, though, Draco. You're incredible. Thank you."

Draco waved It off, not used to receiving praise. "Whatever. We still haven't made a plan for the Third Task, and we're running behind. I am going to call a meeting tomorrow, early in the morning. Make sure you come." As usual, he reverted to business talk when it got too personal for him.

Charlie let it slide. "I can do that. I'm practically on vacation, other than the dragons that are left."

Draco looked at the older Weasley quizzically. "Dragons? I thought they took them all back to Romania after the First Task."

Charlie shook his head. "It takes time to transport them, and they are too aggressive to go together. They've taken two back, and one is due to leave in the next day or two. We got behind with our work in Romania by coming here, so playing catch up was the priority."

Draco's eyes were glittering with schemes. "How much trouble would one be in if they released a dragon during the Third Task?"

Charlie stared at him. "I wouldn't just be in trouble; I would be fired."

Draco waited without saying anything.

"No way, Draco! I like this job." The Dragon Tamer protested.

"I like my family, too." Draco said quietly, but with weight.

It hit Charlie like a ton of bricks. "I know you do, kid." He whispered. "I'm sorry, I was being selfish." The redhead sighed. "This is more important than my job, right?"

Draco blinked, surprised to be asked that question. "Only you can make that call." He responded evasively. "But you didn't let me finish. I didn't say that everyone would know you were the one who let the dragon loose."

Charlie frowned. "You let me go on like that and you didn't even mean for me to lose my job?"

Draco shrugged apathetically. "I didn't let you do anything. I was, however, a little taken aback by your response. Anyways, like I said, you won't be in trouble for anything. And besides, I would never mean for you to lose your job."

Charlie eyed Draco suspiciously. "I am sensing a but here."

"Maybe the might suspect you had a hand in it, but they won't be able to prove anything. Perhaps after the whole spectacle is over they will realize that the dragon actually helped while it was wreaking havoc and not be as mad about it. It will help their precious Harry Potter, after all." Draco rolled his eyes. They had arrived at the Slytherin dorm several moments ago and were now standing outside.

"Let's discuss this more tomorrow, in a more private place." Draco muttered, noticing some of his Housemates were trying to eavesdrop. "Apparently the rumor is already going around. You had best get things sorted with your little brother." With that, he gave Charlie a little wave and stepped inside through the portrait.

It was around seven pm now. The newspaper would be released in the early morning of the next day, and Draco assumed he could expect a Howler. Or, perhaps not. His father had never really been the Howler type; his retribution usually arrived in a subtler and more vicious form. Don't think about that, Draco reminded himself vehemently.

His friends were waiting in the Common Room when he walked in, and they all looked anxious. Pansy spotted him first, rising quickly and barking at all the other Slytherins to leave the room. They quickly scurried away. If Draco was the Ice Prince, Pansy might be the Fire Princess.

"Draco, we have a problem." Were the first words she said to Draco.

The Malfoy heir sighed, dropping into the couch and running a hand through his hair tiredly. "Hello to you too, Pansy. What's the problem this time?"

His weariness must have bled through his tone, because Blaise stepped in front of Pansy. "Let me guess…you haven't eaten since you woke up, have you?" Blaise questioned him. When Draco shook his head, the Italian boy sighed in frustration. "Draco, you have got to do better."

Draco nodded meekly. "Sorry, Blaise. When I get busy, I just…" he trailed off, gesturing helplessly.

A few first or second years were still packing their bags in the corner. Blaise gestured one over. When the scared boy came toward them, Blaise snapped in his face to get him to look up. "A secret in exchange for an order. Go down to the kitchens and get a dinner tray. Tell the house elves it's for an injured student. Get into the kitchen by tickling the pear in the corridor. Bring it here quickly and I won't murder in your sleep. Okay?" The boy scrambled to get away from Blaise.

Greg shook his head. "Did you have to terrify the poor lad, Blaise?"

"It's his fault for taking so long to leave in the first place." Blaise was unapologetic. "We will get back to the issue when Draco has eaten."

