Harry Potter 1. Cracked Glass

Blood was flowing from Draco's arms. His shaking figured was reflected in the cracked mirror. He hadn't noticed the figure behind him yet, giving a few more seconds to take in the messy scene.

Glass shards littered the floor, splattered red. Draco's wand was lying a few feet from him, abandoned on the floor. The sleeves of his robes had been pushed clumsily round his elbows, threatening to fall down. Harry realised he was avoiding looking at him as much as possible. Him. How could such an arrogant man seem like such a broken child?

A small whimper echoed out of him. It pained Harry's heart for a moment, hearing such a pitiful sound. But then he reminded himself that this was Draco and he would not pity him. The sound still manages to make Harry feel uncomfortable though. He turns to leave, but the noise of his feet causes Draco's head to snap up. His eyes are wild.

He whirled round, hand groping inside his pocket for a wand which wasn't there. Harry dived for the wand at the same time as Draco, wrestling him for it. Sensing he'd lost the fight, at least for the moment, Draco pulled back. His weeping arms were cradled against his heaving chest.

"Give me back my wand, Potter."

"Why should I? You look ready to jinx me."

Draco's jaw clenched and the vein in his neck grew a little. He held out an expectant hand, glaring.

_Yeh right, because your death glares always scare me into submission._

He let out an irritated growl and stepped forward. For a moment it looks like he got caught on his robes as he starts to fall, but by the time he hits the floor it is obvious he couldn't support himself.

"Malfoy? Malfoy, you alright?" There is no response. Leaning closer than Harry had ever dared before, he pressed two fingers to the pale neck. Malfoy's skin was cold and clammy and his pulse a weak effort beneath it.

.

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The light against his face was painful. Draco slowly opened his eyes, squinting. He was lying in the medical wing, though how he had gotten there he wasn't quite sure. Trying to sit up, he was hit by a wave of dizzying nausea and vomited over the side of the bed. Madame Pomfrey came hurrying out.

"Lie back down you foolish boy, all that blood you've lost will leave you feeling dizzy for some time." She muttered a _scourgify_ spell under her breath to clean up the sick. Draco felt too weak to insult the woman as he usually would.

Turning his head to the side he saw his Hawthorne wand on the little table. A vague image of it being clenched in Potter's hand drifted into his mind. That single image acted like a flood gate being opened. He remembered yelling at that ghost, moaning Myrtle, who had been crooning at him. He had punched the mirror in frustration, pulling the shards out of their frame. And then he had… he had… Why had he done it?

He thought he was in shit before, but now he realised he was really doomed. Dumbledore would be here soon, asking questions he couldn't answer. No doubt Potter had already ran to him, telling him of Draco's failure. Because that was what this really was, wasn't it. Failure.

Another one to add to the growing list.

_I shouldn't have stopped. It would have been a less painful death than the Dark Lord has planned for me at least._

The door to the infirmary swung open. A head of greasy hair strode in. Professor Snape looked down at Draco from the foot of his bed.

"You idiot child. What were you thinking?" Snape practically hissed at Draco. "Or let me guess, you weren't thinking?"

_Idiot child and foolish boy? There is defiantly a pattern here._

Draco continued to stare at the arched ceiling, refusing to acknowledge his head of house. Snape tutted under his breath. He began to stride up at down at the end of the bed. Draco was beginning to find his teacher's impatience irritating.

"If you are… struggling Draco, tell me. I…" It was clear Snape was choosing his words carefully. Whilst Madame Pomfrey had retreated to her office she was still in hearing distance. "I could help you, with what you are trying to accomplish."

"I DON'T NEED HELP" Draco practically roared at him.

"Clearly. Draco, listen to me-"

"No, you listen to me. I don't need help; yours or anyone else's. I just need…need time." Snape leaned in a grabbed the collar of Malfoy's shirt.

"Time is the last thing we have Draco. The Dark Lord grows impatient." The professor straightened up. "Think about what I have said Draco." And with that, he left.

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Harry strode up and down his empty dorm. On his way in via the quite common room he had come into contact with Hermione. He had muttered a "not now" to the barrage of questions and escaped to his room. It was a good job it had been Hermione in the common room not Ron, as she couldn't follow him up here. Then again, if it had been Ron he would have been too preoccupied by snogging Lavender to notice his blood-stained friend slip past.

He looked down at his hands. They were smeared with blood; the 'pure' blood that Draco was so proud of. It looked no different to any other blood he had seen.

Sighing with exasperation, Harry pulled off his robes. Dumping them in the basket for some house-elf to clean, he went to have a shower.

He hadn't gotten much blood on his skin, but enough to send little pink swirls down the drain. Harry's mind was buzzing.

_What could have caused Draco to feel so desperate? It must have something to do with why he has been disappearing of the map, why he's been in the room of requirement. He hasn't been in meals much either. It's not surprising he felt so light. It must be more than just worrying about homework and exams. Is he regretting the mark branded to his skin?_

Harry pushed away the last thought. It was absurd to think this wasn't what Draco had wanted all along. Like father like son, Draco would always have ended up rotten. Evil.

There was a knock on the door. Ron was back.

"Harry? Mate? Hermione said you came storming though the common room half an hour ago, covered in blood. What happened?"

Letting out another sigh, Harry turned off the water. He'd have to face the music now.

Wrapping his lower half in a towel, Harry left the steamy comfort of the little bathroom and moved into the main part of the dorm. Ron was looking a little pale, though Harry didn't fail to note his kiss-swollen lips. Harry felt a momentary surge of anger at his best friend, off snogging girls in a corner while he was left to deal with the rest of the world's shit.

He took a deep breath. It would do no good to get angry with Ron. After all, it was Draco he really wanted to yell questions at. Harry flopped backwards onto his bed.

"Mate? You alright?"

"Yeh. Just had an interesting day, that's all." And so, Harry told Ron about how he had seen Draco talking to Myrtle in one of the bathrooms on the marauders map and went to have a nose about. He explained that when he had arrived Draco was alone, and it looked like he had punched a mirror. Once Harry told Ron that it was Draco's blood he was covered in, not his own, the latter seemed to cheer up. Maybe it was because of this reaction, or just because he knew Draco wouldn't want the news of his meltdown spreading, but Harry decided to leave the story there. Ron didn't need to know that he had carried an unconscious Draco to the medical wing, or that he had stayed until he saw Madame Pomfrey seal the wounds with essence of dittany.

Once Ron seemed satisfied that Harry was indeed alright his disappeared off again, but not before saying "What a nutjob." It was just as well the door had slammed shut because Harry's anger at Ron had just surged back. Ron didn't understand what Draco was going through; he was in no position to judge. But then again, neither did Harry.

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Draco had been discharged from hospital the next day. It was a Sunday, so he didn't have to face lessons thank Merlin.

Oddly enough Dumbledore hadn't confronted him. Irritatingly however he now had to have weekly meetings with Snape to 'discuss how you're feeling'. _What a load of fun that will be…_

As Draco walked round the castle he expected to be dealing with a lot of stares and whispers. He didn't seem to be getting them, no more than normal at least. Potter had had a full day to be spreading rumours after all. How embarrassing. He, a Malfoy of Malfoy manor, heir to a fortune, crying in front of precious harry potter. It was bad enough he had been seen crying at all, but by potter? Ugh.

Draco had no real desire to see his 'friends' and he had been fed in the medical room. Being a Sunday he had no where he really needed to go. His feet therefore carried him to his usual haunt, the room of requirement. His thoughts were a tangle, explaining why he was well round the corner by the time he noticed Potter leaning against the wall. Draco stopped dead, about 10ft away.

"What are you doing here?" Draco asked indignantly. More_ importantly, how did you know I'd be here?_

"Fancied a chat." Harry took his weight of the wall and straightened up. Draco noticed how Potter was a little taller than him now, and defiantly a little broader too. That must be his fault, not eating enough.

"Not in the mood."

"So what mood are you in?" Draco stared at Harry. "That definitely came out wrong. It was more of a, about to try again where no-one will find you question?"

_So that's what Potter is doing here, playing the hero._

"I'm not suicidal Potter. Stop pestering me."

"I'll stop pestering you if you talk to me."

"Why? Why does this matter? Me and you are enemies Potter." Harry did seem to have an answer to that, so Draco turned and left.

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><p>AN So there we have it, the first chapter! I will try to keep a regular update schedule, but no promises. Please leave a review or whatever it is you lovely people do, it really encourages me to write quicker!


	2. Penitence

There has been a fantastic response to this story! I want to thank everyone who has favorited and followed this. Enjoy .

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><p>Draco spent the rest of the day wandering the castle. He avoided the seventh floor corridor, but still kept thinking he caught glimpses of Potter out of the corner of his eye. How he was managing to follow him quite so well Draco wasn't sure, but it put Draco on edge. Maybe he was just paranoid now too.<p>

It was almost nightfall by the time Draco thought of a new release. He stole quietly into his dorm and back out again, broomstick in hand. The Slytherin knew that flying at night wasn't the wisest of ideas, but frankly he was bored. He wasn't yet ready to return to the room of requirement and continue with his mission.

The air was bitterly cold. It was almost enough to make him turn back, but instead Draco just cast a warming spell and headed for the pitch. Thinking back, it had been a while since Draco had been on his broom. The stress of his mission had led to him missing many practices and even a game. They couldn't kick him off the team of course, he was a Malfoy.

Pushing off into the air Draco felt the cold bite harder. His warming charm would do little once he really got going.

Merlin had he missed flying. When he was younger, not that he'd ever admit it, Draco used to pretend he was not a boy on a broom but a dragon like his namesake. He loved the feeling of freedom it gave him, to go zooming off, above where his mother's voice could reach him. It was a freedom he had not felt in years.

Being naïve had been so much better. Draco could fill miles of parchment with the things he wish he didn't know. He wish he didn't know his father was a killer; that his old teacher, Charity Burbage, had been tortured and devoured by Nagini; that he would soon have Dumbledore's blood on his hands or be dead. In that instant however, he just wished he didn't know there were spells around Hogwarts. He wished he could fly away on this broom and not have to stop.

These were childish notions of course. His father would scold him if he knew how fanciful Draco was being.

It wasn't until Draco felt like icicles were forming on his hands that he finally came down. He landed in a heap, too stiff to be graceful. He recast the warming spell and began to traipse back to the castle. He was just circling around the forbidden forest when he heard voices.

"It's just getting worse professor. I don't think I can go back there again, they didn't seem too happy to see me. You-know-who has won them all over now." It was the oaf Hagrid.

"Not to worry Rubeus, you did what you could. I fear you-know-who is gaining more than just giants. Every day he gets stronger. It is only a matter of time, I fear, until the castle is breached."

"You can't say that Dumbledore! You-know-who would never attack the castle, not while you're here."

"I know my friend, I know."

Hagrid and Dumbledore disappeared into the tree line. Something about the brief conversation seemed to unsettle Draco. It sounded as though Dumbledore thought he would die soon, but if that were so why hadn't he confronted Draco? Did he think that it would be someone else's hand that would give the final blow? That was silly, other than Snape and himself there were no deatheaters in the castle. Dumbledore couldn't know he was one of course, but surely he suspected, with that great mind of his? Especially after yesterday's events…

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><p>.<p>

Harry had given up keeping tabs on Malfoy around dinner time. He couldn't say why he felt responsible to make sure he was alright but he did. Hermione seemed to be getting tired off it.

"Are you even listening to me? What's gotten into you Harry?"

"Huh? Oh I'm fine."

"You've been disappearing off all day; you've barely eaten and spoken even less. You're my best friend Harry, I know when something is bothering you."

"I'm fine 'mione. Stop worrying. Anything new?" Harry nodded towards the Evening Prophet. He didn't really want to hear the latest doom and gloom, but he didn't want Hermione nagging him either.

"Not much. They've made another arrest, some shopkeeper in Cokeworth. Apparently had connections to Snape's family years ago."

Harry nodded and picked at the mashed potato on his plate. It didn't surprise him that Draco wasn't in the hall. The more he thought about it the more he realised that he hardly ever saw the boy in here. There were other ways to get food of course, but Harry didn't think Draco was bothering. His cheekbones had defiantly seemed more prominent actually.

_Why am I back to worrying about him? He is a grown man; he can take care of himself. _

The little voice in the back of his mind whispered a 'can't he?' at the end of that thought, but Harry pushed it away realising Hermione was talking again.

"…don't know why they can't just get a room. It pathetic really, subjecting us all to _that."_ Harry realised that Ron had just arrived, his arm wrapped around a very giggly Lavender who was trying to nibble his ear as they walked. Hermione pushed her food away. "I think I'll go to the library." And with that she stormed off.

Ron noticed that Harry was now on his own and so steered Lavender to where he sat. Harry didn't feel he particularly wanted to watch their vomit inducing displays of affection either, but with a plate full of food before him he had no way to politely escape.

"You alright mate?" Ron said, folding himself onto the bench opposite Harry. Lavender slid in after him, so close she was practically on his lap.

"Yeh. Still got some homework left to do so I ought to go soon." In truth, Harry had all of his homework left to do. An unproductive day following Malfoy round meant he had two un-started essays due Monday. Ron's face fell. For a happy moment Harry thought it was because Ron actually wanted to spend some time with him, then he realised this was not quite accurate.

"I have too. The one for Snape is just impossible! I would ask Hermione but she isn't talking to me still."

Harry bit back the snide comment about it being Ron's fault they weren't on speaking terms. Being the friend in the middle was starting to drive him crazy.

"I guess we could work on them together, up in the common room." He added the last bit thinking it wouldn't be a good idea to disturb Hermione in her sanctuary. He also left out any mention of Lavender on purpose.

"That would be great mate. Do you even understand what Snape was going on about?" Harry managed to eat the rest of his dinner, and wait for Ron to finish his, uneventfully. Lavender seemed to grow bored of their conversation on potions so turned to talk to Parvati. They were standing to leave when Ron said:

"I think we ought to go to the library. I've got no chance on this essay without some dull book to explain it to me." Knowing it would probably set Ron off if he explained his reasons for avoiding it he nodded, hoping they could get in and out without incident.

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><p>.<p>

Harry had never particularly liked the library. He thought it was the way that books seemed to eat sounds, making it always muffled. The dust too didn't help much either. He preferred working in the warm and airy common room, up in the tower. He was just looking up from _Plants of the Tasmanian Forest _when he saw a head of white blonde hair dart past the end of the row. Putting the book down he muttered a lame "Bathroom" to Ron and walked quickly after him.

Looking down each row in turn, he saw Malfoy ducking into the restricted section towards the back. Curious, Harry followed. Draco was reading the spines of the books. He had started halfway down, making it look like he was just continuing his search. Pausing, Draco pulled a heavy, leather bound book off the shelves. Resting it on the ledge, he began to leaf through the pages.

Harry stood transfixed. It was almost as though he was looking at someone else. Sure, he was still handsome with blonde hair and a grey tinge to his face, but the wild look was gone. He looked calm, methodical. Back in control. The Slytherin shut the book, slid it back onto the shelf and continued down the line. A moment later he paused and pulled out another one. After flicking through a few more pages, he paused. The barest hint of a smile crossed his face.

Draco pulled out his wand and muttered a copying spell, moving the words onto a scrap of parchment. Draco folded the parchment into his pocket and replaced the book. Harry had to hurriedly hide behind the next isle as the blonde boy left.

Once Draco was out of sight Harry snuck back round. He pulled out the book he thought Draco had been looking at. _Defensive Objects for avoiding the Dark arts. _It was a slim book, published during the first wizarding war. Why had it been of interest to Draco? And why was it in the restricted section?

Harry slipped the book inside his robes and went back to Ron. He'd have time to look at it later.

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><p>.<p>

Hermione saw Draco slip out of the restricted section and frowned. He looked happy, and that couldn't mean anything good. Just as she was thinking this she saw Harry slip out too. This deepened her frown. What was Harry up to now?

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><p>.<p>

In five days' time it would be Slughorn's Christmas party. Harry had thus far been putting the idea out of his mind, having more pressing matters to deal with. It wasn't until Hermione cornered him at breakfast Monday morning that he realised the predicament he was in.

"They are getting desperate Harry, I heard Romilda Vane talking about slipping you a love potion. You need to get a date and soon." Harry nodded, his mouth full of cereal. Hermione looked like there was something else she wanted to discuss, but at that point Ron entered. Yet again, Hermione vanished. Before Ron and Lavender could reach him someone else slid into Hermione's vacated seat.

Speak of the devil…

Romilda leaned in towards Harry. She practically purred his name.

"Harry, I was wondering when I'd get to talk to you. I was thinking that me and you could maybe go for a walk this evening?" She reached over to touch the back of Harry's hand, providing him with a view right down her cleavage. Harry coughed and looked up.

"Sorry I have… er… plans for tonight. Can't."

"But Harry-"

"Sorry." Harry stood to leave but Romilda kept hold of his hand.

"At least take these with you." She pulled a box of chocolate cauldrons from nowhere and pressed them into his hand. Harry nodded stiffly and made for the exit, making a mental note not to touch the chocolates.

Harry nodded at Ron as he made his escape. He power walked out of the Great Hall and straight into Malfoy.

"Oi watch it! Oh it's you. What do you want Potter?" Harry was still flustered from his encounter with Romilda and couldn't get any words out. "What's the matter? Weasel got your tongue?" Draco was sneering at Harry.

"Back to your cocky, irritating self I see." Draco frowned.

"Back to your meddlesome, obnoxious cloud of self-righteousness I see. Oh wait, you never left it, did you?" Harry was struck by the urge to punch Draco right then. He might have done too, had Snape not materialised at that point.

"It's time for your session Draco. I don't recommend you keep me waiting."

"I've told you, I don't want to talk to you." Draco's voice had gone so icy cold that Harry actually shivered.

"You'd rather talk to Potter?" At that, Malfoy shot Harry a glare that said 'this is all your fault'

"I have nothing to talk about."

"Trust me, I hardly like the situation Draco, but you talk to me or you talk to Dumbledore."

"Dumbledore doesn't keep Veritaserum in the inner pockets of his robes."

"Stop acting like a child and making a scene. My office, 5 minutes." Snape swept off towards the dungeons.

Harry felt a little uncomfortable having been forced to ear wig into that conversation. He felt he ought to say something at least.

"If you don't want to talk to him you could talk to me. I don't keep Veritaserum in my robes."

Shit. That wasn't what I meant to say at all. What a rubbish joke that was, why the hell did I just open my mouth?

Draco looked a little shocked. He didn't say anything as he turned away, but Harry thought he saw another of those tiny smiles play with his lips.


	3. Sectumsempra

The week had been a long one. Harry received so much homework and, with what he had neglected over the weekend, he had not yet had time to look over Draco's book. He was thoroughly looking forward to the Christmas break mere days away.

First however, he must get through Slughorn's party. He had put some more thought into what Hermione had said and had ended up blurting an invitation out to Luna. Whilst he'd rather he didn't have to take Luna, he thought it could have ended much worse. It could have been Romailda.

It could have been Draco. Not that he would ever had agreed to accompany Harry – not that Harry would ever ask – but Harry thought it might have done Draco some good. Clearly he was stressed out; a little bit of festive cheer would have been just the thing.

Harry hadn't properly seen Draco since their meeting with Snape. He had glimpsed him once or twice, but whenever Draco saw him an angry blush swept his face and he quickly vanished.

The marauders map had come in useful. Harry found it oddly soothing to know that Draco was in bed and not doing anything crazy at 2 am. It had only begun to dawn on Harry, as his eyes roamed the hall half-heartedly, that he was becoming a little obsessed.

_Maybe it's just my mind trying to distract me? There have been no more lessons with Dumbledore for a while. The war is getting closer, but everyone wants to ignore that fact. _

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><p>.<p>

He was finally getting somewhere. Admittedly the little bird had come back dead, but it had come back. It was only a small victory however, he wasn't anywhere near ready yet.

The young deatheater felt an odd pang of pity for the bird. Like him, it had never truly gotten to fly.

_Dammit. Where is all this bloody sentimentally coming from? I haven't got time for it. Potter's got me on edge, damn him. I can only avoid him for so long. I need to finish this. I need to._

Draco tossed the small bird aside and plucked another from its cage. He put the bird into the cabinet and tried again.

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><p>.<p>

_He's off the map again. _

Whilst Harry had finally worked out where Draco was going he still had no idea what he was up to. Well now was as good a time as any, he had a couple of hours before he had to meet Luna. Harry detoured to his dorm, picked up the invisibility cloak just in case, and left the common room quickly. It wasn't far to the fifth floor corridor.

There was no one on lookout duty. It seemed Draco had given up on turning Crabbe into a girl and positioning him by the door. Oh well, it meant more peace for Harry to try and get in.

Pacing back and forth, Harry tried yet again to gain entry.

_I need the place where Draco is._

_I need the place where Draco is._

_I need the place where Draco is. _

Unsurprisingly it didn't work. Harry suspected he had tried that one before too, but he had tried so many times he had forgotten. No, he'd have to come up with something new. Harry racked his brain for ideas. It was clear that Draco was up to something, something to do with Borgin and Burkes. It was also clear that whatever it was was difficult, but that didn't help much either. Grunting with frustration, Harry aimed a kick at the wall. This would be so much easier if Draco would talk to him, but no, he insists on hiding it all away. Hiding. Maybe Draco was merely hiding in the room, using it as a sanctuary?

_I need the place that Draco is hidden._

_I need the place that Draco is hidden._

_I need the place that Draco is hidden._

To Harry's shock, a door materialised. With a deep breath, he slipped inside. The room was dim and musty with teetering piles of junk. To Harry's left rose a huge mound of broken chairs, graffiti-covered desks and a cracked chamber pots with many small trinkets buried within. The room seemed as big as the great hall. Stone arched reached right to the gloomy heavens. Cautiously the dark haired boy moved further into the room. It was a feast for the eyes.

Mounds of battered books balanced against a chipped statue. What looked like a blood stained axe rested against a muggle gramophone. There was a big bird's cage containing the skeleton of a strange twisted thing. Turning and turning in wonder, Harry let his eyes roam over so many untold stories.

Draco heard a noise. It was the unmistakable noise of a door slamming. Heart hammering in his throat, Draco crept away from the cabinet. It would not do for him to be caught by it, or to be caught at all. He must pray he could slip out of the room unseen.

Harry heard a noise. It was a footstep. He stopped marvelling at the wonders around him and pulled on his cloak. Chances were, Draco would be coming this way in order to escape. Breathing heavily he waited and it was not long before he saw that shock of brilliant blonde hair. Draco was looking around cautiously. His eyes looked a little wild, like a caged animal. Deciding it was clear, he made a break for the door, hurtling head first into Harry.

The boys collapsed in a heap on the floor. Draco tried to get up but Harry grabbed his ankle. The Slytherin grappled with his invisible foe, kicking to get free. Shaking hands rummaged in his pocket.

"Stupefy!" The hand around his ankle stiffened. Draco sat up and pulled the cloak away. Potter. "What the hell are you doing?!" Malfoy was literally growling at Harry, who was unable to speak due to the charm. Malfoy was in half a mind to leave him there, stunned, as he had done on the train. He would like to see precious Potter escape that one. He couldn't though, not least because his foot was trapped in his frozen grip.

Fuming, Draco lifted the charm. He kept his wand trained on Harry and began to ask questions.

"How did you get in here?"

"Same way you did."

"Do you know why I'm in here?"

"Not exactly."

"Have you told mudblood and weasel?"

"No."

The last response surprised him. It was unlike Potter to go anywhere without his backup. Still, maybe he was lying.

"Have you been following me?"

"Yes."

That was also a surprise. Whilst Draco knew the boy was tailing him he hadn't expected him to own up to that one.

"Why?"

"You've got me worried."

Draco snorted. He was definitely lying then.

"Why do you always have to play the hero?"

"Because sometimes people need a hero. It's not a role I really chose, it's just other people don't often see themselves capable of it." Draco felt the temptation to leave Harry stunned in the room again, there wasn't anything stopping him now. He also felt the temptation to puke over his typical, Gryffindor words.

"Grow up Potter, not everyone can be saved."

"They can."

"Even me? Even the Dark Lord?!" Draco's voice was louder, he was suddenly shouting at Potter. Without even flinching, Harry just stared back. "Why aren't you scared?! Is it because you're 'The Boy Who Lived'? Because I've got news for you: everyone dies. You, me, everyone. And your death gets closer every day!"

"You don't scare me Draco."

"What?"

"You don't scare me." Draco was flushed and breathing hard. He felt insulted, enraged. How dare Potter insult him like that. He was a Malfoy, and he would not, could not, tolerate that. He yelled the first curse that came to mind.

"Sectumsempra!" The air rushed out of Harry. He grunted in pain as his leg began to bleed copiously. The gentle growing of the puddle transfixed Draco, a red lake consuming the stone floor. A whimper escaped Harry's mouth. He was clutching his leg, trying to slow the flow of blood. It brought Draco back to the present, back to the horror of what he had just done.

The broken reflection of Harry's face drifted into his mind. Is this how pitiful he had looked to the other boy? When he had been the one bleeding on to the floor?

Draco took a step back. He couldn't cope with this. Hurtling from the room, Draco went in search of Snape. He was the one who taught him the curse, he must know the anti-curse. He must.

All Harry saw was a frightened Draco, fleeing, leaving him to bleed out and die. It wasn't long before the pain caused him to black out, but even then he thought of Draco. He couldn't blame him for this. Voldemort was the one who had twisted him so, so Harry would make sure Voldemort paid.

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><p>AN Hello! I am swept away by the love I'm receiving for this! Sorry for the cliffhanger... Things are moving along nicely. We might even get a party in the next chapter! Please review and follow, thanks, Fe x


	4. Ink Stains

Hello! I am still feeling blown away by the amazing response to this! I'm sorry about the delay in updating, I know exactly what will be happening in a couple of chapters time but I was having a block on the getting there bit. Fortunately I'm over it and the next chapter is already in progress so the next wait isn't as long. Please follow and review!

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><p>Harry spent much of the next week in the hospital wing. There was little Madame Pomfrey could do to stop the flow of blood; she had been forced to resort to muggle methods and bind his leg in bandages. He had received several visitors: an irate Hermione and shocked Ron, McGonagall, and then Dumbledore, wanting to know what had happened. Harry maintained the same story for all of them - he had been in the room of requirement when something attacked him and the next thing he knew he was here. Fortunately Snape was yet to call him a liar. Unfortunately, Slughorn has delayed his party until Harry was recovered. That didn't seem likely to happen before the Christmas break however.<p>

A small part of him had hoped Draco would have visited, just to see he was alright. He hadn't, of course. Draco had been hiding in the Slytherin dorms for the better part of the week. On the most part he had been left alone. There had been one disastrous visit from Pansy at whom he had yelled and threatened to curse, which put an end to the visitors. Even the other boys he shared a room with had mysteriously found other places to stay; they understood not to cross a Malfoy.

He was struggling to understand how he felt about giving Potter a near death experience. It was a tornado within his head. _What if I had killed him? The Dark Lord would have skinned me alive. And what if he talks? Dumbledore will kick me out in an instant and the Dark Lord would kill me, slowly and painfully. What if someone finds out what I was doing? It would mean a whole year down the drain, and another delay in his rise to power. _

Inevitably his thoughts kept returning to the imminent demise he was now certain of. In a way, he found thinking of his death better than listening to the little whispers in the back of his mind.

_Why is he protecting me?_

Draco knew that Snape had been able to do enough to get him to the medical wing. He knew that Harry had survived the ordeal. That was it however. No Slytherin would have cared enough to find out how Potter was recovering, not that he would have asked. It was driving him crazy. Grabbing an ink well from the bedside table, Draco hurled it across the room. It smashed and ran down the wall.

The sudden act of violence had not given him the release he had hoped for, instead he stared at the ink stain seeing blood. It had surprised him in truth, Harry's blood had looked no different from his own. He knew logically there should have been no difference but in his head there was.

The ink gave Draco another idea. He would write to Potter. If he went to the owlery at night he might still be able to find an owl. No one would ever have to know.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Sun was filtering into the room. The blonde head gave a sudden start upwards as the sun roused him. He had been scribbling, sighing, and crunching paper into a ball all night. It had gotten him nowhere. Draco felt he needed to say something, but there was nothing he could think of that didn't sound petty or pitiful on paper, or worst of all something that sounded unbefitting of a Malfoy. How could he express concern without expressing feelings? Exactly.

In the cold light of dawn Draco felt like nothing more than a fool.

There was only two days of term left now. Having hidden out for the last two days of school he knew he would be pushing his luck to skip the next two as well. It was time to grow up.

_Act like a real Malfoy._

It was eerie how his voice sounded like his fathers.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry was bored. Madame Pomfrey had insisted that he stayed until the end of term time despite the fact he could now move round, albeit slowly. Ron and Hermione dropped in between lessons, bearing chocolate frogs.

"Hiya mate." Ron collapsed into a chair and ripped the head off a frog and spoke thickly. "You ain't missing much in school. 'Cept homework. Heck of a lot of homework. These are from Ginny by the way, but felt you'd had enough chocolate." He nodded towards the pile of chocolate at the foot of Harry's bed. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I saw Slughorn talking to Madame Pomfrey. He was trying to organise a party in here by the sound of it."

"Merlin's beard! He doesn't stop. He bought me crystallised pineapple the other day and asked when I'd be up to a party."

"How are you feeling? Is your memory coming back, about what attacked you?" The concern in Hermione's voice was strong.

"Oh give him a break Hermione. There could be anything creeping round in this school, giant snakes and spiders ring any bells?"

There was an awkward silence as they all tried to think of something to say. Ron opened another chocolate frog and swore as it jumped away under a bed. He let it go.

"Everyone is pretty spooked. I mean they do that thing where all the first years move in huddles you can't get round. Even Malfoy had been acting weird." Ron blurted out. That caught Harry's attention. He had in fact being trying to think of a way to bring up this very subject.

"How so?" He said cautiously.

"Barely been out of his room. Even been skiving off lessons he seems so scared which ain't normal. The scared bit I mean, it's no shocker he is skipping lessons."

"Maybe he knows more that he is letting on?" Pondered Hermione

"No," Harry said a little too quickly. "I mean, that seems unlikely."

"Let's not bother brewing Polyjuice again, hey?" Ron said snidely.

"You alright mate? You're being sarcastic, more than normal."

"I'm fine. I mean it's nothing compared to what you're going through is it?" Harry looked over at Hermione, confused. She looked plain irritated.

"Won-Won and Lav-Lav have had a falling out. I refuse to get involed." Ron flushed red as his hair and scowled. Harry laughed. He had missed them when they hadn't been speaking and even bickering was better than the stony silence he had endured for the last couple of months. The pair didn't laugh with him, but there expressions did soften.

"I'm glad to see you're alright mate. You really did get us worried." Harry smiled and chucked another chocolate frog at Ron. There was an excited yell and another frog hopped out of sight. Ron was on his feet waving a card in Harry's face.

"I've got him! I've got him! Cornelius Agrippa! Do you remember Harry, the first day we meet? I said he was one of two I still didn't have, and now he is the last! Haha! I've got them all!" Ron was causing such a commotion that Madame Pomfrey came rushing out. There was nothing she could say however to stop Harry and Hermione roaring with laughter and Ron's childlike enthusiasm.

From outside the high doors Malfoy heard the muffled outburst and the waves of laughter which followed. He pulled his had away from the handle.

_Fool. Potter wouldn't want to see you. Not with weaselbee and mudblood in there. Not ever. _

Draco turned away and began to stride back towards the dungeons. He was halfway down the corridor when a voice stopped him.

"Draco wait! You dropped something." It was Loony Lovegood, clutching a crumpled bit of paper. Her eyes grew wide as she read the words and with a sinking feeling deep in his stomach, Draco realised it was one of the crumpled letters he had written last night.

Malfoy stormed towards Luna, fury in his eyes.

"You have no right" he spat at her "No right whatsoever to be reading that." He tore the letter from her grasp and set fire to it with the tip of his wand. Then he turned back to her, pulling up to his full imposing height. "You didn't see that. If so much as a whisper of this finds its way to Potter I will personally see to it that your life is a living hell." Luna seemed unfazed.

"Why would I tell Harry? Whilst I think it's lovely that you feel this way about him, what good would it do for Harry to hear it from me?" _Dear god, it was one of the stupid gushing letters. Why the hell hadn't it been a simple 'hope you're alright' one? I am so royally fucked now._

Had Luna been anyone else she would have laughed at the way Draco's red face clashed with his silver hair. Being Luna however she merely smiled and skipped back to the medical wing leaving a stunned Draco in the corridor.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

"Hello Harry." Luna's blonde head had just bounded into the medical wing. She seemed to be in a remarkably good mood.

"Hey Luna, what's up?"

"I have a letter for you, from Dumbledore. He asked me to make sure it got to you. Ooh is that crystallised pineapple?" Harry nodded at her to help herself as he tore open the letter.

_I see you are staying at Hogwarts over Christmas, I think a little lesson would not go amiss. Please come to my room on the 20__th__ at Nine O'clock, providing you are feeling well enough. Wishing you a swift recovery, Dumbledore. _

"A lesson over Christmas? It's been ages since my last lesson, I wonder why now." Harry kept his voice low so that Luna wouldn't hear over the pineapple chewing.

"He has been away a lot, maybe he has found something new?"

"Maybe. I guess we'll have to wait and see."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

It felt great to be out of the medical wing. He had been in there just over a week and was beginning to feel stifled. Hermione was going home for the Christmas holidays to visit her parents, but Harry, Ron, Ginny and Luna were all staying. Lavender had been planning to stay too but had changed her mind last minute, a fact for which Harry was eternally grateful.

The whole school was peacefully quite. Fewer people than normal had stayed this year, possibly because of Harry's attack, but it did mean no one scolded them for letting Luna into the Gryffindor common room. They were playing exploding snap, boys against girls. Somehow, he and Ron were losing spectacularly.

Luna's high spirits had remained all week, but no one really stopped to question it. She was just being Luna and the festive season was drawing close. They were so involved in their game however that it was five to nine before Ron nudged Harry in the ribs. Harry leapt up.

"I am… uh… going for a walk! I'll be back later."

* * *

><p>AN In case you were wondering, Cornelius Agrippa is one of the trading card Ron says he doesn't have. Oh how useful a resource the harrypotterwiki is for tiny and pointless continuity<p> 


	5. The Astromony Tower

Harry's latest lesson with Dumbledore had been very…interesting. He had been shown a memory, from a man with a particular fondness of crystallised pineapple. Part of the memory was missing however, and Dumbledore had tasked Harry with getting the rest from Slughorn as soon as possible. It was vital that they knew what Slughorn had really said that night. That wasn't the really interesting part however.

Dumbledore had spent the last week trying to find out what 'monster' was lurking in the room of requirement. Filch had been positioned on the seventh floor corridor to stop nosy students making their own investigations. This meant that whatever Draco had been doing must have ground to a stop. Much to Dumbledore's confusion however he had no found any trace of a monster within the room of hidden things. Snape's story had been that he had heard screams of pain while on duty and the monster had gone by the time he had gained entry.

Sat in the headmaster's office, Dumbledore fixed Harry with another of those piercing stares.

"Are you sure there was nothing else Harry? No one else in the room with you?" Harry squirmed in his seat. He had protected Draco this far, he could not change the story now. Refusing to meet Dumbledore's eye, Harry shook his head. "You understand that what caused that wound on your leg is dark magic? That will be no ordinary scar either."

Harry wasn't quite ready to face the ugly scarring. He was yet to look at it as there were still bandages wrapped neatly around his leg. Harry felt this lesson was as much about showing him the memory as working out what he was hiding. The boy was no fool, he knew Dumbledore would see through him to some extent.

It came as a surprise to Harry that his Professor merely sighed then and dismissed him.

"What? I uh mean, is that it, sir?"

"It would seem we have nothing else to discuss Harry." Dumbledore stayed silent for a moment as if to prove this point before saying "I doubt we shall have another lesson before you have secured the rest of that memory."

"Yes sir." Harry ducked his head and left via the spiral staircase. His mind was buzzing with the idea of horcruxes, imaginary monsters and Draco. He was thinking so hard on the latter in fact that he thought he could almost hear his voice.

"Drop it Goyle. Leave her alone." Harry rounded the corner to see a shoeless Luna, flushed Goyle and bored looking Malfoy. Grasped in Goyle's paw of a hand was a pair of purple converse.

"Harry!" Draco whipped round at Luna's exclamation. His eyes grew at the sight of Harry and his ivory skin flushed. "I was thinking of joining you on your walk when I meet Draco in the corridor." Luna was the only one who seemed to be happy about the situation. She was positively beaming. Malfoy practically ripped the shoes off Goyle and dropped them at Luna's feet before storming off. The hulking Slytherin wandered off after him, looking more than a little confused.

"Wow. What just happened?"

"Goyle thought it might have been amusing to accico my shoes, while I was wearing them. It's a good job I didn't lace them to tightly really."

"No I mean did I really hear Malfoy telling Goyle to leave you alone? That's most unlike him."

"Is it? Do you really know Draco, Harry? I bet there are lots of things about him that could really surprise you. Where were we walking?" There was Luna's ability to say something potentially earth shattering make it sound like it were no more interesting than a walk round the empty castle.

"I was just heading back actually. What did you mean by that?"

"Oh you know, just that people aren't who they pretend to be." Harry didn't know, but nodded anyway. It was late, nearing midnight. They shouldn't really have been in the corridors at all.

"Did you really come out for a walk? It's after the normal curfew."

"Ron and Ginny were having an argument, I thought it best to leave them to it. Ronald argues a lot with people, especially Hermione. It's not very endearing really."

"Oh." It was all Harry could think to say. Luna did have a point after all. They walked the rest of the way back in a tired silence. By the time they reached the common room it was empty and had already been cleaned by the house elves. Harry bid Luna goodnight as she went up the staircase to the girls' dormitories. He himself flopped down on one of the cosy armchairs by the smouldering fire.

Harry pulled a tattered bit of parchment from his robe pockets and muttered the words. He wasn't intending to look for Draco, just to see who was up. As soon as the ink spirals were finished however it was Draco's name which caught his eye.

Alone now, Draco stood on the astronomy tower. He was running a gold galleon back and forth over his knuckles. Snowflakes were beginning to fall and the air was cold enough to see his breath. He huffed out creating a dragon's breath of steam.

He had always found the tower a good place to be alone. There were too many steps for the wheezing squib to manage and his precious cat didn't stray that far from him. The only people he had to worry about up here were hormonal couples which were easy enough to get rid of. It was even better in the snow and the dark. You could lean over the edge and see snowflakes disappear into the abyss below.

