Hi!

It's me again with a second update right away. I'm sorry if you received many notifications about any updates made by me, I was struggling a little with publishing the story. Anyhow, here is the first official chapter of Tilted Truth, hope you like it!

R&R please

Chapter 1 – Friendly encounters

A cold December was accommodating the year. Full-sized snowflakes fell from the cloudy sky onto the grounds and the winds blew through. The whiteness of the snow covering the lands was blinding, forcing everyone to squint to see before them. Students wore their thickest clothing to protected them from the powerful, cold breeze.

Not many were enjoying the weather, but those who did were having the time of their lives. Some were having the eminent snowball fight- or rather more like war from the way they were pummelling each other with snowballs. Their aggressiveness and enthusiasm were nearly comparable to the infamous quidditch matches. Those who participating in the snowball game were building figures out of the snow. There were also the few who were just out to breathe some fresh air, yes even in the cold.

Well, there was also a certain brunette with wild locks sitting under the large oak tree near the frozen lake, with a thick dark cloak draped over his shoulders. The back of his head was resting on the trunk and his emerald gaze was directed at the cloudy grey skies above.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck beneath his green and silver scarf before removing it all together. He looked down at the scarf and considered if taking off the thick cloak would be taking it too far, it would certainly earn him a few bizarre looks. Who in their right mind would sit in this weather in a t-shirt?

Harry straightened and gave a hearty sigh. His head has been aching and grating him for a while, but it'd been particularly more pronounced today. The chaos that usually found itself in the great hall wouldn't have helped any. Therefore, his decision about being out to take a breather from it all, had been one of his better decisions as of today. Harry gave another sigh and rubbed at his tired eyes. It's already been a long day.

Most of the snow around him had already thickened up from the constant snowing and was in perfect condition to form snowballs with. Harry took a handful of snow and cupped it in his hands.

The constant sleepless nights and the weird dreams he'd been accompanied with every time he'd managed to fall asleep, hadn't left him since last year. And to add insult to injury, the happenings from last year hadn't improved his spirits– that's for sure. The triwizard tournament had left them all reeling. Those who believed him about Voldemort's return that is.

The first several weeks of their school start were awful, to say the least. He would wake up screaming and scaring the living daylights out of his dorm mates. But he'd quickly learned to put up the silencing charms to keep anyone from witnessing his nightmares. Slytherins didn't like to have an interrupted beauty sleep and Harry wasn't keen on being hamulated like that. It was embarrassing enough to have allowed them to see him like that once.

Sometimes it wouldn't be anything more than just a weird dream. Something he couldn't explain and probably no one else would be able to either. A dark corridor would fill his version with a large oaken door at the end of it. He would get excited at the prospect of walking nearer the door. Everything would happen without Harry's control, and he always finds himself just about to take hold of the handle before everything dissolves into a dark cloud of smoke.

And from there he would wake up the same way he would from any of his usual nightmares. Despite his excitement to find out what's hidden behind the door, something about that place sent shivers down his spine.

Harry never understood the meaning of these dreams. He couldn't put a finger on it, and every time he thought he was close to discovering when and where he had seen that corridor, the memory would slip and disappear. It always left Harry with a hollow feeling.

The only thing that's kept him more alert during the day was the sleeping potion that he would take regularly according to a schedule given to him by the school matron herself. It was necessary to follow it to avoid getting addicted to the potion.

He could take it three times a week at most, but even this made Harry more than thankful. Madam Pomfrey had warned him and told him several times that he better off sleeping without its aid, that he should talk with someone and seek help instead of relying on a potion to make him sleep during the nights. She'd even tried to persuade him into spilling his guts out to her. But Harry had politely declined her offer and told her that it was unnecessary. She'd had eyeballed him suspiciously for a good minute before sighing in defeat.

Looking down at the skin of the back of his hand, Harry couldn't help but grimace in obvious disgust. Yet another thing the school nurse, or anyone else for the matter, didn't need to know about.

'I Must Not Tell Lies'

It looked raw and irritated, and it was bloody itchy. Harry grimaced in disgust, both at what he was seeing and at himself for giving Umbridge the opportunity to do this to him. Harry had already tried numerous salves to treat the scars and the swelling, yet none of them had worked.

It was a battle of his own, it was to win or to lose against Umbridge. Telling anyone or asking for their help seemed to be as bad as failing because it would elucidate his lack of control in this situation. He had honestly tried to tell someone, specifically Snape. Yet his courage abandoned him, he had stood rooted to his spot in front of the door leading to Snape's office.

