AN: Big Shout out to Roozette for her idea of a Weasley Product to turn Ron into a Parrot. It's from her wonderful HP/DM fanfic A Change in Perspective. It's one of my favorite De-Aging Fics out there, and one of my top HP/DM fics as well. Also I was inspired enough to continue writing last night and finished the chapter just a little while ago. Hopefully you all enjoy. Remember to review it really is my life blood. I also allow unsigned reviews if you weren't sure. I do no own anything of the HP franchise, just my OC's and the plot. The rest belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling. Enjoy.
Wanting Something More
Chapter Thirteen: Wanting Security
Breakfast was an all around normal affair for the oddball group. Being eight thirty or so in the morning on a Sunday was as expected empty. So choosing a seating arrangement was fairly open. Sitting at the Ravenclaw table was a neutral choice. The group caught up with the goings on from the previous night and the normal antics of all involved ensued.
Hermione scolded Ron about his eating habits, while Harry laughed. Blaise regaled embarrassing tales of Draco while Seth added in stories only the Slytherins had heard. He enjoyed Ginny's rapt attention more than anything. Seamus and Dean were discussing just how Dean had hidden his bi-sexual nature from all of them. Phoenix was busy attempting to explain just how the lesson in charms from Friday would actually be used in practical life to Scarlett. Heather was remarking how much the twins should be involved in this, as the ideas coming forth would yield ideas for more products and more mishaps for Malfoy. Serena and Gabriel were both sitting quietly together enjoying the conversations being causally thrown around jumping from one to another. Brittany just sat next to Harry and smiled softly while making the occasional comment or making sure her brother behaved himself appropriately.
All together the group soon realized that without the stigmata of which house they were in over their heads; they had a good connection with one another. Even with the threat of Malfoy on the back burner for the moment, they still were enough alike to warrant enough conversations to last for a whole hour. As the first few students began to enter the Great Hall, the group was quick to finish eating and make plans to get out of the open area.
"So Scarlett, Seth, Ginny, Serena, Gabe, Heather and myself are going to go to the Library for a while to study. Hermione and Ron are going to go snog in a corner," Phoenix was recounting their plan and the shouted 'Hey' caused him to smirk, "or go off somewhere to do something 'important.' Seamus and Dean are going to spread the word to the Gryffindors that should you or us ever need anything, coming to them is welcomed and accepted by us and Harry, and should not cause distress. Finally Blaise, Harry and Brittany are going to speak with Professor Snape about what has happened, and if there is any way to keep Brittany safe and secured from Malfoy and his rabid fan base."
Blaise nodded. "Nix, I swear you've been on top of this whole thing. Sounds like a plan, and afterwords we can all meet up in either the Gryffindor or Ravenclaw Common rooms, or somewhere near the Black Lake and spend some good old time getting to really know each other."
"So should we all depart then. If we stay here to much longer Ferret Face will probably show up and cause yet another fight." Hermione suggested.
Ron's jaw dropped more than any other mouth at the comment. "Bloody Hell 'Mione, hanging out with the Slytherins is already doing you a world of good. Ferret Face, I like it. Think it'll stick?"
"It probably would. I mean he was so furious about Moody doing that to him." Ginny added with laughter.
"I agree. We should go though, get a good area set up in the Library before everyone crams into it." Seth added standing up and taking Ginny's bag of books as well as his own. "Let's go."
As the group left, with Ginny proclaiming she was a Chaser and did not need a guy carrying her things, Harry smiled. "Well that went way better than expected."
Blaise smirked. "Malfoy really screwed the pooch huh. Had he not been, well himself, we all would have been hanging out like this years ago."
Harry contemplated the idea that Slytherins were all evil scumbags and realized how true Blaise's statement was. Brittany piped in while shoving the rest of the banana into her mouth and swallowing. "You know Bananas produce a chemical naturally where if one goes bad the whole lot of the will produce that chemical faster. That's why when one starts to turn black and the others are all healthy the next day they are all turning black. Bananas are all suicidal, or agree to a mass genocide or something. I forget what my point was, but yeah, bananas are weird."
Blaise translated to his still not fully functional sister. "She means that Malfoy started to sour, and the next day all the Slytherins along with him soured as well. It's a perception thing."