Despite being barred from the room of requirement, the shit he could still be in about that curse and the displeasure he felt rippling through his mark, Draco felt more relaxed than he had in months. It was the first time he had seen Potter since their disastrous meeting in the Room of Hidden Things. He had looked healthier than he had imagined too, dishevelled hair and all. A ghost of a smile crossed Draco's lips at the thought of that hair. He used to think it didn't suit him, the imperfect part of oh-so-perfect Potter. Now however, Malfoy had to admit it did have a certain boyish charm.

_Oh the way it looks after quidditch matches too, all windswept-_

There was a creak on the stairs below him, interrupting his thoughts. In a flash Draco's wand was out trained on the trapdoor. The moment the door opened Draco yelled "Expelliarmus!" and the door slammed shut. There was a thud and an _ow_ below him, while a wand rolled across the stone floor. It was a familiar wand. Potter's wand.

"Oh shit." Draco yanked open the trap door and peered down. Harry was lying sprawled at the foot of the ladder. _Thank god he didn't roll down all the steps too._

"Really not been my week, has it?" Whilst Harry was shaken and out of breath, he appeared fine.

"Maybe you should stop sneaking up on people then Potter." Even in the gloom, Draco could see Harry's smirk.

"Only you attack me for it, clearly you're just jumpy." Malfoy scowled. He considered slamming the door shut again and leave Potter in the dark but it was like he had read his mind.

"You better help me up. I think I ripped a couple of stitches." Malfoy continued to scowl as he weighed up the options. If Potter really had ripped some stitches he wouldn't get up here on his own, but he wouldn't leave without his wand either. That meant he would probably sit there until Draco was ready to leave.

_Well there goes my peaceful evening in the snow._

Resigned, Draco climbed down the ladder to take a better look at Potter's leg. He slipped both wands into an inner pocket so he'd have both hands free. At the last step he had to jump off the ladder to avoid landing on the stalker-ish idiot.

"Do you think you'll make it up the ladder? I can't see a thing down here."

"Probably." This was easier said than done however. Draco looked at Harry, appraising the situation. He would have to wrap his arm round the boy to get him up really. The prospect made his heart speed up a little.

Carefully, Draco lent down and wrapped an arm around Harry. With his shoulder under the others arm, and Harry tightly gripping the ladder, he pulled. There was a sharp intake of breath as they finally got him up right.

"You alright?"

"Careful Draco, your caring side is showing."

"I can easily drop you." Harry didn't seem to need the support to much however. Gripping the ladder tightly and hauled himself up and through the trap door. The new cold patch on Draco's side was annoyingly unpleasant.

Draco climbed back up, much more gracefully than Potter had. Back at the top he saw the boy leaning against the battlements almost as pale as himself.

Harry watched as Malfoy approached carefully, as though he was some wounded bird about to take flight. The pain in his leg was bad and he had ripped some stitches if the moist feeling was anything to go by, but it wasn't the worst he had endured. Still, acting like he was in more pain was worth it just to see Malfoy squirm.

With upmost care, Draco pulled up the leg of Harry's trouser. The white bandages were spotted dark, blood glistening in the moon light. Malfoy gulped.

"I think I ought to take the bandages off and see how bad it is." Harry seemed to pale more at this. "What's with that look?"

"Nothing, it's just, uh, I haven't actually looked at it yet." Draco tried and failed to not roll his eyes.

"Diddydums Potter, has this ruined your perfect image?" He went ahead and removed the bandage anyway. Admittedly, it wasn't pretty. The wound ran from just below his knee up his thigh beyond the reaches of the rolled trouser leg. Every each another stitch puckered the skin. It was split and bleeding around the knee where some of the stitches had clearly come undone.

Harry watched the Slytherin's face intently for any sign of disgust. He wished he hadn't, for once he had seen it the pain in his chest was suddenly worse than that in his leg. Draco was staring at the ground, shaking slightly.

"That bad, huh?" Harry's voice was shaking too. Malfoy looked up then, looking straight into his eyes. Maybe it wasn't disgust, it was something more complex.

"I did this. It was my fault that this happened, and my fault you're bleeding again." It was self-loathing. Harry tried to roll the leg back down, to hide it away. "No. No, let me try and fix this. Please?" Silently, Harry nodded. He was unsure of what was even happening.

"Vulnera Sanentur. Come on come on, work. Vulnera Sanentur." Malfoy was muttering, his wand hovering just above his leg. Madame Pomfrey had tried this very spell to no avail and yet the pain in his leg was ebbing away, the gash slowly sealing. Mouth open, Harry stared at Draco as he worked.

His forehead was creased into a frown, ivory skin luminescent in the moonlight. His lips were pink and dry from the cold. Draco had grey eyes, something Harry had never noticed before. They were a deep kind of grey, stormy. Those very eyes flicked up and caught him staring.

"What?" When he wasn't sounding irritable, he thought Draco had a rather attractive voice. Light.

"I never noticed your eyes were grey." Without meaning to Harry blurted out and blushed immediately.

"Creepy Potter. Don't think I haven't noticed you stalking me either. How's the leg?" Looking down, Harry was stunned. Whilst a thick scar remained, it was healed over. The stitches remained, looking funny in the freshly healed skin.

"Wow. Madame Pomfrey could even heal that."

"Well it wasn't her dark magic." Malfoy's voice was dry and the look of self-loathing was back.

"Maybe you should have visited then."

"I considered it. I wrote you a letter."

"You did?"

"Yes. And no, you are not going to read it. I burnt it."

"Well rewrite it."

"Why?"

"I'm curious."

"You're always curious Potter and it will be your downfall. Curiosity killed the cat."

"That's jolly."

"I'm a surprisingly jolly person Potter." Harry chortled. "What?"

"Luna told me you were full of surprises."

"Did she now? Well I guess she is right. Goodnight Potter." Draco stood and left, his head full of turmutltuous feelings, with both a feeling of pleasure and distaste at the evening's events, and leaving Harry's wand next to the discarded bandages.

"Goodnight." Harry said as the trapdoor slammed shut.


	6. An Unexpected Gift

A special thanks to Verdedracul, I've updated! Thank you as well to everyone else which has followed and favourited in the past week, you keep me smiling. Have a bit of unseasonal festivities! I do love writing for Dobby, he shall not die, he never dies.

* * *

><p>Christmas day dawned bright and cold. Snow had continued to fall over the last few days until the whole grounds were blanketed in glistening wonder. The forbidden forest looked more of a wonderland than the home to some terrifying creatures, and the lake was close to freezing. They might even get to ice skate this year. As had become tradition, Ron woke Harry with another hand knitted jumper already on, a pale, faded red that clashed with his hair.<p>

"Come on mate, you're gonna miss the present opening!"

"Looks like you started without me. " Drowsily, Harry pulled on his glasses and caught the present coming his way just in time, opening it as Ron spoke.

"Only my jumper, its cold. Let's get down to the common room, I'm pretty sure I heard the girls a few minutes ago." Harry pulled his new jumper over his head, a green one with a gold H on it that matched the colour of his eyes, and followed Ron.

Ginny and Luna were sat in the stiflingly warm common room. They had clearly loaded extra logs onto the hearty fire. Sat on the couch next to them was an ecstatic Dobby. He was practically buzzing.

"Dobby has bought Mister Potter a present!" Clutched in his outstretched hands was a badly wrapped ball. A little apprehensive after remembering last year's maggots, Harry reached out to take it. It was an ugly little china cup with faded flowers on the side. "Dobby bought it with his own wages sir. He wents to Diagon Alley himself!"

"Thank you Dobby, this is very kind. I have something for you too actually. Hermione knitted this." Harry rummaged through the pile of presents to find the brightly coloured jumper Hermione had left there. Holding it out, Harry was unsurprised to see that Dobby was crying.

"Mister Potter and Miss Granger are most kind! Giving Dobby a Christmas gift!" And with that the little elf flung himself at Harry and hugged tightly. After a few minutes to calm down he continued. "Dobby must return to the kitchens sir! He will cook you and your friends the best Christmas dinner ever!" And with that the house elf vanished with a crack.

"Well... um that was an interesting way to start the day, though I noticed I didn't get thanks. After all, I bought the wrapping paper." Ron said into the silence that followed. Then a smile appeared on his face as the other inhabitants of the room promptly fell about laughing. After calming themselves down they settled on the comfiest sofas by the fire and began the present opening ritual.

Ron began by unwrapping his present from Hermione which was an orange Chudley Cannons scarf. Ginny received a pretty silver bangle, and Luna got a book of bizarre wizarding facts. Harry opened his own neatly wrapped present and found an expensive looking set of muggle fountain pens with ink cartridges. He supposed it was to stop him making such a mess of his work with the ink. Ron found it quite fascinating having only used normal quills before, and used up one of the cartridges in no time at all. "You know Ronald," Ginny remarked, "I think that's the most writing I've ever seen you do."

They worked their way through the pile of gifts until they had each gained an edible mountain of treats and other goodies. Luna reached under the tree to retrieve the last gift. She passed it towards Harry, and he inspected it.

The parcel was quite small and carefully wrapped in dark green. The label contained only one word in a slanting scrawl. _Potter._ Very cautious now of what might be contained within, he pulled open the paper. It was a bag of Fizzing Whizzbees, Harry's favourite. Tearing the paper a little more he found a note.

_Thanks for staying quiet, D.M_

"What you got there mate?" Ron said, leaning to take the note. Harry snatched it away at once. Taken aback, Ron continued. "Come on, what is it? Some gushing love confession?"

"No, no it's nothing." He quickly tucked the note into his jean pocket. "We ought to head down to the great hall." Harry stood and prepared to leave while the others just looked confused. Apart from Luna. She was grinning serenely. He would have to talk to her later, she seemed to know more about what was going on than he did.

Harry was too lost in his own thoughts to consider joining their conversation on the way down. A gift from Draco had been the last thing he'd expected, and whilst it was just something small it was his favourite. That lead to the question, how did he know? Should he have sent something back? Was it too late?

After deciding that it was in fact not too late to send a gift back he moved onto the next few questions. How? And more importantly, what? Hedwig could easily take the gift, but he had no way out of the castle to buy anything. He would have to get inventive.

"Harry are you even listening to us?" Ron's brash voice interrupted Harry's train of thought.

"Sorry, I zoned out. What were you saying?"

"We were discussing what food would be on offer. I'm hoping for some of that pumpkin stuffing they did last Halloween." Luna gazed dreamily off at the memory, humming softly to herself.

"And some of those raspberry things for pudding! I could eat a whole tray myself!" Added Ginny.

"I'm sure Dobby would work his brand new socks off to get you anything you still wanted." Even as Harry said it, the idea was forming in his head. The house elves could come and go as they pleased, maybe if Harry asked him to, Dobby would go to Diagon Alley for him. He could just hope someone would be doing trade at this awkward time.

The small spattering of students shared a table with the Hogwarts staff in the centre of the great hall. Peeves was zooming in and out with great handfuls of snow to deposit upon people's heads while they weren't looking and there was some classical music from Dumbledore's collection playing in the background. It was and amazing atmosphere, but even that paled into bleakness next to the food. Harry could feel himself salivating over the magnificent feast before him. Dobby and the house elves really had pulled out all the stops.

He and Ron dove in with next to no manners. Hearing a small snort from across the table Harry looked up. Draco was smiling and trying not to look him in the eye. Harry smiled too and continued eating in a slightly more refined fashion.

Throughout the meal and cracker pulling, Malfoy continued to hide his eyes. If Harry caught him looking his way for even a second that others eyes had snapped away to look at something else. Harry didn't really mind though, it was almost cute in an odd way. Endearing may have been a better word really. Seeing him acting that way reminded Harry of his quest to find a present. He didn't think anything like chocolate would really mean much as he had no idea what the Slytherin liked. He wanted something the other would find amusing, but he couldn't risk offending him. It was quite a riddle.

Harry was so engrossed in his thoughts that he was yet again oblivious to his surroundings. Thus he missed the zooming noised headed his way until it was too late, ice cold water dribbled down the back of his robes as a great handful of snow collided with his head. Peeves vanished again, cackling madly.

Laughing and shivering, Harry tilted his head back to ruffle off the snow. There were also great roars of laughter coming from the three Slytherins on the other side of the table.

"Shut it Malfoy." Ron growled. Harry looked just in time to see the softness of laughter leave Draco's eyes and turn steely. Harry nudged Ron's leg and shook his head, ignoring the confused glance he received back.

"I'm just going to go grab a dry jumper." With a nod towards the teachers he left. Once safely away from the great hall he called out for Dobby. He had briefly considered sending Kreacher, but thought he was less likely to find what Harry wanted without upsetting a few shop owners, and arguing with Kreacher might draw attention to him, and his plan.

The little house elf appeared before him.

"Mr Potter sir, you called?"

"I did. Do you think you could do me a favour, Dobby?"

"Oh yes Mr Potter! What do you want Dobby to do?"

"I forgot to get a present for a friend. Do you think you could help me? I'd like to get them a sneakoscope, do you think you could apparate to some shops and ask politely? Don't tell them it's for me, that'll just make a fuss. I'll give you some gold." Dobby looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I think I know where Dobby might find such an artefact! He would be most honoured to do this for you Mr Potter. Most honoured." Harry felt a weight lift off his chest and dug into his pocket for some coins. He handed over nine gold Galleons. It was more than the elf would probably need but he thought he was better safe than sorry. He could always gift the rest to Dobby as a way of thanking him. With a loud crack the house elf vanished again and Harry continued up to the common room.

By the time he returned to the great hall in a different one of Mrs Weasley's sweaters there was a game of exploding snap taking place between Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout. Ron informed him that they were competing over a rather fetching hat which had come from the cracker they had both pulled.

Harry smiled and relaxed into the rest of the celebrations.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry was starting to get nervous. It had just gone eight and Dobby still wasn't back. He was sat alone in his dorm reading the book he had taken from the restricted section a fortnight ago. Draco had been interested at something within these pages; Harry was thus far unable to find anything interesting what-so-ever.

A book entitled _Defensive Objects for avoiding the Dark Arts _hardly seemed like a book which would help plot dark stuff. It contained information about spotting false protective artefacts and some protective foods that could supposedly help survive some curse or other. There was a section on vanishing cabinets and portkeys too.

He closed the book. Maybe Draco had been looking at a different book after all. Harry let out a deep sigh. He hoped the Dobby would return soon or the chances of him finding Hedwig in the owlery would be slim. Closing his eyes he waited in the silence. There was nothing he could do now but wait.

_Crack_!

The side of Harry's bed dipped as he came to with a start. Dobby was stood by his feet clutching a black box. He looked very pleased with himself.

"Dobby found one, Mr Potter!" Harry took the offered box and removed the lid. Inside was an expensive looking sneakoscope made from silver. It was nothing like the cheap one Ron had bought him years ago. This one was delicate looking with an intricate pattern on the metal.

"It's perfect Dobby. Thank you." Harry gave Dobby a small hug. "Was there any change?"

"No sir, Dobby had to spend it all." He reached for the purse next to his bed and pulled out a couple of knutts. He pushed them into the elf's hand at which point he burst into tears and had another hug. Not wanting to seem mean, but now in a hurry, Harry detached himself from the sobbing elf and thanked him once more.

"Thank you Dobby. I've got to go give it now."

"Of course sir, of course!" With another _Crack!_ He was gone. The time on his clock read just after ten. He still had plenty of time. Using one of his new ink pens, Harry wrote a small note to Draco. Once the ink was dry he folded it and put it into the black box. Pulling on the invisibility cloak and after tucking the map back into an inside pocket he headed off to the owlery.

Once out of the common room he travelled at a run, suddenly full of energy. He took the steps two at a time, reaching the owlery just minutes after leaving the common room. Hedwig was not there. He felt his stomach drop all at once. It wasn't like he could wait for the bird to return as Christmas would be over by then. He needed another plan.

Harry pulled out the map. Maybe if Draco was back up on the astronomy tower or something he could deliver it in person. With the relative emptiness of the castle it didn't take him long to spot the footprints he wanted. The trouble was, Draco wasn't alone. He was in one of the dungeon classrooms with Snape. There was no way he could give the gift with Snape present. Still, they would have to leave the room sooner or later.

Harry left the owlery, doing more of a jog than a run this time. He glanced at the map periodically and was just passing the Great Hall when he realised the Draco dot was on the move. He was headed away from Harry, towards the Slytherin common room. Harry began sprinting again. He had to stop and dive into an alcove as Snape passed losing valuable time.

Panting hard, Harry rounded the corner in time to hear Draco say "Salazar." and pass through the stone wall. Cursing at himself, Harry debated his options.

_I could just leave it 'til tomorrow, send it with Hedwig in the morning. Or I could ask Dobby to take it in. No he wouldn't want to go near Malfoy. I could go in. I'd be screwed if anyone saw me, but there are only three of them here now. It's worth the risk._

With that Harry muttered the password and stepped though the wall. The common room within was just how Harry remembered it from his one previous visit. The room was bathed in greenish light with leather sofas next to the fire. Walking silently into the room he saw Malfoy headed up the stairs at the back. Slipping passed Crabbe and Goyle who were sprawled on the sofas, Harry followed him. Down a corridor off the stairwell was the blonde boy, hand on the doorknob to one of the dorms.

"Draco!" Harry whispered the other boy's name at the same time as it echoed up the stairs. "An owl just arrived for you." Draco's slender hand slipped from the doorknob and he sighed as he went to head back down stairs. Harry flattened himself into a doorway feeling his heart contract as Draco's eyes(body?) slid right past him. Footsteps echoed away and Harry was left alone.

Facing the door he knew he ought to leave the box just there. The temptation to look in was just too great however. Biting down on his lip, Harry reached out and turned the handle.

The room within was not dissimilar to that Harry slept in. The beds were still four-posters,but lower and wider. They were also dressed in green instead of red. There was a small row of windows around the top of the room showing stars and the green water of the lake almost lapping against them. Harry noticed that one of the walls had a dark ink stain.

Only one of the beds looked lived-in. The sheets were a mess and the chest at its foot was open. Clothes spilled out onto the floor. Harry noticed a few pairs of pants within the mess. They most definitely looked like silk. It made Harry smirk, that was most like Malfoy.

A noise on the stairs made Harry freeze. He didn't have much time and given what Draco had done the last two times Harry had surprised him, he dreaded to think what might befall him if caught. He placed the Sneakoscope onto the bed and slipped out of the room. He had barely closed the door behind him when that familiar blonde hair became visible on the stairs. Harry could feel his heart pounding in his chest and half expected to be caught just because of that. Draco merely opened the door and went into his room however.

Heartbeat in his ears, Harry made a quick escape.

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><p>.<p>

Draco closed the door behind him and froze. There was a box on his bed, which he had most defiantly not placed there, and it appeared to be emitting an odd sound. Wand out, Draco approached with caution. When poking it with his wand had no effect he carefully removed the lid.

The intricate spiralling object before him was whistling gently, growing quieter by the second. Draco removed it from the box and placed it on his bed side table, a note falling out as he did so.

_Maybe you won't hurt me next time we meet? H.P _

Draco felt a genuine smile break across his face. The annoyance he had been feeling mere moments ago from his conversation with Snape and letter from home was gone, replaced by a warm soft feeling. Malfoy had thought that sending Potter a gift had been silly, he now could not regret it. The sneakoscope, for he now saw it for what it was, looked expensive. This wasn't something he could just pick up at short notice from Hogsmead, so how had he gotten it? And what's more, how had he got it in here?

Malfoy lent back and smiled. For all of the fine things he owned, he didn't think any of them had ever bought him such pleasure.


	7. Fading Figures

A/N This is going to be a sensitive chapter. The warning is there at the top for good reason, there is some upsetting bits to this chapter. Sorry for the feels

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><p>Harry wasn't ready to return to work. The holidays had been so peaceful with just the four of them and the war miles away. It came as an unpleasant surprise therefore to read the bad news accompanying Hermione.<p>

She turned up before breakfast bearing the Daily Prophet which was yet to be delivered. Stoney faced she handed it to them.

_Mass Attack_

_Deatheaters swarmed the muggle village of Little Hangleton late last night. This is the largest Muggle attack to date with the estimated dead at 1357 residents. They left no survivors. The Minstry Of Magic is currently at the scene working to unsure this atrocity does not lead to mass panic among the muggles. _

_The attack killed four times as many Muggles as the Brockdale Bridge which was attacked last-_

Harry put down the paper. He had read enough. Feeling queasy, he handed the paper to Ron who turned pale as he scanned the paper.

"They are gaining force, the ministry can't do anything but clean up after them!" Ron burst out.

"Keep your voice down Ron! I don't think many people know, and I worried that some people might see it as a cause to celebrate." She nodded her head towards the Slytherin table where Draco sat alone.

"I'm not so sure he wants the Ministry and Hogwarts to fall Hermione." She looked stunned.

"Harry, are we talking about the same person? This is Draco Malfoy, who you spent the first month of term maintaining that he was a deatheater. You think he wouldn't have been there if he could?" Harry hung his head. Purposefully, he had kept all idea of Draco being a deatheater out of his mind of the last few days. His friends had after all been able to come up with lots of reasons why he wouldn't be when he had been arguing the case, and he clung to those flimsy ideas.

Behind them Draco stood up and stalked out, leaving a half nibble piece of toast. Harry realised he hadn't replied, and the other had probably been able to hear them. A couple of heartbeats later Harry too stood.

"I just need to go to the bathroom."

"Harry wait! I have something else to tell you. Harry!" But Harry was gone. He made it to the Entrance Hall in time to see the sleek head of hair disappearing towards the dungeons.

"Draco! Wait up!" The other, who had been moving at a considerable pace down the corridor whirled round.

"Why? So you can accuse me of being a deatheater?" He had defiantly heard them then.

"I…" Harry tried to come up with some excuse that didn't sound lame. Malfoy just stood there, fixing him with a cold stare. "I.. I did think that was possible. I don't think it anymore! I mean, you saved me."

"I bloody put you in that situation!"

"Yes but you didn't leave me to die, which would of helped Voldemort win this war much quicker."

"Maybe the Dark Lord doesn't want you dead yet."

"Yes- Wait what? Why wouldn't he want me dead?" Malfoy rolled his eyes and moved to leave. In a panic, Harry lunged and grabbed Draco's sleeve, trapping him in place.

"What do you want Potter?" His eyes were fixed, a cold steel grey. He also loomed over Harry by a couple of inches, a realisation that made him a little more intimidating.

"To say thank you! For my Christmas gift. How did you know it was my favourite?"

"I believe you have already made your gratitude clear. And it was easy to find your favourite, ask any non-Slytherin girl and she'll tell you what colour socks you wore two months ago." He wrenched his arm away and strode down the corridor. He was almost at the end when he turned back. Potter was still watching him. "And you were right."

"About what?"

"I am a deatheater." And with that Draco was gone. Harry felt his stomach drop. No amount of flimsy excuses would explain away that one. He really was a deatheater, the enemy. He had made the decision to be evil and yet Harry still felt himself drawn in deeper. The question was, who was in too deep to escape?

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><p>.<p>

_Why the hell did I open my fucking mouth? Yeh well done Draco, it's not like he already knows enough to get you killed, you had to go and drop that one too. He'll never speak to me again!_

"God Dammit!" Draco swore and bought his fist round, hitting the wall hard. "Shit!" Draco cradled his hand to his chest. It was throbbing painfully but it almost felt good. He swallowed then swung again. And again. And again.

Blood was streaming from both knuckles and a couple of them jutted out in funny angles. He swore again under his breath and tried to get his wand out to heal them but dropped in in the process. His hands were shaking too much to keep hold of his wand. With a bit more swearing he managed to get it into his pocket and snuck into his dorm room.

He threw himself onto his bed and sobbed, as he hadn't sobbed since he had cut himself with the mirror.

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><p>.<p>

"Harry? What happened?" Hermione's voice echoed past his subconscious. He had returned the Gryffindor common room and then stared off into the distance in a pensive silence. Ron had waved his hand before his face and then fetched Hermione with a worried grimace.

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"You don't seem fine."

"Just leave me be." Hermione didn't leave however. She sat down next to him, toying with her necklace. She made as if to speak a couple of times but stopped, unsure of what to say.

_I have never hated being right about something so much in my life. No wonder he always tries to avoid me, he really does see me as the enemy. _

"Harry-" Hermione began again.

"Fucks sake Hermione! I said I'm fine." Harry stood, shaking and fists clenched. He struggled to contain the pent up frustration within him and stormed away, every eye in the common room on him.

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><p>.<p>

The blood was everywhere now. He hadn't wanted the pain to stop, the pain was something he was in control of, and so he had caused a little more. He was a mess, the small voice in the back of his mind goaded him further.

_You've snapped. You can't do anything, you incompetent child! You're a disgrace to the Malfoy name, to the mark upon your arm. Cutting won't remove that, just make you more pitiful. Worthless. Nobody could ever love you now. Broken that's all you are. And to think, you fancied yourself as Potter's new friend. Like he would be interested in filth like you. You're a shattered mirror, pointless and offensive. _

It was eerie how much that voice sounded like his fathers. He tried hitting his head off the stone wall just to shut it up.

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><p>.<p>

Harry stared at the map in horror. It must be broken, something was clearly wrong with it. Draco's name was flickering and fading from the Slytherin dorm. It was something Harry had never seen before, and he had no idea what it meant.

_"The map doesn't lie Harry." _Lupin's words echoed back to him. If his father's map wasn't broken or lying, what was happening?

It flickered and faded some more. Harry could hear his heart pounding in his ears, he felt dizzy. His gut feeling was telling him just one thing, Draco was in serious trouble.

Seizing his invisibility cloak, he fled the room taking the steps two at a time into the common room. He ignored the sounds of concern and shoved the portrait out of the way.

The sounds of the fat lady's protests faded behind him under the sound of his feet on cobbles. Without pausing for a moment, he fastened the cape around his shoulders and cast a muffloto spell. Now the sound of his feet and heart echoed in his head alone.

He leapt Mrs Norris and made his way into the depths of the dungeons. He wasn't even sure which way he was going, just running until he saw the wall hiding the entrance.

"Salazar!" He panted at the wall before practically falling through it. The common room beyond was quite. Most of the Slytherins were still to return from Christmas. He spotted Crabbe and Goyle by one of the fires as he crept by.

The stairs made him dizzy, taking them two at a time again. He reached Draco's landing and pulled on the door. It was locked.

"Alohaoma." Nothing happened. Harry kicked the door. "God dammit! Let me in Draco!" No response. Harry took a few steps back and gritted his teeth. He threw himself against the door, one, twice, three times. On the third attempt the door splintered and Harry managed to push his way in.

He felt his heart drop and die on the floor. There was blood everywhere, on the silver drapes, the wooden floor. How could so much blood come from one person?

He could see the tips of pale fingers sticking out from the side of the bed. He rushed to them, finding Draco out cold on the floor. There was half dried blood in his beautiful hair and what little colour he normally had had left him.

His eyes were closed but he looked far from peaceful. The bags from days of sleeplessness and weeks of stress were evident. Harry noticed how pronounced his cheekbones were with the shallowness of his cheeks. It was as he reached out a shaking hand to touch them that he realised he was crying.

Angrily, he pawed the tears away. Now was not the time. Harry took a deep breath to calm himself then lent low over the other's mouth. The movement of air was subtle on his cheek but there. Draco was still breathing.

Harry started by repairing the splinted door in case someone else came down the corridor. He then used magic to carefully levitate the other into the messy bed so that he could get a better look at the wounds. Methodical, that was what he needed to be.

None of the wounds seemed too deep, but they were numerous. He had cut his dark mark to shreds on his arm. The flesh beneath it seemed as blackened and cursed as the surface mark. His knuckles were also in a terrible state, most of them on his left hand were visibly broken. With a churning in his stomach, Harry realised he could see bone through the tattered flesh. An impressive bruise also bloomed over his right eye. To Harry's relief the blood in Draco's hair only seemed to be from his hands.

He healed the cuts first as they were easier and losing the most blood. Each one left a white line, a ghost of what had happened. The ones which cut the skull and snake where harder to heal, here the skin look cauterised in places and the blood had thickened into a dark mess. It looked almost as if venom was leaking from the tattooed snake. Harry tried wiping it away with his shirt sleeve and Draco stirred, obviously in pain.

"Draco? Can you hear me?" Harry's voice was quiet and tentative, not wanting to scare the fragile boy before him. He received a grunt back which he took to mean yes. Draco's eyes were still firmly shut.

"I have healed what I can but I'm not really-"

"Don't take me to Pomfrey. They'll lock me up in 'mongos this time." The voice Draco interrupted in was nothing more than a hoarse whisper, but it was a start.

"I won't, don't worry. I just need to sort your knuckles out then, okay?" There was a weak nod. Harry took a deep breath, sorting out knuckles was easier said than done.

Carefully he took hold of Draco's ice cold hand. He pulled the knuckle straight and muttered a healing charm, while Draco's screams punctured his very soul. The pain caused him to pass out by the second one, which was probably for the best. Six more knuckles later and he was done. There was nothing he could do for the bruise without a bruise remover potion, and it didn't seem like he done too much damage from their brief conversation. He still felt cold though. Harry sparked a fire in the hearth and fed it a few logs before collapsing down on the bed next to Draco. The drain on his magic and all the running beforehand had worn him out. There was no way he'd be leaving to his own bed though. This would have to do.

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><p>AN Sorry! Please review, I really want to know how people feel about this chapter, I was a bit apprehensive about going into so much detail. Fe x


	8. Hot Chocolate and Apples

Draco stirred. He could tell the room was warm but that didn't stop him shaking. His arms ached and his head was pounding a terrible drum between his ears.

Shame filled him as the memory of yesterday's events returned. He had been so pitiful and weak, just like the voice in his head had said. He didn't remember crawling into the warmth of his bed however. Or lighting a fire which still smouldered.

A soft snort behind him made him start. He fumbled for his wand but it wasn't on the table where he normally left it. Cautiously he rolled over.

There was a figure in the bed next to him, a bed which had been vacant for weeks. Sticking out of the top was a tuft of messy hair and a pair of glasses rested on the little table. Harry Potter was in his bedroom, sleeping as though nothing was amiss. Draco, wide awake now, wanted answers. He grabbed one of his spare pillows and flung it across the room, wincing at the tinge in his arm. The pillow managed to hit Harry square in the face who jerked awake at once. He groaned and flopped back onto the bed, fumbling blindly for his glasses. Once wearing them he rolled his head to the side.

"You ok?" The concern in Harry's voice just succeeded to irk Draco further.

"What are you doing in my dorm room, Potter?" Draco tried to keep his voice icy cold like his father had taught him but he knew it shook a bit at the end.

"I came to help you, and don't you dare say you don't need it." Harry sat up. His hair looked even more ruffled than normal. His robe shirt was creased and crumbled from the night and had blood flecks on it. Draco looked down, ashamed. He was tempted to roll over like a child, but he didn't want to put his back to Potter.

"Make yourself useful at least. There is chocolate powder on that table over there." Harry raised an eyebrow but got up anyway. He scooped some into the only mug and filled it with hot water from his wand. Next to the hot chocolate was a bowl of little marshmallows so Harry threw some into the mix as well. He carried the mug over to Draco who had now propped himself up on a cushion. He reached his hand out to receive the mug.

"It's amazing how quickly you can turn cocky." Draco looked up to make a snappy retort but realised Harry was smiling softly. He took the mug meekly and looked into the sweet smelling liquid.

"How did you know I needed...help?" There was a pause before the word as though it had offended him. Harry clearly looked uncomfortable to answer but that only made him more curious.

"I- I'll tell you so long as you keep it secret. It's not something I should really have." Draco tilted his head to the side, indicating that he should go on. Harry pulled a tattered bit of parchment from his robe pocket and placed it in Draco's hands. He looked at it and frowned. It was blank. Looking up he saw that small smile on Harry's lips again. Harry tapped the parchment with the tip of his wand.

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Draco's eyes grew wide as ink spread and blossomed across the page. Lines were fanning out from the centre and parts started to move. Draco realised then that he was looking at an intricate map of Hogwarts, and even more astoundingly than that it show the location of everyone within. His fingers traced their own names which were currently sat in the Slytherin dorms. Looking up, eyes met, grey to green.

"This is how you always seem to know where I am?" Harry nodded. He scrutinised the map some more spotting Snape in his office and Dumbledore at the edge of the map near the lake. With a jolt of worry he wondered if Harry could see what he had been doing in the room of requirement. He quickly scanned to the 7th floor. Harry caught the movement of his eyes.

"The Room doesn't show up, it's unplottable." This time when eyes met the grey ones were narrowed.

"Why should I be interested in that?"

"I know you are there a lot, more than just the one time we met there. You haven't been since before Christmas, at least not when I've been looking."

"You really were stalking me, huh?"

"Only a little. I was concerned." At the livid look on Malfoy's face Harry continued, "And we have already had this conversation about you not denying you need it."

"It was hardly a conversation." Draco muttered under his breath. "How did you get in here anyway, I highly doubt any Slytherin is stupid enough to give you the password." He said a little louder. Harry grinned. _He isn't half bad when he grins like that. Stop it Draco, he wasn't interested before, he most defiantly won't be interested now. _

"You did actually, you gave me access every time I've been in."

"What?!"

"Yes, the last time I heard you say it and used it again this time, the first time you just let us walk right-" Harry stopped. He hadn't meant to mention the first time he had entered the Slytherin Common rooms.

"And when was this first time?" The cat was out of the bag now, there wasn't any way for Harry to deny it so he continued.

"In the second year we brewed Polyjuice potion and came in as Crabbe and Goyle to find out if you were opening the Chamber of Secrets." Harry tried to say it matter-of-factly, as though it was no big deal.

"My, my Potter. Devious little thing, I'd have never expected that from a _Gryffindor_." Draco put an extra emphasis on the last word. There was defiantly a feeling of the old, smug Malfoy behind those words.

"You're not the only one full of secrets Malfoy."

"Oh but you know all of my secrets now, what will stalking into my bed chambers." Harry flushed at the memory of the silk pants he had seen on his previous visit.

"Don't sound so ungrateful Malfoy, I might leave you to die next time." Harry regretted the words before they had fully left his mouth. At once the familiar sense of rivalry between them was replaced by a tense atmosphere. They sat in terse silence, refusing to break eye contact. Eventually Harry looked away, muttering _sorry_.

"I deserved that and worse." There was some more silence. Harry was starting to feel that Draco didn't want him there, in reality the latter couldn't think of anything to say that didn't make him sound like a complete fool.

"I-" Both boys began at once. "Carry on Potter." Draco added

"I ought to get going. I've been here all day, Hermione and Ron will be getting worried." Draco glanced down at the map still open across the sheets. He could see Weasel's dot pacing in the Gryffindor Common room.

"Yes, we wouldn't want them sending a lynch mob after me."

"They don't know I'm with you actually, I left in a hurry, but yes, I should go." There was a pause before Harry stood. He didn't want to go, he wanted to keep Draco company through the night. Harry doubted that Draco would appreciate the sentiment however, and as he didn't say anything Harry began to leave. He folded the map up and Draco slid out of bed to put his empty mug down.

His hand was on the doorknob when he felt arms wrap around his waist. "Thank you." And then the arms were gone as suddenly as they appeared. Harry nodded without turning and left the room, slipping on the invisibility cloak as he went.

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><p>.<p>

Ron was indeed pacing in the common room. He and Hermione pounced on him as soon as he made it through the portrait hole.

"Where have you been?" "We've been so worried!" "We were about to call McGonagall." "We looked for you at Hagrid's, he said he'd check the woods!" He waved them off and fell into one of the big chairs by the fire.

"I'm sorry. I honestly didn't mean to be gone so long or I would have sent a message, time slipped away from me." He removed his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose. Despite having a nap in the Slytherin dorms he was still exhausted, performing so many difficult spells in a short time had been very draining. He knew however there was no way he'd get to bed yet, his friends would demand the answers they deserved.

"You left so suddenly this morning, then didn't show up at lunch or dinner. We thought something awful might have hap- Harry is that blood on you shirt sleeve?!" Hermione seized his arm and pulled it closer for examination. After confirming the blood wasn't Harry's she stared at his with a raised eyebrow, waiting for him to speak.

"It's Draco's blood."

"You've been fighting with Malfoy?!" Ron burst. Hermione hissed at him to be quite before nodding, indicating he should carry on. Harry wasn't really sure how much to tell them, he was sure he could trust his friends but it wasn't really his secret to entrust. He sighed again.

"No, I haven't been fighting with Malfoy. We are… not friends exactly, but we seemed to have formed a mutual understanding." Harry was floundering, trying to find words that suited their odd relationship. "He needed my help today and I gave it to him, I can't really say more. It's an awkward situation."

Ron looked confused, trying to put together 'Harry', 'Malfoy' and 'mutual understanding' into once sentence. Hermione didn't seem to be doing much better.

"How long have you been… in this relationship with Malfoy?" Ron spluttered and choked. "Oh Merlin! I didn't mean it like that. I just meant…" Hermione tailed off, looking apologetically at Ron as he tried to regain composure.

"Since he ended up in the hospital wing at the start of term."

"When you walked through the common room covered in blood?" Ron spluttered again as Harry nodded.

"What? How come I didn't know this?"

"Lavender." Hermione and Harry said together.

"It was his blood then as well, wasn't it? Harry what are you doing with him? You know blood magic can be as dark as it is powerful."

"This isn't blood magic Hermione! I barely even know what that is. Look it's complicated and I want to tell you more but I can't."

"Has the scumbag sworn you to secrecy?" Interjected Ron, making Harry scowl at his choice or words.

"No, nothing of the sort. It's just not my secret to tell, that's all." Hermione nodded, she at least seemed placated by this. Ron on the other hand looked like he was on the edge of an explosion.

"We are your friends Harry, your best friends! Not this death-eater spawn. Why the hell would you keep his secrets from us?" Harry flinched even more at that. "You've been acting off all term, this is why, isn't it? This… This…" Ron seemed unable to come up with a term derogatory enough to suit his needs. "Harry you were the one accusing him of being a deatheater just months ago! What changed your mind?"

Harry swallowed. Dare he tell his friends what had rattled him so this morning? He decided that was one lie he could not tell.

"He is, but-"

"WHAT THE HELL HARRY?" Many heads turned in their direction and Hermione poked Ron in the ribs, shh-ing him again.

"Let me explain, he doesn't want it. At least it seems that way, he is so lost and alone. I think he can still be saved Ron, he isn't his father." The expression on Ron's face would have been humorous had it been any other time. "If you've got any questions say them now, because this conversation is going to be closed afterwards."

"What's with all the blood?" Hermione asked.

"I can't explain that bit."

"Did he have anything to do with that scar on your leg and the attack in the room of requirement?" Hermione could be a little too sharp at times.

"Yes." And after a pause: "Nothing else?" As they said nothing, Harry stood and burled the invisibility cloak up under his arm. "You coming to bed, mate?"