Severus Snape is a very proud and strict man; he wouldn't let anyone step over him. It just made him more intimidating, and Harry didn't want to lose the slight respect he'd managed to earn from the Professor.

But who was Harry Potter in front of the whole ministry that was backing up Umbridge? Who would Harry Potter be when Umbridge made a beeline for the ministry just to tell everyone that he was a danger and needed to be expelled or imprisoned?

And what would he do if people believed the ministry and threw him out of Hogwarts?

Harry truly didn't stand a chance, and neither did any of the Professors– even Dumbledore. The headmaster seemed too busy lately anyway, Dumbledore probably didn't have time for any whining coming from him.

Unnoticed by Harry, the snowball that he'd formed and had been holding for a while now, suddenly turned into clear ice.

"Appreciating the weather, aren't we?"

Harry jumped, barely managing to stop the twist of his wrist from summoning his wand into his hand. That drawl was too familiar, quickly drawing a smile to his face. It is none other than sweet, darling Daphne Greengrass.

"Nice to see you too, Daph," Harry smiled as he settled back down, glancing at her over his shoulder. Daphne's dark hair framed her pale face as her eerily blue eyes looked back at him.

"Yes, certainly," Daphne responded with a slight smirk. However, he noted her slight discomfort at being out in the cold. The green and silver scarf was hiding half of her face as she tightly clutched her winter coat, hugging it close to herself.

Harry gave a small chuckle at her dismayed expression and leaned back against the tree. "What's up?"

She certainly wanted something, no way she would be out here otherwise. She raised a pale brow at him.

"Nothing, just checking on you, seeing as you haven't bothered with us since this morning,"

Harry nearly groaned. He was fully aware that he hadn't been very attentive to his friends today. His mood had been fluctuating since yesterday after their last lesson before the weekend. For that reason, Harry had avoided interacting with his friends lest he accidently took out his foul mood on anyone.

Daphne seemed to be reading his mind and gave him an unimpressed stare. She, out of everyone, understood him the best and always gave him space without him having the need to ask for it. But that space was within a limited amount of time, which brings them to where they are at.

"Whatever, how much longer are we going to stay here?" Daphne asked with a shudder, pulling away a dark strand of hair behind her ear.

"You can go back in if you want to. I'd like to sit here a bit longer" Harry responded with a shrug.

Daphne made another insignificant grimace but didn't leave. That was her way of saying that she'd stay with him. Very few were granted with such treatment, not many knew of Daphne's big heart. Although she appeared very icy and uncaring, her caring nature would appear once she's warmed up to you. But, if she knew that Harry was having such thoughts about her, she would probably strangle him unconscious.

Just as Daphne started stomping her feet to get them warmed up, Harry took pity on her and hoisted himself up. She certainly wasn't leaving without him. Daphne gave an obvious relieved sigh and leaned away from the tree. She instantly started walking towards the castle not waiting for Harry, knowing very well that he'd catch up. Harry snickered at her obvious displeasure and got up to follow her like the faithful friend that he was.

"How did you find me?" Harry asked, genuinely interested to know. He thought that he'd been sitting out of sight.

"It was time for you to get inside, it doesn't matter that you, strangely enough, find this weather enjoyable." Daphne shook her head. "And I couldn't leave you alone for much longer lest you suddenly come up with bad ideas." Daphne said with a straight face, avoiding answering his question. He suspected his Marauder's map came into use.

Harry felt indigated even if she managed to make him laugh. "Don't you worry, I'll consult you first before doing anything."

"Hm, damn right you will."

The walk to the castle was silent and comfortable, with only the sound of their footsteps crunching in the snow. They entered the castle but as they made to turn to the great hall Daphne suddenly stopped, making Harry almost walk into her. She slowly turned around to face him with narrowed eyes. It was the same look she would always get when solving a puzzle.

Harry already knew what was coming, they had gone through this several times. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head.

"You actually didn't even feel the slightest bit of a chill while outside?" Daphne asked with the same expression still etched on her face.

Harry gave a small indulgent shake of his head and to his misfortune, a familiar determined look entered Daphne's eyes.

"It's just, I really don't get it. I have searched the whole library and couldn't find a thing about being this unaffected," Daphne said exasperatedly, her expression telling Harry exactly how she felt about it. "Are you sure that you haven't taken some sort of skin-thickening potion or had someone cast a permanent warming charm on you?"