Harry nodded at the strange comparison but accepted it none the less. "I get what you're trying to say, I think. Bananas are weird I guess. Either way let's head to Snape's office."
The trio walked brusquely through the halls intent on getting to their destination. Luck was unfortunately not fully on their side as Crabbe and Goyle were lurking around the Headmaster's office. Pansy was also with them.
"Ah, Zabini. There you are, I was starting to get worried. You never returned to the dormitories last night. I saw fit not to report the fact that you were missing to the headmaster just yet. Draco has people all over looking for you. I suggested we wait here just in case I need to inform him and the headmaster that you had well and truly vanished."
Brittany did not hide from Crabbe and Goyle which Harry was surprised. "Parkinson, she decided that after what the Prat did to her she did not feel safe returning to the Slytherin Common rooms. She stayed with Hermione last night."
"Well well Potter. You suddenly seem very chummy with Draco's little, obsession. I hope that works out well for you." Her tone was snide and harsh, but hidden deep underneath, her eyes belayed the joy at seeing the pair so comfortable together.
Goyle got mad at this statement. "Draco says it's bad manners for her to be chummy with anyone. Draco told us to drag her away the second we saw her."
Crabbe pitched in. "Draco didn't want her to spread something for Potter or he'd punish her. He said he was going to drag her by her hair and teach her her place." He sighed and then turned to her. "I don't know why you don't just let him do what he wants. He wouldn't have to be so mean to you. Draco says he loves you ya know. I don't want to have to be mean to you."
Blaise stiffened at the threat, while Harry blatantly pulled his wand and place a hand on Brittany's shoulder. He silently urged her behind him. She spoke softly to the males. "I don't love him though Crabbe. I also don't think he loves me, no one can act as he does and claim it's love. He's just frustrated. I need to talk to Headmaster Snape about something very important and then I have to go and be tutored." She made a face and stuck out her tongue. "Otherwise I am going to fail my classes. So can you please let us see the Headmaster."
Goyle growled. "We have to take you to Draco the moment we see you. Otherwise he'll be mad at us."
Pansy spoke up. "Well if she is seeing Snape, then we can tell Draco where she is and he can come get her from Potter himself."
Goyle seemed to agree with this idea. Crabbe sighed and nodded. "We need to know where you'll be if you're not here or he'll get mad at us instead. I don't want to hear another lecture about how we need to keep you away from Potter."
Harry bristled at this notion. "He needs to be kept away from her. That-"
Brittany shushed him by turning her head to him and shaking it in dissent. "I'm going to be forced to study with my tutor. My grades are abysmal this year and I need the 'help.' Mother and Father will be furious if I don't do well. Then they might not even want me to marry Draco at all and call the whole thing off. He wouldn't want that would he? No, so I'll be enduring hours of learning on Sunday of all days and doing my school work and other boring things. So tell him I'll be with my tutor."
Pansy took it from there. "That's good enough for me then. Let's go off and find Draco. Do you remember where he said he'd be?"
Goyle flushed. "Um, I think he said he was going to be, um, practicing with his broom for something."
Crabbe added. "He said something about working off stress, and playing Quidditch always helps. I agree we should go to the Pitch and tell him right away."
Pansy's smile indicated that fact was not even remotely true. While she wanted to help the Zabini sister she did not want to out right defy Draco, that would hurt her own chances. "Well then lead the way. I want to get to Draco right away and let him know exactly what we found out so he can come gather her himself."
With a twirl and bounce in her step the three Slytherins made there was down the halls to go report in. Harry grasped Brittany's shoulder and twisted her around gently to face them. "Why did you do something like telling them what we are planning? The whole point of this is to keep you safe from Draco."
Blaise wisely chose to stay out of this. While Brittany needed a white knight to save her, she was not an invalid incapable of at least trying to take care of herself. "I knew what I was doing. Flooding Crabbe and Goyle with too much information will make it so they give him false information, and misdirect him even further. They are by far not the brightest paints in the set. I can handle Crabbe and Goyle they are all muscle and crap at duels, slow thinking and easily fooled." She whispered back stepping close.
"Yes, well Parkinson was with them and she certainly isn't an ally. She's Malfoy's biggest fan girl." Harry shot back taking yet another step closer.