"No, I think I'll stay down here for a couple of minutes." Harry nodded, knowing he would be the primary topic of discussion but left anyway. He didn't really care, he just needed a good night's sleep.

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><p>.<p>

_Harry was up in a spacious tower room that was open to the stars. He was lying on a bed of green and gold, staring at the constellations. He had never been much good at astronomy but he was able to pick out some of them. He knew just enough to be able to pick Draco out of the skies. _

_Despite the open ceiling, the room was warm. It smelt of hot chocolate and something fresh and soothing Harry couldn't quite put his finger on. He settled back a little into the plush cushions and sighed contentedly. His eyes fluttered shut as the door to this room opened. _

_The smell intensified as footsteps approached the bed. It was bugging him that he couldn't quite put his finger on the smell, it was crisp and sweet and fresh and wonderful. Almost fruity in fact. Almost like a crisp apple. Yes, of course. It was apple, it had always been apple._

_ For a moment Harry's eyes nearly flickered open to greet his friend but they didn't after a soft whisper from him. The bed dipped slightly as his friend, his kindred spirit, drew closer. Breath tickled his lips as Draco breathed "Thank you" over them. He felt those lips brush his own, feather light. _

"Harry! Harry we are late for breakfast!" Harry sat bolt upright in bed, almost head-butting Ron who had been lent over him. It was almost eight, at this rate he would be late for potions too, but despite this Harry rolled over. He tried to savour the fading memory of apples but like all good things, it was gone too fast.

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><p>AN I got it done on time! This is literally hot off the press as I had been playing around with a Hermione chapter. I decided against it in the end, though we will find out more about what is going on with her next time. Sorry also its a bit short, I am aiming for 3k words and this one fell short. The next should be longer. I hope the fluff has helped you recover from last week .


	9. Yin-Yang

Despite a full night's rest, Harry was still exhausted the next day. He ambled his way through Potions making a draught of living death worthy of Goyle, spent two hours learning the theory behind translocation spells in Charms and then an hour staring half-heartedly at a transfiguration essay in the library. He and Ron had barely spoken all day but Harry was too exhausted to notice much. He had never realised how much over using magic could affect someone. Draco had been noticeably absent from classes all day.

With a start, Harry realised that Ron was in fact trying to talk to him.

"Did Hermione talk to you about Krum?"

"Victor Krum? No, why?"

"That necklace round her neck, it was a gift from him!" Ron sounded repugnant, as though Krum had no right to do such a thing. He also sounded jealous which, thought Harry, was even worse. Ron had spent the last three months barely speaking to Hermione after all.

"Now you mention it, I do remember her fiddling with a necklace the other day. It was a pretty thing, silver with some stone in it?"

"White gold with a sapphire, actually." Harry whistled.

"Well he is an international quidditch player, it's hardly surprising he can afford such a thing."

"But why'd he give it to Hermione? I tried to ask her about it but she told me to mind my own business."

"I don't know, she only got back yesterday so we haven't spoken much. I'll ask her later. Shall we give up on this transfiguration?"

"Sounds like a good idea, we can get down to dinner early. We have quidditch practice tonight right?" In truth, Harry had forgotten all about quidditch in the last few weeks. They had an upcoming match against Slytherin though and really needed to get back into form. "I could grab my chess set for a quick game before dinner?"

"Nah, you can help me strategize for the next match, god knows we're gonna need it."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione arrived just after the food. Now that Harry was looking for it he noticed the delicate necklace that was half hidden by her robes. She noticed him staring and shot a dirty glance at Ron.

"I had been meaning to talk to you Harry. I heard from Victor over the holidays."

"Oh? How is he?" Harry feigned ignorance anyway, trying to save face for Ron.

"He is fine, on his way to England actually. He'll be here for a match but wanted to meet me."

"I take it you said yes?"

"Of course."

"Well, um, good. That's good."

"I'm glad you think so Harry! I just need to go have a word with Luna about one of the Quibbler articles." She beamed and bounced off to the Ravenclaw table.

"Of course!" Ron did a crude imitation of Hermione once she was out of hearing distance. "You were supposed to back me up mate, tell her not to go on a date alone with him."

"Oh Ron, Krum isn't bad. He is an honourable man, why shouldn't Hermione take an interest in him?"

"He is from Durmstrang! That's like a whole school made up of only Slytherins."

"And that automatically makes him the bad guy, huh?" Ron couldn't fail to note the dangerous tone of his friend's voice. He could think of few times he had genuinely been scared of his friend, and none such as this. Harry's eyes were fixed and cold, waiting to see how Ron would get himself out of this situation.

"I..I didn't mean…"

"Don't say you didn't mean it Ron. You never gave Krum a chance once he liked 'Mione, it had nothing to do with his education."

"You never gave a damn about Malfoy before!" Ron erupted in a harsh whisper. "I don't get it, how can you go from hating each other to this? He is a Slytherin, a crook, just a step away from being a monster like dear old daddy! He'll go on trying to exterminate muggle-borns just because of some half-baked idea that he is the superior being!"

"You can't talk! You judge everyone before you get to know them as well. You didn't even try to understand did you, not even for one moment! You only ever see what you expect to see which is prejudiced and wrong! At least act like you will accept my relationship with Malfoy or at least bury it so deep in your ignorance it doesn't surface."

"Or what?! What if I refuse to accept that my best mate is fraternizing with the enemy, a sworn death eater no less?"

"Then suddenly you're billy no mates. He is not my enemy."

"He fights for the dark, you fight for the light. Explain how he is not our enemy."

"Because the world isn't as black and white as you think. He is not my enemy."

"Then you are not my ally. You are not my friend." Ron stood on shaky legs and legged it from the Great Hall. Many eyes followed him and many more settled on Harry. In the heat of the moment they had drawn a good deal of attention despite keeping their voices low. There was a great deal of whispering as Harry stood to leave also. He ignored it, simply making eye contact with the storm grey eyes across the room before leaving.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco was on the hunt. Harry had looked so sad when he had cast him that look in the Great Hall he had wanted to go to his side at once. Knowing this would look suspicious, Draco had forced himself to wait ten minutes and finish his beef. He now regretted this decision as he could not find Harry anywhere.

He had gone first to the astronomy tower as Harry had once said he found it a good place to clear his mind. When failing there he had gone to the room of requirement but he had managed to gain access to random rooms meaning it was unoccupied. He had then gone to the library in the vain hope of finding him there. That had only yielded a dreamy looking Hermione.

Gut instinct was telling him Harry would not have returned to Gryffindor common room which was just as well as he had no access or invisibility cloak. That had left him lost. The castle was vast, there was plenty of places for someone who did not want to be found. The little voice saying Harry probably didn't want to be found didn't stop him trying.

He had just reached the third floor corridor near to the transfiguration classrooms when he ran into trouble. Filch.

"What are you doing skulking, huh? Answer me boy!" Filch was only half visible in the torch lit corridor but that did not soften his features. The wrinkles and whips of hair made him look like some ancient demon, which in a way he was.

"Stretching my legs, what is it to you squib?" The man before him squirmed.

"Watch your tongue boy or I'll-"

"You'll what? Hang me by my ankles in the dungeons? Don't forget who I am Filch. You do not threaten a Malfoy." Draco was leering over the man who now looked scared. Without another word he fled the corridor, muttering darkly.

Draco sighed. It used to give him a kick, intimidating Filch. He seemed to have lost his enthusiasm for it in recent months. It was late. He had searched the castle for a good three hours, it was time to concede that Potter had no desire for his company. He was in a foul mood all the way back to the common room, arguing with himself all the way.

_That look he gave me, it looked like he wanted me to go to him. Maybe I missed my chance to be with him, waiting those extra minutes. Maybe he didn't want my company at all and just caught my eye by chance. What had he and Weasel been arguing about? It couldn't have been me, could it? Of course not. I am nothing to him, just a project. Stop over analysing and dreaming!_

His thoughts managed to carry him all the way up to his bed where upon he found an old piece of parchment. Ecstasy seized him. Potter had been here again! He fumbled his wand out of his pocket in excitement. Remembering the words he whispered them softly, tapping the map. Ink spiralled out as Draco watched impatiently.

_There! What is he doing there?_

Harry's little name was sat quite still at the top of a tower Draco had never visited. The map declared it the Dark Tower. It was the second smallest at the northern side, built into the mountain side. He didn't know of anyone that had bothered to explore that far, apart from Potter.

Draco picked his winter cloak off the floor and left at once. It took him a good fifteen minutes to get across the castle and climb all the steps which separated the dungeons and the tower. By the time the cold air hit is face he felt short of breath.

"Harry!" The silhouette turned. He saw a glint of white as Harry greeted him with a soft smile.

"Draco." He nodded his head. Harry didn't have a winter cloak around his shoulders, Draco moved at once to drape his own around him. "Don't get cold."

"That applies to you too." Harry shrugged.

"I was using a warming charm." He lifted the edge of the cloak, motioning for Draco to join him. Tentatively, Draco climbed up to join him. Sat between the castellations meant little room. Draco's hips where pressed flushed to Harry's slim ones. The warmth raised both heartbeats a notch. After a few minutes silence, in which Draco caught his breath, he spoke.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeh. It wasn't anything major, I mean it was just a fight."

"It was major enough for you to sit up here for four hours. You can talk to me, if you want to…" Draco trailed off, feeling unsure of himself. He didn't really know how to interact with Potter when they weren't arguing.

"I know." That little smile was back. "I was waiting for you to join me, what took you so long?"

"I spent hours combing the castle for you before I found the map." This seemed to surprise Harry who hadn't anticipated Draco to be _that_ concerned. "I never knew this place existed."

"No? I guess it serves no real function these days, it used to be used to confine people. Sirius Black was kept here, and the Fat Friar died up here apparently."

"Cheery thought… Sirius Black, he was you're godfather wasn't he?"

"Yes. He was a good man, better than anyone knew. I still miss him. That's often why I come up here." Draco didn't know what to say to that. He had known of course that Pettigrew was the real betrayer, but he had never realised Harry had grown close to his godfather. He turned his face, hoping to offer some words of comfort, and saw silent tears rolling down Harry's face.

"It scares me, that so many people around me die or leave. It makes me terrified everyday. I don't want more blood on my hands." It felt like Draco's heart was falling through his stomach. Harry's voice had such a tremor to it.

"It is not you who killed them Harry, don't be silly."

"No, it's Voldemort. It's my fault though, it is me he is after."

"And you think these people wouldn't have stood up to him anyway? Harry you can't push people away. Much as I dislike Weasel and Granger, they are your friends. You need them and they need you, that's how friendship works. You look out for each other."

"Who came looking for me huh? Hermione will have her head in a book, Ron will be sulking or kissing Lavender, probably both. I doubt they have even noticed my absence yet." Draco thought of Hermione and her dreamy face back in the library. He did have a point.

"They have their own problems too. It isn't surprising Ron isn't ready to talk to you yet, it was quite a fight you had earlier, but he'll come round. You're Harry Potter, it's impossible not to like you." Harry smiled a little at that.

"Ron told me we couldn't be friends, not if I was friends with you. It doesn't seem likely he'll get over it."

"You were arguing about me?" Harry shrugged.

"He was insulting you. He said that you were dark and I was light. The sad thing about that is the darkness and light can never stand side by side, they destroy each other."

Draco was a little surprised by how this side of Harry wasn't annoying. He normally had no time for philosophy, and definitely not for people who whinged about life, however he found himself interested. He wanted to have this debate with Harry, so why shouldn't he? This felt like the most natural thing in the world. He was sat hip to hip with a man who wasn't judging him, who wasn't there because he was a Malfoy but because he wanted to be.

The night was clear and the lake twinkled below them. The cold air didn't reach them under the shared cloak, it was so peaceful. Draco thought carefully before answering.

"I stumbled upon a muggle story a few years ago. I found it because of some symbol, a black and white circle. It is called Yin-Yang." Draco took out his wand and drew the symbol as steam in the air. Harry watched as it faded whilst Draco continued. "The two sides cannot exist separately, they complete each other. A balance is formed. The two sides are not pure either, there is good in everything and bad in everything. I used to think it was stupid, that there was only power. The two things couldn't be equal, but they are. I'm blabbering-"

"You're not. It is something I've heard of before though I never really considered it. I think it is right, there is always good and bad, light and dark. I don't know that the line between the two is as distinct as that however. You are good at telling stories." Draco blushed slightly. He was glad to see Harry had perked up a little, even if he was still deep in thoughts. They sat in silence a little longer, merely enjoying the other's warmth.

"What are we doing Draco?" Harry's words took him by surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean this tentative link we have formed. What are we to each other? You are the Dark Lord's servant, I am his mortal enemy. Where do we stand around each other, to act such easy allies?"

"I… I would like to think you are my friend. You have been there for me when no one else was. I know this should never have happened, I don't know how or why it did. I have no desire to let it slip though my fingers."

"What if he commands you to kill me?"

"He wouldn't." It was not the answer Harry would have liked, but it was honest. They both stared out over the lake again. For many minutes they remained lost in their own thoughts. It wasn't until the blonde stifled a yawn that Harry realised it must have gone midnight.

"I don't really want to go back to my dorm with Ron, can I crash in your dorm again?"

"Sure." The word was out of Draco's mouth before he realised it. There was an awkward bit of shuffling as they tried to ease themselves back off the wall and onto the tower roof. Harry picked up the invisibility cloak and gestured that he was going to wrap it around Draco's shoulders. Then, still huddled close, they made their way to bed.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The Slytherin Common room was empty, which at least made it easy to walk though. It was later than either boy had realised, nearing two in the morning. They would both be exhausted the next day too.

Once in the dorm, Draco stepped out of the cloak quickly. For it to cover both of them he had been shuffling in front of Harry. His warmth rubbing against Draco's back and the smell of Harry's breath over his shoulder had started to drive Draco a little crazy.

"Do you have some PJs I could borrow?"

"Oh um, there should be some in the trunk. One moment." In all honest, Malfoy had given up on PJs once he had the dorm room to himself. He rootled though, trying to find two clean pairs and failing. He passed the set he did find to Harry and settle for a top and shorts.

"Don't you have any for yourself?"

"Can't find them, don't worry about it. I'll draw the curtains to protect your precious innocence Potter."

_My god do I like it when he does that. How the hell can a condescending tone class as attractive? Ugh I don't know how he does it. Should I offer to skip the PJs? That might mean missing up on a chance to see him though… Harry stop being a perv. _

Whilst Harry berated himself for the unbidden mental images, Draco had pulled off his robes and was now unbuttoning his shirt. Despite having his back to Harry it was enough to blow the mental images to smithereens.

Ivory skin glowed in the moonlight, shadows dancing along his spine. There was a magic to it that transfixed Harry. He was staring with such an intensity Draco could feel it on his back. He refused to turn as he dropped his pants and moved into his own bed. It wasn't until he pulled the curtains shut behind him that the spell was broken and Harry was able to look away. His cheeks burnt like fires.

Harry settled into the bed he had occupied last time and sighed. He was oddly content, before a sudden thought hit him.

"I completely forgot about quidditch practice."

"Don't worry, we'll win regardless." Came the sleepy reply. Harry laughed softly.

Both boys fell asleep that night with small smiles on their faces, dreaming of the open sky.

* * *

><p>AN: This is quite a dialogue based chapter, but hey, that's good. I wish I was good at drawing because the image of Draco and Harry squeezed up on the roof, under the night sky, is so cute ^.^ Please review!


	10. Letters Home

A/N Sorry about the week long delay! It was my birthday so I have been pretty busy one way or another. I hope you enjoy, sorry its a tad short but it came to a good end, you'll see! Oh and I'm tracking #Shards of my soul on Tumblr if you want to get in touch with me. My name is Feinth on there too :)

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><p>The illusion had lasted a week. One practically perfect week. There had been furtive smiles across the great hall and little messages magicked into pockets. They had not seen each other out of lessons for fear of arousing suspicion, but it had still been good. Every smile brought a warm flutter to Draco's heart.<p>

They had passed each other going through the library door when their hands had brushed accidentally. Harry had snuck out to watch the Slytherin practice under his cloak. He had whistled to Draco just before he left the pitch, making sure he knew he had been there. They were acting young and foolish but they didn't care.

Harry had had three more dreams about Draco. Each was very similar to the last. He would be up in the roofless tower. In the first one they had watched the stairs for hours, in the second they had been playing wizard chess. In the third they had simply lain wrapped around each other. Every dream ended the same way as the first, a breath away from a kiss.

The messages had been light-hearted and silly too. Slughorn had announced his party was rescheduled for the Friday before the Slytherin-Gryffindor match. Harry had jokingly asked if Draco would like to be his date. There had been banter about the match too and even a hint or two in potions.

The secrecy of their relationship added to the excitement of it all. Other than Ron and Hermione, no one knew a thing. Even they had no idea of the extent to their new found friendship. Harry had never found his relationship with Ron or Hermione to be so stimulating. He had never dreamt about kissing them either, but that was irrelevant. He had kissed Ginny of course, but somehow even the dreamt up promise of a kiss with Draco seemed to surpass that.

Draco was in the midst of composing a letter to Harry, inviting him back up to the Dark Tower when a letter arrived for him. The tap of the bird had caused his heart to jump, expecting Potter. It was with great disappointment he realised that the owl was the sleek Palau owl from home. Messages from home rarely brought him good news. He tore it open and recognised his father's handwriting.

_Time is running out Draco, you have until the end of the month._

He felt sick. This couldn't be happening, not now. Not when he was happy at last. Still, he had known this was coming, known it all along. How stupid he had been to think that the stolen smiles with Potter could continue.

No. This would have to stop. Right now. The happy illusion was shattered.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry's mood was rapidly going downhill. The start of the week had been great, aside from Ron's refusal to meet his eye. By the time the next practice had rolled around thing we starting to slip. His team had still not forgiven him for skipping on practice without any explanation, and the iciness between himself and Ron was affecting everyone. To sour moods further it hailed relentlessly throughout practice.

When Harry staggered into the Great Hall, chilled to the bone, he looked straight to the Slytherin table. He had hoped that the site of Draco might have calmed him somewhat, he liked to see the blonde was doing just fine. What he saw did not indicate that Draco was doing fine however.

Malfoy looked paler than usual, drawn into himself. He stared blindly into the food before him and was completely motionless. It wasn't enough that anyone would notice without looking for it, but Harry could see it. He had spent the last few months watching Draco and knew that he would rarely sit so still unless consciously doing so. It was to avoid displaying any nervous habits that might be picked up on.

Harry longed to go sit over there and comfort him. It suddenly felt so ridiculous that he could not. Who gets to dictate that they shouldn't be friends? It felt so unfair. A deep anger was bubbling in him. They were barely more than children, yet here they were on the front line of war.

Dark grey eyes flicked up to meet green. Draco seemed to pale even more. He stood silently and left, cloak billowing behind him. Harry followed, leaving his food untouched. Draco was moving quickly, he managed to get down the dungeon steps before Harry made it out of the hall and into the common room before he had rounded the corner.

The wall stood solid between Harry and Draco. This time there was no way Harry could follow; his invisibility cloak was up in Gryffindor common room.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry had settled for sending a letter with Hedwig. He had begged Draco to meet with him at once, and then paced his dorm as he waited for a response. When Hedwig returned after an hour she did indeed hold a letter. The same letter Harry had written. She looked highly disgruntled.

Well enough was enough. Harry had seen Draco to close to the edge too many times before. He seized the invisibility cloak and left, with a sickening sense of déjà vu.

Harry slipped open the dorm door and slipped in silently. Draco sat on the bed head in hands. His shoulders shook minutely. The cloak fell to the floor as Harry stepped forwards.

The feather light hand on Draco's shoulder was what finally broke him. Giant sobs erupted from his chest and he sank further down on the bed. The light touch became a full on hug as Harry tried to protect him from this unknown pain.

"I can't do this Harry. We can't do this. You shouldn't be here."

"Shh. We will worry about that once you've calmed down a bit. It's okay. We are okay." Harry held Draco's head to him and stroked the silver hair. "I'm not going to let you suffer this on your own anymore. It's going to be okay." He kept muttering soothing words until finally, slowly, Draco's sob subsided.

"I'm sorry. That was… disgraceful. I always lose my composure around you."

"There is no need to apologise. I don't mind. Honestly!" Harry added when Draco scowled. "I see a side of you that no one else does. In truth I should feel honoured."

"No one should see this side of me."

"Emotions do not make you weak, Draco, if anything they make us stronger."

"They cloud your judgement and make people reckless. They make people weak." Harry opened his mouth to argue some more but Draco stopped him. "You'd don't understand. The emotions you get are joy and love, pride and success. I'm not saying you don't know fear or sadness, I'm just saying you feel more than them. I don't get to enjoy those things."

"Why not? Why can't you feel friendship and love?"

"Because I am a Deatheater! I work for a lord who forbids and destroys such things. He doesn't want happy servants."

"You may bare his mark but you are not his. You can feel anything you allow into your heart Draco. Please, I meant what I said, I want to be here for you. I want to provide you with joy, love even. Please, don't shut me out." Silent tears rolled down Harry's face. It may not have been a confession but it was enough to make Draco's heart shatter. Love from Harry was like a rainbow, beautiful and promising but unreachable.

"I will never be anything but his. His venom has infected me. I can never be yours."

"How can you give up so easily?! Why don't you even attempt to fight, to see what could be!" Harry erupted. "You don't deserve this! It is infuriating, every time I think I'm getting through to you I'm throw back again."

"I'm broken! Maybe I didn't deserve this, but it's too late now. I have been shattered into so many pieces. I'm like that mirror, broken beyond repair and capable only of harm. The shards of me will cut anyone who comes close."

"You're wrong. You may be broken but not for good. I don't mind getting hurt a little along the way if it means saving you from this hell your living in."

"Harry-" But Draco got no further. Harry had pressed his lips firmly against his own. They were chaffed from the cold yet still warm against his own. It felt wonderful and filling and at the same time wrong. He was wrong, he would never be any good for Harry. He pulled away from the warmth.

"Obliviate." Draco whispered softly. He saw a flicker of hurt cross Harry's eyes before they glossed over. The passion left them, replaced with nothingness. "I'm sorry." Tear tracks stained Draco's face, and they were the last things Harry saw before he was stupefied and carried his dorm under the invisibility cloak. He had gotten the end of his kiss at last, but now he would never remember it.

Malfoy laid him gently by the vacant portrait hole and left the cloak by his side. The tiny shards of his heart were left there too, laid bare on the flag stones. Some things after all we not meant to be.


	11. Krum

He was getting somewhere at last. The small canary had made it through to Borgin alive and in one piece; it had not however made it back again. Still, it was the closest he had been to success yet.

_If only there were someone to appreciate that. But of course there isn't, you push everyone away. Not that Potter would approve of this to begin with._

He had found the past week infuriating in ways he hadn't expected. He had expected everything to return to normal, with Potter being his obnoxious self and Draco loathing him as had been the way for the past six years. It hadn't however. Harry had fulfilled his expectations reasonably well, it was Draco who couldn't seem to let go.

In a vain attempt to distract his mind away from Harry, Draco had thrown himself into his work with renewed vigour. It wasn't just the cabinet either, he worked in class to hone those skills while he could and on the pitch to keep up appearances. It didn't work however. It was like Potter had permeated his very being in those last few weeks and now refused to leave.

Draco slumped to the floor and released a heavy sigh. He had three weeks left. He didn't have time for this. With a flick of his wand, Draco opened one of the books before him and began searching yet again.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

"Have you ever had those days Hermione, where you wake up and just feel sad? Like, there is no reason for it, but you are?" Hermione's eyes flicked up as Harry broke their silence.

"I.. Yes. I think everyone does. So long as it is only once in a while I don't think it really matters. Maybe it is just winter blues? Or because you and Ron are still refusing to speak? I mean that is something worth feeling sad about Harry. It is probably that getting you down." She returned to her essay.

"I guess you're right. It's not like I can reconcile with someone who won't tell me what I've done wrong though." Hermione looked up again, eyebrow raised. She was about to speak when another voice interrupted.

"Hermione." It was a deep and rich voice, heavily accented. Hermione's face seemed to light up as she bound from her chair.

"Viktor! I wasn't expecting you until Thursday, don't you have a match tomorrow?"

"I do, Dumbledore permitted me an early visit however, and to take you to the match, should you desire it." Harry was still sat open mouthed looking at the tall man before him.

"Oh really? I'd love to see you play, it had been so long. Could Harry come too?" Krum turned his dark eyes to Harry, as if noticing him for the first time.

"If Dumbledore has no objections, I don't see vhy not. Harry, forgive me, but I would like to take 'Mione on a walk around the grounds." He held out and arm to a beaming Hermione. The both left, leaving Hermione's half-finished essay on the desk. Harry's mouth still dangled open.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

It was after dinner when Hermione eventually turned up in the common room. She flopped into the chair by Harry with flushed cheeks and a small smile on her lips.

"What have I just missed? Since when were you and Krum so friendly?" The smile faltered somewhat.

"I told you. He was coming to Slughorn's party and to see you play."

"That doesn't- wait what? No you never."

"Yes I did. Ronald was acting all childish over it. You thought it was a good thing, remember?"

"No, I think I would remember my bestfriend telling me something like that." All responces seemed to fail Hermione, she just sat and looked confusedly back at him.

"You'd don't remember me telling you about Krum? Or why Ron isn't talking to either of us?"

"No! Nobody has been making sense all week. Even the team has been acting odd with me. Don't tell me this is just winter blues, 'Mione. Something is wrong but I have no idea what!" Harry burst exasperatedly. He had had an unusually rough week already and suddenly felt as though he were at breaking point. "I haven't had any lessons with Dumbledore in weeks, I seem to be failing my classes all of a sudden, my friends are not talking to me. I feel angry for no reason then sad then nothing at all."

"Have you been sleeping?"

"No really, I've been getting odd dreams."

"Odd dreams?" Hermione said sharply "Why did you say anything? You know what happened la-"

"Yes I remember thanks. This is different, just vague and indistinct dreams that always leave me feeling sad when I wake." An idea, a preposterous idea, was forming in the back of Hermione's brain. Since Harry telling them about Draco last week there had not been a mention of him. Hermione had been cautious not to bring it up herself, and Ron obviously hadn't.

"I have some dreamless sleep potion upstairs, you get a good night sleep tonight and we'll sort this out in the morning, yeh?" For a moment it looked as though he might object, but then his shoulders slumped. He nodded. She stood and squeezed his shoulder before going to fetch it.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

With Harry off to bed, Hermione sat in the common room and considered her options. She felt certain now that Draco had done something to Harry's memory. She just wasn't sure what to do about it.

Clearly Draco's spell had not been perfect as Harry could tell something was missing which meant the memories may be easily returned or even come back on their own accord. Hermione was reluctant however to try and undo the spell herself. It was dangerous work, meddling with memories. It didn't help that she had no real idea of what those memories might contain either.

Another idea was to confront Malfoy about it. This in itself was dangerous. They had never gotten on at the best of times and if he was willing to do this to a 'friend' merlin only knows what he'd do to a mudblood like her.

She could just let it pass, for Harry to subconsciously move on. This didn't sit well either. Harry was prone to the occasional mood swing but never to this extent. He had been miserable all week, yet he had seemed quite cheery before. It also seemed unlikely that Harry would let the issue drop regarding himself and Ron. If Ron were to burst out something about Malfoy it couldn't end well.

Maybe she should talk to Ron first? Harry was more important than the bickering and she could do with someone to elaborate her theory to. Ron however would be adamant that it was good riddance, a fact she was less than sure off.

What if Harry was right that Draco could be saved? What if Harry had the potential to save him?

_But why would Draco have turned him away so forcefully if that were true? Something must have changed. Something I ought to get to the bottom to first I think. _

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry woke early feeling more refreshed than he could remember being in months. He had arranged an early practice session as the match was a mere week away. It was far from being a decisive match, but being against Slytherin the need to win was strong. He had also ensured it was early so that he would be able to join Hermione later. He may have no loyalty to the Bulgarian team, but a match was a match and it was a day out of school.

He had been surprised in truth that he had been allowed to go. Dumbledore had assigned him and Hermione a bodyguard in the form of Tonks. He had also reminded Harry of their last lesson and Slughorns memory. He assured the wizened man than he would get it at the party on the coming Friday.

It was cold and windy, typical of late January. Despite the early start, his team seemed to be in good spirits. Ron was, surprisingly, talking to Harry again albeit with an air of uncertain awkwardness. Harry bit his tongue instead of asking what had brought about this second change in friendship status. Instead he told his team to take to the air.

They flew well, better than they had all week. This was encouraging to Harry, a defeat was looking less and less likely. Just as their two hour training slot was drawing to a close he pulled them down to the ground.

"We are doing really well guys. I think we will have this match against Slytherin nailed. If we all fly like we did today-"

"Then Gryffindor will be searching for a new team. You really think you can beat us like that, Potter?" Marcus Flint's gruff voice drifted to them from across the pitch. He and his team were stood at the edge of the pitch, brooms in hand.

"Slytherin doesn't need to be looking for a new team at least, given that its Captain was held back a year. Looking at the rest of your team they may well be following your lead. Come on guys, let's hit the showers." Harry led the Gryffindors past the brawny team and to the showers.

Draco let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Potter hadn't even glanced at him, though admittedly he had positioned himself behind Flint's bulk. He had barely seen Harry over the past week given that he had returned to his routine of living in the room of requirement. It seemed his memory charm had held just fine. A small part of him was rather sad that the only thing he could succeed with was a memory charm against Harry.

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><p>.<p>

Long after the rest of the team had departed for breakfast, Harry stood in the shower. He had been leading his team away when he had caught a whiff of apple on the breeze. It had been like a punch to the gut for some indescribable reason. He had shrugged off his team's concern and told them to go eat.

The indistinct visions that had been plaguing his dreams seemed to be plaguing his waking hours too. He was so lost in his mind that when Hermione's voice echoed round the changing rooms he dropped the bar of soap he still clutched.

"Harry? Are you in here? We need to get ready to go!" Harry turned off the water and called back.

"Yeh, um sure. Just give me a minute." His voice shook. Why was his voice shaking! _Pull yourself together Harry._

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, I'm just getting dressed." This time at least his voice didn't shake. Hermione still looked concerned when he popped his head round the corner moments later. "Where do we meet Tonks?"

"Dumbledore's office. We should stop and get you breakfast first though."

"Oh I'm fine, we are late already. Let's just get going?"

.

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><p>.<p>

The match was every bit as good as the world cup had been. It was Bulgaria against Wales. Bulgaria won, but only just. The Welsh seeker had collided with Krum in a scuffle for the snitch and ended up with it. Krum had dislocated his shoulder but the medics had fixed that up just fine.

They were escorted into the private quarters afterwards. Krum sat topless on a bed, the mediwitch clearing up behind him. In the fleeting glimpse Harry got he had to admit that Krum wasn't bad looking. A bit too broad shouldered perhaps but well-toned. That was all Harry could see before Tonks pulled him back out, giving Hermione and Krum privacy.

"So um… Did you enjoy the match?" Harry asked into the awkward silence that followed.

"Oh yes, it has been a long time since I have been to a match." Harry could hear the soft murmurs of Hermione and Krum so tried again to start a conversation.

"How is Lupin?"

"He's alright, I guess. I haven't seen him for the last month, Dumbledore asked him to go back undercover."

"Oh." He could hear laughter too now. Somehow the sounds were making him feel uncomfortable, not because he was jealous of Krum, just jealous in general. Tonks seemed to pick up on his train of thought.

"How's Ginny?"

"Alright, I guess. We aren't a couple Tonks."

"Really? I thought you were getting along quite well last summer."

"We were, but just as friends."

"Oh." They lapsed into uncomfortable silence again. Harry had never thought that Tonks was difficult to talk to before. Then again he didn't really talk to her often.

"Have you got a girlfriend then?"

"No I…" Harry trailed off, unsure really of what to say. He didn't have a girlfriend, nor did he particularly want one. This conversation was defiantly bordering on the top ten awkward conversations.

"What about a boyfriend?"

Harry spluttered. "No! I'm just not…interested right now." Tonks nodded slightly. She didn't look like she believed him. "I'm not gay. I may not be interested in Ginny or girls but that doesn't mean I like guys Tonks. Can we just drop this?" She nodded again. Neither tried to resume conversation.

.

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><p>.<p>

Miles away, in the room of requirement, Draco smiled sadly. A bird had made it back alive. The plan would be able to go ahead in a matter of weeks. He would just have time for one last match, one final horary, before his life, everyone's lives, would be turned upside-down.

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><p>AN Hello! Sorry for the long update. This was ready to be posted a few days ago but then I went on DofE, got hypothermia and really ill, had the internet down all of today... I've had a wild Easter break! On the plus side, I got to visit the Harry Potter studios near London. It was amazing, genuinely took my breath away! I hope you all like the chapter, reviews are always welcome, Fe x<p> 


	12. Slughorn's Party

Life seemed to have returned to normal; well as normal as it ever was for Harry Potter. He was back on speaking terms with his best friend and he was excited for the upcoming match. Something still didn't feel quite right but he pushed that feeling down. It was probably just apprehension for Slughorn's party or something.

The party was to be this Friday and the match against Slytherin then the following day. Harry had asked Luna if she still wanted to go with him as they had planned to before Christmas but she turned him down. Whilst she was apologetic, it was clear to Harry she was quite happy. Neville had asked her to go as his date. Harry had to admit it made him happy too; they would make a sweet couple. He was a bit worried about fighting off girls again however.

He probably wouldn't have gone at all if he didn't need to get that memory for Dumbledore.

The match at least he was really looking forward to. Something told him this match was going to be special.

In the end Harry asked Ron to go with him. He didn't want to risk upsetting him again by leaving him out and he was preferable to Romilda Vane. They were getting ready up in the dorm, joking about Ron's hideous dress robe which he had worn to the Yule Ball and just messing around.

"I'm glad we're back to normal. I did miss you mate, when you stopped talking to me." Harry said. He noticed that Ron's face dropped a little.

"Yeh, shall we get going then?" Ron's lame attempt to change the subject was not missed by either of them. Harry hadn't broached the subject all week, though he had to admit that he was curious. Now that he had brought it up however he didn't want to let it drop that easily.

"You gonna tell me what it was all about?" Ron turned his back to Harry. He was fiddling with the collar of his robes.

"No, it'll start another argument. I think it's better if you, we, move on." Harry couldn't remember the last argument to have another, but he accepted Ron's words and dropped it, for now.

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* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione seemed a little irked by the time they reached the party. She was stood on her own by the drinks and elaborate ice sculpture.

"Where's Viktor?" Harry asked politely. Hermione motioned with her head towards the centre of the room where Slughorn stood. His hand was on Krum's elbow who looked thoroughly pissed off. He looked up and saw them standing with Hermione. He said something to Slughorn who also looked round.

"Harry, my boy!" Boomed Slughorn, dropping Krum's arm he made a beeline for him. "I was wondering when you'd get here! The star of the show! Come, I must introduce you to some dear friends of mine." He placed a large hand on Harry's shoulder and led him away. Upon looking back he saw that for once, Ron didn't seem to mind not being noticed by Slughorn.

He was introduced to so many people over the next hour they all began to merge into one, despite their fame. He barely had time to say hello before he was whisked off to see the next. Currently, Harry was engaged in conversation with one of the most beautiful women he had ever met. She had glossy auburn hair and fair, blemishless skin. Her eyes were dark and almond shaped, but there was something more to her than that. It was the way she smelt.

She smelt like broom wood and summer and apples all rolled into one. Harry was so lost in a daze, letting her melodic voice wash over him, that he didn't even notice Slughorn had left him there. He was staring shamelessly at her and she didn't seem to mind in the slightest.

"Harry I was-" Ron broke off mid-sentence as he too stared at the woman before them. "Wow." His mouth was hanging open but it gave Harry enough of a start to close his own. He could see Hermione and Krum weaving through the crowd also.

"Harry, is this your friend?" She practically purred his name. He was momentarily lost again as Ron spluttered but then Hermione was there. She had a hand on his elbow and was dragging him, very forcefully away. She then went to fetch Ron too.

"Honestly, what do the two of you think you are doing?! Gorping like that? Oh and you can close your mouth too." She poked Krum in the ribs who promptly looked away from the mysterious woman.

"We went doing anything Hermione, why'd you drag us away?" She scowled.

"You can be so stupid sometimes, the pair of you! What did she smell like?"

"Apples and brooms." Harry said. "Mint tea." Said Ron. They looked at each other confused.

"She smelt of peonies to me. That was amortentia she was wearing." Krum piped up. Hermione beamed proudly at him before turning her glare back to them.

"You were both stood there, completely out of it, staring at that Veela. Why she feels the need to wear amortentia too is beyond me, but she is most defiantly dangerous. You hear me?" She whacked Ron round the back of the head; he had been gazing across the room again.

"Yeh, look I ought to go and find Slughorn again. See if he's drunk enough." Harry said. Ron and Hermione nodded as he turned to leave. Krum held out an arm to Hermione. He led her off to the dance floor leaving Ron stood all alone in the noise of the party.

It turned out that Slughorn had not drunk enough. He continued to parade Harry round from guest to guest. Harry was just thinking that this party was more boring than even he had expected when something happened to spice it up a little.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco could hear laughter. And music. It was bubbling down the corridors. It was a world he felt so separate from, the freedom and joy. It was never even a world he had really belonged in. He would catch snippets of voice carried by the wind and think every so often _Is that Potter's voice? Is that him laughing up there? _He had no real reason to be wandering the castle. The cabinet was fixed and the date was set and yet here he was. He told himself it was just to stretch his legs, to explore the castle once more, but he didn't believe it. No, he wanted to experience a little joy, even if it was not his own.

Without conscious thought his feet led him to the dark tower. The wind was wickedly cold but it was dry at least. He pulled himself up onto the same battlement he had shared with Potter. He could do with some of the other's warmth now.

_Of course that is impossible. Why would be sit hip to hip to you now? _

He did before.

_That was before. You ensured things went back to the way they were._

It doesn't change the fact it happened.

_Doesn't it? There is no one but you who knows the truth. You made him believe it had never happened. _

He could still remember.

_Do you really want that to happen?_

Do you really want to be alone forever?

_You think he would have stayed by your side forever? You were nothing more than a project, another thing to be saved._

He could have done. I guess now I'll never know.

Draco couldn't help but envisage it however. How life could have been by Harry's side. He saw a world free of Voldemort and the restraints of his current life. He saw a remote house where neither of them would draw too much attention. He saw them reading together in silence or lying under a tree. He saw a world of complete peace containing just the two of them. It was sad, that he could see no world for them that contained other people.

The voice remained in his head, belittling him for his fantasies but he found he was able to tune it out tonight, which was surprising, considering how much it sounded like his father. Providing all went to plan on Tuesday evening the Dark Lord wouldn't feel the need to use legilimency on him. If the plan failed, well, he was a dead man either way. These quiet thoughts would be the best he could have for a long time.