Harry stared, his mouth twitching.

Daphne stared back, eyebrows drawing together. She knew very well how dumb that sounded.

Harry couldn't hold back his laughter anymore at her darkening expression. Although, he tried to be polite by holding up his hand to his mouth to stifle his laughter.

"Are there even such things?"

Daphne scowled and huffed. "I don't know, you tell me!"

Seeing Daphne getting agitated, Harry's mirth slowly receded. He knew she'd never give up on it. He'd never told anyone when he was younger, and he didn't think anyone had noticed his abnormality either, well except for his aunt that is. However, here at Hogwarts, not much goes unnoticed by being friends with this person standing right in front of him.

"Alright, alright, no need to irk yourself about it" Harry smirked, "It has been, what- years, so just leave it".

Her sky-blue eyes narrowed, and she chose to smack him on his arm instead, ignoring his indignant 'ouch' and made for the great hall. She also made a great show of flipping her hair over her shoulder. Harry shook his head, grinning, and just as earlier followed.

What a drama queen…

As soon as they stepped into the great hall, heading for the Slytherin table, a small, blonde Ravenclaw boy came running towards them. He stopped short in front of Daphne, looking nervous as both watched him. He handed Daphne a rolled-up, instantly running back to his table without saying a word. Slytherins were a born evil after all.

Daphne ignored the boy and straightaway seemed to recognise Snape's handwriting, as did Harry. Harry gave Daphne a questioning look, but she gestured for them to sit down first.

Many of the fifth year and sixth year students were already present and Harry waved back at those who greeted him, including Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville. They were sat at the Gryffindor table, already started with their dinner. Hermione's thick hair was half pulled up, showing more of her face. Harry certainly noticed Ron's eyes swivelling back to Hermione right after greeting Harry.

As soon as they had sat down in a less crowded area but still near the fifth years, Daphne answered his obvious question.

"I asked Professor Snape earlier if I could add one more course to my timetable." Daphne quickly rolled out the parchment and started reading it over, her attention diverted from Harry.

Daphne had been talking about it since last week, but he'd completely forgotten. Harry watched the small quirk of Daphne's lips as Snape had obviously accepted her request.

She obviously knew he would accept it anyway.

Harry turned his attention to the dinner laid out on the table, suddenly feeling very hungry. Today's menu seemed an assortment of different pies, and heaps and heaps of vegetables. Well, there was also the wide variety of soups.

"You're certainly looking better, Potter." Harry diverted his attention from his already filled plate and looked up at the dark-skinned boy in front of him.

"Hi to you too, Blaise," Harry responded, a warning glinting in his eyes.

Blaise smirked back, not giving any further comments. He obviously knew not to cross the line when it came to asking too much. Harry appreciated that about his roommate. Although, he knew very well that Blaise did not hold back when he would gain something out of his curiosity.

He'd seen Harry this morning, his shaking limbs and pale face unable to hide what his silencing charms around his bed had. He clearly understood now not to bring it back up again, after he'd done it once in front of a certain blond. Blaise still remembered what protective prats may do when feeling threatened.

Harry nearly smirked at that reminder.

Speaking of, there, at the entrance to the Great Hall stood the blond prat of the century with his two goons. It was of course, none other than Draco Malfoy looking at the Slytherin table with his steely grey eyes. Harry and Draco locked gazes for a second when Draco broke it and turned around towards Crabbe and Goyle.

The two Slytherins nodded at what Draco had said and walked out of the great hall without him.

Once that was done and over with, he headed to their table.

"Scoot over, Potter."

Harry gave Draco an amused look as he made space for his friend. Daphne gave Draco a glare at his pompous behaviour as she scooped some roasted tomato soup into her bowl.

"Are your guards on duty?" Daphne asked with a raised eyebrow and sipped the hot soup.

"Well, let's say the Gryffindorks won't know what's coming" Draco smirked.

Harry shook his head, "What are planning, you prat?"

"Don't you worry your little head over it, Harry", Draco continued smirking. "Of course, the plan will only work if the two buffoons do as they're told".

Daphne cleared her throat, not bothering to comment on that. She smoothed out her facial features, seemingly finished with her meagre meal. Her gaze seemed to be directed at the Gryffindor table. "I'll be going over to Granger, I need to discuss our athermancy project."