Theo flopped next to Draco on the sofa and nudged him in the ribs playfully. "So…you and Charlie, huh?"

Draco snorted (but elegantly). "It was hilarious. Looking back and forth from that mortified firstie to Charlie's bright red face. It nearly matched his hair!"

Pansy pouted. "So nothing really happened? I got my hopes up."

Draco eyed her with annoyance, ignoring the purple color of her words. "I have no interest in romance and I am not easily embarrassed, so I don't see the point of hoping."

Pansy laughed at him. "You're no fun! So how did the interview go?"

Draco propped his feet up on the coffee table, leaning back into Theo and using his side as a pillow. "It went. It's done. The journalist was terrified of me, asked me about my father. Charlie shut him down and he didn't try anything else."

Greg shook his head. "I still think this idea is crazy."

Draco sniggered. "Wait until you hear the plan for the Third Task. Then you'll really think I'm crazy. But that needs to be ironed out before I fill everyone in." He turned his head toward Pansy. "So what is the problem? Blaise, I will eat as soon as the food is here, I promise. Stop being a mother hen. The problem?" Blaise tried to interrupt but Draco cut him off.

Pansy sighed. "It's Potter. He has been following us around constantly and asking if you were okay, and insisting that he had to see you right away. He said something about making a deal with you, and that you two could help each other with an important matter."

Draco groaned as if he had been punched into the stomach and flopped back on Theo even more. "Damn him! Why can't that blighter leave me alone? I've just about had enough of his meddling, bipolar ways! Stalking me, threatening me, attacking me, and then wanting to make up and be friends?" He felt like throwing something.

There was shocked silence for several moments before Theo started laughing, and the other three joined in. Draco knew they were laughing because he never lost his head and it was strange to them, but it wasn't helped his crossness.

"Potter never was the brightest one out there." Blaise grinned. "But he sure knows how to get under your skin."

"Perhaps it's because he is too dumb to take a hint that I don't like him, I certainly don't need or want his help." Draco growled.

Pansy giggled, but then her face turned serious. "Either way, we need to figure out a way to deal with him. I am certainly not leaving you alone, we saw what happened the last time you two were alone together."

Draco let his head thump to the sofa, tired of facing so many stupid things he had to deal with in one day. "Why does everyone have to be so interested in me?" he complained.

"Maybe it's your suave looks and great hair." Theo chipped in.

"Or your sexy smirk." Blaise added.

"Or, possibly, your fashionista status." Pansy nodded wisely.

Greg pretended to look puzzled, "I thought it was his money?" he asked dopily, a throwback to the times he pretended to be dumber than he was.

"Why do I have friends? All they do is mock me anyways." Draco stated dramatically, looking to the ceiling as if it would answer him back.

His friends all grinned at him. Pansy patted his shoulder. "Look, Draco, you're intriguing to people. You've always been so distant and aloof, and you seemed so perfect. Lately, you've started coming out of your shell and showing us more of yourself. Other people notice that things are different, too, and they're curious why. You're handsome, smart, rich, mysterious, and seen as a bad boy. Face it, Drake, nothing about you says ordinary. You are a class above the rest. Whether they love you or hate you, they can't stop talking about you."

"Don't call me that." Was Draco's only response. For a few moments, he allowed himself to be content in the company around him, feeling reassured by the presence of his friends.

"I wish Vincent were here." Draco heard himself speaking before he realized he had said the words. He wished he could take them back as the mood went down.

The other four looked down at the floor, feeling the same way.

"It's weird without him." Greg agreed tentatively. "But he made his choice, and we can't change that."

Luckily, the depressing mood was interrupted when the Slytherin returned with a tray of food and presented it to Blaise. He disappeared within seconds of the tray leaving his hands.

Theo scooted out from under Draco and sat him upright, dropping the tray into his lap. "Eat." He told Draco imperiously.

Rolling his eyes, Draco did so. "Sir, yes, sir." He retorted. He slowly ate, only now realizing how hungry he was.