"Oh come on now Harry. Last night she showed she was also not a threat. Pansy and I have a bit of an arrangement. She distracts and keeps Draco away from me I help her by giving her tips to garner his attention. In the end she gets him if he chooses and I don't have to deal with him again. It benefits the both of us. I'm playing whatever angle I can get a hold of. Manipulation is the only card I have at this point and if I have to manipulate everyone at Draco's disposal then I will." She shot back her whispering growing heated.
"Oh, and are you planning on manipulating us to do what you want as well? I'm not going to help you if you are so capable to take care of yourself." Harry hissed back at her, the argument heating his temper.
"I would never manipulate my friends into doing my 'bidding'. Hell not even people who aren't. But I will use my cunning to sway the tide to my own advantage because in one year I marry that prick or kill myself Potter. Don't you get it, I may seem all rainbows sunshine and kitty cats, but I'm desperate. I'll do whatever I can to unload as much of my own mess off my friends and into my own hands so none of you get hurt." Brittany took a breath and when Harry stepped in and opened his mother she stepped forwards and was to to toe with him before continuing.
"You don't honestly know what he's capable of doing, none of you do. Rape, damn near came close, bringing pain, he revels in it. He's damn good at finding things out about you then using those to his advantage as leverage or points to mock, or harm you or blackmail you or make you doubt yourself. He's far better at manipulation and torture and cruelty than anyone I know. That little shit has been raised since birth to take over as the next dark lord of kicking puppies and doing shitty things. So if I'm such a horrible person for trying whatever is in my meager power to avoid that death sentence then screw you and your help." She finished her chest heaving as she greedily swallowed air.
The tears that welled in her eyes shattered through Harry's temper. "I'm sorry. I didn't meant to get so heated. I was just, I don't know, afraid of you placing yourself in more danger than necessary. I promised to protect you, and I will." He moved quickly and held her close so he could have an excuse not to look into the pain filled, tear stained eyes a second longer. "You're not a horrible person, you're a strong, good, brave girl who has been tortured too long. I'm really sorry."
Before either could reply and very annoyed and very bored tone droned out. "If you are all quite finished? I demand to know why you are outside my office standing around arguing like a bunch of first years. Now get inside my office this minute or else I'm serving you all detentions for disrupting the peace of these halls with useless drivel."
Harry let go of Brittany the second he heard Snape's voice, but held his tongue at the scolding. Whatever the price, he promised to help her, and swallowing his pride and asking Snape for help was just what he had to do. Had Dumbledore's will not left him a magically sealed note explaining his condition and what he was going to need to do once this year was over he never would have returned to Hogwarts in the first place.
"Of course sir. Sorry we've been a bit on edge since last night. Come one little one, Potter." Blaise spoke for them, all too willing to play to the act Snape was setting up. The walls have eyes, and the paintings literally have people. Best to keep certain conversations in safe places.
The three made there way into the office of Headmaster Snape. Harry was surprised that not much had changed since Dumbledore's passing. It still felt oddly safe and comforting inside. He lead Brittany over to the chair he could almost call his own. With all the times he had been in Dumbledore's office, he helped her sit down. She gave him a weak smile letting him know the argument was forgiven. Blaise moved to the chair next to hers and Harry chose to stand.
"So I take it the rumors from last night are in fact true?" Snape asked, his usual stuffy and cross demeanor gone. Replaced by a very odd sense of concern and yet still bored and nasally as always.
"Yes sir. Draco forced himself onto my sister as you may have seen after the Quidditch match last night. Afterwords there was a sort of confrontation in the halls." Blaise explained.
"Confrontation? Potter I assume you added fuel to this fire?" Snape pressed.
"I only kept Malfoy from laying his hands on her again. He was threatening to punish her for hugging me." Harry shot back, used to defending his good actions against Draco to Snape.
"Romantic liaisons aside, I cannot act on threats if you will not recount the actual details. Miss Zabini you are being awfully quiet. It is rare to see you letting others do the talking for you." Snape smirked.
"It wasn't a romantic anything." Brittany huffed. "Williams decided that Malfoy assaulting me was grounds to harm me. She had cast a full body bind and was intending to put me in my place. Harry, he disarmed her sent her want flying away and helped me. I was merely hugging my savior. I was a bit frazzled."