He scrunched up his sleeves and stared at the fine white lines white crisscrossed his forearms. They had never healed fully despite the magic, Draco realised his body didn't really want to be healed. The Dark Mark was scarred too. Here the raised lines were stained black not white but they were still visible. Each line seemed to represent another failure in his life, another weakness. That mark however represented his greatest weakness; his inability to be strong and do as he pleased. To defy his family and do what he now realised was right. Instead he continued onwards, doing what he knew was wrong because it was the only thing he knew how to do. He twisted in an endless cycle much like that snake he bore.

His scars were all self-inflicted, unlike the mark on Harry's leg. It only just occurred to him that he had scarred the boy-who-lived with powerful magic too. If the Dark Lord found out he'd probably kill him but at this point it just seemed like another thing on a long list.

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that when Flich's voice echoed behind him he nearly toppled from the battlements.

"Thought you'd go for a midnight stroll, huh boy? You're not weaselling your way out of this one. Come on, now." The glee in his voice was evident.

"I was taking some fresh air from being in Slughorn's party. I have every right to be up." The lie came smoothly and he could see Flich falter a little.

"Well, I shall escort you back to _Professor _Slughorn." Just like that Draco felt his stomach drop as though he really had fallen from the battlements. He couldn't actually go into the party. He couldn't see Potter and his date for one thing, but he couldn't be caught up with no reason either. He began to splutter a response but Filch seized his robe and pushed him towards the trap door.

"Get your filthy hands off me." He managed to say before falling gracelessly from the top of the ladder.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The party was going well but the night was wearing on and Harry still hadn't secured that memory. He was madly trying to think of a backup plan to secure the memory. He'd followed the man round all evening and noted to his dismay that Slughorn had switched to Butterbeer halfway through the night.

Slughorn was also in fine spirits and surrounded by people. Harry suspected his mood would change rapidly once he brought up horcruxes and did not want to do so in such a public space. There was a sudden scuffle by the door.

"You can take your hands off me now squib. I'm here am I not?" Malfoy's voice echoed across the suddenly empty room.

"I found this boy wandering the corridors Professor, claimed to be one of you guests. He don't look like he was though, does he?" Flich was gesturing at Malfoy's plain robes and then everyone else's dress robes. There was a smile on his face as he sneered at Malfoy. Inching to the left a bit, Harry was able to see Draco too. He looked pale and tired, the perfect blonde hair messed up. Harry was just thinking that he should feel happy that Draco was finally being reprimanded for something when the grey eyes flicked up to his own, and then he stopped thinking at all.

A sudden dizziness washed over him as he collapsed into a heap on the floor.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The quiet room erupted as Harry crumpled. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a shock of red hair followed by a bushy mane push through the crowd, but he was too fixated on the place Harry now laid, hidden by legs.

_What just happened? Was it my fault? Oh merlin, what if the memory charm just broke? Shit. Shit shit shit._

Draco knew he ought to take this chance to escape the party but he couldn't. He needed to know. Unbidden, his legs carried him forward to the edge of the circle. Harry's eyes were closed and his glasses were askew. Granger was leant over him, listening. She drew in a shaky breath as she sat up and nodded at Ron.

"He's okay." Her voice came out shaking. Draco let out a sigh he hadn't realised he had been holding and that small noise was enough to draw her attention. Her eyes narrowed as they met his, burning with a fierce determination. She stood and marched towards him. Her nails sank into the sleeve of his robes and for the second time that night he was dragged off.

Outside of the party room, she rounded on him.

"I know what you did. You modified his memory. I don't know why but I know that you did. I don't think that's right so unless you give me a bloody good reason I will be telling Harry what I know when he comes round. That is, if he hasn't remembered all ready."

"Not only are you too clever for your own good, you're too clever for everyone else's too." She just stared at him. Draco left out another sigh. He seemed to be doing a lot of sighing of late. "He is better off this way. Come on, do you really think us being friends would have ended well?"

"I know that he was happier before you did it."

"Really? What I seem to remember was him having his leg cut in half and falling off the ladder in the dark tower, I remember Weasel refusing to talk to him and making him miserable. He has seemed absolutely fine every time I've seen him over the last fortnight."

"Then you and I have seen him at different times. The last time I saw him this down was when Sirius died. He can feel something is missing even if he doesn't know what. I don't like you. I don't understand why Harry likes you. I just know that he does." The pain in Draco's chest was mounting. Everything he had been trying to block out over the last two weeks was flooding upon him now.

"Don't tell him Hermione. He deserves better than me." He turned to leave but Hermione grabbed him. She yanked him round.

"That's not-" She broke off. Draco was crying, actually crying, in front of her. He pulled his arm free and walked away, leaving Hermione feeling very confused and alone in the corridor.


	13. The Quidditch Match

A/N Sorry for the month of waiting! This chapter has fought me for every word, if it wasn't mentioned earlier on I'd have scrapped it all together! Fortunately I've got my mojo back and will be posting as normal again

* * *

><p>Madame Pomfrey was still fussing over Harry as he strode out onto the Quidditch pitch. Despite repeatedly telling her and Hermione that he felt absolutely fine and didn't know why he had collapsed the previous day, neither had let him rest all morning. It was beginning to grate.<p>

"I appreciate your medical concern Professor, but I feel just fine. I see no reason for me, the captain, to miss out on this crucial match because I went a bit woozy yesterday. It was just being tired and the heat of the room, please excuse me." He slipped past a slightly taken aback Pomfrey and lead his team out to tumultuous applause. "Good day for flying team, let's all just work hard like we did in practice and show these Slytherins they are nothing special." His words of encouragement were meet with a few yeses and a few more concerned glances.

The Slytherin team were already visible on the other side of the pitch. Both teams began walking towards each other. By the time Harry was close enough to see the leers of the other team he was starting to feel a bit sick again, but he wouldn't let that stop him.

After a bone crunching handshake with Montague, they took to the air. He could hear Zacharias voice, carried by the still air.

"Oh let's look at the shamble that Potters put together this year. It would seem that skill isn't required to make it onto the Gryffindor team, friendship with Potter is all it takes. Oh look, Weaslebee is turning red." McGonagall voice could be heard, warning Smith to behave himself and simply commentate. "Fine, Montague's got the quaffle, he is doing some spectacular weaving work to aviod the Gryffindor chasers and pelting towards Weaslebee. Looks like Slytherin are in for an early goal!"

Harry turned to where Ron was hovering near the goal posts. He wasn't the only one headed in that direction however, Montague was streaking across the pitch, quaffle in hand.

"C'mon Ron!" He bellowed at the top of his lungs. For a heart wrenching moment he thought Montague had made it, knowing it would be the end of Ron's gusto if he did. Ron's fingertips just brushed the ball, but it was enough. He quaffle hit the goal post and bounced off. Harry let out a deep sigh of relief.

The crowd below had erupted into a hearty chorus of _Weasley is our King_. Harry turned away and flew back to the other end of the pitch. He felt confident now that Ron would make most of the saves, it was always the first one that made or broke him. He could focus on his own job.

Harry looked over to the blonde head currently circling several feet below him. Something was still nagging him about yesterday and the way Malfoy had been dragged into the party, but it was more the way he had fainted upon seeing him. He may have been telling everyone he was fine but he didn't feel it, he felt shaken. It was as though ever nerve was trying to tell him something only it was in a different language. Whatever it-

Draco had dived.

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* * *

><p>.<p>

This was it; he could see the snitch shimmering near the Gryffindor goals. Its golden shine was like a promise of success. He put on a sudden burst of speed headed straight for it, moments later he heard the whistling of Potter right behind him. This was going to be his victory, it just had to be.

Draco lent forwards some more, trying to push every ounce of speed out of his broom. He could sense that Harry was doing the same, on a slightly better broom too. He lifted his right hand off the broom and stretched desperately towards it.

Blinding pain filled his brain as his shoulder felt like it was on fire. He vaguely registered the bludger continuing to zoom off, and that his broom was hovering in the air above him as he fell away. His scrambling limbs could find no grip in the air, they merely windmilled pointlessly and caused a little extra pain in his shoulder.

It was with a detached certainty that he fell expecting death. If it wasn't for the pain it would probably be a liberating experience. He was finally flying freely, only this way there were no breaks. He should have expected the fates to intervene like this, nothing had gone to plan for Draco Malfoy since the day he set foot on the Hogwarts express. It was only right that he should fail now, for without him the Death Eaters would not be able to penetrate the castle successfully.

A tiny part of him felt happy that he had failed.

He closed his eyes and waited for death's embrace as the floor speed up to meet him. He couldn't help but think was that death had a warmer embrace than he'd imagined.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

It was fortunate Harry had been staring at him whilst his mind had wandered or the match could have ended before it even began. Harry hurtled after him, his musings left behind. They were evenly matched, Harry on his Firebolt and Draco on his Nimbus 2001. Whilst Harry had that lick of extra speed he was also playing catch up. He was still three foot behind when a bludger zoomed past.

It collided with Draco's right shoulder. His arm had been outstretched for the snitch and he was caught off balance. Draco toppled off his broom. He was 50 feet up. Harry had a split second to decide, did he go for the snitch or did he go for Draco. It was no decision though really. The thought didn't even cross his mind in all honesty.

He locked in ankles together and went into a steep dive after the flapping green robes. Harry pulled his shaking hands off the stick and managed to seize Draco under the arms. His grey eyes snapped open, he looked shocked. Using all of his strength he managed to pull them both out of the dive and pull a shaking Draco onto his broom. Now they were mere feet off the ground and steadily falling due to their combined weight. Harry just managed to get the pair safely down, with both of them rolling onto the grass.

Madame Hooch and Madame Pomfrey were both rushing out onto the pitch to meet them. The game above their head seemed to have stopped though neither boy had heard the whistle blown.

Draco wanted to make some snide comment about Harry's hero complex or his stupidity but he couldn't, he was too shaken.

"Potter, what do you think you're doing?!" The Referee reprimanded him. "We are all for chivalry, but was there really any need for you to nearly throw yourself to the ground too? A cushioning charm would have been in place to catch Mr Malfoy."

Of course their would have been.

"Forgive me Professor, but for that thought to have crossed my mind I would have had to be thinking logically. All I was thinking was that I didn't want to see him collide with the ground and become a red lump of jelly and bone." Both witches looked startled, but Harry didn't notice. He was glaring at Draco, but not in a malicious way. The intensity of the green gaze caused him to look away, wincing as the slight movement inflamed his shoulder.

Madame Pomfrey cast a few diagnostic spells. The once quite crowd was getting continually more tumultuous. The Gryffindors just overhead were roaring to know what was happening.

"You have dislocated and shattered most of your shoulder bone and cracked your collar bone. You will be spending another night in the infirmary I should think. A good glass of skelegrow will straighten you out."

The rest of the teams were landing now, closing in. Katie Bell was the first to descend on him.

"What were you doing Harry?! The snitch was less than a metre away from you!" The rest of the team were roaring at him too. The Slytherins on the other hand didn't look to concerned for Draco or Harry's spectacular dive, they were more worried by the fact they now looked well and truly out of the running.

"Surely you can put it in a sling or something, he won't have to play too much longer. Come on Draco, back on your broom."

"Most certainly not! Mr Malfoy is headed to the hospital wing at once. Madame Hooch, I leave this rabble in you care." She lead Draco away, he was yet to utter a word. The Slytherin Captain was now yelling that the injury had been Harry's fault and that the match should be cancelled.

Harry found it unfortunate the Hooch disagreed and ordered them back onto their brooms. His head was spinning again and he felt vaguely nauseous. He had at last made the connection. The apples, the shadowy figure in his dreams, they were all Draco. And he had no idea what any of it meant.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

It took another hour for Harry to finally catch the snitch. The Slytherins had been fighting dirty in order to claw back points but they had still lost in the end. The mood in the changing room was far from the jubilant atmosphere that normally followed a win. No one was talking much and after a brief post match talk Harry headed up to the castle without even showering. Hermione caught up with him just as he was climbing the steps of the tower.

"There you are! I asked Ron in the changing rooms but he said you'd already left. Are you feeling alright Harry?"

"Yes, no. Maybe. Something crazy is going on and I have so many holes in the explanation of what."

"Do you… do you remember anything Harry?"

"About what? Hermione, I'm tired. I think I'm just going to go to bed." He turned to continue up but what she next said had him stopping.

"I think you need to talk to Draco. He has the answers you're looking for, though I doubt he will be forthcoming with them."

"It sounds like you know what's going on here Hermione, anything you care to share with your _friend_?" The accusing tone of Harry's voice almost had her shying away.

"I don't know all of it. I don't know enough of it to help you. Please Harry, just talk to him." Harry shook his head and stormed off to his bed.

He thought that his exhaustion would pull him under as soon as the red curtains were pulled safely around him but it didn't. His mind was abuzz. He waged war with himself for hours, missing the evening meal and ignoring Ron when he came up, trying to reach answers that seemed just out of reach. He was loath to sneak off and find Malfoy, even more so to grovel to him for some truth. He also hated this cloud over his brain that grew the more his thought and the ache in his chest which refused to move.

The room was filled with snores when he reached his decision. He left the dorm invisible and headed off to the hospital wing.

A/N Thanks for reading, please review!


	14. Hospital Visits

The silence of the hospital wing was punctuated by the creaking of the door. It was not enough to wake a sleeping Draco however. The dreamless sleep potion that he had been given was doing wonders, allowing him to have his first Potter free night in weeks.

It was the silence in fact that finally slowed Harry up. He had half jogged the length of the castle but until this point hadn't really considered what to do if Draco was actually sleeping. He didn't particularly want to wake him, nor did he want to forgo this conversation. He stepped forward tentatively.

"Draco?" There was a soft little snort but no other response. "Draco?" Harry tried again a little louder, conscious that Pomfrey would skin him alive if she caught him. He leaned right in and said "Oy, Malfoy, your dads a prick." When this too failed to get a response he realised Draco was well and truly out of it.

He slipped a hand out of the cloak's protective cover and gently shook his shoulder. Realising that a disembodied hand waking him was likely to see Draco hitting the roof his slid the rest of the cloak off before trying again. And again. By this point the lack of response was getting comical.

Harry couldn't help but notice how peaceful Draco actually looked. He wasn't so sure he really wanted to wake him, he could not remember ever seeing Draco look so unburdened. And he was beautiful too, when his face wasn't being pulled into a sneer. His hair glistened in the half light, looking more silver than blonde.

With one more furtive glance to Madame Pomfrey's rooms, he leant forward over the sleeping boy. Nose to nose, Harry could feel the soft movement of air. It tasted of fresh apples. He said Draco's name and shook him more firmly. This at last caused him to stir. There was a sleepy moment as Draco's eyes fluttered open before he almost fell out of his bed in fright.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" He hissed.

"Paying you a visit."

"Yeah well you've long missed visiting hours." Draco was trying to sit up in bed but was struggling. It was clear he hadn't yet regained full use of his arm. Harry didn't move, didn't say anything. The was an awkward silence before Draco finally looked up. "What are you really doing here?" His voice had gone soft, he sounded like the fight had gone out of him.

"I wanted to see you, and ask you a few questions. For some reason Hermione thinks you'll have the answers." Draco's gaze narrowed at this and for a moment Harry thought he was about to raise a commotion, but the moment passed and it was like Draco was shrinking before his eyes.

"Ask away, I don't see how it matters anymore." Harry thought carefully, trying to decide which question to put forward first. He perched on the very end of the bed.

"Did you have something to do with why Ron stopped talking to me?" Whilst this wouldn't answer much Harry was being cautious not to push Draco too far.

"I guess you could say that. Personally I think it was his own stupidity."

"Why?"

"I believe he said something along the lines of _What if I refuse to accept my bestfriend is fraternizing with the enemy._ He didn't seem too pleased that we were getting along."

"We were getting along?"

"No need to sound so shocked Potter, it hurts."

"Sorry I just, I don't remember that. I don't remember much."

"I made you forget."

"YOU WHAT?" Draco nodded his head in the direction of Pomfrey. "You what?" Harry hissed.

"I made you forget."

"Why the hell would you make me forget that we were friends? What the hell did I do to make you do that to me?" Draco refused to meet his eyes, instead resting his head on his drawn up knees.

"Please don't make me explain it Harry. It made so much sense to me at the time, but all those arguments have fallen down since. I thought you'd be better off, then Hermione lays into me talking about how miserable you are. Then you collapse when you see me and I thought the charm had broken and you'd hate me more than ever. Then you do a crazy dive to catch me today. You think your confused? My brain is falling apart with the strain of it!"

Harry moved from his tentative perch on the end of the bed and moved to sit on the pillow by the silently sobbing boy. He lifted an arm and put it around the shaking shoulders. Sat hip to hip on the narrow bed, Draco felt the last of his belief he had been doing the right thing break. He could have enjoyed this for longer and it would have been so much better.

"What really caused the scar on my leg?"

"I got insulted that you said you weren't scared of me and fired a curse off without really thinking. I didn't really know the power off it. You don't remember that?"

"You made me forget the bad bits as well as the good."

"I only wiped from when you started to like me."

"Clearly I already liked you then. I can't remember much from October time."

"You don't remember the bathroom?"

"No..?"

With shaking hands Draco pulled his sleeves back. Even in the darkened room Harry could see the pale scars that crisscrossed his arms and the hideous Dark Mark, currently motionless. He reached out to touch them but Draco snatched his arm away.

"They are not pretty Harry. They are not something that you can touch."

"I don't think they are pretty. That's stupid. I think that they are a part of you now though, just as much as that mark and you silver hair. You don't let define you. What do you think would happen if I let my scar define me? I think you need someone to accept that though, and then you'll begin to accept it yourself."

"I've killed Harry."

"I will. I will kill Voldemort. Like my scar however, I refused to let that define me."

"How can you say that? How is killing someone like Voldemort comparable to me killing an innocent muggle so that I could bear this mark?" Draco's voice was rising rapidly in pitch and volume. "Don't sit there and say you understand because you don't! You never could!"

"And don't you dare put words into my mouth. I sure as hell don't understand you. I am fighting my anger not to attack you for bloody changing my memory, I'm trying not to scream at you in an attempt to make you see sense. As soon as you get out of here I will be yelling, you can be sure as hell of that, but right now I am trying to do what I can to help-"

A light had flicked on in Madame Pomfrey's rooms. Harry had let his emotions get the better of him and forgotten to keep his voice down. He rolled off the bed and pulled his cloak off the chair to cover him. Draco had closed his eyes again.

Whilst Pomfrey had come out and frowned over at them, clearly deciding Draco was sleeping soundly, Harry could easily tell Draco was not really asleep. He lacked the peaceful expression he had worn earlier.

"You still there Harry?" He whispered.

"Yeh, budge up." Came the disembodied voice back. He saw the covers shifting and was about to protest but thought better off it. He shifted to the other side of the bed and felt Harry's warmth next to him.

"Does the cloak have to stay on?" Harry smiled even though it currently went unseen and pulled the cloak off, and put it back on the chair. They sat in a surprisingly comfortable silence.

"I don't think I can undo the memory charm Harry. I think I'd be in danger of doing more damage."

"Then we'll have to make new memories."

"Do you have any idea how cheesy that sounds?"

"Yes" Draco rolled his head to the side and saw that Harry was smiling. He realised he was smiling too. Looking back up at the vaulted ceiling above them, Draco did something he would never have done if he'd been thinking. He slipped his hand into the warm one just next to it.

He fell back to sleep, grateful that this was not a Potter free night after all.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

"Did you sleep alright, Mr Malfoy." Draco opened his eyes to see Madame Pomfrey looming over him.

"Um yeh." He tried to sit up and was dismayed to find his shoulder was still not fully healed. "Can I leave today?"

"It doesn't look that way, that Bludger did some serious damage. One more night I expect." She was fussing around him, opening the curtains. He couldn't stay in here another night. Tonight was going to be the night that the death eaters entered the castle, and only he knew. Only he could change what was going to happen.

"I can't stay in here all day!" He burst. She lifted one eyebrow in his direction.

"And why is that Mr Malfoy? It is a Sunday, I hardly think you have anything too important. No, you will be staying firmly put in this bed."

"NO!"

"Yes, I will not have you defying me when your health is in danger. You will stay or I shall call Minerva and she will make you stay. Eat." And with that she matched away to the other end of the room, sitting down at her desk.

He began picking at the food she'd left on the little table but found he had no appetite. Instead he began thinking over his options.

Getting all the way to the seventh floor without being caught would be difficult, what with Pomfrey's hawk like glare fixating on him periodically. Getting a message to someone else to do it would probably more difficult, he was not expecting more visitors and even if he was, who could he trust? Potter clearly knew how the room worked but he was unlikely to visit in the day time and by night it would be too late. Crabbe and Goyle were just too stupid. Most of his Slytherin friends would welcome a deatheater presence in the castle anyway. If only he had Potter's cloak, once he made it out of the room he'd be fine.

He slipped back down and into the warm bed, wincing. He had until nine to come up with a solution.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry was grateful he had gone to see Draco last night. He may gained more questions than were answered but things were back to making sense for him. He had slipped out of the hospital wing when Draco's breathing had returned to the soft rhythmic noise it had been before. Once he was safely back in his own bed however he found it took a long time to greet sleep.

By the time he rose from bed it was almost noon and the dorm was deserted. He showered and changed before heading down to a quite common room. Ron was sat glaring at everyone from a corner and Ginny sat working with some friends. Lavender was on the far side of the room with her head together with Parvati.

"Hey mate, everything alright?" Ron grunted back. "Where is Hermione?"

"Enjoying a romantic stroll around the lake I expect." It was evident that Ron was in an awful mood. Harry sat himself in the next armchair and closed his eyes. "You can't be tired, you went to bed right after the match. Unless of course you weren't actually in bed the whole night." Harry couldn't help but notice the accusing tone with which Ron said this.

"I have work to get on with. You coming to the library?"

"No." Ron then continued to glare towards where Lavender sat. Shaking his head, Harry stood and left. He really did have a lot of work to do.

A glance at the map told Harry Draco was still in the hospital wing. If he was still there tonight Harry vowed to pay him another visit. He then tried to push all thought of memory charms, apples and that beautiful face out of his mind. Snape's latest essay promised to be tough enough as it was.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco was starting to get nervous. The sun had set and he had not had a single visitor all day. He had made up his mind that he was going to break the cabinet and stop the death eaters entering. He also knew that he would be a dead man walking from that point on, but at least he could finally say he did the right thing. It was clear now that the right thing was not always the easy thing.

It was going to take at least fifteen minutes to run across the castle, probably more. His shoulder still stung when he moved but the pain had lessened. He wasn't too worried about how he'd break the cabinet, an Expulso or Incendio should do the trick.

If he didn't come up with anything better in the next hour he was just going to have to risk it.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione could not remember the last time she'd had a day as wonderful as this one. She and Viktor got along so well, the banter falling easily between them. They had strolled through the cold January air around the lake. Viktor had conjured a snow flurry around them then pulled her in close. He was humming a tune.

"Do you remember the first time ve danced, Hermoninny?" He had stepped backwards, leading them in a dance through the snow. She laughed and poked him in the ribs for the use of that nickname, he had long since learnt to say it right.

"Of course I do. I had a wonderful evening with you at the ball." He smiled and twirled her round.

"Good. I also consider it wone of the best nights of my life." The continued to dance together in the conjured snow for a while, until the snow had Viktor slipping and they both dissolved into laughter.

"I think we ought to return to the castle, the sun is setting." Said a laughing Hermione. Krum offered her his arm and lead the way back into the warmth.

The happy sight was just too much for some however. A mudblood dangling on the arm of an international quidditch player was causing quite a stir. Romilda Vane had watched them all day, waiting for Hermione to be on her own so she could teach the slut a lesson. Girls like her didn't deserve men like Krum.

The couple made it into the entrance hall. Krum bent to kiss the cold tip of Hermione's nose, both unaware they were being watched. Romilda could feel her blood boiling as she hurled a hex right at Hermione. She saw the curse hit just before her view was blocked by a furious Krum.

"Vhat the fuck do you think you're doing. Impedimenta!" Romilda felt herself pushed back and she collided with a column. The impact saw her blacking out.

Viktor scooped Hermione up, who was now clutching her face and sobbing. He carried her off in the direction of the hospital wing.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco was on the verge of climbing out of his bed when the door to the hospital wing slammed open. An irate Krum stormed in, cradling Hermione. Madame Pomfrey rushed forwards at once and guided Hermione to an empty bed. She gently pulled Hermione's hands away. The skin was red and cracked with puss filled boils. It looked as though she'd been burnt.

"Zat stupid Vitch attacked her! She fired out of nowhere!" Pomfrey gave both of them calming drafts before trying to reverse the damage. Krum refused to drink his. Pomfrey pulled a screen across, hiding Hermione from view.

Draco took this chance and swiftly slipped out of bed and out of the ward. He was barefoot and pyjama clad, jogging though the cold corridors. The commotion had wasted valuable minutes and so despite the pain he preceded to jog the whole way.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry had heard from Lavender that Hermione had been attacked. He left the common room at once and sprinted down to the infirmary. He was approaching the door when he heard McGonagall's voice.

"Where could he have gone?" Her voice was high and she sounded worried.

"I don't know, I turned my back for a minute to treat Miss Granger and he slipped out like the snake he is."

"Poppy, mind your tongue. I will go see Albus, he'll want to know that Draco's gone missing."

Harry shot round the corner as the door opened. He listened as Professor McGonagall walked away. Drawing the map out of his pocket he searched it carefully. Draco Malfoy's name was nowhere on it. That meant he had left the castle or he was in the room of requirement. Praying the latter was true, Harry shot off in the opposite direction to his teacher. He had a very bad feeling about what was coming.

* * *

><p>AN Two chapters in one week! Aren't you lucky things. It really does still amaze me who well this story has been received, I never thought I'd get anywhere near as many hits as this has got so I'd like to say a huge thank you for reading it. I get a little graph showing how many people I get from each country and the sheer variety of places blows me away. I intend to keep this fic going to the end for each and every one of you. Fe x


	15. Fiends

It wasn't working. No matter what he tried to fire at it the damned cabinet was refusing to break, and time was running out.

"Confringo" A burst of flames surrounded the cupboard but died down leaving not a mark. "Expulso" The stuff around it was set flying up, but the cabinet did not move so much as an inch. "Defodio, Impedimenta, Evanesco" Nothing.

Draco stepped back, chest heaving. He knew that time was ticking, Pomfrey will have alerted other staff that he'd run off by now and the deatheaters would be coming in a matter of minutes. There must be something he'd learnt in the last bloody six years of education that could break it.

"Deprimo" A gust of wind howled through. He was getting desperate now he knew. He tried to calm himself down and think logically.

The cabinet had been so broken before he must have poured so much magic into fixing it that it was now indestructible. He needed something that was all consuming, would leave nothing left. Naturally, that was a type of magic he had not been taught in school. His mind turned to those darker spells learnt in his own home.

Once the Dark lord had returned his father had commissioned Snape to teach him some darker spells. That was where he had learnt "Sectumsempra" albeit not the disastrous effects it could really cause. There must be something dark enough there.

"Draco? Are you in here?" Potters voice rang out, magically enhanced, over the pile of junk. For a moment he considered staying silent. It was his silence that had got him into this mess however, it was time to speak out.

"Harry! I'm down the fifth isle to the left of the door." Footsteps quickly headed his way. He felt a wave of relief wash over him at the sight of that messy black hair. "I can't destroy it. I'm trying Harry, but I don't know what-" Harry had kept going, colliding with Draco as his arms wrapped round him. Draco let out a hiss at the pain in his bruised shoulder.

"You fool, running off here without me! Why the fuck didn't you wait for me, I can help!"

"There isn't time, they were planning to come through tonight. Now. I thought I could come and undo some of my wrong but I can't. It won't break." Harry's green eyes looked at his for a moment, assessing the situation. Draco sighed when he saw Harry reach the conclusion he wouldn't rant right now.

"What have you tried?"

"Everything I can think of. I was trying to think of something stronger but haven't managed it yet."

"What about fiend fire? Do you know the spell for that?"

"I've heard it mentioned but I never thought it was something I ought to learn. Not many people who cast it live to tell the tale."

"Could you do it?"

"I, I could." Harry smiled at him then, it was an open honest smile.

"We can do this then Draco. I'll go find some-" He broke off, looking more pale that Draco. The Slytherin span to face the cupboard, but heard what he'd be facing before he got there.

"Crucio!" Harry's scream cut off the sound of Bellatrix's laugh. "What have we got here, little Draco? You bought us a welcome present?" By now Harry was just a writhing mass on the floor, his voice was already beginning to go hoarse.

"Stop it!" The words left Draco's mouth before he could think.

"Stop it? Stop it!" She was screeching at him and her anger seemed to only magnify the force of her curse. With an enraged look in her eye, Bellatrix pointed her wand at Draco instead. "Perhaps you need to be taught some manners Draco, don't you know that's not how you speak to your betters? Cruci-"

Before Bellatrix could finish the curse she had collided with the floor. A shaking, sweating Harry had managed to pull her off balance. Bella twisted, her wicked knife in hand.

"Impedimenta!" His aunt was sent flying. She crashed into an ugly bust of a warlock and crumpled, unconscious. "Are you alright? Did she cut you?" Draco rushed over to where Harry lay.

"I'm ok, you need to destroy that cabinet, before any more come through."

"No, you can't run from fiend fire like this, we need another plan."

"No running, brooms." Harry croaked. Draco will still doubtful that Harry would make it out on a broom either. He was about to say so but Harry's smirk made him pause. "We both know I'm the better flyer."

"Harry now is no time to joke! Can you sit up?" With more than a little help, Draco managed to get Harry upright, resting against an old trunk. Draco was still mere inches from Harry when both boys heard a snarl behind them.

Fenrir Greyback was lifting one foot out of the cupboard. A simple look of agreement passed between Harry and Draco.

"Accio Brooms!" Yelled Harry at the same time as Draco cast the fiend fire curse straight at the werewolf. It hit its mark and within a heartbeat the whole cabinet was aflame. From every corner of the room came brooms, a good dozen of them. Draco grabbed the best looking one and passed it to Harry before grabbing one for himself.

A flaming chimera lunged for him just as he took off. Looking around he saw Harry was off the ground too. The beasts below consumed everything they could reach. Bellatrix was barely visible though the chocking smoke.

A high piercing scream filled the room as a hideous black _thing_ lurched out of the flames below. Draco tried to push the old broom harder, desperately heading for the door. The scream was still echoing around in his head, his eyes burnt from the heat, his throat was agony and his heart was beating faster than it had even done before.

He zoomed out of hell into the fresh air of the corridor. He banked sharply to avoid hitting the wall but the motion caused him to roll off his broom and hit the floor. The pain in his shoulder returned tenfold. The groan next to him alerted him that Harry had made it out too.

Footsteps were thundering down the corridor behind them. Draco felt a wave of relief wash over him, they'd done it. They were safe, for now at least.

The black thing soared out of the open door and morphed into Bellatrix. So much for being safe. This cold high voice that left her mouth did not sound like his aunt, but he was too tired, in too much pain to do anything. He heard the dreaded words and wondered who she'd kill first, him or Harry. He'd rather it was him.

A hook gripped the back of his neck and he zoomed backwards and around the corner. Dazed, he blinked around and saw Harry blinking back. The teachers could be heard duelling ferociously just around the corner. Harry looked into Draco's face, illuminated by the colourful flashes of spells. He was overwhelmed by what the Slytherin had done. He had turned his back on everything he'd ever known despite knowing the consequences. He had ensured that Harry had a broom before him, that his once enemy was alright.

Who initiated the hug was unknown, but by the teachers came back round the corner they found two sobbing boys clinging onto each other for dear life.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Professor McGonagall had managed to usher to boys into Dumbledore's office without much resistance. There Madame Pomfrey had begun the explanations, talking about how Draco had not wanted to remain in the hospital and how he'd vanished when she had been treating Miss Granger. When Minerva had arrived she had explained the situation to her and it was in fact Miss Granger who suggested they may be on the 7th floor at this 'room of requirement'. Slughorn had then arrived with an injured Rhomilda Vane. Madame Pomfrey had summoned some house elves to look after the girls and had left with Slughorn and McGonagall for the room.

At this point Professor McGonagall took over. She explained how they'd heard noises and turned the corner to find Misters Malfoy and Potter looking considerably worse for were on the floor with brooms lying next to them. Before she could say anything a black blur had zoomed out of the room and the door had vanished behind it. The darkness had become Bellatrix Lestrange who had promptly tried to fire a killing curse at Mr Malfoy. She had pulled them out of the way and around the corner with her wand leaving herself, Horace and Poppy to duel Bellatrix. Realising that she was likely to be overpowered she had transformed back into that black blur had gone through the window, disappearing into the night.

"And there was one more thing Albus. It didn't sound like her."

"What do you mean?" The headmaster said sharply.

"It sounded like him." Harry finished for her. Both boys and Slughorn had remained quiet throughout the telling. After Madame Pomfrey had finished speaking she had begun preforming healing spells on the pair of them but there was only so much she could do from here.

"Him?" Slughorn spluttered. "You mean He Who Must Not Be Named was here? Dumbledore you promised me I'd be safe here!" All of the colour was draining from his face.

"How was it that Deatheaters were able to penetrate my castle tonight Harry?" Without meaning to Harry glanced at Draco. Dumbledore turned his steady gaze on him instead.

"Poppy, please would you fetch your relevant medical supplies; we shall treat the boys up here. Horace, I assure you that this will never happen again. As a precautionary measure however, please round up the ghosts and ask them to sweep the castle before returning to your own house and making sure the students stay there. Minerva-"

"I would like to stay Albus."

"Minerva, one of your prefects is currently in the hospital wing. If anyone is likely to go investigating tonight's events it will be a Gryffindor. I ask that you go look after your charges. I will ensure you are brought up to date in a staff meeting tomorrow." She clearly looked unhappy at this but left to do as she was told.

"Mr Malfoy, I would like you now to tell me how a Deatheater was able to enter Hogwarts."

For a moment Draco staying silent. He was staring at the tear in his blackened Pyjamas. Harry slipped an arm round Draco's back and pulled him into his side.

"It's going to be ok Draco. We'll make sure of it, but Dumbledore needs to know this. I have sat in that very chair and been forced to talk about things I really didn't want to, but you feel better for it afterwards." Draco drew in a shuddering breath. He then began to talk.

His voice remained detracted throughout and whilst he explained how he'd done it he never mentioned why. He managed to get to the point of fixing the cabinet without too much difficulty and that was where he stopped.

"So you went to greet the Deatheaters this evening?" Draco didn't say anything. Knowing that Dumbledore would take this as a sign of guilt Harry decided to speak up.

"He went to destroy it, only it wasn't such an easy task. He had to use fiend fire and then we flew out."

"And what changed your mind? Why did you go to destroy what had taken you so long to fix?"

"I.. I realised that my life didn't mean anything. If Voldemort kills me so what? My mother would cry but that would be it. What about if the deatheaters filled the castle? How many kids would die, people who actually mean something? I just kept doing what I was doing because I thought it was the only thing I could do, my only choice. But choosing not to do something is a choice too. And Harry made me realise that if I continue people would probably celebrate my death. I don't want that, I want to have what he has, to be happy. But I still ruined it."

"That uh, wasn't the message I was trying to give you. I wanted you to know that people can change and that nothing is ever set in stone. You do matter Draco. Right this moment you matter more than anyone else, more than me. You did something incredibly brave, you made your own choice. You saved countless lives tonight, I couldn't have done that. I didn't know that spell."

"Those lives only needed saving because of me."

"Moot point, you saved them. Dumbledore, we can't let him leave the castle now. You know what Voldemort would do to him."

"He cannot stay here with the other students. I accept that he made the right decision in the end and that Voldemort wants him dead. I fear however that he would endanger the other students by staying and I am certain my staff would not feel comfortable with such a situation, which could reflect in actions towards him."

"What?" He was on his feet now, leaning over Dumbledore. Harry couldn't understand what the headmaster was saying.

"Poppy already knows that Mr Malfoy carries the dark mark from treating him. If I let him stay after this I am liable to receive a resignation letter by the end of the week. Horace would surely follow too, and possibly more."

"You can't kick him out! Snape is a deatheater yet you let him stay! I won't let you sentence him to death like that!"

"Harry. Please don't. I was ready to accept my fate the moment I cast that spell, this is nothing other than what I expected." Draco's voice was quite but carried as much weight as Harry's raised one.

"I don't care. You're not going. I have the cloak, this castle has countless rooms, he could stay here and no one need ever know."

"And who would bring him food, what would he do but waste away? Harry my boy, you don't understand. He can't-"

"I think it's you who doesn't understand old man. You kick him out and I will follow, how about that."

Silence filled the room. Harry's heart felt like it was beating almost as fast as it had been in the room and Draco simply stared at him, eyes wide with shock. He could not comprehend why Harry was saying these things, why he'd throw away everything for him and yet he here he was. Draco felt like Harry was offering him the world right now, it was such a huge thing to have someone stand up for him. No one, not even his mother, had ever stood up to protect him.

Dumbledore sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Here was a conundrum he could do without. He already had far too much on this plate without adding this to the mess. Fortunately Poppy had just returned, arms laden with stuff. She had brought Dobby the house elf with her, who promptly jumped on Harry and began fussing.

"Which of you is most injured?"

"Him." Both boys said. "Treat Draco first, his shoulder took a beating again." "Harry was hit with the Cruciatus Curse." Harry simply shook his head, he'd never seen Harry so stubborn. The little elf on Harry's lap had looked round at his name.

"Sir! I is thinking you should be treated first."

"Thank you Dobby, I am not badly hurt however." Harry gave the elf a small hug, realising that here stood a solution to one of his problems. The room remained quiet while Draco had bruise remover dabbed onto his shoulder and other aches. Pomfrey then repeated it for Harry. She gave both of them a calming draught and gave Harry a dreamless sleep potion for when he made it to bed.

Dumbledore dismissed her curtly once she was done, but Harry kept hold of Dobby's hand.

"Dobby could you do me a favour?"

"Of course Mr Potter!" Dobby squeaked back.

"Could you bring food to Draco so that he wouldn't have to leave a room?" At this the little elf looked nervous, his gaze flitting to where Draco sat.

"Mr Malfoy is a bad wizard sir! But, but, if you wanted it Dobby could do it, sir." Harry looked over to Dumbledore.

"I believe that solves one of our issues. Dobby would never tell anyone what he was doing, not even then other elves."

"_If_ Mr Malfoy is to stay here then he must consent to being locked in. I will not have him wandering the castle. He will also lose access to his wand." Realising now that the final decision would lie with him and seeing no better options, Draco consented. "You will occupy a room in the dark tower. It is not a place really used these days. Harry, do you have your cloak with you now?"