Pansy sniffed as she watched him eat. "It's no wonder you look like a model. If I ate as little as you did, I would be stick-thin too."

Blaise groaned. "Please, don't even start. It's hard enough to force Draco to take care of himself, I couldn't do it to both of you."

Draco put his fork down and started to protest, but four voices chimed in unison, "EAT!" so he obeyed with narrowed eyes that promised revenge at a later date.

When the plate was about three-fourths clean, Draco put down the fork and placed the tray on the coffee table. Although his friends glared at him and tried to make him eat more, he declined. "If I eat anything else, I will either be sick or explode." He reassured them. "Now what are we going to do about Potter? I assume you have some ideas since you were probably sitting here a while waiting, no?"

Pansy sighed. "I wanted to lock him into a broom-closet for the rest of the semester, but somehow I think that would be noticed pretty quickly."

Draco laughed. "I wish that were plausible, too. It would solve more than one problem."

Greg looked pensive. "You could get Viktor to threaten him. I would do it, but he knows that we are always backing you up already and doesn't seem to care. Maybe Viktor would be more intimidating to him, being from Durmstrang and also being a Champion."

"That's an option, but Viktor won't be here forever and I doubt Potter would give up that easily. He would just wait a few months, more than likely." Blaise reasoned. "He is extremely obsessed with you lately, Draco. I doubt that will go away in a few weeks."

Theo laughed. "Maybe if you go into the hero-worship mode like everyone else he will leave you alone."

Draco looked disgusted. "I would die before I do that." He said vehemently. "If there is one thing that I will never do, it is treat Harry Potter as anything more than an annoying git."

"Don't say never, because things change. Just wait, one day you will be saved by Harry Potter and you will have to acknowledge his heroic greatness." Theo teased.

"Like I said. I. Would. Die, first." Draco spat, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that showed he was amused by Theo's words.

"Okay, enough teasing Draco. Seriously, the best option that we came up with was indulging him, on our turf and our conditions. There is no way that he is giving up, and if we spin it like we're doing him a favor (which we are) we get to choose what goes down and where." Blaise explicated. "If we decide to do this, you will definitely not talk to him, Draco, and we won't allow him to talk to you. I will set up the meeting, or one of the others will. Thoughts?"

Draco kept a poker face. "If this will help get rid of that imbecilic, philistine churl, then I suppose it is necessary. What terms will we set?"

Theo chuckled, taking a seat on the sofa armrest. "Your insults are soooo sophisticated." He told Draco, batting his eyelashes at the Ice Prince jokingly. "Here's what we came up with: he can only bring two people, and one has to be a neutral party. You can bring three and one neutral party, which would be Charlie, Luna, or Viktor. I would rather stay out of this, as no one really knows whose side I am on exactly. So take Pansy, Blaise, and Goyle. I am not sure it would be a good idea to take Dragon Boy, as the Weasel is sure to be there and that could cause problems. Krum and Lovegood are your other options, so whichever one you think Potter and his cronies are more likely to listen to would be a better choice. Talk to them both and see what they say. We would meet in Snape's office, and he will step out of the immediate room but stand by in case Potter is trying to start a fight again. Any wand-drawing will be taken as an act of war and responded to in kind. They are to involve no professors, and if they try to set us up, our revenge will be swift and deadly."

"You've covered the bases. But what about a back door to get out if things get ugly?" Draco wondered aloud.

"We'll ask Snape to make a Portkey. Which is illegal, of course, but no one has to know." Greg winked, clearly enjoying all this plotting.

Draco nodded approvingly. "Perfect, but that means we will have to make sure to stand close by each other in case things get pissed and we have to get out fast. Anything else that we're missing?"

Pansy frowned. "I can't think of anything, but when we fill Professor Snape in he might have something to add."

Draco blinked. "Is Severus in his office now?"

Blaise shook his head. "He is in the Potions lab, some students got detention."