"He does seem to enjoy being the savior at all inconvenient times." Snape took a long pause waiting to see just how riled up Harry would get. To his surprise he kept his cool, for the most part. "Though as it seems, his help was well placed in this instance. You three need to explain everything to me right now. Then I will see what I can offer within my power as Headmaster. You must be aware that I can only do so much without needing to inform parents and aunts and uncles of the incident last night. That would not be in any of your best interests."
The group explained all the events of the night before, and much to Harry's embarrassment the plan they had formed to protect her. Snape sat in his chair for a long few minutes mulling everything over in his head. Finally with a large sigh and a rub at his temples he began to go over their options.
"Despite what you may think, Draco is not acting entirely on his own. You were very young when I first met you and I am loathe to say why he acts so viciously towards you."
This had everyone snap to attention. "What do you mean sir?" Brittany asked apprehensively.
"Your bloodline, while very diluted and very weak in you, comes from a very powerful Veela line. There was one particular ancestor who was a wicked woman and her dark magic was nearly unrivaled. She began and manipulated many of what the muggles called the Salem Witch Trials. After fleeing from Great Britain to the newly formed America. Her children of course stayed hidden on this continent, and moved through out in the coming nine generations leading to you."
"So when you were born, your parents made a deal with Lucius Malfoy to have you and Draco wed. To make sure of this some of your blood was mixed into a potion to tie Draco's passion to you. It was meant to no more than influence him to want to be close to you. This was to insure that you two would grow close and be happy together."
"Then why the Bloody hell did he molest my sister?" Blaise growled. Harry silently agreed with the question he wished to know as well.
"I was not the one who brewed the potion and I was not there for any of this initially. I was informed later at seeing the interaction between you. The fool potion 'expert'," he sneered at the title, "the charlatan messed up the potion somehow and in the end it not only had adverse side effects in Draco, but you as well. Causing an irrational need in him when he was younger he never grew out of, and you a supreme dislike to his very presence. It had been too long when I was informed and the potions effects had long worn off. At this point you were both so set in your ways that there really was no correcting Draco he was wrong, and the way he acted only fuel your dislike into warranted hatred."
Brittany dared be hopeful. "Why were you informed? Could you fix him so he'll leave me alone?"
"I cannot. Not only is there not potion to do so, there is also his father and the Dark Lord to consider. You wonder why you're father is so adamant. The Dark Lord see's Draco as his protege, to take over if anything should happen." Snape paused to look at Harry. "With the rivalry already set Draco was a prime candidate. His tendencies whenever you are near is what makes him perfect for the Dark Lord. He wants you to hate and fear and loathe Draco. This in turn will make him hateful and cruel and vindictive. The nature he's harbored around you for years, it's spreading out the more he interacts with you. Your marriage is to secure him as the next Dark Lord."
"So is Voldemort scared I'll beat him?" Harry half joked half questioned.
"No, he's concerned you may find a way to beat him, or at least you'll both off each other. He is currently seeking alternative paths to over power you but he must be cautious. He underestimated you as a babe, he wants to be prepared for you as a fully functioning adult. While you are here during your last year of schooling he is free to gather as much power as he is able. While you, unknown to him, are going to as per Dumbledore's will continue to seek out special training from myself and other Order members, and your friends and to uncover everything that Dumbledore could not. I may also allow for the special use of the Room of Requirement for wizards performing under par in Defense Against the Dark Arts to be supervised by Professor Anya. Hand picked by Dumbledore as it were for this year's replacement of myself." Snape explained.
Brittany was shocked. "Why are you revealing this when Blaise and I are here?"
Harry shrugged. "If you really are my friends then why hide it?"
Snape's lips twitched in what seemed like a smile. "Also if you are to be his wife then you should have no problems both hearing and helping him. He could use a bit of cunning from someone he'll actually listen to." Snape shot back almost teasingly in a sense. "You might even convince him to actually try to be a passable student this year Miss Zabini."
Harry bristled once again. A quick hand placement from Brittany stilled his upset. Snape took notice of her easy ability to calm him. Just like she has with so many others, her calming influence may very well help him in the coming war. If only Dumbledore had seen this particular angle, maybe he's still have been here.