Harry pulled the sleek material out of his robes and passed it to Draco. Dumbledore held out his hand for Draco's wand. With shaking hands he pulled it out and placed it on the desk instead. He then wrapped the cloak tightly around himself and followed the Headmaster and Harry out of the office.

* * *

><p>AN Well what an exciting chapter! This was one of the things I originally thought of when planning this fic, it's nice to actually have it done! Please tell me what you think, Fe x


	16. Fallout

AN: I am so sorry about the time it has taken and the shortness of this chapter. I had a funeral to attend as well as a myriad of different things eating at me for the past fortnight. This was all I managed and I really wanted to up date today. Here is the fallout of their hectic evening.

* * *

><p>It had felt like days before the sun finally rose. The evening had rushed him by in a flurry of activity and then he had been locked in here and time had ground to a stop. It had only been about midnight, Dumbledore had warded the tower room and then left, instructing Harry to do the same. He'd barely had a chance to say two words to his unexpected saviour and he had so much to say. Even with dawn, the chill in his tower cell would not leave. The measly moth eaten blanket that had been left with him was doing little to fight it off.<p>

The room itself was depressingly bare. One unyielding bed, one self-cleaning chamber pot, one blanket. The 'door' was merely metal bars, as were the high narrow windows. There was no glass to protect him from the cold February air. He guessed he shouldn't have expected better, Potter had at least told him this cell was designed for imprisonment. The idea of spending an indeterminable length of time within this one curved room was what was really getting to him.

He had cried in the night. He couldn't remember doing that before. Everything had come crashing down around him, and he'd been the one to do it.

Draco could never return home to Malfoy Manor, hell by tomorrow he was unlikely to be a Malfoy anyway. He was unlikely to ever see his mother again, even if she survived the Dark Lords punishment in his place. All his riches, his fine possessions, gone. His future, gone.

The only things left to him were this room and three visits a day by a house elf who loathed his very being. Wonderful.

He wondered vaguely who'd go mad first, him or the elf. Probably him.

The sunrise visible through his would-be door was beautiful. Draco rolled over to avoid seeing it.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Dumbledore had escorted Harry back to Gryffindor tower. They had walked in stony silence. Harry had the impression that Dumbledore was more than a little angry about this evening and his reaction despite his blank face. He also got felt that Dumbledore was disappointed, though why he couldn't fathom.

They were approaching the snores of the fat lady when Dumbledore stopped him.

"You failed to secure the memory from Horace, correct?" Harry nodded meekly. "No matter, after tonight's events it is rendered all but useless. I believe that the fiend fire destroyed the vessel of the horcrux but before destroying the bit of soul it managed to latch onto something as equally dark as itself." Again Harry simply nodded. He was exhausted and his brain ached, he wanted nothing more than to hide in his own bed.

"You will not tell Mr Weasley and Miss Granger about Draco's continued presence in the castle. If you pay him any visits I expect the upmost discretion. You will not open the door, nor will you hand him your wand, no matter what he might say. Am I clear?" If he wasn't so tired, Harry would have been angry. Did Dumbledore think him stupid? Why was he suddenly treating Harry like a naughty child?

"Am I clear Harry?"

"Yes _Professor_." Without intending to, Harry put extra emphasis on the last word. He then turned, uttered the password to the tower and slunk off to bed.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

"You're keeping the boy in the castle? Are you quite sure that's wise Albus?"

"Of course it's not wise Severus! What on earth was I supposed to do though? Harry threatened to leave with the boy if I forced him to leave. When they got over their feud Merlin only knows. Until we can sort something else, the boy must unfortunately stay."

Dumbledore was seething. He had let his usually calm exterior slip, ranting away at Snape. More than that however, he was scared. Harry had stood before him definate, he had called him old man. In that moment he had looked into Harry's green eyes and seen Tom.

They were both in his bedchamber, knowing that the portraits would otherwise gossip. At the volume he had reached however, Snape suspected it made little difference.

He was quite pleased himself. Draco may be many things, but he was also his godson. He knew only too well the fate that would befall him should he leave. Still, this was a development he had never anticipated.

For the last six months he had being trying to break though Draco's walls. He wanted to be in on what the boy was planning so that he'd be able to protect him, not only from the Dark Lord but himself too. Severus was no idiot; he had clearly seen the signs.

Draco wasn't coping well with his task. He had stopped eating, he had forced his roommates out of the dorm, he had gained bags under his eyes that could only be achieved from weeks of poor sleep on end. There had also been that incident in the bathroom which had been kept quite quiet. But he had been there, he'd seen those scars.

The Slytherins were prideful by nature, albeit in a different way to the lions. Draco would accept no offer of help, especially not after that. It would wound his pride and ego too much. So why had he accepted Potter's help so readily? Was there more going on here than he'd originally seen?

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco had just about dozed off when a loud _CRACK _had startled him out of his stupor. Before he had even managed to sit up there was another crack and the elf was gone, leaving a plate of egg on toast steaming on the floor.

He contemplated leaving it there for a moment, but then his stomach rumbled. He slipped off the bed, taking the blanket with him. The egg's warmth did little to sooth his rolling stomach. After he was done he crawled back onto the hard bed, pulling his knees to his chest.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry woke late due to the dreamless sleep he had taken at Madame Pomfrey's recommendation. The dormitory was warm and empty. Looking blearily at his watch however he saw that he had not only missed breakfast but half of his Defence Against the Dark Arts double too. Wonderful as it would have been to stay in his cocoon, he could not forget Dumbledore stressing that he must maintain normality. Snape would skin him alive for sure.

After the time spent running across the castle, Harry was considering if it was worth tuning up at all. Very tentatively, he stuck his head round the door. Snape zeroed in on his movement at once.

"Do tell Potter, what exactly was so important this morning that you deemed it worth missing part of my lesson?"

"I overslept, sir. It was unintentional." A flicker of a smile crossed Snape's pallid face and Harry prepared for the inevitable string of detentions that were to follow. Knowing Snape, he'd be out of Quidditch practice for weeks, exactly what he needed.

"Sit down Potter. I expect an essay covering everything you missed on my desk by tomorrow morning."

"What?" No detention? No threat of some menacing potion? Snape had been turning away from him, back to the rest of the class. He froze while Harry mentally kicked himself for his stupidity.

"I said sit down Potter. Clearly that slow brain of yours is yet to wake up." Harry rushed to his usual seat by Ron. Professor Snape did not look at him for the rest of the lesson.

During lunch, the Great Hall was abuzz with the latest rumours. Harry heard it from Seamus, and what his housemate was saying was enough to quell his appetite despite the lack of breakfast.

"Yer know those explosions on t'severnth floor last night? And t'black thing some people saw? Apparently some dark artefact had been set off up there, releasing some dark spirit. That was the flying thing. People are saying that its gonna hunt and kill everyone who saw it, wiping out the students!"

"Seamus that's a load of rubbish and you know it. People have two facts and sting them together in some crazy story just to rile others up, that's all. I'm sure the teachers would be a bit more worried if what you said was actually true." At Hermione's words, Harry looked up to the staff table. Snape and Dumbledore were both absent, and McGonagall looked paler than usual, but the other staff seemed to think nothing was out of the ordinary.

Dumbledore had said that'd he'd explain the situation to the staff in a briefing. How much had he really told them?

His thoughts turned to Draco, sitting all alone on that tower. He wasn't having fun, but he was safe at least. Harry vowed to visit him tonight.

* * *

><p>AN2: Please review, hearing from you guys does make me really happy! Fe x<p> 


	17. Cold

Each row of bricks contained 20 bricks. He knew. He had counted twice. It was also 11 bricks high. He'd counted that too.

He had been there for two days. 6 meals. 48 hours. No sleep. The damned elf wasn't talking to him and he'd only had a brief, awkward conversation with Harry on the night of his imprisonment. Harry had promised to come back, and with books. He hadn't.

Meals had not varied from the standard he was used to from the school kitchens. Despite this, he felt as though all he was eating were ashes. It was with a pang that he realised it had been a truly long time since he'd appreciated the taste of food.

The main trouble was the solitude. Being left alone with his mind for hours on end was rapidly impacting his already questionable mental state. He'd already reached the point of having mental arguments with himself just to pass the time. He didn't know how people could survive Azkaban. This was bad enough and there weren't even any dementors, just the unshakable cold.

And it was cold. The wind howled past the tower at every hour of the day and night. It bit through his thin blanket and hospital pyjamas that he still wore. The insatiable monster gave him no respite.

There was a noise from the trapdoor. Draco was up in a heat beat. Finally someone he could talk to. He didn't care who, anyone would alleviate the boredom. He could hope though.

"Harry?" The cold metal of the bars stung his hands but he left them there, craning to see the trapdoor entrance.

"Yeh, one moment." A dark mass appeared from the hole, followed by Harry. He had brought a bag with him of something at least. "How are you?" He said softly, approaching.

Draco felt the sudden urge to step backwards like a caged animal. He didn't fail to see the look of hurt pass Harry's features even in the moonlight, felt the guilt it gave him.

"Why didn't you come last night?" He said accusingly, staying back from the bars.

"I couldn't, Dumbledore told me to be careful about visiting you and the corridors were full of patrols last night. I bought you a couple of books from the library, and another blanket because it can get pretty cold up here."

"You don't say." Draco said dryly. Since he had leapt from his bunk and blanket, the cold was starting to get to him now. He was trying to hide the shivers he felt. Harry pulled the items out of the sac and held them through the bars. Draco made no move to take them.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing Potter."

"Back to Potter, are we? What happened to being my friend?"

"Yeh, well what happened to not leaving me? I've spent two freezing days up here without a whisper from anyone at all. I want to know what's happened to my mother, if the dark lord has punished her. I want to know what the next plan is, or am I to be left here forever?" His voice rose as he spoke, ending at a shout.

"Of course you won't be left here forever! Why are you yelling at me Draco, I'm not the one to blame."

"No, of course not. It's all my fault, everything is always Draco's fault because he is the stupid child who can't manage anything or please anyone."

"Draco…" Harry moved as close to the bars as he could.

"No! You should just go. Carry on with your famous life Potter, I'm not worth anybody's time." Draco turned his back, so that Harry couldn't see the tears flowing down his face as he waited for the sound of the trapdoor closing.

Minutes of silence past. So long that Draco thought he must have missed the sound of it shutting, but he didn't turn back. What was the point? He knew now, he could see it, how completely pitiful he had become. He was friendless, a fraud, a criminal and really on the run from both sides of the war. He was probably motherless too.

"You are worth my time. Never say that Draco." Harry's voice was barely a whisper on the wind, the blonde simply shook his head and dismissed it as wishful thinking until it continued. "You gave me something to fight for again, a reason to get up in the mornings. It pains me that I can't remember most of our moments together, but I remember enough. I know that I don't want to go back to waiting for something to happen in this wretched war, cutting myself off because I know the danger I could bring to others. You are already too messed up in this battle for me to really endanger you further. And besides, I think I would be too selfish to keep myself away regardless. You… I don't know how to put it into words Draco. You have betrayed me, hurt me, yelled at me without cause and yet I can't will myself to leave. Please, Draco, please turn round."

"We stop checking for monsters under our beds when we realize they are inside us. I never used to understand what Sev meant with that. I think I do now. Harry I am a monster, don't try and deny it-" He added when Harry made to object. "-and if you keep trying to be my friend then you'll just get hurt. I'm the monster that's crawled out from under your bed. I don't want to hurt you."

"And this doesn't hurt?" Harry's voice cracked and Draco fought hard not to turn. He knew that one look upon Harry's face and his resolve would shatter. And so he stayed quiet, expression hidden in the darkness, wishing that he had never existed in the first place.

There was a creak behind him but he ignored it, glad that Harry was finally leaving so he could break down and howl back at the wind. He let out a loud yelp of surprise when a hand grabbed his shoulder and forced him round. The cold stone wall collided with his back and dark green eyes bore into his own. He glanced to the bars of his tower and saw them swinging open.

"Didn't Dumbledore say-"

"Fuck what Dumbledore says. Fuck what everyone says. All I care about right now is you, and what you have to say. Draco, do you really want me to leave?" And he tried, he honestly did. Those green eyes were burning with rage and passion and _aliveness_ that he couldn't do it. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe.

"Draco!"

"No!" He managed to gasp. "I don't ever want you to leave!"

Harry's lips collided with Draco's. It wasn't the softness he had imagined it to be, nor was it anything like their almost kiss. This was sloppy and fuelled by hot, raw emotions and returned with equal vigour.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione was worried; so worried in fact that she confronted Ron, whom she was most definitely not talking to.

"Where is Harry?"

"Don't know." He answered curtly.

"And don't care? Honestly Ronald, he was your best friend for 5 years, that must count for something. Did you see him this morning?"

"No, he buggered off in the middle of the night and didn't return. Now excuse me." And with that he barged his way out of the common room. She had seen Viktor off yesterday and it hadn't struck her until then that she'd probably been neglecting Harry somewhat. He'd had a difficult year and what with Ron ignoring him and the school abuzz with the rumour Draco had tried to let deatheaters in a few nights prior it was probably getting worse.

She was contemplating sneaking into the boy's dorm to see if the Marauder's Map was there when Harry bounded in. His hair was worse than normal and his cheeks flushed red from the cold. More strangely than that, he was smiling softly to himself. Hermione could not remember him smiling so honestly in months.

"Where have you been? What's happened?" He looked a little startled, as though he hadn't realized she was there.

"Oh um, hi Hermione. Nothing really, aren't you late for class?"

"My runes teacher is ill, Professor McGonagall told me to take a study period. Ron said you weren't in bed this morning." Harry's face seemed to darken at the name, but he continued to avoid the subject.

"Yeah well unfortunately I have lessons. I just came to grab my bag, I'll talk to you later 'Mione." And with that he bounded up the stairs to the boy's dorm.

"Harry!" Hermione shouted after him. "You don't have a lesson now, it's Tuesday!" She sat down to wait for him in one of the big plush armchairs. When he bounded back down a few minutes later and she spoke, he jumped with fright.

"Blimey Hermione! Shouldn't you be in the library by now?"

"Sit." Was all she said, arms folded. For a fleeting moment he looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar, poised ready to run. Then he flopped down into the chair closest to the fire, looking resigned.

"Where were you last night?"

"You sound like my mother."

"Answer the question Harry!"

"I was nowhere, just fancied a walk around the castle."

"Harry you are an atrocious liar and a fool. A walk around the castle in the dead of night has made you suddenly so happy you're bouncing off the walls?"

"Something like that. How's Viktor?"

"Stop trying to change the subject! Last time I saw you this happy was the day before you lost your memories. You talk to me now Harry Potter or I will sure as hell jinx it out of you!"

"Could you get hold of a pensive for me? Dumbledore is the only person I know with one and I really don't want to ask him."

"Where- wait what? What on earth do you want a pensive for?"

"I'd just like to know what memories he erased, even if I can't really remember them."

"I don't think a pensive works like that Harry, you have to have the memories in order to view them… unless… Harry is Draco still in the castle?"

"What?! No!" Harry flew to his feet, though to do what neither knew.

"Of course, I should have seen it sooner. I won't tell Harry, whatever your reasons I trust your judgement. I would appreciate if you talked to me a little more though. I know I've been busy while Viktor was in town and I'm sorry, but you're still my best friend Harry."

"I know." He said softly, sitting back down as the panic left him.

"So what did happen?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I tried to tell you."

* * *

><p>AN: Hello! Heavy dialogue I know but I couldn't see any other way to get though this scene. I am off in 5 days for an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Tanzania and won't return for a month. I won't even have a phone, let alone internet. I will endeavour to update as soon as possible once I'm back. Fe x<p> 


	18. Visions

_A/N Hello! First off, I am sorry for the months of waiting. I promised you a chapter when I returned from Africa in the summer, but not all went to plan and I was sent home early with some major health issues. I am getting back on track now, but still get very tired easily. Hopefully the update schedule will be back up and running, but I pre-apologise if its not. _

_Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy it, Fe x_

* * *

><p><em>Draco?<em>

The voice drifted through his sleep hazed mind. He could tell the air around him was frigid with cold so he burrowed deeper into his blankets, scrabbling to hold onto the warm remnants of his dream. It had been sweet and pure, to the point he questioned if it was reality. After all, his twisted mind was surely incapable of conjuring such happy images. Then again the chances of him and Potter actually skipping off into the sunset were slim to none.

_Draco?_

There was that voice again. It was almost as if Harry was trying to lure him back into the dream world. He could see no reason to resist.

"Draco!" With a start, the Slytherin opened his eyes. Cold air swirled around him as he blinked dazedly at Harry. He was all messy hair and sheepish grin as he stood there, blankets in hand.

"Give them back Potter! It's freezing up here!"

"I'll warm you up." He said with a grin before turning beet red. "Oh god that did not come out right. I mean, I was thinking about this last night, I could do a spell, I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner-"

"Harry breathe! There is no need to get so flustered." _No need at all given the dream I was just having about you. _"What are you trying you trying to say?"

"I could do a warming spell to this room, or create one of those little blue flames Hermione is so good at. It would make it a bit more bearable up here."

"Thank you, I'd like that." Harry looked up from his feet, still looking a little flustered. The small smile playing on Draco's lips was enough to make his heart soar despite how fleeting it was. And as the smile fell from his face, he drew in a little breath, preparing himself for the conversation he had played out in his head since last night.

"About what happened last night-"

"Don't, Draco, please don't." He had wanted to confront Harry about their not so almost kiss, and in his head he hadn't expected Harry to stay quiet, but he defiantly hadn't expected a downright refusal. New fears leapt through Draco's mind.

Was he reading too much into it? Was Harry about to say it hadn't mattered, or worse, that it was a mistake? Because something that had felt so right in ways nothing had for years couldn't possibly be called a mistake. Had Harry not felt the same as him? Had that moment not made him feel _alive_? And suddenly it made him feel angry. He was not going to let Harry simply shrug this off.

"Don't what, Harry? Don't make this more complicated? Oh sure, because it isn't already. Don't make this more painful? Fine, I don't see why it needs to be!"

"You're the one who made this complicated! All I was going to say is that it hardly seems fair, I only remember one kiss and you remember two."

"Oh." Was all Draco managed. Of course. He was just being stupid and jumping to conclusions and on the verge of ruining everything again. The bed beside him dipped as Harry sat down next to him. Without another word, Harry wrapped his arm round Draco and pulled him in close. Draco closed his eyes and breathed deeply, enjoying this moment of vibrance in his grey cell.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry touched the softness of Draco's hair. It was very fine, he had never realised before, and soothing to stroke. He had wanted to ask more about the memories, and put forward his suggestion of using a pensive to view Draco's side of them, but the blonde haired boy had fallen asleep in minutes and he didn't want to wake him.

His fingers slid to the prominent cheekbones and the hollows beneath them. _He must have stopped eating a long time ago to have become so gaunt. _His skin looked a little grey too. Harry made a mental note to ask Dobby to bring up a little extra each time.

_He still smells of apples. Maybe those are the only things he does eat._

Resting his head back against the cold wall, Harry let out a sigh. He was going to have to come up with a plan, Draco couldn't stay warded up here forever. And he had bigger plans to conquer too. Dumbledore said that the black thing from the room of requirement had been a horcrux, and if it had latched onto Bellatrix and escaped then the horcrux hadn't really been destroyed. How many more were there? And did this mean there are two versions of Lord Voldemort walking around now, on in his own body and one in Bellatrix's?

Harry's scar ached. It had been ever since the deatheaters failed to penetrate the castle; he could feel Voldemort's wrath and it was focused solely on this beautiful boy sleeping next to him. He was doing his best to block it out but he was scared it might over flow, that it might influence him to do something terrible. That had been the real reason he had not visited the first night. Voldemort was angry.

Another deep sigh escaped him. He was going to need to discuss this with someone or his head might just explode. He didn't have a clue as to whether or not Ron was speaking to him anymore, and Hermione often seemed to be in her own world. And whilst she had worked out Draco was in the castle, Dumbledore had made Harry swear not to talk about it with either of them.

He supposed there would be no harm in telling Draco, after all it wouldn't make him any more of a target –

Pain seared through his scar and Harry gritted his teeth, holding back the yell that followed. He tried to shut it out, to force his mind shut. But this was different. It wasn't anger. It was vengeance. Images started to flicker through and he clenched his jaw firmer. _Fight it, fight it._ But it was not enough.

_There was a woman lying on the ground. She was lying curled on her side with long blonde hair fanned out behind her. She was sobbing. It pleased him. "Beg to your master, Narcissa, and I might spare your life. I won't spare Draco's through. Your little traitor shall suffer greatly for what he has done. I shall enjoy making him scream." She tried to move, to get up. "No, please. Don't hurt my little boy, he didn't know what he was doing!" A rare smile crossed his lips; "Crucio." _

Harry snapped back out of the vision with a start. He was drenched in cold sweat and shaking. Miraculously, the blonde head in his lap slept on.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The next time Draco woke, the first thing he was aware of wasn't the cold. It was the warmth. He was cocooned in blankets, resting on a warm, albeit bony, pillow. The wind could still be heard howling outside but the air in the room was still.

He lifted his head. There was Harry, leaning at the wall at the foot of his bed. His green eyes were open, and they turned to Draco when he moved. They looked tired, but softened as he saw Draco.

"Hello."

"Hi, sorry I um fell asleep on you." His voice had turned a little gruff and he coughed to clear his throat.

"It's alright. You look more peaceful when you sleep, though your cheek bones are even more prominent. When did you stop eating properly?"

"God knows, I've never been one to eat lots. How long was I asleep?" Draco sat up and tried in vain to smooth his hair. It was getting greasy, its sleekness long gone.

"Only a couple of hours."

"Oh, do you have to get back? How stupid of me to waste our time like that."

"I still have a little while. So long as I'm down for breakfast no one will really realise I'm missing. I'm going to try and get into your dorm tomorrow. It will be the Hogsmead trip. Is there anything in particular you want me to find?"

"Something to do would be nice. Just clothes really, and that beautiful sneakoscope you gave me."

"Okay." Draco paused, something didn't seem quite right. He remembered the tired look in Harry's eyes before he realised Draco had woken. Harry's voice seemed a little flatter too.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I'm just a little tired. Have you started any of those books I left you yesterday?" Draco let the matter drop for now. He was sure however it wasn't just nothing.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry thought he was doing ok until he fell asleep in transfiguration and was awoke by a sharp reprimand from his head of house. He'd left Draco at about 4am in the end, but in the couple of hours spent in his own bed he didn't sleep. His mind had been awhirl with thoughts.

If it was his mother, and he could do nothing about it, would he want to know she was being tortured? And worse than that, because of him? He wasn't sure he would. It just didn't sit right however, keeping it from Draco when he had already voiced concerns about his mother's safety.

Harry felt sure there was nothing either of them could do about it. Given Dumbledore's reluctance to help Draco, he would be dead set against launching a rescue mission into Voldemort's liar just for his mother. He didn't think his threat of leaving would be taken quite so seriously this time.

So whilst McGonagall gave him a detention for sleeping, and Hermione shot him concerned glances, he decided there was only one thing he could do. He would go to Snape.

After all, he was Draco's godfather and to Harry's knowledge he was the only other person who knew of Draco's situation. And he would be in a position to get more answers, maybe even help. The only downside was that Harry would actually have to talk to the man.

The opportunity did not arise until after the evening meal. Snape left just as Harry began his second helping of pudding, so he wolfed it down and headed after the greasy black hair. By the time he reached Snape's office his resolve was already waning. Surely he could come to a conclusion on his own; there was no need to bother him. Still, he didn't know what had happened after Harry had pulled out of the vision. What if she were already dead?

The heavy door swung open and out stepped the man himself. He almost walked into Harry, not anticipating any students on his doorstep. He glared down his hooked nose at Harry, his face pulling into a sneer.

_Definitely the wrong choice. Oh merlin, he's going to skin me alive for turning up like this. _

"Mr Potter, what an unpleasant surprise."

"Professor, sir, sorry to have bothered you." Harry turned to bolt but a hand secured itself around his shoulder.

"Not so fast. What, pray tell, has bought you to lurk on my doorstep?"

"Draco." With that one word, Snape's face seemed to turn paler. His grip tightened, fingernails digging in. He jerked Harry roughly, pulling him into the office.

"You are meant to be feigning the ignorance you so naturally manage, Potter. Dumbledore explicitly said you were not to bring this up, even with your friends Granger and Weasley." Snape's voice was low and his dark eyes bore into Harry's. Never before had he felt this intimidated despite Snape's many lectures. "My godson is only safe while his continued existence within the castle is kept unknown."

"I know that!" Harry bit back. "It's about his mother, Narcissa." If possible, Snape paled further still. He creased the front of Harry's robes and pulled him in.

"What do you know?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I…I saw her being toutured, by Voldemort. I don't know what happened after that." Snape's eyes flickered to his scar then back to his eyes.

"Did you tell him?"

"No." Snape let go of a sigh.

"Good. Don't. There is nothing that boy can do for his poor mother now." Harry felt his anger surge at the finality in Snape's voice. Yes, they couldn't do anything, but surely he could. Before Harry could get a word out however Snape softly continued; "She is not dead, nor will she be while Draco is here. The Dark Lord is saving that for Draco to see in person, and in the hope his mother might lure him home. Lucius is no good, he all but disowned the boy upon hearing, struck him from the will. But Narcissa lives, that's what matters." Harry wished he had left off the part about the will, it would just be another thing he couldn't tell Draco. Snape's voice was harsh again. "And you need to be more discrete. Falling asleep in your lessons and letting your grades slip will draw attention, and Dumbledore is unhappy enough as it is with that stunt you pulled. Now get out of my sight Potter, I see enough of you in the day." The last part was said in such a way that almost made Harry think he didn't mean it. Almost.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry didn't visit that night. He meant to, but while waiting for the other boys in his dorm to fall asleep he dosed off too. It was late when he woke, apple scented dreams fading away, and most of the boys were already preparing for the Hogsmead trip.

Draco didn't sleep all night. He'd slept most of the day after all, and he wanted to be awake this time. But as the sun rose pink in the cold winter sky he had to concede that this time, Potter wasn't coming. His feeling that something was wrong grew.


	19. Snape's Warning

It was quite amazing how much _stuff_ one person could fit into a trunk. Harry felt sure that Draco must have used extension charms, his dorm room was littered with things and yet the chest still seemed full. Harry crossed to the mahogany dresser and pulled open the draw to reveal yet more clothes. He pulled out several items and began stuffing them into a bag. The softness of the fabric as it slipped through his fingers couldn't be missed.

_Ponce_. Even in his head though, it sounded affectionate. Rummaging through the next draw he found several pairs of thick woollen socks and a deep green knitted jumper. He put those in too. He was acutely aware that he didn't have a lot of time, with Draco seemingly gone the other 6th year boys might have moved back in to the dorm, and he would be flayed alive if he were caught.

Harry moved to pull open the top draw and let out a yelp, pulling his hand back as if burnt. He was going to leave it be, but muttered _finite incantateum _out of curiosity. This time his touch was not greeted with pain. Cautiously he pulled it open. It wasn't full of clothes as the others had been, but old letters, memorabilia, expensive looking cuff links and leather bound books. Diaries.

It would all be in there. The information, the memories, he had lost.

He couldn't leave them here, not if the Slytherins moved back in. It would not do for anyone to be reading stuff like that. He carefully picked them up and put those into the bag, adding the letters too just in case. From the desk he took some books, a wizard chess set and some blank parchment. He pulled Draco's winter robe out of the cupboard, scooped everything up and pulled on the invisibility cloak. He'd just turned to leave when he remembered Draco's other requested.

Harry looked around the room for the sneakoscope, spotting in on his bed side table. He rushed back to carefully pick that up too, along with his note which sat under it. And with that, Harry left.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

"Really Potter, you can't have found anything half-way decent? What about winter pyjamas? Are you even listening to me?"

"Hmm…? Oh sorry. It's your stuff is it not, why complain about the things you own?" Draco looked down at Harry, sat on his bed, eyes narrowing. Despite what Harry was saying, Draco knew something was up. Call it his Slytherin senses tingling. He did not appreciate his only company beyond that stingy elf actively keeping things from him. He took a seat.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Harry said a little too quickly. Draco raised one slim eyebrow. "Honestly, don't worry about it."

"How you Gryffindors survive the world is beyond me. You are an atrocious liar and an even worse actor. Spit it out."

"Don't, Draco. Look, I found these journals and letters whilst I was packing your bags. Thought it was better to bring them than leave them to the mercy of your housemates." Harry pulled the paper out of his robes and Draco snatched for them at once.

"How?! That draw was spelled shut and cursed; you shouldn't have been able to get it." Draco eyed Harry up and down suspiciously. He knew what he'd done to that draw and he knew it worked too; Zabini had tried to break in last year on a dare and he had had no way to hide it. He'd spent two days in the hospital wing to recover from the burns, and another two weeks nursing his ego. "Show me your hands."

"What?"

"Show them to me Potter!" Harry almost flinched at the command, but diligently held out his hands none the less. Draco took hold of them in his own gently, feeling bad for startling Harry like that. They were rough and calloused from all the time spent on a broom stick, thin and bony like the rest of him, but completely devoid of any recent burning.

Draco tore his eyes away, glaring at Potter as if he could intimidate the truth out of him. All he got back were wide green eyes and eyebrows knitted into a look of confusion. It would seem Harry had no more idea than him as to how he'd escaped unscathed. Realising he was still holding Harry's hand, Draco dropped it quickly. He cleared his throat.

"So..um, did you read them?" A look of guilt quickly flittered across Harry's face. Draco felt his stomach sink. He could only hope he hadn't had time to read them all. Draco had found himself turning to his diaries more and more as his life had darkened, they included all of his workings on the cabinet, all his fear. And worse than that, they contained his hope. All of which centred on the messy haired explosion of life stood in front of him.

No matter what Harry was to him, there were some things he could simply not know. Some things that nobody should ever know.

"I wanted to." Harry said quietly. Draco felt his stomach flutter.

"But you didn't?"

"No! Of course not. I wanted to know all of the memories you took from me, and what I had really meant to you, but I couldn't. I don't think reading them would make the memories mine. It would be like I'd stolen them."

"Mean, Harry."

"What?"

"What you mean to me Harry, not what you meant." Draco's voice was hushed, but in the closed walls of the tower room Harry heard it clearly.

"What do I mean to you?" Replied Harry in a voice to match. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he felt at once too close and too far from Draco. The silence before Draco answered was deafening.

"A lot. You've always meant a lot, a lot of different things in a lot of different ways." Draco drew in a shuddering breath. He owed this to Harry, no matter how hard it was to say. "At first you meant everything I wanted to have, fame, power, the wizarding world worshiping at your feet. Then you were a challenge, a rival. The person who I strived to beat at every corner. You became my obsession, what it would mean if I beat you, if I gave you to the dark lord. Then you were my downfall.

"You made me question everything I believed in. You made me see that what I am has no impact on what I _can_ become. You gave me hope when I didn't realise I'd already lost mine. I have envied you, hated you, resented you, feared you, feared for you, and now? Now I think I-" Draco's voice broke off. He had been so lost in his confession he'd let _that_ word slip lose. And even as he realised how true it had become, he couldn't say it. His mouth moved aimlessly, waiting for words which wouldn't come.

A finger pressed tenderly to his lips.

"I understand." Draco felt the bundle of tension in his chest snap. Lips replaced a finger, and, suddenly, all was right with the world.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry left the Dark Tower mid-afternoon, as the first trickles of students could be seen returning from Hogsmead. His mind was still spinning with all that Draco had said to him, and his lips still tingled with the ghost of their kiss.

He had to get him out of there soon. It must be so dreary alone in that tower, with no contact but himself. And with no news of home. Harry's stomach tied itself in uncomfortable knots as he thought of all he hadn't said to Draco.

Grimmauld Place was his now, there was no really reason why Draco couldn't reside there. He'd have more room to roam and be safer at any rate. Somehow the idea of someone else being trapped there like Sirius was was too much. It was that in part that had driven Sirius to the ministry that dreadful night. Harry refused to let anything like that ever happen again.

There were other Order safe houses of course, but Harry had a hunch that wouldn't go down well with anyone. There was also the selfish little voice in the back of Harry's mind saying he didn't want to send Draco that far away from himself.

Harry was lost in his thoughts, strolling through empty corridors. Hands seized the back of his robes. It was with complete surprise and a yelp that he was pulled into a classroom. He spun round, hand in his pocket to draw his wand.

"Not so fast, Potter." Snape's wand was inches from his nose. He took a hurried step back, hitting the wall, in an attempt to get away from his least favourite teacher. "Good job I wasn't really attacking you. You'd be dead."

"I was distracted."

"Hmm. I can see that. How's Draco?" Snape sneered down at him. Harry found himself fighting hard to not punch the slimy git in the face.

"Just fine." Harry managed through clenched teeth. Snape was stood far too close for comfort, and his wand was still drawn.

"I have news from his family."

"You do?" The ambiguity of Snape's sentence made Harry's heart clench. What if Voldemort had killed Draco's mother after all?

"I believe I just said that Potter. His father is refusing to accept Draco ran away of his own accord and believes he is still in the castle. He is planning to use his right as a father and his considerable influence to get Draco out of the castle. I don't think either of us wants that to happen."

"Can't Dumbledore stop him?" Snape simply looked at Harry, eyebrow raised. "You don't think he will try, do you?" When the professor shook his head Harry felt rage boil up inside him. "Well why the fuck not?! Draco is as much a student here as I am, he's done more to save people than half the pupils here. Draco will die if Dumbledore hands him over, and there is no way that bastard doesn't know it!"

"My, my Potter. Mind your language." For a fleeting moment Harry thought Snape was about to dock points from him. "Think carefully now Potter, if he can make it seem like he has no choice, maybe even get some flimsy assurance from Lucius his son won't be harmed, and Draco is sent back to the Dark Lord who then kills him, who would you have blamed? Where would you direct your anger?"

Harry's mind was spinning as he tried to process what he was hearing. Snape had a point that Harry would have automatically blamed Voldemort, but why would Dumbledore want to get rid of Draco in the first place?

"Careful Potter, I think I can smell smoke." Harry shot him a fierce glare.

"Why does Dumbledore want Draco out of the castle so badly?"

"Not out of the castle, out of the _way_. What did you say the night of the cabinet?" Harry cast his mind back. It had been pretty late and the adrenaline had been starting to leave his system. He'd pointed out Snape was still around and he'd been marked, but somehow Harry didn't think that was what Snape was getting at. He was pretty sure he'd called Dumbledore 'old man' too when he'd been trying to make sure Draco could stay-

"I threatened to leave if Draco did." He said slowly.

"Ding!"

"But I still don't get it!"

"You challenged his authority. Whilst Draco is alive and here he is _in the way_. Dumbledore told you to get a memory of Horace, yes? But you failed to because _he _distracted you. How many times have you landed yourself in hospital in the past three months?" Harry opened his mouth for a retort but Snape cut across him. "How many times did _he _have something to do with it? What would you do to because of _him?_" Well, he already knew the answer to that.

"Anything I had to in order to keep him safe." Snape's eyes widened and for a moment Harry was taken aback at the clear display of emotion. The Professor clearly hadn't actually expected him to say anything. Within seconds however the mask was back up.

"Then you understand Potter." He turned to leave and was half way through the door when Harry spoke up.

"Whose side are you really on?" Snape turned to look at Harry. He was smiling, and it almost appeared genuine.

"Well isn't that the million galleon question?" The door slammed shut.

* * *

><p>AN Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me, the response from readers, new and old alike, has been great. I've really enjoyed writing Snape, his snarkiness is great to work with. For those asking for more about Hermione and Krum; patience! There will be much more of them in the future, but right now it's Draco's problems I'm focusing on :) Please review, each one makes me smile


	20. True Friends

After Harry's run in with Snape, he returned to the Gryffindor common room. How much time did he have? Surely Dumbledore would say something to him before they took Draco. Then again, maybe not. Harry felt the unwavering trust he had once placed in the elderly wizard rapidly waning.

Not long after Harry got in, Hermione landed next to him. Her face was flushed from the cold and she was smiling gently. She'd spent the day in Hogsmeade with Viktor; they'd gone Christmas shopping and had had a vigorous snowball fight before finding a quiet, warm corner in a tea shop. Her expression faltered slightly as she saw Harry's frown.

"Harry, what's wrong?"

"I... Hermione what if we've been wrong, about Dumbledore?"

"Dumbledore? I don't think I understand." Harry looked up. He took in the almond eyes and the bushy hair and in that moment realised just how much he missed having real friends. When had he stopped telling them everything? It was longer than this year; it probably stemmed all the way back to his lonely summer before fifth year.

They always used to be so close – the golden trio. But now Ron wasn't talking to him, and Hermione suddenly had her own friends that had nothing to do with him. Maybe that was why he'd started reaching out to Draco in the first place. He was desperate for someone to connect with.

"Can we go somewhere private? I've got a lot to tell you." Hermione nodded and stood at once, offering a hand to help pull him up.

A few minutes later they found themselves in a disused storage space near to the History of Magic classroom. Hermione had transfigured a couple of the piles of old text books into comfy armchairs and was now sat, silent and expectant.

Harry took a deep breath. He might as well start at the beginning as he remembered it.

He explained all about fainting at Slughorn's party, the quidditch match and understanding that Draco had modified his memories. He spoke about going to the hospital wing in the middle of the night and about Draco's plan to let the deatheaters in. Hermione paled at that part, realising how close the castle had come to a blood bath.

It was nothing however, next to her reaction when Harry explained about Voldemort's horcruxes and how Bellatrix had seemingly taken in the freed part of her master's soul. Once Hermione had exhausted her questions on horcruxes he went on. Now he had begun he was finding it hard to stop. There was just so much to say. The only thing he left out was Draco's self-harm. He didn't feel that was his to tell.

She seemed to take the news about Dumbledore planning to give up Draco with less shock than Harry would have expected, and about Snape's elusiveness over sides. He had felt so betrayed by his realisations about the old man. Like with Lupin, it seemed she had worked it out before him however.

It became Hermione's turn to talk. The subject of Grindelwald had come up at one point and Krum had heard some interesting tales which he passed on; that Dumbledore had been just as power hungry as his once friend and had been in the scuffle which had killed his sister. She also said she thought Dumbledore had let Harry go to the match in the hope that Harry's attentions might be diverted from Draco.

She also mentioned being in the hospital wing after Romilda Vane had attacked her. With a wave of guilt Harry realised he'd been so wrapped up in his Draco problems to even ask how she was.

"I'm sorry I've been such a lousy friend Hermione. I should have been there for you." She put a friendly arm around his shoulders and flopped her head onto him.