Mentally cataloguing that fact, Draco moved on. "Well, Greg, please let him know later tonight since you're always up late. I am going to call a planning meeting, too. Please tell him 'early morning tomorrow,' and he will know what I mean." He turned to Pansy. "Got that?" she affirmed that she was listening. With a sardonic smile, Draco continued, "I hate to eat and run, but as I am sure you all know, I had a long day and need my beauty sleep."

Greg chuckled. "Go on, we like you pretty. I will take care of everything else."

Draco quirked an eyebrow but didn't reply verbally. He reached out a lazy hand to Theo, who pulled him up from the couch. With a gentle shove, Theo sent him towards the boy's dormitory. "I'm sure Charlie likes you pretty, too." He harassed the Malfoy heir.

With a massive, drama-queen-like sigh, Draco just kept walking and ignored the heckling. He was too tired for this…

Blaise followed him into the room and dropped onto his own bed, pulling out some homework. "Sleep, Drake." He reminded gently.

With a nod, Draco got ready to sleep and changed his clothes, throwing, "Don't call me that," over his shoulder. He slipped into his bed and rolled onto his side, closing his eyes.

Blaise shook him awake in the morning, calling his name quietly. "Pansy is outside, fix your bedhead and get ready to head out."

Draco sleepily sat up, rubbing at his eyes. "Yes, mother," he shot back, his mind working as sharp as ever. His bare feet hit the cold floor and he moved quickly to the bathroom to tidy up. A few minutes later, he waved goodbye to Blaise and left the room, heading into the Common Room where Pansy was waiting.

She smiled at his bedclothes. "Lately you are a constant insomniac. It is good to see you looking like you slept for once."

Draco shrugged simply. "Thanks, I guess. We'd better get moving. Severus and Viktor are waiting, I am sure." They left Slytherin House and walked to Snape's office down the hall. Just as the Malfoy heir had predicted, the Bulgarian Seeker and the Head of Slytherin House were already there, drinking coffee and making awkward small talk.

They both looked reassured when Draco and Pansy entered. Snape eyed Draco's attire with amusement, but also no little relief. "Charlie should be here soon." Draco added, taking a seat and swiping Snape's cup, downing a long swallow before handing it back.

Severus made a revolted face, but he continued to drink the coffee all the same. "I assume you heard about the Potter situation." Draco remarked, looking at the Potions Professor in inquiry. At his nod, Draco continued, "Pansy and the others will approach him this afternoon. They will let you know what time is decided upon."

Turning to Viktor, the Slytherin prince explained the situation briefly. "Do you think that you or Luna Lovegood would have more influence on Harry and his friends?" Viktor frowned in thought. "The Weasley boy would listen to me. Harry…maybe. But his friend, with the bushy hair, she would not. Perhaps Luna might be a better choice, because they do not see her as threatening. But if you want more power, I would be happy to help." The Bulgarian Seeker's accent, as usual, was strong. His voice shone bright gold, reminding Draco of the color of a Snitch.

"Thanks for your input. Then Luna would be-" Draco broke off as Charlie entered the room. "Sorry I'm a bit late, the dragons were feeling a bit frisky this morning." The redhead sat down and poured himself a cup of coffee, practically inhaling it.

The others watched in amusement. Pansy cleared her throat. "So... the reason we are all here practically before dawn, Mr. Malfoy?" she asked impatiently.

Draco nodded, mood immediately turning professional. "It's about our plans during the Third Task. Charlie and I were talking yesterday and I came up with an idea."

Severus eyed him warily. "Why do I have the feeling that I am not going to like this…"

Charlie grinned over his mug. "Because you are a smart man, and Draco is a crazy one."

Viktor shook his head in bemusement. "Another crazy scheme, Draco?"

"It is a good plan." Draco defended. "Our main problem that we keep running into so far is that we need a massive distraction. Well, we found one. There are still two dragons here, and one will still be here when the Third Task occurs. So…we set it loose. With a rampaging dragon flying around, no one will pay attention to little old me."

Pansy looked at Draco in disbelief. "How do you plan to keep the dragon from hurting anyone?"