Draco tried to not give any outward reaction at the mention of Hermione, but Harry still noticed the slight dismayed expression. Harry gave Daphne a nod before she shouldered her bag and moved to the other table.

Daphne usually avoided these conversations about pranking anyone, mostly the Gryffindors. Harry guessed that way, she would avoid the guilt of knowing about it and not having done anything. Harry himself wouldn't necessarily do the same, but he also knew that Draco wouldn't take it too far.

The Gryffindors could also hold their own, so Harry didn't even bother worrying. Harry watched Daphne taking Hermione's elbow in her hand and leading her out of the Great Hall. Ron sat there for a minute looking at the disappearing girls before shrugging and turning back to his conversation with Thomas and Finnigan.

Harry didn't say anything about Draco's behaviour. It was much improved than the past when he used to call Ron and Hermione foul names. However, he learned through the hard way that Harry didn't stand anyone using such slurs, and certainly not towards his friends.

And so, Draco had stopped.

Gradually…

...Eventually.

He remembered during their sorting when he'd been trying to convince the hat to not put him in Slytherin, but he'd obviously not succeeded. Harry had been afraid that his newly formed friendship with Ron would cease to exist, but surprisingly it hadn't. True, Ron had behaved a bit more subdued at first, but then realised that Harry wasn't suddenly on his way to become the new Dark Lord. He'd also said somewhat jokingly 'what with being Harry Potter and all, you wouldn't be that dark or evil".

Everyone felt it to be their right to put expectations on him only because his name was Harry Potter. Well, Harry being Harry, didn't feel right to abandon his first friend, his first friend after Hagrid and Hedwig of course. Ron had been biased at first, but Harry had known that with time, Ron would come to realise that not all Slytherins were evil. Or at least, that their life goal was not to hunt and kill whoever their eyes landed on.

And so, their friendship had flourished, as one would say. But Harry suspected that Hermione had had a hand in it. Hermione came along during second year, and with her came Ginny and Neville.

At first, not all Slytherins were accepting of his choice of friendships. Hence, when they understood that their threats and warnings fell on deaf ears, they stopped their harassing and didn't mind him anymore. Harry hadn't let them either, no one had the right to decide for him who to befriend and who not to.

Even with magic being a new discovery to him at that time, he still hadn't been shorthanded with how he'd dealt with those trying to control his actions. He wouldn't let the same thing happen to him here at Hogwarts, the very place he felt as being his true home. It was somewhere he belonged, maybe not fully what with being Harry Potter and all. But it was an escape from where he'd always been tormented and treated like literal waste, in a place he should have been loved and felt safe. Oh well.

"A galleon for your thoughts, Harry," Draco suddenly said, the silence has seemingly become excessively uncomfortable for him.

Unbeknownst to Harry, he'd been sitting there unmoving like a statue, holding up his fork between his fingers.

Harry shook his head, his eyes landing on Draco. He sighed at his thoughts and wondered what had brought them on again. He's been spacing out a lot lately. "

"Don't worry your little head over it," Harry returned Draco's earlier comment, but then felt the need to add, "nothing special, really."

Draco smirked in reply, "just don't let it echo too much up there."

Harry rolled his eyes, and gave a big yawn right after. He really was tired, he'd been up since seven o'clock and even if it wasn't that late, all he wanted right now was the comfort of his bed. It didn't help that he'd just frayed his mind while thinking of the Dursleys and all that came along with it.

"I'm beat, I'm going back to the common room."

Draco drank the last bit of his pumpkin juice and stood up. It was certainly their luck to raise from their seats at the same time as non-other than the very hated Professor was walking past them.

Harry couldn't hide his feelings even if his life depended on it. If it wasn't enough with only her bothersome presence, she had to wear that glaring pink colour. Harry truly hated that woman's existence, his deep scowling clearly not hiding his thoughts. He swung his bag over his shoulder and stepped over the bench.

Together, he and Draco strode through the Hall and out. People watched them, glanced, and pointed their way. It never seemed to sink into their little, curious minds, that Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter were friends. It seemed to be still raw news, and the scene never got too old for Hogwarts' students. Both boys were aware of it of course, but neither gave it much thought. It really was useless to even bother thinking about it. Their trek to the common room was rather uneventful as they walked in the dark and damp dungeons.

The day after tomorrow would be a big day. Mondays mean a long lesson with none other than the pink-clad-toad, Umbridge.