"Yes, you should have. But I should have been there for you too. I was lost in the whirlwind of love and chose to write off my concerns about you because I thought you were fine. What are you going to do about Lucius Malfoy?"

"I wish I knew. Kind of hoped you could help, being the brilliant one and all." He smiled weakly.

"We will make something work, we always do. How much time do you think we have to get him out of the castle?"

"A couple of days? Snape seemed to think Dumbledore would make a show of putting up a fight for a few days to appease me, but then again he seems pretty keen to get it over with. I don't really think we have time to waste."

"Would Snape help do you think?" Harry pulled a sceptical face.

"Merlin only knows whose side he is on. He seems pretty intent on protecting Draco, but I don't know if it is worth the risk. He may be a good occlumens but he is in both Dumbledore's and Voldemort's pockets."

"Then we will have to come up with something ourselves. Viktor would help, he still has a couple of days before he has to leave for another match." Harry noticed how conspicuously absent Ron's name was from any of these plans. He didn't feel the same draw to seeking out and confessing in his old friend as he had with Hermione. In all honesty they'd been rocky since Harry's name had come out of the goblet of fire, and it seemed that Harry had pushed it too far. Ron had moved onto Lavender and Harry didn't find himself mourning the loss. He had always been too flighty, too quick to jump to conclusions then refusing to accept he was wrong. At least Krum seemed a little more loyal.

"Please don't be offended, but are you sure we can trust him?"

"Yes." Hermione's answer was immediate and unfaltering. Harry considered it all for a moment.

"I'm not sure I could put my faith in someone I don't really know with something as important as Draco. But I trust you. And if you trust him then I guess that will have to be enough." Her answering smile was broad and beautiful. While he'd stopped looking Hermione had transformed from awkward teenager to a brilliant young woman. He grabbed her in a tight hug. They were all growing up too fast.

"I love you 'mione. Don't let me forget it again. Krum is so lucky to have you."

"You too, Harry, you too. And if Draco doesn't appreciate what he's got I'll hex him into his next life."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

They'd remained in the cupboard for two more hours, working out the flaws in each new idea until a plan was finally formed. It was well past curfew when they slipped out and back to the common room. Just as Harry moved towards the stairs to his dorm, Hermione grabbed his wrist. She was biting her lip.

"Harry… You weren't planning on leaving too were you?" She seemed to assume the worst from his hesitation.

"I don't know. I don't want him to have to face this alone, and I'm going to have to go horcrux hunting sooner or later. I also don't want him that far from me, stupid as it sounds. If I don't go then the threat I made to Dumbledore would prove empty, but if I don't stay I might be unable to find all the horcruxes when the time comes. I might not be able to fight well enough, or miss something vital in my haste to leave. My brain is telling me to stay put, but my heart's screaming back." She nodded, a sad understanding in her eyes.

"Do what you have to Harry, but try not to do anything you'll regret. Leaving means never coming back." Harry hadn't thought of it like that. Hogwarts was his home after all; he didn't want it all to be over so soon. But…

"I think my night will be sleepless enough as it is, 'mione. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco was surprised to get a visit from Harry midmorning, even if it was Sunday. With the exception of yesterday they had only ever meet in the cover of darkness. He was even more surprised to see Harry was clutching a broom.

"Fancy a fly, Potter? I must say, its fine weather, even if your plan is flawed." When Draco's sarcasm failed to get any reaction out of Harry he frowned. "What's happened?"

Harry moved into the little tower room and landed heavily on the bed after propping the broom up. Draco moved to sit next to him.

"Your father has worked out you're here, and he is trying to take you away." Draco visibly paled. It was not so much the thought of his father which scared him, it was the certainty that he would be handed straight over to the dark lord.

"But Dumbledore could stop him surely!" He burst out, aware of how much he sounded like a petulant child. "He's supposed to be all powerful, a saviour and all that!"

"I'm sure he could. We don't think he will though." Harry wrapped his arms firmly around the shaking boy. He was taking this worse than he'd anticipated. "That's why we are going to get you out."

"How?" Draco croaked, his eyes were wide with fear. Gone was the snide arrogant boy Harry had first met. The boy who expected everything to be handed to him on a platter without thinking twice about it. The man who stood in his place seemed so much more real. He displayed real emotions, even if they were solely for Harry.

"Me and Hermione have come up with a plan. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing, I'm going to make sure you're safe Draco." He was running his hand though the silky platinum hair, trying to soothe him as much as possible.

"Why? Why does my safety matter so much?" The question which had been plaguing Draco during the dark of night bubbled to the surface now.

"Because I can't bear to lose you." The answer was much simpler than Draco had expected and it left him speechless. He understood fully what the raven haired boy was saying – he felt it too.

Draco lent in without hesitation. He had meant it to be a soft kiss, gentle. His imminent departure however left both boys feeling desperate for the others warmth. Harry's arms tightened around Draco's waist. Slender fingers tightened in black hair, holding Harry to him.

They fell back onto the hard bed, Harry leaning over Draco as he rained a flurry of kisses over the sharp jawline, the pale neck. A soft moan escaped as Harry gave a soft nip just below his ear. Draco pulled Harry's head back up, eager to feel more of the hot, soft lips on his own.

"What the hell are we doing?" Harry tried to say, it came out more as a breathy moan.

"I don't know and I really don't care, shut up and kiss me." Harry was more than happy to oblige.


	21. Best Laid Plans

A/N; Hello! This is a pretty action packed chapter, and I've been cruel about where I left it. Hopefully I'll get another chapter up as an early Christmas present to make it all better... I'd really appreciate any reviews, they are great at getting me writing. Thank you very much to everyone who has read this far and continues to, the support you give is great.

Fe x

* * *

><p>Harry checked his watch again. It was nearly time. He felt like pacing, but there was hardly room in the little tower.<p>

"Would you sit? For Merlin's sake Potter, you're making me edgy too." Draco's voice was thin; Harry could tell the blonde felt just as nervous as himself. The plan was happening too fast and it felt like something was about to go terribly wrong. But what choice did they have? If Draco stayed put death would surely find him. At least this way, if they made a break for it, he had a chance of eluding death.

There was a noise on the ladder below. Both boys' eyes snapped to it instantly. When a head of bushy hair appeared through the trap door, they both released a tense breath.

"Viktor is in place, its time. A carriage has just come up from Hogsmeade, I don't think we have much time." Draco gave a stiff nod, barely looking at Hermione. A hand appeared on his arm.

"It's okay to be scared Draco."

"I'm not scared Potter." Draco spat back at him. But he was, he was terrified. The green eyes staring at him seemed to know it, but Harry made no further comment.

"Better get a move on then." Draco nodded again; words were beginning to fail him. Never before had he jumped so blindly into the unknown with all of his faith in other people. Draco picked up his bundle of things and Harry's broom from where it rested and moved to the doorway. It had been two weeks since he left this tiny space and sure the door had been opened but they'd never thought it wise for him to pass though. They didn't know if he could.

Suddenly so much of this plan rested on that one unknown, whether or not Draco would be able to cross the threshold. Setting off an alarm wouldn't really matter – he had no intention of hanging around.

With a deep breath, he crossed the threshold. Instantly a loud warbling shriek filled Draco's head. He clapped his hands to his ears but it did nothing to drown out the noise. A blooming headache was spreading across like a migraine, causing him to lose his balance. A hand caught him. Harry's hand. Why did Harry not his hands clamped to his own ears, why did his face show only worry and not pain?

It occurred to him then that perhaps the noise _was_ only in his head. Even if it was though, it made little difference, the pain was hindering enough. Draco stumbled backwards into the room. As suddenly as the noise had begun it stopped, leaving only a faint ringing in his ears.

"So what the hell do we do now?" Draco growled. He wiped tears away angrily; he didn't know where they'd sprung from. Harry and Hermione exchanged concerned glances. They didn't know either.

"Do you think Dumbledore will have heard that?" Harry asked.

"Not in the same why but I expect he knows. We haven't got time to waste."

"I _know that_. But how the hell is he supposed to fly a broom when he can barely stand up straight?" Harry's voice was rapidly rising and Draco realised with a start he was panicking. If Harry Potter was panicked he really was screwed. He was starting to feel rather sick. Hermione's brow was furled in a frown. She seemed to be thinking very carefully on what to say next.

"Harry, you could fly the broom, if you get him over the boundaries then Viktor could take him from there. The spell should also ease with distance." She made it very clear she didn't think Harry should fly him all the way to London.

"It's a bloody long way to fly two to a- what was that?" Draco had heard it too. It was the noise of slamming doors and hurried footfalls echoing up the dark tower. Time was definitely up.

Harry grabbed the broom and the front of Draco's jumper. He forcefully pulled them out of the room and manhandled Draco onto the broom, who was now half doubled over in pain. Hermione pushed his meagre belongings into one hand which he gripped blindly as Harry grabbed the other arm to wrap round himself. Harry kicked off hard and they lurched into the air, rocketing away from the tower top as Dumbledore and Kingsley Shacklebolt burst through the trapdoor.

The broom was pitching wildly from the extra weight and Harry fought to keep control. Behind him he could hear Draco's whimpers, it didn't seem to be easing yet. The red light of a stunner flew past, missing Harry by inches. Harry decided to let the broom pitch a little more, making them a harder target to hit.

He didn't know how much further to the boundary, he hoped it wasn't much. How he was going to get a quivering Draco off his broom and onto Krums mid-air without any of them falling to the ground was currently beyond him; he'd worry about it if -when- they got there.

Another stunner, zooming past his ear this time. The next jinx he heard but did not see, but he felt Draco stiffen behind him. At least, Harry thought ruefully, he didn't have to worry about Draco loosing his grip and falling.

Flying though the dark and the cold with a frozen dead weight on his back was probably the hardest flying he'd ever done. The windchill made the frozen air tight in his chest, like sharp icicles were forming there. Adrenaline coursed though his veins, his heart beat like a war drum in his head.

He would not lose, he had promised Draco he would protect him and Harry Potter does not break promises.

A dark figure loomed out of the darkness, and for a fleeting moment Harry feared dementors. He almost zoomed straight past Krum since he'd been travelling so fast.

"Harry? Vat is going on?!"

"The wards," Harry gasped "Its setting off alarms in Draco's head or something. You've got to help me get him onto your broom." Harry risked a glance back down to the castle. It was glowing brightly in the velvet night and seemed rather small from way up here. At least they seemed to be out of firing range now. They had managed to buy themselves a moment of respite, but Harry thought it unlikely to hold.

Viktor seemed to realize that now was not the time to be asking more questions. He pulled his broom up alongside Harry's, hanging slightly further back.

"Harry, put your leg over my broom, to hold ze two together." Harry did as he was bid. He could feel Draco moving weakly behind him, trying to be helpful but not succeeding much. As Harry held the brooms steady, Krum pulled Draco across so that Draco was sat in front of him.

"Thank you, Viktor. I won't forget this. I must get back; I'll try and buy you as much time as possible. You know the address right?"

"I know it, I shall send that hus elf when we arrive."

"Thank you. I'll see you soon Draco, I promise." The blonde warily lifted his head. It was clear his head was still pounding but hopefully it would ease as Hermione said.

"I was counting on it." Draco's smile was weak but genuine. It made Harry forget the biting cold around him, the shitstorm that was waiting on the ground, the reasons why he had to turn back. In that moment it made Harry forget everything but the beautiful, brave man before him.

Krum pulled the broom around and shot of into the darkness. They were gone too quick for Draco to hear Harry's parting words.

"I love you."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione fiddled nervously with her fingers. She was perched on a rather hard chair in Dumbledore's office under the old man's watchful scrutiny. So far he was yet to say a word, he just stared down that long crooked nose in a way which said only one thing.

_I'm disappointed in you._

The plan had gone hideously wrong. It seemed now that Harry was gone too and she was left to this big old castle alone. She should have expected it, prepared for it. _Of course_ Dumbledore wouldn't have been so stupid as to leave an easy way out. They should never have tried such a foolish scheme!

What if one of the boys had been hit by the fierce flurry of spells? Dumbledore and Shacklebolt had been unsure in the darkness – that was why Kingsley was now out combing the grounds. And even if they had escaped, it was over 500 miles to London. One to a broom, that journey would be bad enough, but sharing? They'd be slowed down inexorably. Worse still, if deatheaters got wind of the fact Harry Potter was flying about in the skies of Britain-

"Stop your fretting Miss Granger. What's done is done. What happens from here on out is up to those boys. Now I suggest you explain to me exactly how this dilemma has come about-" Dumbledore was interrupted by two figures bursting through the door. The first was tall and dark, the second windswept and pale.

"Harry!" Hermione leapt from her seat to wrap both arms around Harry in a tight hug. "What happened? Are they alright?!" Harry merely nodded to flopped into Hermione's vacated chair. His exhaustion ran bone deep. The adrenaline was flooding from his system and he'd spent so many nights awake with Draco over the last fortnight it was starting to catch up.

He just wanted to sleep but cold worry still gnawed at him. It would be hours before he knew if they'd make it to Grimmauld Place safely. And first he had to deal with Dumbledore.

"Harry." Dumbledore's voice was carefully balanced but contained a dangerous hint Hermione had never heard before.

"Professor." Silence echoed round the room. Hermione itched to question Harry but knew she was unlikely to get full honest answers here. She glanced at Shaklebolt who was shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably. Dumbledore had turned his disapproving stare to Harry, who in turn was staring at the faded rug beneath his feet.

It felt like something was about to crack.

"You may leave." Dumbledore turned away. The simmering anger had faded, he looked like an old man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Harry stood and nodded. Hermione expected more from him. He looked at her and gestured his head towards the door. Together, they left.

"Why did he let you go like that?" Hermione whispered as soon as they were off the staircase.

"Because we have nothing left to say to each other. He's realised he can't trust me, and I can't trust him. Things may be a little strained in Hogwarts over the coming months."

"That'll make little change. It went alright then? Viktor was in the right place?"

"Yep, it went remarkably well all things considered. We managed to get him onto Viktor's broom and then they pelted off, I think you were right about the wards easing with distance." Hermione was about to smile and point out that of course she'd been right when they heard hurried footsteps. Snape's hooked nose rounded the corner, followed by the billowing robes. He stopped short.

"Potter. Draco is not in the castle." It was not phrased as a question.

"No, he is not."

"You got him out? Lucius does not have him?"

"He's out, and headed somewhere safe."

"Good. We can only hope Lucius loves his son enough not to tell the Dark Lord straight away."

"We can hope."

"Good evening, Potter."

"Good evening Professor."

Snape bowed his head and continued past them, quickly going out of sight. Hermione turned to him, eyebrows raised.

"Since when did we trust Snape more than Dumbledore?"

"Since he wanted to protect people important to me."

"You really must love him. I've never seen you so fierce about anything." And no matter how difficult it was for Hermione to reconcile the image of Malfoy calling her mudblood with the Draco Harry loved, she did not regret her actions. They'd done the right thing.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The headache had steadily eased. By the time they crossed the English border it was little more than a dull throb and other things were starting to take precedent. Such as the cold. He should have been used to it after all those nights in the tower, but he wasn't. He envied Krum's thick gloves and cloak.

The wind whistled past his frozen ears. It was a high pitched whine that threatened to reawaken his headache. Tucked in one pocket was his bundle of things, shrunk down by Krum. Both hands were numb on the broom handle.

It was still night, but the moon was dipping. On the eastern horizon a faint glow was just visible. The wind was really starting to get on his nerves. It seemed to be getting louder and louder.

And with a sinking feeling Draco realised it wasn't wind. It was Harry's sneakoscope, currently miniaturised in his pocket.

"Viktor? I think we have company."


	22. Battle of the Clouds

The face behind the mask was grinning as it flew alongside Draco and Krum. They'd been hard on the hunt all night, he felt he could be forgiven for playing with them a little. The Malfoy brat and spoilt foreigner who flew with him.

Yes; he had a lot of pent up frustration with the Malfoys. It would be nice to throw some back at the little traitor. Their faces were pale. _They look scared _Dolohov thought gleefully to himself. So they should be. The Dark Lord would reward him well for bringing them in.

_I want Draco alive. Kill any others who get in the way. _

His master's words echoed though his head. Alive, he'd said. He hadn't said _unharmed_. Krum fired a quick curse at him, almost catching him off guard. He rolled over to the other side of them – it was so much easier without a broom. He could just flit out of the way of any feeble spells, continuing to toy like a cat with a mouse.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw another deatheater zoom past. It looked to be Rodolphus, from the mask. That made him smile all the more – another who would want darling Draco to suffer first.

Another spell aimed his way, the red of a stunner. He evaded it easily. A flash going the other way, towards Rodolphus. That too missed. Dolohov laughed, even in such close quarters they were pathetic. He moved a little closer and bellowed into the wind.

"Well well well, what have we here? A lost little Malfoy, how about we take you home to Daddy." In the darkness the whites of Draco's eyes clearly shone. When he mentioned Malfoy senior however the scared look in them vanished, to be replaced by defiance. He urged the broom quicker.

"I have a message for my father, and the Dark Lord for that matter. Fuck you." Krum's curse was fired quick, and caught his shoulder as he rolled away. He gritted his teeth in pain, feeling as if on fire.

"That wasn't a very nice thing to say, Draco. Stupefy!" Rodolphus had taken his place. The spell was easily blocked – why couldn't the idiot use non-verbal incantations. He tried again and again, whilst Dolohov struggled to bring his pain under control.

Draco was trying to squeeze every last ounce of speed out of the broom. They were managing to get some lead on the injured deatheater, but the other kept to their tail. The flashes of light, both protective and offensive, were flying thick and fast. There was nothing Draco could do but try and get them out of there, after all, Dumbledore still had his wand. If Krum lost his, or was knocked out, they'd really have no hope.

On the bright side, at least Krum seemed to be cursing back as good as he got.

_Wham!_ As Draco had tilted his head to see how Krum was doing a great weight collided with him. He toppled from the broom. Dolohov's hands were tight around the neck of his cloak, cutting of his air. He tried desperately to land a punch. They were spiralling round and round. Draco had no idea which way was up. He swung again, making contact with a flabby neck. There was a grunt of pain but the iron grip did not loosen.

He was starting to see spots in his vision. Wildly he swung again, this time colliding with shoulder. It was more than a grunt this time, all at once Dolohov's hands vanished. Draco was falling to the ground, dead weight without even a wand to save himself.

In the back of his mind he remembered the last quidditch match, when he'd fallen from his broom. It had been bright day light then, and he had been saved by Potter. Harry. He was too far away to be coming to any rescue now.

And only one thought swirled through his head as he plummeted. He should never have held back around Harry. He should have kissed him, and told him, and made as much of living when he could.

Another black blur hit him again, knocking the wind out of Draco. He could hear Krum's voice, calling to him. He tried to struggle again, throwing punches. He'd be damned if he was going to let them take him alive.

Draco knocked off the mask. He recognised Crabbe's large features, and with a sinking feeling realised they'd been joined by more deatheaters. Crabbe had him in a bear hug now, pinning his arms to his sides. He writhed but got nowhere. The fat face before him smirked. Anger bubbled in Draco. Without thinking he bit Crabbe's nose, as hard as he could. The smirk turned to an enraged grimace.

A blue jet of light collided with Crabbe's neck, burning across Draco's back as it went. Crabbe's eyes went wide in shock and pain as Draco finally slipped from his grip. Draco was falling again. He could see Krum on the broom, twenty, thirty feet above him. The seeker went in to a sharp dive.

Krum caught hold of him under the arms. Draco cried out from the pain in his back as he was manhandled back onto the broom.

"What the fuck was that curse?" Draco managed to gasp.

"Scalding vorter, I vas trying not to hit you." Krum did have the grace to look apologetic. He looked around, keen eyes scanning the skies. "Ve need to get out of here, there vill be more. Here." Krum handed Draco his wand, then with both hands on the broom leant low and took off. Draco had one arm wrapped tightly round Krum's waist and the wand gripped tightly in the other. He watched carefully for the tell-tale black blur.

Draco gritted his teeth. He'd been in far too much pain for one evening. The sun was slowly brightening the skies. That should make them easier to spot. The sneakoscope was still tucked safely in Draco's pocket, but he doubted he hear much above the wind before it was too late.

They flew on for another twenty minutes, by which time Draco was starting to think they'd lost them. The sun was visible on the eastern horizon and the sky was starting to lose its pink hue. There was a crack which echoed through the clouds. Over to the west, a Deatheater had appeared.

Draco gripped the wand a little firmer. The black robes billowed behind them as they zoomed closer. Closer.

"Avada Kedavra!"

Green light burst from the wand, finding its mark on the Deatheaters chest. The figure stopped heading for them and instead fell to the ground. It was that easy. Vitkor turned to him, an eyebrow raised. He didn't say anything, just looked back to the skies ahead.

Draco felt sick. He didn't even know which Deatheater it had been, he'd just fired. It could have been his aunt, or even his father.

By the time they reached 12 Grimmauld Place, Draco felt exhausted. The pain in his back had barely eased. He looked at the note Harry had written before seeing the dilapidated house materialise. He barely even bothered to appreciate it, just fought his way up the steps and inside. His legs were stiff.

Barely over the threshold he tripped over a hideous troll leg. They landed with a clatter and a shriek. Krum rushed to his side as the door at the end of the corridor swung open. An ugly little house elf rushed out, garbling and yelling almost as much as that infernal painting.

"Shut it you old hag!" Draco bellowed back. To his intense relief the painting actually shut up, as did the house elf.

"You're of black blood." He looked up at the painting, and recognised her. He groaned internally. Weakly, he nodded. Krum pulled him up. Together they stumbled to the door through which Kreacher had come. Draco collapsed on a chair, and remained there as Krum did his best to treat the blistered burn line. By the time he was done Draco was unconscious against the table.

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><p>.<p>

Draco awoke with a groan. His neck and back were stiff, and his shoulder still tingled unpleasantly. Someone had managed to get a pillow under his head at some point, but other than that he'd been left to the discomfort of the table. A scrap of parchment lay next to him. He hesitated before picking it up.

Krum had kept it brief, explaining that he had to get back to the quidditch team before he was missed, and that he'd already sent a message to Harry that they'd made it more or less in one piece. When he set the note down he realised how silent the house actually was. It settled around him like a smothering veil.

Even the sound of the chair scraping as he stood was swallowed by the house.

His stomach growled angrily. Desolately he looked around the dingy kitchen and shuddered. It didn't look as if anything in there would be remotely healthy to eat would be found here.

"House elf?" His voice echoed. "House elf." He tried again, with more conviction. Still he remained alone. He kicked himself for not paying more attention to what the dratted creature was called. Fine. He'd just have to go and find it then.

Cautiously, he opened the door. The corridor was long and wide, ending in a large door with stained glass. There were three doors leading off it as well as a sprawling staircase. At the far end a set of heavy curtains hung. Draco remembered the shrieking lady from last night and made a mental note to give them as wide a berth as possible.

He decided to try the stairs first. He walked up the middle of them, eyes front. The decapitated house elves on the walls were giving him the creeps. The first floor landing was even dingier than the corridor below. It was lined only by doors, one of which was ajar. Draco decided that was as good a place as any to start looking.

The heavy door squeaked as he pushed it but it moved easily, into a surprisingly clean room. It was small, about the size of the largest bathroom back at the manor. One wall was dominated by a large bay window which looked out onto a grassy crescent. The other three walls were covered from floor to ceiling by tapestry.

Draco moved forward, curious. Carefully woven into the fabric were many names, spanning back centuries. It started in one corner by the window, then wound its way around the room. The weak winter sun shining through the windows was reflecting off the gold thread. He turned slowly, surveying the names as he went. As he turned to the final wall he stopped. Up in the topmost corner was fine gold script which read _Draco Malfoy_.

He traced back the lines to where the Malfoy's had first joined with the Blacks, seeing his mother there. Bellatrix's name was next to it. Suddenly Draco felt very sick. His knees turned weak and he hit the floor, remembering how Bella had look the last time he'd seen her. She had burst from the room of requirement with her dress and hair singed. And then… and then she had spoken with Voldemort's voice as she'd tried to kill them.

Draco's empty stomach heaved, leaving its little contents in a pile on the floor. He grabbed the door handle and pulled himself upright, bolting from the room.

He let the darkness of the landing engulf him as he tried to pull himself together. He'd been blocking that night out rather well until that point; he did not want to think about what had happened or what it meant. He thought he had more pressing things to worry about, like his mother, and what on earth was happening between him and Harry.

Draco looked down at his hand, ghostly white in the dark. It was still shaking. He clenched it into a fist. It was just the lack or food, a decent night's sleep and the events of last night catching up with him he tried to tell himself. If he didn't find that useless elf soon he was going to give up and raid the cupboards himself.

With the rest of the doors on this floor firmly shut, and Draco reluctant to find any more family ties, he continued up the stairs. The second landing at least had some light to it. It ran all the way to the front of the house, ending in another huge window. Positioned before it was a wing backed chair. It looked as though the pixies had been at it, the fabric long since faded. Several doors on this floor were open.

Sticking his head around the closest one, Draco found a bedroom. The bed was unmade and the wardrobe doors hung open. Other than that it was empty. The next room yielded very similar results. The third room hosted a pair of single beds, and an ugly stain on the wall where a picture once hung. There were owl droppings, Draco spotted, in the corner.

Draco left that room with a shiver. The whole place had the feel of being deserted in a hurry. He decided he just try the next floor before giving up. As he climbed a rancid smell met his nose. With a hand over his mouth too, he peered cautiously into the space. As far as he could tell the stink was coming from the attic room.

He continued on up. The door into the attic space was also open. Inside Draco found large piles of animal droppings, too large to have come from any normal animal. There were also little piles of bonds pushed into the corners and several long, grey feathers scattered across the floor. Set into the sloping ceiling was a huge round window, which looked like it could be used to allow a pretty big beast in.

Fighting the urge to gag, Draco left quickly. He pulled the door tightly shut behind him, wishing he had his wand so that he could lock the door properly. Just in case whatever had been living up there decided to return.

After the smell of rotting dung, Draco felt his appetite diminished. Still, he'd need to eat sooner or later and he'd had enough of hunting down the house elf. He descended back into the belly of the house.

As he neared the kitchen door he heard a bang, making him freeze. The noise was followed by some grumbling. Cautiously he pushed open the door.

"Glads he lefts, kreacher is. Pure blood maybe, he has no rights to this house. Not mistresses house. Messes it up he will." Then much to Draco's disgust he saw the house elf spit into the pan he was holding and rub it furiously with a grimy bit of cloth. "Yes, yes, kreacher likes it better now those order have gone. Filthy half breeds. Mud bloods. Mistress would be proud of kreacher, she would."

"Um, kreacher is it?" The house elf's hands stilled as it turned to look at Draco. He tilted his head to one side.

"Has not lefts, has he." The creature continued to stare at him with big eyes for a moment more before snorting and returning to his 'cleaning'. This threw Draco off for a moment, he was unaccustomed to such rudeness from a house elf.

"I would like some food." Again the house elf paused to look at him, this time tilting his head the other way. He seemed very unsure of what to make of Draco. With another long look up and down, kreacher set down the pan with a clang. He hobbled over to a pantry door and vanished inside, mumbling incoherently. Moments later he emerged.

Upon the table he was barely tall enough to reach he set some bread with green mould growing off it and a very blue cheese. Without a glance back at Draco he picked the pan back up and took it with him to a corner. Draco sat down in one of the many mismatched chairs around the table and pulled the bread towards him. He carefully pulled the bread apart and then picked at the hard inners which at least looked mould free. The blue cheese he gave a wide berth – he could smell it from here.

"Um, kreacher, I think I will be staying here for a while. Do you think you could get some more food in?" There was a low mumble from the corner which Draco took to be consent. Draco stood and collected his small bag of things forlornly. He guessed he ought to decide on a room in which to live and he had had enough of the house elf's miserable presence.

He went back up to the first floor and decided to investigate the rooms with closed doors. The first was, he was pleased to see, a grand library. At least he'd have something interesting to fill his time with. The next was a dark panelled study which smelt of moth balls. The door after that was firmly locked and Draco wasn't sure he really wanted to know what hide behind it.

The last room to be explored on that floor turned out to be a gentleman's room with a wizard chess set and expensive liquor cabinet dating back decades. It had a warmer feel than a lot of the other rooms, it lacked the dark aura he'd felt in some of the others.

Deciding that he at least ought to find a bed room he reluctantly left and headed upstairs. The first door, marked _RAB_ was also locked. A set of grand doors and one end opened up to reveal the master bedroom. It was decked in heavy green drapes. Draco decided that this would do. He set his bag down by the door and moved over to the bed. After a quick shake of the sheets to check no doxies had moved in, Draco stripped off to his underwear and crawled in. His exhaustion saw to it he was asleep in no time.

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><p>AN Hello! Thank you to all you lovely people who reviewed the last chapter, each was lovely to receive. The next chapter is already half written, I've been on a role this week! Please feel free to leave any comments, Fe x<p> 


	23. Checkmate

Harry woke shivering. It had been into the small hours of the morning when he'd made it to bed and yet the sun was barely peeping above the eastern horizon now. He tried to pull the covers tighter around himself, not feeling their warmth.

On the other side of the room Ron snored on, oblivious to everything that had happened. He realised he didn't even resent Ron anymore for how he had been acting. It was almost as if he couldn't bring himself to care anymore.

Realising that sleep was not going to return, Harry sat up. He pulled the blankets with him and pushed his glasses onto his face. He was about to pull the map out of this trunk, just for something to do, when he realised someone was watching him. Neville. The boys dark hair was messy from sleep but his eyes were wide and alert.

"What are you doing awake?" Harry whispered across the dorm. Neville rose an eyebrow, clearly meaning that he could ask the same thing. After a moment Harry responded to Neville's unasked question. "I couldn't sleep."

Neville smiled wanly. "Neither could I." He climbed out of bed and went to sit in the window Harry himself had often occupied. "Besides, I like this time of day. It's peaceful." And Harry had to admit, with the birdcall drifting through the glass, that it was peaceful. But he didn't feel a part of it somehow.

Harry felt the urge to go and join him, pulling the top blanket off the bed before he'd realised it.

The view from their tower room really was spectacular. It looked out over the main part of Hogwarts and behind it all, glittering in the morning sun, was the lake. Even further out the mountains rolled into valleys carpeted in green. What drew his eye however was the spindly little tower barely in view where Harry had spent so many of the last nights.

"I thought that was where you were going." Harry was pulled from his thought with a start, and as he processed what the other boy had said he felt his stomach sink. How much did Neville know, or suspect? Harry was about to deny the claims but realised he'd already confirmed them. His shoulders slumped.

"Do you mind if I pry?" Neville whispered cautiously. Harry let out a low, humourless laugh.

"I guess it doesn't matter now. Go ahead."

"Was it Draco you were meeting?" Harry's mouth hung open. He hadn't expect Neville to hit the nail on the head like that.

"What makes you think that?" He was genuinely curious. He thought he'd been hiding it all so well, he wondered what he'd let slip.

"Well it was hardly a secret that the two of you were getting along, not after Ron's explosion about it and how you caught him at the quidditch match. Then when he disappeared and stopped attending any lessons was the same time that you started to vanish every night. You'd often come back smiling. I thought at first you had a secret girlfriend or something but the pieces didn't quite fit. Then I noticed a candle burning up in that tower, late at night. Even when you weren't there. I just sort of put two and two together." Harry was taken aback. That was the sort of perceptiveness he'd expect from Hermione, not Neville.

"You notice a lot more than you let on." Neville just grinned slyly.

"Do you want a game of wizard chess down in the common room, since we're up?" Harry nodded uncertainly, he hadn't expected Neville to be willing to leave the conversation there. Still, he was grateful. He was worried enough about Draco and Krum as it was; Kreacher was yet to make an appearance.

He pulled on a Weasley sweater and followed Neville out of the room. The common room was empty, a low fire smouldering in the grate. They took the plushest seat next to it and Neville set up the game. It was quiet between them, but of the comfortable sort.

"You can start." Harry said, once they were ready.

"Oh, thanks. Pawn to E4."

"Pawn to E5. How have you been Neville? Seems like a long time since we've properly spoken." Neville shrugged as he surveyed the board.

"Alright. My Mum and Dad haven't been too well lately. Queen to H5." Harry wasn't quite sure what to say to that. He knew that the fates of Neville's parent wasn't common knowledge, and having only heard about it from Dumbledore he was unsure how much to let on that he knew.

"Um, Knight to C6. What's happened?" Harry was paying close attention to Neville. His face was open, Harry could see that he was clearly worried about them.

"A bout of Dragon Pox has spread through some of the wards at Mungo's. Apparently they'll be fine soon but I haven't seen them since before Christmas. They were put into quarantine. Bishop to C4."

"Do you know when it will be safe to visit?" Neville shrugged.

"They don't want to give any dates and then decide it's not clear. I did get a Christmas card, mum made it. I'm not entirely sure how she got it into the mail, but it was nice. I'm grateful you know, people always say how sorry they are to hear about my parents, but then I think, well at least they are alive. They may not always know who I am but they are happy." As though realising then who he was talking to he started to apologise.

"Don't worry about it Neville. I think I understand what you mean." Weakly, Neville smiled at him. He was clearly abashed by what he'd just said. Harry turned his attentions back to the board, trying to show the other boy he'd not been upset by his comments. "Knight to F6."

"Queen to F7. Checkmate."

"What? Oh." Harry looked closely at the board and realised he had been well and truly beaten.

"It's called a scholar's mate, when you win in four moves."

"You're full of surprises this morning." Neville blushed. He was about to say something modest when a loud crack interrupted him. Dobby stood before them, the pompoms on his hat still wobbling from his student appearance.

"Master Harry sir! I have a message for you from the house elf Kreacher." Dobby's eyes flitted to where Neville sat stunned, then back to Harry, waiting for permission to carry on. Harry nodded at him. "Kreacher says Mr Krum and Mr Malfoy made it to the house in the early hours of the morning. He says that Mr Malfoy got hurt on the way but it's all fine now, as Mr Krum fixed him."

"Got hurt on the way?" Harry's stomach sank. What in Merlin's name had happened out there in the open sky? When the little house elf did not reply at once Harry spoke again. "What happened Dobby." When Dobby flinched at the steeliness in his voice he immediately regretted it but was too worried to dwell on it for long.

"Dobby does not know sir, Kreacher was not saying anymore." The house elf squeaked out. Harry dropped his head into his hands. He shouldn't have let them go on their own, he should have protected Draco.

"Thanks for finding me Dobby." Dobby bowed lowly then vanished with another crack. When Harry felt a hand on his back he all but jumped from his skin. He'd completely forgotten about Neville.

"I know… I know it's hard when you don't have all the answers, or even half of them, but at least you know he's safe. That's what is most important." Harry rested his head against Neville.

"I know." He said quietly.

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><p>.<p>

Once Harry and Neville had been joined by some of the other sixth year Gryffindors they headed off for breakfast. It was starting to blow a real sleet storm outside, its dreariness reflected in the great hall's ceiling. Even in the great hall it felt a little draughty.

Not long after they'd all sat down and Harry had pulled a plate of omelettes towards him there was a loud exclamation from the end of the table.

"No way Seamus, you cannot beat me at chess. Football maybe, but chess?"

"Oh ey, chess is a muggle game too ya know, you just have to move the pieces yourself." And just like that Dean and Seamus were trying to get a chess tourney running to prove their superiority.

"You should sign up." Harry said, elbowing Neville in the side. Neville shrugged.

"I'm not really that good Harry, it was just a four move trick I beat you with this morning."

"I've been playing against Ron for years and he's never pulled a trick like that over on me. I think it's worth a shot." Harry smiled encouragingly and saw the other boy blushing with indecision.

"Ok." Neville said after a moment more. "I want in." He then managed a little louder. Dean looked up surprised but wrote Neville's name down anyway.

"What about you Harry?"

"Oh I don't think so, I'm betting 5 galleons on Neville though." With a cheerful clap on his friend's back, trying not to laugh at Neville's stunned features, Harry grabbed two bits of toast and headed back to the dorms.

It didn't take long for him to find who he was looking for. The bushy mane of hair collided with him as he rounded the corner.

"Harry! I've been looking for you! Have you heard anything?" Harry pulled her by the elbow into the nearest classroom and pushed the door shut.

"Yes, Dobby came to me this morning with a message from Kreacher. They made it there this morning, but something happened along the way. Draco got hurt, I don't know what happened only that Krum had to heal him." Hermione let out a shuddering breath.

"At least they are safe now. Do you think it was death eaters? Or maybe order members?"

"I don't know what to think. Lucius was here last night, he could have told Voldemort, but for all his faults I don't really want to believe he'd sentence his own son to death like that." When Hermione made to interrupt he pushed on. "I mean, it wouldn't surprise me if he did but I hope he didn't. As for the order, well. They are all in Dumbledore's pocket, if he ordered them to bring back Draco they wouldn't object to using a little force to do it. There wasn't really anyone else who crossed my mind. I did think dementors at first but they wouldn't leave any healable wounds."

"I'm afraid Mr Potter, it is Lucius you must be disappointed in." Harry spun round to the door, feeling as though he heart had stopped. Professor Snape quickly entered and shut the door behind himself. "If you must have these conversations in public do not be as imbecilic as to have them were they might be overheard. You are meant to have no knowledge of any of this."

"Professor Snape!" Hermione burst.

"Silencio." Snape lazily waved his wand at Hermione who fell silent at once. "Some basic silencing wards would not go amiss Mr Potter. Nor would Occlumency shields, if you intend to make an enemy of Albus Dumbledore." He raised an eyebrow, looking very meaningfully at Harry. He then turned to leave before Harry had chance to say anything else. Pausing at the door he turned back. "Oh and thirty points from Gryffindor for stupidity and sneaking around."

The door echoed loudly around the room. Harry turned back to Hermione who was moving her mouth furiously with no words coming out.

"Fancy a day in the library, 'mione?" She nodded slowly. Harry was almost glad she was yet to regain her voice, he wasn't sure he was ready to discuss Snape's increasingly confusing behaviour.

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><p>.<p>

Snape allowed himself a rare smile as he headed into his private quarters. He'd wanted to use that particular spell on the Granger girl since his very first lesson with her. The look on her face had been well worth it.

His smile did not last long. Severus Snape was a man with too many worries to be able to smile for long. He had hoped to get out of Potter where he had hidden his godson, but it was enough for now to know that he was safe.

Still, he would not remain that way for long if Potter didn't get a hold on his damned thoughts. It had been all too easy to find him in that room, and if he was listening in then Albus was undoubtedly too. He couldn't offer the boy direct lessons without drawing the old man's attention, but there was plenty of material in the library and he could probe the boy in lessons to see if he was working at it.