Draco smirked. "Well, we have Charlie. Plus, the dragon that is left isn't the Horntail, so if people leave it alone, it should just fly around and freak everyone out. Its eggs are safe, after all. No reason to attack. If it does happen to do something, everyone saw the way that Cedric Diggory dealt with the dragon safely in the Tournament. If they aren't smart enough to try that, they deserve to be dragon food."

Snape looked pleased with that bit of dark humor. "I don't mind the dragon plan. What I do mind is you gallivanting off to do heroic, Gryffindor-like, stupid things afterward."

Draco tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. "It's pretty simple: I use a broom and fly to the wherever the Twiwizard Cup is while the Champions fight their way to it. If you look at the Tasks of the Tournament historically, they always include some element: earth, fire, air, or water. Fire and water have already been used in the first two Tasks, and it is impossible for them to use air because Viktor, Diggory, and Potter would have such a huge advantage in the air over Fleur. So, whatever the Task will be, it will be on the ground, and involve earth. After I get to the Cup I will use my broom to push the Cup into a bag, replace it with a new cup, and fly out. I am open to suggestions what we should do with the cup after I retrieve it. The key objective is to keep any of the Champions from grabbing the Cup before I replace it with another one." He looked at Snape and Pansy. "I have intelligence that says the Cup will be a Portkey, and that Death Eaters will be waiting on the other side. If we let this slide, everything will go to hell. Trust me on that one, this is important. I am not harboring any Gryffindor-like tendencies, this is purely for self-preservation."

There was silence for a while, as those present pondered over the proposed plan. Viktor spoke first. "How do you plan to fly around unnoticed? I am sure that they will have people keeping the crowds away from the Task."

A strange gleam entered Draco's eyes. "You know, Pansy, something occurred to me this morning. I was thinking about what I would ask from Potter in exchange for indulging him with this circus of a meeting, and it came to me." He leaned forward, elbows on the table and fingers intertwined regally. "When Potter was attacking me so aggressively in the Owlery, as soon as Viktor arrived he disappeared. What if, to test how serious he is, I asked to borrow the Invisibility Cloak he seems to be in possession of? He could set a few conditions about how I am allowed to use it, as long as it doesn't interfere with my purposes." The Ice Prince of Slytherin gave an ironic twist of the lips. "That might make him feel better about everything." He scoffed.

Severus seemed pleased with this. "If you could get him to hand that over, even for a day, that would help things considerably. But if that doesn't work, you need a backup plan. Potter might refuse just out of sheer spite." Just like his father went unspoken.

Pansy smirked. "That would be a rather clever plan, and as you said, it will determine his seriousness. If he refuses to hand it over, we can ignore him with a good reason. If we use this plan, no matter what Potter does we win in some way."

Viktor crossed his arms over his broad chest. "What is your plan if you cannot get this Cloak?" His accent was thick.

Draco grimaced. "Normally I would ask my father for one, but that is not an option and there isn't enough time anyways. I was thinking of a timed Human Transfiguration spell. Viktor has shown that he has aptitude for it, or Severus, you could assist me. I could be a bird, something small that can fly to the center of the maze. It will be the timing that would be tricky."

"Risky, but plausible." Snape agreed.

Charlie had been conspicuously silent until now, but he finally chipped in. "I think the plan is solid, but we do need to put other contingency plans into place. What if you are found out or injured, Draco? We need someone standing by in case, someone who can fly well. Viktor will be in the Tournament and the rest of you already have responsibilities."

Draco pressed his lips together in thought. "What about Fred or George? They are both Quidditch players, yes?"

Charlie smiled. "I was actually thinking of myself. After I release the dragons, I should stand by in case you need my help, and keep an eye on the dragon in the meantime."

Draco shook his head. "Your main attention needs to be on the dragon. It would be disastrous if it actually hurt anyone seriously."

Charlie placed his palms flat on the table, leaning forward in his urgency. "It would also be disastrous if someone hurt you seriously because they assumed you are up to no good."