"Either way, I cannot give permission for you to stay in the Gryffindor Common rooms, but there is a rule allowing for students in danger to take solace in private accommodations in special circumstances. Given what has happened I will explain to my godson that attacking a woman is beneath him, and that he should just be happy that as far as he is aware you are seeking out Potter's protection for security. Nothing will happen before your time to marry him is upon you. I can guarantee he will be even more relentless, so long as you are at least with one of Potter's friends or with the whole group of your own you will be at least somewhat safe. Do your best not to antagonize him. He will be receiving detention for the 'misconduct' I will make sure Professor Cortana handles this matter."
Harry was livid. "Misconduct, detention? He should be expelled!"
Snape turned to him. "He is still my godson and once we get him away from Miss Zabini he'll gets over his obsessions and find something healthy to put his time into. Expelling him won't help him, it will only send him deeper into this darkness he is lead to believe is appropriate. His actions are atrocious, but I will not abandon him to a fate he is spiraling towards. Cortana will deal with his punishment because the Dark Lord expects me to do everything in my power to keep appearances and help him from the shadows." Snape bellowed out frustrated and upset that his actions were being judged by a child. "I have been in this deadly game longer than you have been alive. Not all actions need to be bold and showy, actions of subtlety can often get you as far if not father."
Harry went to shout back but Brittany stood and grabbed his hand. "Harry, calm down, not only am I in danger, but Snape and everyone else as well. There is something much worse looming over our heads. We need to be cautious and careful with our movements, both with Malfoy and MoldyButt. Furthermore-"
The room went silent for a moment and then Snape, Wand up his Butt Snape started chortling. His laughter was loud and obnoxious. "My dear Miss Zabini, did you in fact call the Dark Lord, MoldyButt?" He sputtered out the name and went into another fit of hysteric laughter. "If I wouldn't be afraid for your life I'd tell you to go to the Daily Prophet and have that published. The Dark Lord MoldyButt Strikes Again, Puppies Everywhere Are Terrified. That may just put a damper on his progress."
Blaise had of course heard his darling word playful sister call the Dark Lord just that may times. He chuckled, but started full out laughing as Harry's shocked face stayed slack jawed and wide eyed staring at his sister like she had escaped the looney bin. There you go Potter, if you can like her after that the rest of her oddity is easy enough to handle, even enjoyable.
Moldy-Butt. She just, with no hesitation, called the darkest man alive, Moldy Butt. Wow, I don't know whether to send her to St. Mungo's or tell her she's brilliant, or kiss her. Wait, no kissing her is not an acceptable thing friends do. Even if that was bloody amazing, and I'm going to take her on a date in a month. "MoldyButt, Brittany if I didn't already say I'd consider helping you escape Malfoy, I'd ask you out right here and now just for that." Little did Harry realize he had just voiced that last thought aloud.
Brittany of course beamed happily, proud she eased the tension in the room. Blaise smirked to himself, of course all they needed was to spend time together, they had natural chemistry.
Snape coughed as the room had just been flooded with pheromones and teenage lovey-dovish drama once more. "If that is all? Potter let me see your map and I'll point out the room. I'll alert that house elf of yours to bring her things there." He smiled at the girl. "I hope that everything works out for the best for you Miss Zabini."
Brittany continued beaming all the way out of the office and down the hall towards the Hospital Wing. "That was brilliant. Now I don't have to worry about running into Malfoy everyday."
"So long as we keep exactly which room is yours a secret." Blaise advised.
"What do you mean?" Brittany asked confused. She was excited to show Scarlett, Ginny, Serena, Heather, Hermione, and well everyone her safe new room.
Harry decided to cover for Blaise. "Perhaps only the three of us truly knowing where your room is, is for the best. If Malfoy get's desperate enough he's likely to try and get the information out of any of your friends. From what you've said he might hurt them."
"You do have a point. I would not put that past him. I don't want to be alone all the time though, and as great as you are I need time with my other friends too." Brittany grumbled, now a little less excited about the prospect of safety. "Why does Malfoy have to ruin literally everything?"
Harry felt for her. Even when she had just secured another victory, in order to keep herself safe the threat of Malfoy took something from her again. He did not like that one bit. "I think I've got an Idea but I'll have to ask them for help and then I'll talk to you all about it when we meet up at the Black Lake."
Brittany suddenly seemed disappointed. "You're leaving?"
Blaise came to Harry's aid. "Little one, let him do his savior thing and you just relax with me in the Hospital Wing. It's rare we get to spend this much time together at school."