It was so like Potter, he thought snidely, to try and see the best in everyone. Lucius hadn't wasted a moment before telling the Dark Lord all that had happened, uncaring what would become of his disgraced son.

He gritted his teeth together as his mark burned. He'd have to pull his thoughts together quickly. Out of the lion's den and into the vipers pit he went.

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><p>Hello! It was lovely to hear from so many of you with the last update. Thank you for all of the reviews. For anyone who was curious, the scholar's mate is a real chess move. It has a couple of different names but that's most common. I discovered it last summer when I suffered an unexpectedly short chess match.<p>

Fe x


	24. Torment

AN/ Hello! I want to say thank you to everyone who is following my fic or has reviewed it! I've got over 300 followers now, the response has blown me away. So thank you, to everyone, for taking the time to read.

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><p>Harry's head flopped onto the open book with a soft <em>thunk<em>. His eyes were aching from starting at the lines of black script and his head was aching from the complexity of it all. It was even more tedious than his lessons with Snape had been at the start of last year.

_And it's no wonder I didn't understand it then. Snape never mentioned half of this stuff. _ Harry thought to himself angrily. He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere when he was this tired, Hermione had already given up hours ago. But no matter how sleep deprived he was, the four poster bed in the dorms above didn't seem very inviting. Harry knew he'd just lie there, tossing and turning, as he let his worried thoughts wander back to Draco.

He wished he could send an owl, but Hedwig was sure to be watched and the school owls would probably tattle on him. Hermione didn't have an owl and Ron was unlikely to loan him Pig out of spite. He'd considered called Kreacher to him too, but that seemed unwise. If Dumbledore caught him it would bring up too many awkward questions.

Harry mentally scolded himself and resolutely turned back to the book he'd been studying. Worry would do him no good, if he was going to protect Draco he needed to protect his mind.

_It is not so much a matter of emptying one's mind as tidying it. To be a successful Occlumens all thoughts and emotions must be put into their place where they can be stored. This is a useful skill in itself, as should occlumency shields fail the legillimens must still search all compartments of your mind to find what they seek. _

Realising he'd already read that paragraph more than once Harry sighed. It had been the most promising book in the library; _A beginner's guide to Occlumency_, but so far all it had talked about was a load of namby pamby about harnessing ones inner self. It was really starting to sound like a lesson with Trelawney. He could not for the life of him find anything about actual magic in the whole book.

Harry closed the heavy book, sighing once more. He refused to ask Snape for help, that had gone disastrously before. There must be someone else, someone he could trust. Then Harry realised with a pang that his list of people he actually trusted was depressingly short. He wondered idly if Draco had ever been taught, not that he could help given their current predicament.

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><p>.<p>

Harry was not the only one struggling to keep his mind on task. Draco had been trying to renovate and clean the room he'd claimed as his, to make it a little more inviting. He'd managed to remove most of the hideous paintings from the walls but two had defied all his efforts and sat sneering at him. He'd found some reasonably clean pillow covers to drape over them instead. The long dead flowers which had sat on the window ledge were gone, along with the twee vase they'd sat it. How _that_ had managed to make its way into a Black house was beyond him.

He was halfway through fighting clean bed sheets on, mumbling all the while, when he gave up. Draco was unaccustomed to having to make his own bed, he had no idea how it was actually possible. The sheet was huge and short of crawling inside Draco was at a loss. He needed an extra pair of hands, but he'd tried called kreacher hours ago and he'd never materialised. Lousy house elf. He thought how his father would have forced clothes onto him by now, but thinking of his father made Draco feel more than a little queasy. Draco tried to think of something happier, and failing that decided to pounder the mystery of Harry Potter instead.

He landed with a flop on the half made bed, enthusiasm for improving his room waning rapidly. He wondered how Harry had gotten hold of this house. Draco knew of course that Sirius Black had been his Godfather, but Harry was not truly of Black blood. The ancient magic of the house should have ensured it went to the next living relative.

The state of the house was also a puzzlement. It seemed as though whomever had been living here had packed up pretty quick and left, and that there had been quite a few of them. Why did they leave in a hurry? Was the house not really safe at all? No, Harry would not have sent him here if it were dangerous. The only thing likely to kill him was that poor excuse of a house elf's cooking.

He yearned to see Harry. It had only been a day since he'd left but so much had happened. He wanted to tell Harry all that had happened. Last time he kept quiet it had nearly ended disastrously, and though he _knew_ this was wildly different, that the danger had passed, his desire to talk about it wasn't waning.

Draco's stomach rumbled. Since the heel of half mouldy bread last night he'd not eaten. He was starting to miss the food bought to him by Dobby, even if the house elf cowered and glared the whole time. Pancakes. What he wouldn't give for some proper pancakes, smothered in fresh lemon.

He pushed his hopes to the back of his mind and stood up resignedly. He'd settle for something which wasn't stale or mouldy in all honesty.

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><p>.<p>

"It's just the Italians, Aleksa, zey vill be a push over." Krum tried not to show his annoyance as he carefully tuned out the antics of the rest of the team. Sure the Italian's had been having a bad season, but that was no reason to take a win for granted.

He flexed his arms and back, wincing slightly. He'd pushed it that night, flying from Scotland to London. It was no surprise he was more than a little sore. Still, he'd been lucky to make it out unscathed. Viktor was no fool – he knew he'd had a brush with death. He longed to see Hermione, to hold her in his arms so he could make sure that everything really was alright. But he knew that was no longer an option, not while she was in Hogwarts. Dumbledore wouldn't let him past the front gates.

For now, they would have to content themselves with a letter every other day.

"Hey, Dmitri, have you seen this?" Krum pulled himself out of this thoughts to see their keeper, Aleksa, waving a copy of the International Prophet. He glimpsed a photo of a town on the front, smoke rising in billowing plumes.

"Zat English Madman has wiped a whole muggle town of ze map! And the stupid Muggles, zey are blaming the Russians for terrorism or some such thing! Ha! Like zey would be bothered." Dmitri snatched the paper away.

"Vell," He said slowly "He may be a madman but at least he gets things done. If only our stupid minister vould take a leaf out of his book, maybe zen ve vould not have to hide like criminals from ze vorld." Krum looked over at his team mate eyes wide. He looked at the others, they wore varying looks of disinterest, excitement, even approval. None of them looked disgusted, or horrified, or angry. None of the emotions he was feeling coursing through himself.

"You alright, Vicky? You look a little pale." Viktor slowly clenched and unclenched his fists.

"Fine." He said curtly. "Let's just get out zere and play some qvidditch." If the rest of the team thought anything more to their captains odd behaviour they did not mention it. They filed out on to the rain hazed pitch, ears ringing with applause.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry rushed out of bed the next morning. He'd overslept and missed breakfast, but what really got him moving was the threat of Snape first lesson. He took most of the corridors at a run, ignoring the yells of the portraits scolding him.

When he saw that the class were still milling around in the corridor he breathed a heavy sigh of relief. He had a feeling this day would be particularly long even without giving Snape an excuse to worsen it. Neville motioned him over. Harry joined him, trying to catch his breath.

"Here." Neville passed him a triangle of toast then dug into his pockets. "Noticed you weren't at breakfast. I was getting worried I'd have to stick that toast in my pocket and sit on it all lesson! Oh and here." Holding out his hand, Neville dropped five large gold coins into Harry's hand. His eyebrows knitted in confusion as he tried to give them back. Neville refused.

"No, it's yours. Dean took you up on your bet over the chess tourney, and well, I won." Neville blushed, looking sheepish. Harry clapped Neville on the back and opened his mouth to congratulate his friend when the remainder of his toast burst into flames.

"You will do well to finish your breakfast before my lesson Mr Potter. 5 Points from Gryffindor." Harry scowled at Snape, who had just rounded the corner. "And another 5 for your impertinence. You are attending a lesson, not a slumber party. Shirt in, tie straight." Harry looked around at his fellow classmates, most of whom had loosened ties. Typical of Snape to pick on only him.

Not wanting to cause even more of a scene he tucked his shirt in, even running his fingers through his hair for good measure. For a moment he could have sworn that Snape had actually smirked.

Most of the lesson then passed with tedious work, they weren't even doing practical today, only theory. Harry was unsurprised that by the end his mind was beginning to wander.

_Think about Draco. Think about where he is._

Draco probably wouldn't have minded the lesson. Much as it used to irk Harry, Draco was naturally very good at potions. He just got it, like there was some logic only he could understand.

_Think about where Draco is._

Harry wished Draco were here. Maybe he'd be able to explain what the hell a fangtooth fish was used for. He wondered what Draco was doing to fill his time. Maybe he'd found a potions kit.

_Where is Draco!_

The image of Grimmauld Place filled his mind as he came to with a start. Harry's mind was wrenched into the present, to where Snape stood frowning slightly and staring right at him. But the damage was done. Snape would have recognised the building's façade at once.

Harry tried madly to think about what that book had said. He tried to sort his thoughts, to put things away. But he knew it was too late.

Why couldn't Snape keep his nose out of it?! If he really wanted Draco safe like he claimed then he should have stayed the hell out of Harry's head. Sudden anger flowed through him. He wanted to throw something at him. He wanted to yell that he had no right to invade his mind like that.

_You think rights have anything to do with this Potter? You were too easy Potter. I just waltzed right into that empty head of yours. Easy. Just like your mother. _

_GET OUT!_

Snape took a sudden step back, his hand out to catch him. It looked as though he'd just lost his balance but he was staring right at Harry. The faintest glimmer of a smile was on his lips.

_How else do you think your father got with her? After all, he was just a reckless, good-for-nothing fool. Do you think she had to share him with Black? I did always wonder, those two were _so_ close._

Harry's vision turned red and he felt red hot anger burning through him. Snape's voice was silken in his mind, whispering away.

_Does that class as bestiality I wonder?_

Bam! Snape was knocked off his feet as half the desks in the room went flying. Harry was on his feet, fists clenched, waiting for Snape's next words so that he could hit him back harder. But they didn't come. A smile crossed Snape's lips so quickly Harry would have missed it had he not been glaring at the man.

"A week's worth of detentions for disrupting my class Potter. Now get out, before you recklessly kill someone. Out!" Harry didn't wait to be told again. He stormed from the class, barely noticing how people shied away from him. Even Hermione flinched as he passed, magic crackling around him.


	25. Silver Lining

Draco had failed in his mission for food. He'd searched the pantry and kitchen cupboards and had not found food. Or that filthy creature. His stomach now rumbled forlornly as he sat pondering his options. Which were few.

He had no muggle money, so trying to find something in muggle London was out even if the thought wasn't so daunting. He'd found some wizard money during his scouring of the house, but trying to get to Diagon Alley and back with two bounties on his head was likely to end up worse than starving to death here. Only the house elf could come and go with any degree of safety.

Draco hated it. His life all but rested in the filthy hands of that aptly named kreacher. Who was still nowhere to be found, dammit. Surely he must be eating something. Yes, there had to be food here, just hidden.

With a swift leap, Draco pulled open the pantry door again. He knelt down near the dirty pile of rags at the bottom and started pulling them away. There had to be food here somewhere.

"What is you doing? No! No! Bad Sir, bad sir! Those are Kreacher's." Out of nowhere the small elf launched itself at Draco's legs. It tried in vain to pull at him.

"I'm hungry." Draco turned and snarled. "All I've had in the past three days is a bit of mouldy bread. I told you to get some food." As Draco turned back to the nest, kreacher let out a pitiful wail.

"Leave Kreacher's things!" The boy's hand closed around something wrapped in cloth, hidden at the very bottom of the nest. He pulled it out with triumph, too interested in it to notice how pale kreacher had suddenly become.

He pulled back the cloth and saw, to his disappointment, that it wasn't food at all. It was a large ugly locket, tarnished and scratched.

"What's a house elf like you doing with something like this?" Draco turned his attention to the trembling elf. It seemed genuinely scared. For a moment Draco felt a stab of pity for kreacher, before his stomach growled to drown it out.

"M-m-master Regulus gave it to Kreacher. For Kreacher to look after when he left." The house elf's eyes never left the swinging locket. Draco's Slytherin side had reared when he first saw kreacher's reaction, thinking he could use it to bribe himself some food, but watching the elf he felt something in him soften.

Kreacher wasn't his, he could chose to ignore every word Draco said. He might manage one meal by bartering with the locket but where would he go from there?

Draco felt very tired all of a sudden.

"Here." He held out the locket by the chain and dropped it into the house elf's trembling hand. "I'm sorry. Could you just get me some food?" At Draco's apology Kreacher finally looked away from the locket. If Draco hadn't known better he would have said he'd seen something soften in the house elf's eyes.

Without another word Draco turned and left the kitchen.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry Potter was having a bad day. And it only seemed to be going from bad to worse.

Professor McGonagall had cornered him after transfiguration to tell him that she had some 'concerns' over how often the quidditch team were training. Harry had to concede that yes, it was getting a little infrequent, but his life had gotten so hectic over that past few months that it had sort of fallen to the bottom of his 'concerns' pile.

She told him on no uncertain terms that, if Gryffindor didn't show marked improvement by the next match then she would be reviewing his suitability.

Harry didn't know how much Professor McGonagall knew of what had happened between himself, Draco and Dumbledore in the past weeks, but it seemed enough for her attitude towards him to turn icy.

He'd then rushed to meet Hermione in the library to work on the essay due in for Professor Flitwick last thing, and had ended up working through lunch.

During potions he'd been so worried about how Draco was getting on that he'd completely missed Slughorn saying he'd needed to use dry doxie venom not fresh, and ended up with a solid lump of goo in the bottom of his cauldron. Furious with himself, Harry stalked from the classroom and straight into a third year.

"Professor Snape told me I was to give this to you!" She squeaked before thrusting a scrap of parchment into his hands and vanishing. Hermione came out of the classroom door, clutching the last of Harry's things which he'd forgotten, to see the note burst into flames.

"The slimy bastard! He's just sent me a note saying I'm to come to his office for my detention at 5 O'clock. I bet he noticed I'd missed lunch! And when the hell am I meant to do this paper for herbology?" Strong gusts of wind started howling down the corridor.

"Harry. Harry! Calm down!" Hermione was looking at him, and she seemed scared. He could see several of his classmates glancing out of the door curiously. Ron was staring stoically anywhere else. "I can help you with the essay afterwards, and I'll save you some food. It'll be okay." She was talking very softly, as if worried he was about to lose it again.

"Sorry 'Mione. Been a bad day, and I've got a lot on my mind, you know." She smiled sympathetically.

"I know Harry, I know. Let's get to charms, we can worry about everything else after that."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione was not having a great day either. She'd written to Viktor days ago, hoping he could shed some light on what little Kreacher had told them, and was yet to get a response. She was reluctant to tell Harry about it knowing he'd only worry more.

And then after potions she'd seen him lose control of his magic again. It was just like when they'd been in Defence Against The Dark Arts with Snape. And worst still, Harry didn't even seem to realise he was doing it. Hermione was certain he wasn't doing it on purpose, these violent outbursts were most unlike him.

They'd been through thick and thin, and Hermione liked to think that she'd always been there for her friend. But now she was at a loss for what to do, she was no expert on wild magic and had no one left in the castle she felt she could turn to and ask.

She'd just have to keep an eye on him and hope.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry's stomach rumbled forlornly as he raised his hand to knock on Snape's door. It swung open instantly and Harry was greeted with the hooked nose of his least favourite person.

"Potter." He drawled. Snape held the door open, but didn't get out of the way. Harry refused to duck under his arm in order to get it.

"Sir." Harry managed through gritted teeth. Snape was clearly waiting for Harry to come in.

"Let's not make this any worse than it has to be, hmm?" Snape was smiling, actually smiling.

_You greasy, sadistic bastard._

"Tut tut Potter, that isn't very polite. Don't forget you're here because you couldn't control your thoughts. Now get inside before I hex you." Harry pushed Snape's arm out of the way rather than ducking under it, but entered all the same. "Sit." Snape gestured at one of the hard wooden chairs opposite the desk. Harry chose instead to flop into the wing-backed chair by the fire. He saw Snape's face twitch.

"Determined to be particularly ornery today I see. Fine by me, you're not the only one with a few stresses to work out. Legilimens."

Even though Harry was expecting it this time, he found it harder to resist. What Snape must have been doing in the classroom was weaker than this, more subtle. He felt as though his brain was about to pop.

Pictures of Sirius greeting him when he'd first been at Grimmauld Place. Leaning over the banister with Fred and Gorge and the extendable ears. Kreacher grumbling. The tapestry. Doxies in the drawing room. Image after image, all about Grimmauld Place.

_Stop it! Stop it!_

"You'll have to try harder than that Potter." Snape's voice drifted through the craze of his mind.

Mrs Black, screeching from the wall. The Bogart in the desk. George magicking food across the room and the knife nearly ending up through Sirius' hand. Ginny laughing at Tonks. The mardy painting in the room he'd shared with Ron. Mrs Weasly's cooking. Draco searching the cupboards for food.

The images suddenly stopped and Harry sucked in a deep breath. He felt dizzy.

"That's... that's not right. How can I remember that?" Harry gasped.

"How indeed. You've never been at Grimmauld Place with Draco have you?"

"Of course not, he's never been before."

"And yet you have a memory of him there. How curious."

Harry felt too sick to be curious. The dizzy feeling wasn't leaving, but worse than that was the way his heart felt. It ached as though Draco had just left all over again. He wanted nothing more than to leave this dungeon and find him.

"Here." Snape was waving some chocolate under his nose. Harry batted it away. "Eat it Potter, you're paler than Myrtle."

"I don't want it."

"Oh stop being such a stubborn brat. You're so like your father."

"Go on. Offend him some more. Give me a good reason to punch that greasy smirk off your face." Snape studied him for a moment, as if considering wether or not to rise to the bait. It seemed the opportunity was too good to pass up.

"You're braver than him, I'll grant. Your father wouldn't have turned to violence without the back up of Black. And never if your mother was around. He didn't want Lily to see his violent side." Harry leapt from the chair and tackled Snape to the floor. He went to punch Snape but got tangled in the man's billowing robes.

"Immobulus!" Snape's spell hit him hard in the chest. Harry felt winded, but struggled to draw in much air. Snape shoved him off and Harry's stiff body collided with the floor. The older man was breathing heavily. He pushed himself up and stared disdainfully at Harry's prone body.

"You want to know the truth about your parents Harry then I'm the one to ask. I have no issues with speaking ill of the dead, and I knew your mother better than anyone at one point."

Harry was still in the mood to kick and scream. He wanted to yell at Snape, tell him that he didn't believe him.

"Your father was a bully. He was stubborn. Once he'd set his mind on Lily he didn't lay off. She didn't even like him for a long time. Me and Lily were friends before Hogwarts, and remained friends until I was so pissed off I lost control of my words. I said something to her that I didn't mean because I was desperate to hurt someone after what your father did to me. I would have happily seen him dead, you know.

"It wasn't worth losing her too. You know how I felt about her; you entered my memories last year when I tried to teach you occlumency. Back then it didn't matter to me if you learnt it or not. I didn't care if the Dark Lord penetrated your mind again. But now it does matter. I won't let a Potter be responsible for the death of the only person left who matters to me.

"When Lily died, Draco was just over a year old. I lived for that child, protected him like I'd been entrusted to do when I was named godfather. I made sure he didn't grow into his father. I'm going to make sure you're foolishness doesn't lead to his death like your father's did for Lily.

"But let me get this straight with you Potter. I don't give a damn if you live or die. I don't even give a damn who wins this infernal war. I'm just going to make sure Draco makes it through alive. For him, and for her."

Snape pulled himself off the floor. He crossed the room and poured himself a generous glass of fire whiskey.

"Tomorrow, 5 o'clock sharp. Don't forget to close the door behind you." Then without a backwards glance Snape disappeared into his living quarters. Harry couldn't even glower at him. He still couldn't move. He felt magically and emotionally drained. But hey, at least he'd landed on the carpet instead of the stone floor. As Hermione would say, every cloud has a silver lining.

* * *

><p>AN hello! Just before adding this latest chapter, I have had as many hits as words written in this fic. It seems crazy, 50k+ hits, but its a good feeling too. Thank you to everyone who is reading this. Fe x<p> 


	26. Flames

It had taken hours for Snape's spell to wear off enough for Harry to make it out of his office. His stomach growled fiercely, the hunger becoming physical pain. He was fuming still, despite the time he'd spent mulling on the floor.

Using the wall for support, Harry made it out of the dungeons. His legs were stiff. Trying to occupy his mind, Harry tried to think of a different way to get back at Snape for every painful step he took. Even with all the stairs separating him from Gryffindor tower, Harry doubted he'd run out.

He was just about to embark on his journey up the grand stairs when he realised he could hear shouts from outside. Screams. He paused, one foot on the stairs, to listen. Yes, definitely screams. And not all of them sounded human. Harry wondered briefly about going out to investigate, but his cloak was up in the dorms and there was no way he was coming all the way back down. He suspected it was well past curfew.

Another yell and a loud crash. He'd just go and take a peek out of the doors, see what was happening . The heavy front doors swung easily, already unlocked. Harry had to shield his eyes. Compared to the dim entrance hall, the world outside was ablaze.

The forbidden forest. It was on fire. Harry slipped out of the door without realising, then stood and stared. Smoke plumed high into the air. Flames licked upwards, twenty feet off the ground. Even from here Harry could feel the heat radiating off it.

It was like Harry was in two places at once. He knew he was stood outside staring at the forest but in his head he was back in the room of requirement. He was with Draco, madly trying to flee the living flames around them. He could feel their burn, sense their malicious joy as they chased the two small humans trapped in their midst.

His heart was beating wildly. He struggled to breath. The smoke, it must be filling his lungs. He could feel the panic crashing around him.

A figure came silhouetted out of the flames. It was headed straight for Harry, and fast. Harry stumbled backwards and collided with the wooden door behind him. All rational thought left him as his knees gave way.

He put his head in his hands and tried desperately to breathe.

"Harry Potter?" The voice was lush and deep but Harry didn't have enough air in his lungs to respond. "Harry Potter? You need to breathe. Breathe. You're ok, you're safe." Harry raised his trembling head to see a set of hooves. Craning his neck back further he saw a man. A centaur.

"Let's get you inside." The centaur offered Harry a hand to help him. Shakily, Harry got to his feet.

Back inside the dimness of the entrance hall, Harry was finally able to get his breathing back under control.

"What the hell happened out there?" Even in the darkness, Harry could see the sadness on the centaur's face.

"Terrible things Mr Potter. The Dark Lord is more than himself, and he found a way into the grounds tonight."

"Lord Voldemort was here?" Harry was surprised. Normally when Voldemort was that close he could feel it in his scar. He hadn't felt anything, no flashes of pain or images from the other man's head. Had he been so busy fuming with Snape that it had somehow blocked it out?

"Yes, and no. The headmaster asked me to fetch the potions master, could you guide me Mr Potter?" At the thought of going back down to Snape's lair Harry felt himself pale. He hoped the centaur didn't notice.

"Um sure, this way. Do you mean that it was Bellatrix Lestrange? And who are you, if you don't mind me asking." The centaur definitely seemed shocked by the name.

"I believe that was her name once. Now, less so. I am Orion. You know a lot, for one so young."

"What was she doing here?" Harry descended the steps into the dungeons. The centaur seemed to manage just fine with the stairs, trotting along behind him.

"Causing chaos and misery. I believe that the Dark Lord fears the future, especially those who can see it. He sought to eradicate us, and maybe he was right."

"Right? How can that be right?"

"The future is a dangerous thing Mr Potter. You'd do well to fear it, the same as he. There is little joy to be had in the years to come, why experience your suffering twice. There are many reasons we keep to ourselves Mr Potter."

Harry felt some dark dread seize his stomach. The centaur's words were foreboding. They reached the bottom of the steps in silence. Harry led Orion to Snape's door and gestured.

"These are his rooms." The centaur inclined his head politely in thanks then knocked loudly. It echoed through the stone corridors. After a few moments muffle noises were heard. A very irritable looking Snape yanked open the door. He looked shocked to see the tall centaur on his doorstep. It was the most expression Harry had ever seen on the other man's face.

"Centaur. What brings you to my doorstep?"

"The headmaster sent me. Your healing potions are required at the outskirts of the forbidden forest."

"The forest?" Orion nodded curtly then turned and left. Only then did Snape notice Harry.

"I'd rather thought I'd seen the last of you Potter."

"I think you'll need burn potions. Lots of them." Harry left too, as quickly as he could. He needed to get out of these dingy dungeons to somewhere he could think.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco woke up in a cold sweat. He'd had bad dreams. Terrible dreams. They had seemed so vivid.

He'd dreamed of the night in the room of requirement again, at least at first. He could feel the flaming monsters licking at his heels, he could feel the fear and panic. But when he'd flown out of the room he'd kept going. The world outside was ablaze.

Great smoke blooms filled the sky, billowing up from the forest below. The warmth was tangible even from where he was. The smoke was filling his lungs and he couldn't breathe. _Harry. _He had to find Harry.

The waking was almost worse than the dream. Draco immediately heaved up stomach acid, his empty stomach loudly complaining. Something was wrong at Hogwarts. Draco knew it wasn't a dream, it had been too real.

And there was nothing he could fucking do because he was stuck in this fucking house. Draco hurled the bedside lamp into the wall opposite with a yell.

Despite the luxuries of Grimmauld Place, it was turning out to be a worse prison than his cold tower room had been. At least there he had had Harry.

A sudden need to do _something_ filled Draco. He needed to take his mind off what may or may not be happening in Hogwarts. Draco got up and pulled on one of the silk dressing gowns he'd found in the wardrobe. On his way down the stairs he glared back at all of the elf heads on the walls.

In the kitchen he found a pleasant surprise. A fresh loaf, a wedge of cheese and a jar of pickle sat on the table. Kreacher was nowhere to be seen, but Draco barely noticed. He was so preoccupied with the thought of food.

He tore off the heel of the bread and wolfed it down plain. His stomach rumbled back happily. He quickly rummaged through the draws and found a knife. He sliced the bread this time, and then layered it with a thick bit of cheese and a mound of pickle. It was heavenly. He paused again, this time to get himself a glass of water, before making another.

After the second slice he realised he really ought to slow it down. It had been four days since his last substantial meal; his stomach probably wouldn't take kindly to too much at once. He gulped down some more water then decided to clean the knife. He brushed the crumbs off the table too.

The meal had bought a new found gratitude for the house elf. Draco suspected he would have gone mad within the next day without it – probably would have grilled Kreacher over the fire in desperation.

That thought made Draco seize up. No, he didn't want to think about anything to do with fire. He needed to keep his mind off that not-nightmare. Instead, Draco grabbed a bit of curled parchment off the side. Using a battered quill and some half dry ink, he wrote _Thank you _and let it on the table.

He'd go read. That should keep his mind busy.

He started back up the stairs. He'd just reached the first floor landing when he realised he could smell smoke. His precious meal threatened to make a sudden reappearance. This couldn't be happening.

Draco forced himself on. He needed to find out what was happening. He couldn't hear any fire, and the smoke was not enough to be visible. It was just an acrid tinge to the air. He pushed open the door to the tapestry room.

The putrid smell was definitely stronger here, and there was a slight haze about the room. It took Draco a moment however to spot the source.

A new black hole had appeared on the tapestry. The descendant of Narcissa Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy was nothing more than a singe marring the wall.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione was dosing in a chair in the common room. A cold plate of food sat on the table beside her, waiting for Harry. The embers of a fire crackled away merrily, turning green with a burst of flame.

"Hermione! Psst! Hermione!" The sleeping girl in the chair stirred but did not wake. "Oi, Ninny! Wake up!" The fire said a little louder. This time an eyelid fluttered open.

"Viktor?" At once Hermione seemed wide awake. She climbed out of her chair and fell to her knees before the fire. "What are you doing here?"

"Replying to your letter. I did not think it vise to respond by owl, it vould have been intercepted." Hermione smiled. It felt so good to actually know he was safe. She'd been telling herself not to worry and not entirely succeeding.

"How are you? What happened? Are you going to be alright?"

"Hermione! Calm down my love. I am fine. I am still travelling vith the team and I think I'll be safe with them for now. In the darkness that night I doubt I would have been recognised." Krum took a resigned sigh. He'd been trying not to dwell on the events of the night he'd helped Draco escape. It probably beat the Tri-wizard challenges in terms of most traumatic experience. He was being hunted down by the notorious Deatheaters after all.

"We vere about halfway through our journey vhen the Deatheaters caught up with us." Hermione let out a high pitched squeak and covered her mouth with her hand. Before she could interrupt, Krum forced himself on. "They vere only after Draco really, and trying to capture not kill thank Merlin. Ve only had the one wand between the two of us. It vas not easy, but ve managed to deal. Draco got hit by one of my curses after a Deatheater had pulled him off the broom. I healed it vhen we got to Harry's house."

"Oh Viktor! I'm so sorry I've gotten you involved in this mess."

"I got into the mess when I fell in love with you, not because I helped Draco. And I vouldn't change that for the world."

"I wish you were here." Hermione said in a small voice. Even with Harry around, it was getting terribly lonely in the castle. It had lost the homely feeling it had once had.

"We vill be together soon skŭpa, I promise. I do not think my future lies in quidditch anymore. Just the other day I heard my team mates talking about Lord Voldemort as if he vere doing right. I cannot stand by while that happens. I must go, before I'm caught. I love you."

"I love you too Viktor." Hermione lent forwards and pressed her lips to Krums', feeling the soft warmth of the floo fire as she did so. When she leant back he had gone.


	27. Questions

Dumbledore paced his study, his brow deeply furrowed. The minister's owl hooted from his desk. Other than shooting it a dirty glare, Dumbledore ignored it. How the prime minister had gotten wind of the night's events was beyond him, but at least he seemed to know nothing more than the forbidden forest had caught light.

It was imperative that he let no one know that Lord Voldemort, guised as Bellatrix, had somehow managed to infiltrate the grounds. There was no doubt that he, she, had made it well into the wards, as the fire was started right in the very heart of the forest.

Had she had inside help? Or was he missing something on the wards? No, Dumbledore dismissed that at once, he had been meticulous with the wards. She wouldn't have just been able to walk in, he was sure of it.

So whom? The Malfoy child was gone, but perhaps he had managed to leave a hole in the wards when he'd been trying to break through them before. Snape was out of the question, that man was well and truly in his back pocket. It was a possibility, although unlikely, that one of the other Slytherins had started working for the Dark Lord. And then there was always the chance someone had been imperio'd.

He would have to remain vigilant. Trust no one.

In the meantime he must reply to the minister. He would tell him that some of Hagrid's blast-ended skrewts had gotten out of control and the population was now being dealt with. He'd also request it was kept out of the papers. That ought to placate the blithering idiot.

He could meet with the centaurs tomorrow, ensure that they don't tell any students. There were no other beasts in the forest capable of speech, so he had no other witnesses to deal with. Rubeus would believe whatever he told him, he would be sad to see the skrewts gone but good riddance in all honesty.

The only person left other than himself was Snape. That was fine. After all, who would Snape tell? The Dark Lord was well aware of what had happened as was he.

.

.

The smoke had subsided but not entirely stopped by the time the Gryffindors got up the next morning. There were many yells of surprise as people opened their curtains. Before long most of the Gryffindors were gathered in the common room, exchanging wild and wilder theories on what had happened.

Hermione stood alone in the corner, eyes anxiously scanning the room. She had gone to bed after her chat with Viktor in the middle of the night and was yet to see Harry since his detention with Snape the night before.

Usually she wouldn't have been so worried, but the forest fire had put her on edge. That and the fact it was Snape. He was about as unpredictable as they came.

She had for the most part ignored all the speculation flying around the room, until Neville came and stood next to her. Hermione barely noticed.

"If you're looking for Harry then you're looking in the wrong place." It took Hermione a moment to process what Neville had just said.

"What? Do you know where he is?" Neville half shrugged.

"He came in at about three in the morning, and woke up with a nightmare at five. I asked him if there was anything I could do, but he just shook his head and said he was going to the kitchens for coffee. Lots of coffee. He hasn't been back up to the dorm since." The words were barely out of Neville's mouth before Hermione was on the move. She pushed her way through the crowd and out of the portrait hole.

She took the stairs two at a time, barely noticing Neville's footsteps echoing along behind her. Hoping that Harry was still in the kitchens, or that Dobby might be able to give her more directions, she jogged straight passed the main hall. At the picture of the fruit she paused only to tickle the pear. An out of breath Neville arrived as the door swung open.

Several of the elves looked over at them as they opened the door but most of them seemed so busy preparing breakfast that they went unnoticed. She scanned the room quickly. Harry was sat with Dobby on a small stall in the far corner. He was smiling meekly, but didn't seem any worse for wear. A little tired, perhaps.

Hermione cautiously made her way across the kitchen, trying not to get in anybody's way. It took Harry a while to notice her, and she couldn't help notice he didn't exactly look overjoyed.

"Harry what happened? Are you alright?" Harry nodded, then spotted Neville.

"Hey. Look I could do with talking to you. Both of you." Harry added when Neville looked surprised. "Thanks for the food and coffee Dobby."

"You is most welcome Harry Potter Sir! Please come and visits Dobby again, Sir!" The little house elf squeaked back. Harry smiled affectionately at Dobby before gesturing towards the door. Hermione and Neville followed him out.

Back out in the corridor, Harry walked deeper into the dungeons, away from the sounds of breakfast. He walked with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders slightly slouched. Hermione opened her mouth to tell him not to slouch but then shut it before the words could escape.

Harry at least seemed to know where he was going. Neither Neville nor Hermione had ever ventured this close to Slytherin territory before. After a couple more turns, into corridors that were progressively dimly light, Harry stopped at a door. He let himself in then held the door for the others.

"Lumos." The light from Harry's wand illuminated a dusty classroom with all the furniture pushed to one side and rude words scribbled over the walls by peeves.

"I take it you saw the ashes this morning?" Both nodded but didn't speak, waiting to hear what Harry had to say. "I was out there last night. I was coming back from Snape's detention and I could hear it." Harry was speaking in a monotone, as though he was trying to distance himself from whatever had happened. "I went outside and saw the fire. It triggered a panic attack or something, reminding me of the room of requirement."

Hermione glanced at Neville. As far as she knew, Neville knew nothing about what had been going on. He kept quiet either way, so she turned her attention back to Harry.

"A centaur called Orion came up to the castle. Dumbledore had sent him to get Snape. He basically told me that Voldemort, as Bellatrix, had infiltrated the grounds. He'd set fire to the forest and then vanished in the smoke." Hermione was stunned. After a moment trying to process this latest development she spoke up.

"But Harry, why would you-know-who get into the grounds only to leave without doing much damage." Harry's eyes seemed far away as he replied.

"I've been thinking about that all morning. I think it is because his horcrux is in another human, he is taking on Bellatrix's traits. After all, Bellatrix loved nothing more than to play with her victims before she kills them. It's a game. She is trying to scare us."

"It's working." Hermione shuddered. She had to admit there must be some holes in the wards. Now she thought about it, Viktor shouldn't really have been able to floo to the common room, what was stopping him coming through fully?

"Harry, I think you might have to catch me up a little. Bellatrix Lestrange is now also you-know-who?"

"I think it is even worse than that Neville. We might as well start from the beginning."

.

.

Draco decided he would write a letter to Harry. He knew he had no real way to send it, but it seemed a little more purposeful than writing a diary. There was so much swirling round in his head that he felt it might burst if he didn't let it out somehow.

So with a freshly brewed mug of tea and a stack of parchment, Draco made his way up to his new favourite place. The second floor landing, with its big chair and large window, had provided Draco with somewhere light and airy compared to the rest of the building. He had taken to carrying books up from the library and spending all day there.

_Harry. How are things going at Hogwarts? It's quiet here without you, there isn't much to do._

Draco stopped, frowned for a moment, then scrunched up the parchment. Even if no one was going to read it, Draco didn't want to sound like some whining teenage girl. He threw the parchment over his shoulder and started again.

_Potter. It would be nice to know what was actually going on half the time. I'm sure you could find some miracle way to get in contact with me. After all, you're the king of miracles. _

Again Draco paused. That didn't feel right either. It made him sound ungrateful, and he wasn't really. He knew his situation sucked, but he also knew that without Harry's help he would have been nose deep in dragon shit or dead.

He'd never been very good with words. Not writing them down at any rate, it left too much to second guess the whole time. With all the time in the world to process them, someone could easily read something completely different into his words. He wished he could just speak to Harry, like he had back in the tower room.

_I shouldn't miss the dark tower but I do. It's not the cold or the wind, it is the company. Here I only have a half crazed elf, but even that's not the problem really. I could have all the pleasurable company in the world here with me and I'd still be lonely without you. _

_I've been getting strange dreams. The good ones I don't want to end. The bad ones I wish I could erase from my memory with magic, as waking fails to do so. You know, it is surprising I don't miss that more. Magic I mean. It must have been three weeks now, two in the tower and one here. _

_It's frustrating not to be able to use lumos, or unlock any of the many locked doors in this house. And the night I came here I definitely wished I had my wand back. But other than that? What could I really use it for?_

_Things have improved over the last couple of days. Kreacher is finally acknowledging me, more or less. He cooked a casserole thing for me after the tapestry incident. _

_I forget you don't know everything sometimes. I was burnt off the tapestry. Say goodbye to Draco Malfoy, now I am Draco nobody. I wonder if mother tried to stop him disowning me. I doubt it, but I'd like to think so. I wonder how she is. She was never cut out to be the wife of a Deatheater, or host to the dark lord. _

_She should have married a nice pureblood man, had nice pureblood children, and grown old in her nice pureblood house. Well at least she got the house, even if her husband was a slave and her only child a disgrace. _

_Sometimes this house scares me. The rooms have all been emptied in a hurry and its dark even at noon. The corridors seem to swallow noise in the day and then bounce them back in the middle of the night. _

_But I'll survive. Don't forget your promise to me Harry. You better see me soon._

Draco read the letter back. It wasn't everything, but it was a start. As he stared at the last line he couldn't help but think of the age old question. How soon was soon?

He spent a few more hours up there, gazing out over the muggle park and reading a book about the evolution of goblin society. It wasn't nearly as dry as it had originally sounded – at one point four goblins had all claimed to be the rightful leader and so entered the pit. The last goblin alive was to take the thrown, but all of them died from injuries without making it out. It left a huge power vacuum which ended only when a peasant goblin had placed the crown on her head and they'd all believed her.

With food now appearing more regularly, Draco found he was getting an appetite for meals again, so as the sun stained the sky pink, he got up. He stretched out his back and headed downstairs, leaving the book and letters where they were.

He could smell something delicious before he'd even opened the door. A big pot sat in the middle of the table, steaming away. As usual, Kreacher was nowhere to be seen. Draco sat down and ladled two big spoonfuls of chicken soup into the waiting bowl.