Pansy and Viktor were both nodding. "He has a point, Draco." Pansy voiced. "There will be Aurors, Professors, and other spectators in the crowd who can help people. What they don't be doing is helping you."

Draco couldn't refute that logic, but somehow he knew that Charlie would go too far in trying to protect him. "One of the twins, then. That way you can keep your full attention on the dragon."

Charlie narrowed his eyes, sensing that Draco was trying to keep him away. "It would be very noticeable if Fred or George was not in the stands. They do tend to draw a lot of attention. My assistance would be best…unless there is some other reason why you don't want me to help."

Folding his hands neatly, back very straight, Draco shook his head. "No, that's fine. Clearly it is the best option." While he knew in his brain that this was the logical option, his inner childish side wanted to protest the overprotection.

Snape raised an amused eyebrow at the Malfoy heir, able to deduce from his posture that he didn't actually like the idea. Draco scowled back at his godfather before asking, "Anything else to add?"

When no one else said anything, a grim look crossed Draco's face as he steeled himself for a difficult day. "That's it, then. Thank you all for coming." With all the grace and poise of a Pureblood, Draco stood and glided from the room. The other four watched him go, worry on their faces (with the exception of Severus Snape, who never looked worried). Draco's whole bearing currently reflected power, strength, and he had an almost untouchable air around him. Clearly, he wanted to be alone for the time being as he faced the wreckage of his life that would result from yesterday's newspaper interview.

His face could have been carved from stone, it was so still and composed. Pansy let him go alone, knowing that if he looked like this, no one would dare to touch him until they knew what reaction Lucius Malfoy would have to the news of his son's betrayal. It was moment's like these when those around Draco remembered what a formidable force he was. He may not be as magically gifted as Potter (most wizards were not) but he was strong nonetheless. More than anything else, though, it was his political powers that were frightening. The Malfoy family's power amplified Draco's, but even if Draco was disowned he would always be a force to be reckoned with.

In their younger years, Draco had tested himself in subtle ways: he was able to start a fight between two other students with but a few words, and excuse himself from their conflict without anyone noticing that he had actually been the cause of the fight. He could, with only a glance, cause other people to act in ways he wanted. Pansy hadn't noticed for years, but Draco was a manipulative bastard when he so desired to be. Those skills would definitely serve him well in a time like this, where he was everyone's enemy. In fact, he had practically painted a target on his back.

As Draco disappeared from the room, Pansy shook her head in admiration. Sometimes, she forgot how amazing Draco was: intelligent, rich, handsome, and despite what many others believed, brave. Sometimes that bravery was masked by his cleverness, but he was not afraid of confrontation or the opinions of others. Pansy had always respected Draco's effortless ability to lead and even envied it at times. He was such a driven and intense person that it was impossible not to be affected by his charisma.

However, despite all of that Draco relied heavily on his friends, and even more so on his family. Pansy knew that chipping the bottom off of that support base would hurt Draco more than he expected it to. While she was supremely confident that Draco would handle it well on the outside, she was a little worried about his ability to cope with his own matters internally.

Viktor and Charlie excused themselves, so Pansy turned to meet Professor Snape's eyes. "He will need you now more than ever." She said, with solemn quietness.

Her words caused a change in Severus's demeanor. He straightened and his eyes softened from the normal sharp look. "He will have whatever he needs from me." The older professor promised, standing to clear the coffee supplies from the table.

Pansy took this as a dismissal. Slowly, she stood and left the room, steps growing shorter and shorter. She was reluctant to enter the Great Hall, where the entire school would be abuzz with questions about Draco's personal life and perhaps even mockery of it. She almost couldn't bear the thought of the vicious blows these people would deal to Draco's perception of himself. While Draco would not change himself because of their words, that in no way meant that the words had no impact.

Readying herself, Pansy took a deep breath and entered the double doors of the Great Hall, determined to be there for Draco even if what he was going through now made her want to cringe away. We will get through this together, she thought to herself as she stepped from the dark hallway into the brightly lit hall. No matter what.