Harry was thankful for Blaise's help. He didn't want to leave her with only her brother as protection, but for now seeing her with himself by more and more people was only going to anger Malfoy further. The less exposure the gossip lovers had the better. "You'll be fine. Just hurry to the Black Lake after you get all fixed up and I'll be there as soon as I can alright."
"Of course. Please be safe by yourself Harry. I'll see you soon." Brittany called out cheerfully as he began walking away.
Blaise watched the goodbye and the very minute slow in her step and drop in her cheer as they continued on the way. "My little sister is attracted to The Harry Potter!" He teased her.
The immediate blush and stammering endeared him to no end. "I, well, I mean he's just, well he's a great, oh you know what stuff it Blaise."
"You are adorable. If I have to let some man whisk you away for the rest of your life I'd have to say you could do worse, and not much better." Blaise praised and taunted her at the same times, as an older brother was required to do.
"Oh come on Blaise. Now you're just being mean, 'and not much better.'" She huffed as she mocked anger and stomped along beside him.
"It's true. He comes from a good line and he's pretty darn powerful. Plus he's give Mother adorable babies to coo over. I think Mother would approve, at least of the babies. Father would like his wealth and status, depending on how the war goes. Hopefully he kicks old MoldyButt where it hurts, wins the day and get the girl." He turned towards his sister and informed her as if she were a child, just to push her buttons. "The girl is you of course. Then he's the most famous Wizard and Father will just have to shove it and let you do what you want."
Brittany groaned. "I don't love Harry. He's a nice guy and sure I'm attracted but that's all a long way off. We haven't even been on a date yet. If I fall for him yeah I'll marry him, but he has to as well otherwise he wont want to marry me either. You're basing a lot of your assumptions on things that have yet to happen Blaise. And really Mother will be cooing over the babies, what are you thirty?"
The siblings of course knowing its all in good fun continues teasing each other about various matters in their lives the rest of the way to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey was quick to offer Brittany a few potions to speed up the healing process and gave her a few draughts to ease the pain. When Blaise stepped out to make sure the coast was clear to leave. Brittany asked Madam Pomfrey for some Calming Draughts to help with the insomnia and nightmares she's been having the past summer and now into the school year. With a quick explanation as of why Madam Pomfrey gave a small supply and asked that she only used them when she had a nightmare. Using them to fall asleep would only make her ability to sleep that much more difficult.
Blaise returned and saw the small box of potions his sister needed and wondered if the injury was worse or not. Brittany expertly assuaged the situation explaining that she had nightmares after what Malfoy had done and wanted to be sue that she could get back to sleep on her own. She was going to be in a room a by herself, so it was only natural. Her security left her without her friends to talk to if she had a nightmare so this was the best option. With that the pair left to go off and reunite with the rest of their friends at the Black Lake.
"I'm telling you, no matter how many times you explain it to me I'm never going to understand this madness." Scarlett ground out as Nix was patiently attempting to explain the intricacies of Charms to her.
"Can we just talk about something other than school work? Please?" Ron begged after spending all morning with Hermione in the Library. He was told to study and finish his school work, while she read up on all sorts of Dark Magic and how to protect themselves from it.
Seth chimed in. "Here here. I think what we all need is to really get to know each other. Maybe play a game of I never, or something? Except we won't use Fire Whiskey we'll just use cider or something."
Ginny chimed in. "Then it's not as fun and well detrimental to your image."
"I have a bag of assorted candies we could use." Heather supplied with a devilish grin.
"Oh no, those are my brothers candies. No way in Merlin's Beard am I eating one of those." Ron shot back.
Hermione sighed. "Not all your brother's products are meant to make you puke or set your hair on fire you know."
"They turned me into a bloody Parrot once 'Mione. They tested some rainbow product out on me and it went all wrong. No way am I eating something of theirs!" He shouted, attempting to suppress the memory.
Brittany and Blaise happened upon the group and laughed at the scene they were all making. They were all going to be just fine. If they stuck together and got along like this all the time, not even Malfoy could break them. Or if he tried he would have a very difficult time. There was a sense of security in a tightly knit group of friends. Brittany turned at hearing Harry calling out to them with a goofy grin on his face. Just fine indeed, hopefully.