He savoured every mouthful then went back for more. Once he had finally finished, Draco put his bowl in the sink to soak and left another message like the first.

_Delicious. Thank you. _

He had found that each time he left a note, the quality of food became that little bit better. It seemed that somewhere along the line the house elf had developed a taste for gratitude, and if that was what Draco had to do to get food, he was more than willing to play along.

.

.

Not long after Harry had gone to bed he heard a crack outside the door. He was half asleep and wrote it off as some first year tripping over until the door opened. His sleep fuddled brain told him it was probably Neville unable to sleep again. The bed dipped.

Groggily, Harry opened his eyes and nearly fell out of bed with shock. An ugly house elf was nose to nose with him.

"Kreacher! What the hell are you doing here?" As Harry's brain started working a little quicker he felt his stomach drop. "Is it Draco? Is he alright?!"

"Mr Malfoy is _alright_." Sneered the house elf. Harry was reminded very suddenly of why he'd been so reluctant to take Kreacher on in the first place. "Mr Malfoy was writing master letters. Kreacher is delivering them." Out of his dirty cloth, Kreacher pulled three pieces of paper. Two were tightly crumpled into balls, the third folded in half.

Harry recognised Draco's elegant writing at once. He grabbed the letters and scanned the longest one.

"Kreacher, wait in the bathroom there. I'll be two minutes while I write a reply then you can take it back to him." Kreacher scowled, but climbed off the bed and crossed the room. Harry didn't want any of the other boys waking and seeing Kreacher, especially Ron, who would recognise him at once.

He read the letter again. His heart ached in his chest as he yearned to see Draco. He noticed that the letter was neither addressed nor signed. The barely started crumpled letters, Harry was unsure he should have received at all.

_Draco,_

_Thank you for your letters. I don't know why I never thought of this sooner. I've been longing to talk to you too. Things have been quite eventful here. _

_I am sorry to hear about the tapestry. You know I didn't like them, but they were family and that's hard to come by. _

_The house was the headquarters of the order. When Sirius died and the house passed to me they were unsure if it really would follow Sirius' wishes as I'm not a Black. We didn't know if the protections had all broken. By the time we'd ensured the house was in fact mine and I was the sole secret keeper they'd set up elsewhere. _

_Snape has found out where you are. He recognised it as the old HQ, but the fiddalius must be holding because I don't think he actually knows where it is anymore. He's being using legilimens on me, being a right bastard about it too. Merlin only knows who he really fights for. I think he is trying to make me learn occlumency again, but he just keeps pissing me off. _

_A few nights ago there was a fire in the forbidden forest. The centaurs told me it was Bellatrix. No one was hurt but it feels like they weren't meant to be, like she is playing with us. _

_I don't think I could stay here much longer even if I wanted to, which I don't. Things are changing at Hogwarts. Dumbledore is getting more and more distant from the school; Bellatrix managed to breach the grounds and he is claiming it was blast ended skrewts. _

_Soon its going to be time to leave. Then we can go hunting. _

_I promise to keep my promise. I want nothing more than to be with you soon. _

At the bottom of his hastily scrawled letter Harry stopped. He was about to sign it _love Harry_ but wasn't sure how Draco would react to that. After all, they had only shared a few passionate kisses in their short time together, would he think Harry was being too forward, or brash?

He had said it the last time he'd seen Draco, his heart lost in the moment of parting, but he didn't think Draco had actually heard. Harry sighed, then signed his name only.

It would be better anyway to see Draco's reaction first hand when he said it. He wanted to know for certain he was not the only one.

Harry folded the letter in quarters then went to the bathroom. The elf was sat on the toilet seat, swinging his legs. When Harry entered he held out his hand expectantly. He looked bored. Harry handed it over and with a pop, the elf was gone.

Harry climbed back into his still warm bed but couldn't sleep. He'd never really stopped to consider when he'd fallen in love with Draco, it had seemed so natural he'd never questioned it. How funny, that they should go from enemies to friends without even realising.

Was it when he'd gone to visit Draco in the hospital wing after the quidditch match and Draco had told him about all their memories? Or was it before then, and Harry had been forced to forget? Maybe he'd already told Draco then. Maybe he'd fallen in love during his nightly visits to the tower, or when he had rushed through the castle to save Draco when his name had flickered from the map?

Perhaps it was earlier even than that. After all, Harry had been watching Draco closely for the past year, and he'd never been very good at recognising feelings. Was that what had compelled him to help Draco the day he'd found him cut up in the bathroom?

Harry didn't know. He wasn't sure he ever really would. How do you pinpoint the exact moment you fall in love with someone?

A/N: Eh, its almost on time. Have a longer chapter to make up for it! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, it's nice to hear what you think!

Fe x


	28. Answers

Draco was mortified. Any fond feelings he had been developing towards Kreacher had definitely been smothered. He had searched high and low for the letters he had written yesterday and when he had failed to find them he'd caved in and asked the elf.

Kreacher had taken them, all of them, to Harry without his consent. Even the crumpled ones. When Kreacher had produced Harry's response with a sly grin on his face, Draco had snatched it away.

Now he sat alone in his room, letter shaking in his hand. It was all very well that Draco had written a letter in the first place but he hadn't really intended for it to be read. He wouldn't have worn his heart on his sleeve if he had.

Curiosity got the better of him; he needed to know what Harry had made of it, for bad or for good.

It wasn't as bad as he'd anticipated. In fact it was rather sweet. Draco felt a sudden pang of loneliness; it felt like Harry was even further away than before. The letter only raised a whole new set of questions as well.

It was concerning to say the least that Bellatrix had made it into the grounds. A year ago Draco would have said it wasn't possible – after all he had spent the better part of the year trying to find a way past all the protections Dumbledore had put it place. Now however he had to admit he'd probably overlooked simple things like walking in by assuming Dumbledore had it covered. It probably wasn't quite as easy as that.

He was tempted to try it out for himself just so he could see Harry before the sensible part of his brain kicked in. They had risked so much to get him here safe; he couldn't waste that on a whim to see his… Merlin only knows what Harry was to him, more than a friend, much more than that. But he wasn't his _boy_friend either, that was a boundary they hadn't crossed. His saviour sounded too cheesy, but that was the closest he could get. Harry had saved him from a lot of things, more than he probably realised.

Draco just had to trust that Harry would keep his promise. Harry was yet to fail him.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The Dark Lord was most pleased. This development was something he had not anticipated, but it was working to his full advantage. Two versions of himself. Not just some fragment of his soul locked away, where it was safe if not wholly useful. No, Bellatrix being the vessel for a part of his soul had opened up so many more opportunities.

She was the perfect candidate really, her ruthlessness, her devotion to the cause. She was cunning and clever, a lot like himself in that respect. Maybe that was why he had such complete and utter control over her, as if she were merely an extension of him. Think with his brain and enact with her body.

What's more, the wards of Hogwarts recognised her as belonging there, after she had managed to trick her way past the wards with Draco's cabinet. He had a free ticket in and out of the castle and short of bringing all the wards down and renewing them there was nothing Dumbledore could do.

He supposed he would have to thank Draco for that one day. After all, it was his fiend fire which had released his soul in the first place, enabling it to latch on to Bella. Maybe he would show him some mercy, kill him over the course of a week instead of a month. Or, as the Dark Lord is indeed merciful, he could offer Draco his old place back among his ranks. He would have to kill Narcissa first of course, just to prove his loyalty.

Voldemort laughed. Yes, he liked the idea of making Draco finish his mother. He doubted he could really do it; the traitor was too much of a coward. Who would he choose, he wondered, if he forced Draco to choose between Harry and his mother? That would be fun.

The door swung open without being knocked. Voldemort looked up, prepared to curse the deatheater who dared to show so little manners, and saw Bellatrix striding confidently towards him. He relaxed a little, Bella was him after all, and he did not knock for anyone.

"I have tracked down the foreign bastard who helped our little dragon escape." She said without preamble. Voldemort allowed himself a rare smile.

"Good, bring him in. Take Greyback with you, he's been getting restless. I don't intend to let Krum live long enough for a bite to be an issue, and it should subdue any resistance attempts."

"Of course." She inclined her head slightly before turning to leave, black dress billowing behind her. Voldemort had to admit, she really was a remarkable woman.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

After Harry had confessed to Hermione that he'd seen Draco in Grimmauld Place as Snape dredged through his memories, she did what she always did when faced with a problem. She went to the library.

Her first assumption was that Harry had simply dreamed it then remembered the dream. Harry said he didn't think so, then mumbled something about dreams with Draco didn't normally go like that. She wondered next if Harry had managed some sort of accidental legilimency because he'd been so busy worrying about Draco all the time.

This seemed more and more unlikely from what Hermione had read and she was about to discard the theory until a short paragraph caught her eye.

_It has been known, upon rare occasion, for two soul –mated individuals to glimpse moments of the other's life, oft before even meeting. The principle of soulmating is little understood however, so this rare event is often overlooked. _

It was a possibility, she supposed. Unlikely though. From what she knew of soulmates in the muggle world, people were supposed to just _know_ that sort of thing. They hit off right from the start and live wonderful, passionate, loving lives together. That certainly didn't sound like the Harry and Draco she had known for years.

She checked her watch. There was still about an hour until the library closed. She could admit defeat and go back up to the common room, tell Harry she hadn't been able to find anything, and call it a night. Or… well it was a hypothesis, a potential solution to her conundrum however unlikely. Hermione sighed. She just couldn't leave a problem half solved.

Hermione got up and stretched her legs. She flicked her wand at the stack of books she'd been looking through and they all floated off back to their relevant shelves. Then she set off in search of more books.

Over the years, Hermione had become quite reluctant to ask the nosy librarian where to find anything and so had developed a few tricks of her own. "Point me Soulmates." She whispered to her wand. It vibrated then spun in her hand and she smiled. Following her wand, she set off though the vast library.

In a dusty corner near the old magic books she found what she was looking for. Pulling off the books which looked most promising, Hermione settled herself on the floor.

The first she quickly tossed aside – _Soulmate Seekers_ – as it seemed to be a load of divination crap. The next was a little better until she realised the book was trying to disprove the theory of soulmates. After that she tried a larger tome about magical mating, flicking though until she found the chapter.

It said a marriage mating could be annulled by the soulmate bond, providing it was sufficiently proved. It didn't really offer any advice on how that could be proved however, much to Hermione's annoyance. She defiantly hated research sometimes. There wasn't a lot of time let until the library shut, and she didn't want to leave answerless.

Turning back to the shelf for more books she noticed a thin pamphlet like book which had fallen loose. She pulled it out. It felt old, and it was handwritten. Carefully, she opened it.

_Two souls, inexplicably entwined, has been a phenomenon recorded repeatedly throughout the course of magical history. It causes a deep obsession, often infatuation, in the barer of the matching soul._

_The two beings complement each other. They bring out the best traits, and see though all of the flaws. There will be a need to help the other at all costs. It is not always a smooth journey, history is testament to the passionate and explosive nature of some bonds._

_However, on some occasions the inverse occurs. Seeing all of ones desired traits in another can lead to animosity between soulmates. Existing as two souls entwined can lead to a hatred so strong that they will literally tear the other apart in order to try and free their soul fragment._

Hermione continued to skim though, looking for something similar to what Harry had described. The more she read, the more things seemed to fit into place. It seemed impossible, and yet… She had never seen Harry as happy and whole as he was with Draco. Harry had helped Draco defy the Dark Lord. They had fought for years, always unable to leave the other alone. When Draco was hurt, Harry was the one to find him first.

_Some soulmates have reported the ability to know when the other is in harm's way, or to feel their pain. Words are often not needed in order to communicate. In a true soulmate bonding, both partners are equals._

_For years the origins of soulmates has been speculated. The preferred theory is that when we go past death and into the abyss beyond some souls go though so closely that they are muddled. Fragments of one soul are exchanged with fragments of the other. The result is two seemingly whole souls which seek their origin drawing them together. When the souls re-join the mortal plane, they unconsciously search for the rest of themselves._

_As magical cores are linked to the soul, some magic must therefore be switched over. In this respect, meeting a soulmate does not only complete the soul but enable a witch or wizards' magical ability to be fully recognised._

_The shards of the soul are bought together and for better or for worse, the outcome will be extraordinary._

Hermione slipped the little book into her robes and quickly put the rest of the books away. She needed to get out of the library and have time to read it all properly. Somehow however, she knew nothing she would read in it would disprove her theory now. Harry's magic was testament to that – with Draco gone it was getting more and more out of control.

This revelation could change everything.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Krum couldn't believe it. He was supposed to be safe here, on the internationally protective grounds of the Swedish Quidditch pitch. He hurtled round the corner, barely missing the curse which collided with the wall behind him. Definitely not safe.

He needed to get beyond the boundaries of the grounds so he could disapperate, or at least lose them in the rabbit warren of tunnels which ran below it. He was fit, he was an international quidditch player for merlin's sake, he could outrun a couple of Deatheaters. Another burst of fire as he skidded around yet another bend. The last time he was being fired at couldn't help but spring to his mind.

The Deatheaters didn't seem to be gaining on him, but he wasn't losing them either. His lungs were starting to burn. He took turn after turn, trying not to stay in firing range long enough to get hit.

There was manic laughter echoing down the hallways behind him, which he tried desperately to tune out. This corridor looked almost familiar, but Viktor was too lost by now to know where he really was below the pitch. It was going to be difficult to find a way out.

He rounded the next corner with a lurch and collided head on with someone. Relief flooded his system until he looked up and felt his blood freeze in his veins.

The man before him was tall and stringy, with matted brown hair falling past his shoulders. He smiled down at Krum showing two rows of pointed yellow teeth. But by far the worst part of his appearance was the horrible burn covering the left half of his face. The skin was shinny stretched taut.

On instinct, Krum lashed out landing a knee right in the man's groin. As the foul man doubled over, Krum darted to the left and ran down the corridor. The laughter had stopped and he heard Bellatrix screeching from behind him.

"Catch him you filthy beast, catch him!" Krum didn't dare look back to see if the man was back on his feet. He just ran, fuelled on adrenaline.

This man didn't stop to fire curses at him every time he was in range, instead he kept running, kept coming. It sounded like he was gaining.

Krum felt sick with fear. He couldn't stop, no matter what.

Definitely gaining. The heavy footfalls sounded closer and closer. He was almost right on top of him. Deciding that his chances were better if he turned and fought, Krum span round the next corner and stopped. This time it was the big man who barrelled into him. It was too quick for Viktor to try and duck out of the way, instead they fell to the floor together. They were a flailing mass of limb each trying hard to land a punch.

Shit. Bellatrix had caught up with them. He could hear her gleeful laughter.

His punch collided with the man's jaw. He tried to wriggle out while he was stunned and was almost up when the man reached for him. He scratched across Krum's cheek and down his neck. Viktor cried out in pain, the cuts felt deep.

"Stupefy." Bellatrix said almost lazily. Krum fell unconscious to the floor.

* * *

><p>AN; Exciting things are about to happen! I would really like to know what you all thought of this chapter, as it should start explaining some of the little bits throughout the earlier chapters.<p>

As promised, there has been lots more of Hermione and Krum, and reunions are not far off!

Fe x


	29. Tick Tock

AN: Hello! I was quite pleased by the response to the last chapter, some interesting ideas about where the soulmate stuff is going! Great news - the next chapter _Reunion_ is well underway, I bet you can all guess what's going to happen there! But first, have some pain, suffering and anguish :)

* * *

><p>Viktor's head hurt. This was worse than hangover hurt – this was a sort of heavy pounding he couldn't ignore. He groaned.<p>

"He's awake!" The jubilant shout sent another wave of pain through his brain. He wondered vaguely what he had collided with, and if he had concussion. It felt like he did, he had experienced it once before after a quidditch injury. He had no idea how he gotten here. Or even where here was.

A foot collided with his stomach and he let out an 'oomph' of air.

"Get up." With a colossal effort, he forced open an eye. He couldn't make out much in the darkness. There was a table leg not far from his nose, and the rug he was laying on seemed fancy. It swam in and out of focus.

"Get up, or you will regret it." The voice was high and cold, and despite being one Krum had never heard before, he had a strong suspicion of who it belonged to. He doubted that any amount of threats would get him to move right now, he didn't think he could control that many muscles at once with his splitting headache.

"Crucio!" As searing agony racked his body, Viktor passed out mercifully quickly. He welcomed it.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The next time he woke the pain in his head had eased slightly, but the rest of his body felt like it had been pelted with bludgers. He tried to force himself to stay still and silent this time. Cautiously, he peeped open an eye.

The room seemed a little lighter now, but it was still the same room as before. He was lying on the same rug as before, staring at the same table leg. The only thing he noticed as new was the blood smear across the rug where he had been originally, from the scratches he'd received earlier.

The room was quiet. Other than the crackling of a fire, he couldn't hear anything else. From where he lay he couldn't see anyone. Slowly he sat up.

First he felt his robe pocket, not really expecting much. Then he checked the holster on his leg and saw that his secondary wand was gone too. He'd taken to carrying it around ever since he had gotten back from London. Fine, he'd just have to manage this without a wand.

Viktor looked around. He couldn't see anyone. The room was vast with high ceilings, devoid of furniture but for the large table and chairs in the centre. Velvet curtains partially obscured all of the windows, leaving the room feeling very oppressive.

He winced as he tried to pull himself up, using the table for support. He was in bad shape, from the joint exertion of running so much and the cruciatus curse. Once Viktor had steadied himself he started casting round for a plan of action.

Without a wand he wouldn't be able to disapperate, and trying to pass through the boundary wards was likely to set of some sort of alarm. He was unlikely to find a broom lying conveniently anywhere, and making it out on foot left his chances slim to none.

Floo. If he could find some floo powder he would have his ticket out of here.

On shaking legs, Viktor made his way over to the grand fireplace at the far end of the room. He searched the mantle, then dropped to his knees to see if there was a little pot on the floor. With a sinking feeling he admitted there was none.

Ok. He couldn't give up hope yet. This house must be full of fireplaces, he just had to find the right one before they found him.

After pressing his ear to the door for a good few seconds, he eased it open. It opened onto a grand entrance hall. The front door was just there, and as tempting as it was to sprint out of it, Krum knew he didn't really have a chance out there. His body was too knackered already.

He slunk across the hall to the double doors opposite. After another few strained seconds of listening, he slipped in. The room was clear.

Hurriedly, he went to the empty fireplace. Jackpot! Sitting in an ornate little pot was the sparkling green powder. He grabbed a handful and threw it into the grate. Green flames roared up and he jubilantly he stepped forward.

His foot was just above the flames when his trouser leg caught fire. He could feel the heat searing his leg. With a yell he fell backwards and tried to smoother the flames on the hearth rug. The flames continued to roar green, their heat now radiating into the room.

At the sound of laughter he span round. Bellatrix stepped out of the shadows, clutching her sides and giggling madly. It looked like she was trying to speak but couldn't get the words out past the peals of laughter.

"Haha, classic, I can't believe, ha, that you fell for that!" Viktor could only look on in horror as she stepped closer to him. "Did you really believe we'd let you go that easily? Ha!"

He could feel his hope draining as quickly as if there were dementors in the room.

"What do you want with me?"

"With you?" She crooned. "Nothing at all sweet thing. It's your darling mudblood we are after. You are merely, how to put it, collateral damage."

"They won't fall for your trap. They're not stupid."

"Potter is both stupid and loyal. He'll walk straight into our hands. Now, I think we ought to put you somewhere safe, before you go and hurt yourself some more. Imperio." She said the spell lazily, as though it was no more than a simple lumos. A soft haze descended over Viktor's mind, smoothing his thoughts.

_Go down the stairs to the cellar. Chain yourself there._

He was on his feet. He didn't remember standing. He followed Bellatrix out of the room with half his mind screaming at him and the rest floating along. It was surreal, like he couldn't get through to the other half of himself.

He descended the steps into the dark cellar. It smelt like damp. A light shone down from Bellatrix's wand at the top of the stairs. Obediently he chained himself to the wall. With a flick of her wand, the key floated away, the light was extinguished and the curse was broken.

The door slammed shut with a resounding thud above him, leaving only darkness.

Mind once again his own, Krum hurled every expletive he could think of into the darkness. What the hell was he supposed to do now?

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Hermione was sat at the breakfast table as she often did – alone with a head in a book. No one bothered to look twice at her which was just the way she liked it.

She absent-mindedly spooned a mouthful of cereal in before turning the page and continuing to re-read the little book she'd found last night. She hadn't told Harry yet since he, like normal, was yet to surface.

As engrossed as she was, she barely noticed the non-descript barn owl landing before her. When it pecked her hand she looked up, frowning. The owl seemed to glare right back and held out its leg.

Tucking the little soulmates booklet safely into her robes, she untied the letter. With a hoot, the owl took off. She ripped the letter open, expecting it to be from Viktor.

_Young Love is so sweet is it not? I'm sure you wouldn't want any harm to befall your darling Viktor. You've got two days, Draco will know where to find us. Tick Tock. _

Hermione felt as though her insides had turned to ice. This could not be happening! He was supposed to be safe, on the other side of the world. First the breach in Hogwarts, now this. Were there no safe havens left?

The bench clattered to the floor as Hermione stood up quickly. Ignoring the looks of shock behind her, she charged out of the Great Hall in search of Harry. He would help her form a plan, he would stay rational.

She was out of breath and half way up Gryffindor tower was she ran into Harry and Neville coming the other way.

"Harry!" She choked out. "They've got him. They've got Viktor." She let out a sob and forced the letter into Harry's hand. He grew gradually paler as he read.

"We need to make sure it's true. They could easily be lying in the hopes of luring us in." Harry said, his mind whirling.

"And if it is true?" Hermione wept.

"Then we go. I promise we won't leave him there, 'Mione." She nodded and rubbed her red eyes. "Can you contact someone else in the team?"

"I'll try floo calling the stadium."

"Good. Take Neville with you."

"Where are you going?" Panic rose in Hermione at once. She felt like if she let Harry out of her sight then she'd lose him too.

"To see Professor Snape."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Snape was in a bad mood. He had been in a bad mood ever since the forest fire. He had not been called to the Dark Lord in over a month. Usually this would be a cause for celebration, but it was starting to worry him. Call it paranoia, but it seemed as though the Dark Lord's trust in him was waning.

It was a bad position to be in as a spy – distrusted by both sides you worked for.

His attempts to drill some amount of mental control into the boy were going nowhere fast either. The only time he'd managed to get anywhere was when he pissed Harry off so much that he came up against a seething wall of mental anger. And that wasn't especially safe, not when Harry's magic seemed to be spiralling out of control.

He knew that really, he needed to help Harry harness the wilder magic and put it to use that way. In all honesty it scared him, he'd never seen magic like it before, and it had been getting steadily worse for weeks. Ever since Draco left.

Snape sighed. There was a whole other can of worry.

There was a sharp rap on his door. Before he could even open his mouth Potter burst in. The gust of wind which followed him blew a stack of essays off his desk. Snape tried to tell himself it was just the movement of the door.

"Professor Snape! I need your help!" Snape frowned to himself, what on earth could the boy have got himself into now that he would could to him of all people?

"What have you done now?" There was a crack as one of his glass bottles fractured. It caused Snape to realise with some alarm that he needed to calm the boy down, and fast.

"Voldemort has kidnapped Viktor. He wants us to go to him, which I know is suicidal, but I can't just leave him there."

"Are you certain this is true?" He couldn't help but remember the trap in which Sirius had gotten himself killed. It wouldn't be good to have a repeat of that incident.

"Hermione is checking in with the rest of the team now, but I know. I don't know how exactly, but it's like he's…happy. Smug." This was bad news. For starters the Dark Lord was definitely leaving him out of the loop. If he helped Potter then any remnants of his cover would be blown. And secondly, he had no doubt that Potter would walk straight into this trap if he thought it meant saving someone.

Bloody, good-for-nothing Gryffindor chivalry.

"So how do you know he is there?" Harry produced a crumpled letter and held it out. Cautiously, Snape took it and scanned it quickly. So not only was he after Harry but Draco too. Presumably, Harry would be unable to get past the wards without Draco as a guide.

Would Harry do it? Would he endanger Draco to get Krum back?

Of course he would, Snape snorted. Of course he would insist that Draco chose to do it, instead of being forced into it, but what else would Draco do. Choice of no choice, he'd go if he thought Harry was.

So it seemed he would have to intervene somehow, unless…

"Potter, has it occurred to you that you are at war? And Mr Krum is no more than another unfortunate casualty in it? He is more than likely dead already." It was the wrong thing to say.

The whole castle seemed to shake and quiver around him.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco had been having a lazy morning in bed when he'd started feeling a little off. Kreacher had bought him breakfast in bed when he didn't make it down.

His feeling of unease had rapidly grown however and he felt he had no appetite. It was as though all of his magic was rippling under his skin, rushing around and around in his veins.

All the magic he hadn't used for the last month felt like it was straining to get out. Desperately, he tried to direct it all in one direction. The glass cabinet in the corner of the room exploded, sending glittering shards into the air. With a yell Draco shielded his face with his arms. The glass turned to water and he was drowned in a deluge of it.

Stunned and sodden, he looked around the room. It was a mess. Something big was happening and he had no idea what.


	30. Reunions part 1

Hermione was a mess. She sat in the corner of an empty charms classroom as Neville tried, in vain, to comfort her. No one on the Bulgarian team had seen or heard from Viktor since a training session two days ago.

Harry paced. He felt like he should be forming a plan, doing something. His inability to do something real was the cause for the pacing. It had been hours since the letter from Krum. None of them had made it to morning lessons and they were yet to be caught.

The door slammed open and Professor Snape billowed in. He eyed Harry cautiously before closing the door behind him.

"It is no use. I will not be able to get you to Malfoy Manor as I have not been given permission to reveal its location to you." Harry paled. He had wanted to keep Draco out of this as much as possible – he was now a prize just as valuable as Harry himself.

"Have you found a way out of the castle?"

"The tightened safety measures mean that the only fire which would connect to anything outside of the ministry is in the headmaster's office. Since you refuse to go to him, that is out of the question." Harry ran a hand through his already wild hair and renewed his pacing.

"Do you think we should go to him?" Snape seemed to consider his answer very carefully before speaking.

"Albus would be in a better position to launch a rescue mission than three sixth year students."

"But would he?" Cut in Harry.

"Not without some price. You must remember Potter; the headmaster was ready to hand Draco over to the Dark Lord because he didn't want him distracting you from…"

"From who he thinks I should be." Harry finished for him.

"Quite. The headmaster would be sure to use this as a lesson, to make you feel indebted to him and thus back under his control." Snape had barely moved the whole time he had been in the classroom. His eyes followed Harry's pacing but that was all.

Abruptly Harry stopped and pinched the ridge of his nose. Voldemort's emotions kept trying to bubble through and it was giving him a headache. Hermione's endless sobbing from the corner wasn't helping.

"What about an exchange?" Snape could damn well hit the boy. How naïve could he get? There was no way he was going to let Draco walk into that sort of madness. Fortunately his silence seemed enough for the boy to realise how foolish that would be.

"Okay then, we go in guns blazing, grab Krum, and leave in a similar fashion." It was all Severus could do not to hit his head off a wall.

"How in Merlin's name you have survived the last sixteen years of your life Potter is beyond me." Harry scowled at him.

"Fine, what's your ingenious plan? And don't you dare say leave him behind." The petty part of Snape wanted to ask "_or what?",_ but remembering the castle shaking thought better of it.

Snape took a moment to think about it long and hard. It was clear that Potter would not rest until Krum was safe. It was also apparent that the only person who could reveal the house to him was Draco. This meant that, one way or another, Draco was going to end up in the firing lines.

No. He wouldn't let that happen. He had vowed to protect Draco. He wouldn't let his past mistakes with Lily be repeated. The Potters had done him enough damage.

"I will go. The Dark Lord will not expect me to try and free him." _He hoped_. This seemed to shock the room so much that Granger finally stopped crying. It shocked him too in all honesty, but he knew long ago he'd let no harm come to his godson.

"Thank you." Hermione's voice has hoarse from all the crying. Snape snorted, he wasn't doing this for her.

"I also suggest it is becoming unwise for you to remain in Hogwarts. I do not know how much you know of the fire in the forbidden forest, but it was in fact caused by the Dark Lord himself. He has breached the wards. I shall distract the headmaster as best I can, you will have to move quickly to get through his office fire. Then I will go to the manor myself and retrieve Krum. You will have to retell me the address of your house so that I can bring him there if necessary. Time is of the essence, be ready to go in one hour."

And just like that, their plan was made.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Up in the Gryffindor common room, Harry was hurriedly grabbing all of his most valuable things. The invisibility cloak, Sirius' mirror fragment, the sneakoscope and his omniocculars, all went into a leather bag on the bed. Harry then drew out the marauders' map.

"Neville?" The boy looked up from his own things. "I think you should stay here."

"What? Harry I want to help you-"

"I know that Neville. I do. But I think you should stay here. For starters, how else will we know what's going on inside the castle? You can help a lot from here; maybe get the DA going again. And I want you to have this." Harry held out the map. He'd left it open and watched as Neville's eyes opened in awe. Harry tapped it once to wipe it, then again to bring it all back, showing him how it worked.

"Are you sure this is what's best Harry?"

"I think so. Hogwarts is only as strong as her people, and I get the feeling she may need you in the months to come."

Neville pulled Harry into a tight hug.

"Thank you Harry. Stay safe."

"You too Neville, you too."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Now with a course of action, Harry and Hermione had gotten their wits back about them. They were hiding in an alcove, just around the corner from Dumbledore's office. Their ears were straining to hear the sounds of Dumbledore leaving.

Footsteps, headed their way. Harry and Hermione tried to shrink back as far as they could. It was Snape. They let out a sigh of relief. If he heard them, he showed no signs. He merely billowed past.

"Turkish Delight." With a familiar scraping of stone on stone, Snape ascended to the headmaster's study. Harry held waited as the minutes slowly ticked by, all the time doubts starting to seep in. He was just about to move, to do something because he couldn't stand waiting any longer, when they heard raised voices.

"Really Severus, why you can't deal with the issue alone is beyond me."

"I am sorry headmaster, but this really shouldn't wait." The magical staircase up to Dumbledore's office was revealed once more. The two professors turned down the corridor away from them. Snape's message was clear, they needed to move fast.

As soon as the footsteps had faded away, he pulled Hermione forwards. He gave the password to the guarding gargoyle, who frowned but begrudgingly moved aside.

They took the steps two at a time.

The office was just like Harry remembered it. Fawkes' perch was currently empty, for which Harry was grateful. He didn't like the idea of the bird sensing their treachery and attacking. Lying on the desk was the pensive.

Before Harry had fully registered what he was doing he had crossed the room. He carefully picked up the shallow bowl.

"Harry what are you doing? We need to get a move on!" Harry turned to her, pensive still in hand. She was stood by the fire, floo powder at the ready. Lying on the mantle above the fireplace was a glittering ruby hilt.

"I'm taking this with me. Grab the sword from the mantle, you said it should be able to destroy horcruxes." Hermione looked up and saw it. She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of stealing. "Hermione!" Harry urged her. She reached up and grabbed it in her free hand.

"Come on!" Harry stepped up next to her. "12 Grimmauld Place!" Together they stepped into the green flames.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Draco was sat in the kitchen which his head on the table when it happened. There was a whoosh. The whoosh of a fire. In a heartbeat he was on his feet, staring at the grate. Green flames had erupted from it and in their midst were two bodies.

Harry stumbled out of the fire only to be knocked straight back. The moment he was sure it was really him, Draco had leapt and wrapped his arms securely around Harry's waist. He nuzzled his nose into Harry's jumper and breathed deeply.

He was home.

With a soft laugh, Harry tried to wrap his arms back round the blonde. His arms were full but it didn't matter.

"I've missed you too Draco." It was true, Harry could feel his heart surging with joy to see the blonde again. He carefully detached himself and surveyed Draco. "You're looking even skinnier than when you left." His voice was thick with concern.

"Yeh well, convincing that elf to get some actual food into the house took a few days." As Draco said it he felt a ripple of anger. He looked up at Harry, stunned.

"I'll skin him, that good for nothing house elf."

"Harry!" Hermione scolded. Draco looked around the room and only then realised they had company. Great, there went any plan of having Harry all to himself. Trying to ignore Granger's presence, he turned his attention back to the room's more interesting inhabitant.

Over one shoulder Harry had slung a travel bag, and in his hand was a curved metallic dish. He looked tired, like he'd not been sleeping well, but he was otherwise well.

Draco couldn't believe how good it felt to see Harry, but he had to admit he wouldn't be here without good reason.

"What's happened?" Harry's face fell a little. He spared a nervous glance towards Hermione before launching into the whole story. It shocked Draco that Snape had volunteered to walk into the viper's pit. "And you say he did it to protect me?"

"He's done everything to protect you, including giving me hellish occlumency lessons. Which don't seem to have worked."

"Well let's hope they make it back her in one piece." He looked over at Hermione who had a glassy, dazed look. "Both of them." He added.

She nodded vaguely.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

No one could say that Viktor Krum had not lived an interesting life. He'd been an international quidditch player at sixteen, a triwizard champion at seventeen, taken part in a battle mid-air in a desperate race to safety and fallen madly in love. This however was definitely a new experience.

Bellatrix seemed overjoyed with her new play thing. And boy, were her games imaginative.

For the first round, she had acquired a boggart. Krum refused to believe it was anything but. Without a wand, he had been forced to endure several hours, cowering in a corner, with Hermione looming over him.

"Look at you, so weak and helpless. You're no good to me; you're no good to anyone. If you were Harry you would have found a way out by now. He wouldn't cry like a baby. Useless!" Her voice had echoed round the cellar room. Even with his hands over his ears he couldn't drown it out.

Bellatrix had also bought down a lamp and a chair. She sat far enough away not to disturb the boggart and cackled. In the yellow light of the lamp, Hermione somehow managed to look more beautiful than ever.

She taunted relentlessly. He'd had his head buried in his knees for what felt like hours when the boggart finally changed tact.

"Why won't you look at me Viktor? Do you not love me anymore? You promised to love me forever. Maybe I should just die. Then you wouldn't have to worry about what everyone thinks, loving a mudblood like me."

Krum lifted his head and finally broke. Hermione's body swung from a noose, her eyes shut and deathly pale. He started sobbing loudly and hugged his knees, desperately trying to hold himself together.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry was beginning to realise that he was really no good when it came to girls. He'd always known he was pretty crap at it, what with a few disastrous dates with Ginny, but this was worse.

Hermione seemed to be retreating into herself. He knew the lack of action was probably making it worse – Hermione performed well under stress and pressure. Relying on someone else so heavily, particularly someone she didn't fully trust, seemed to be eating away at her.

He had tried, mostly in vain, to comfort her. He had no idea what the hell he should be saying though. Like Hermione, he was a doer, not a sit-arounder.

The constant sobbing was getting a little bit too much so, selfishly, Harry decided to take a breather. Draco had ducked out hours ago.

The house was just like he remembered it, dark and musty. He climbed the stairs to the second floor landing where he found Draco. He was staring out of the window with a slightly glazed expression.

"Draco? You alright?" Draco jumped and turned to Harry. He smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "What's got you so deep in thought?"

"I just... I wondered if that would have been how you'd reacted if my father had taken me back to the Dark Lord instead of escaping here." Harry moved to lean against the wall so that Draco wouldn't have to twist to look at him. He thought for a minute.

"I don't think so. I would have probably rushed in there to get you out straight away. I wouldn't have stopped to properly think things through like I made Hermione do, I would have just focused on the need to save you."

"I think I would have done the same. I'd probably have made a bit more of a plan than that but I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to save you."

"It doesn't matter now anyway."

"No?"

"No. I don't intend to ever leave your side again Malfoy. If they catch you they catch me too, or I die in the ensuing battle." Draco shuddered.

"Don't talk about dying so casually." He was shocked to see Harry shrug.

"I think I came to terms with dying long ago. Of course I've never had such a good reason to stay alive." Harry leaned forwards and pressed a chaste kiss to Draco's lips.

"Don't be such a sap Potter." Harry grinned.

"You love it."

"Just a little." Draco grinned back and then kissed him again. "I'll admit I could get quite used to it."

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

He was pretty sure exhaustion had claimed him somewhere between rounds one and two. When Viktor came round it was to Bellatrix's face leering over his. She was smiling.

"Good morning, darling Vicky. Wakey wakey, it's time for breakfast." She dragged her fingers along the half healed scratches that Greyback had left, reopening them. He hissed in pain and sat up.

Bellatrix had bought down a small trestle table holding three bowls of lumpy porridge. She giggled as he surveyed it.

"In one bowl there is a potion which liquefies your insides. I didn't put enough in to kill you; at least I don't think so. After all, where is the fun in that?" She caressed the side of his face and Krum batted her away. Her slap was so hard he felt his neck click. "Play nice Vicky, we still have lots of time before your darling mudblood arrives. In a different bowl is a potion that stimulates all of your nerve endings. You won't be able to sit or move for hours, just stand in unceasing pain." She smiled sweetly.

"And the last one?" Krum croaked out.

"The last one contains a spoonful of sugar. Take your pick."

He took a moment to closely look at them all. They all looked the same, no clues there. He was hungry, but not yet starving. He crossed his arms.

"None of them." The smile slipped into a sneer as she back handed him again. The cuts stung and he could feel blood starting to ooze out of them.

"That is not an option." Defiance surged up inside him.

"I refuse to play your sick twisted games."

"Curcio!" Searing pain assaulted him. Krum gasped for air like a fish out of water. He didn't pass out this time. He simply screamed and screamed. She released him from the curse and he lay there panting.

"Choose." Shakily, Krum sat up. He grabbed the bowl closest to him and with quivering hands, ate.

* * *

><p>AN: Mwuahaha ^.^ I'm sorry but I think I'm enjoying this a little too much! This chapter was going to end up being mammothly long so I have split it into two parts. Enjoy the painful weak's wait :) Fe x<p> 


	31. Reunions part 2

Snape's first thought as he approached Malfoy Manor was that it was quiet. Too quiet. Even the peacocks which normally littered the drive had scuttled off somewhere else. With a sick sense of foreboding he opened the grand front door. There was no turning back now.

He squared his shoulders and entered.

Inside was just as dim as he remembered. He could hear no movement. All of the doors lining the entrance hall were pulled shut. Snape ignored all of them in favour for the passage which headed down to the cellars. He knew of them from when Charity Burbage had been kept hostage over the last summer.

His straining ears finally picked up on some sound. He paused, trying to hear it better. It sounded like coughing, a pained violent retching. It didn't sound good, but on the bright side at least he'd probably found Viktor.

Slowly he crept forwards some more. He had to admit he hadn't really approached this with any semblance of a plan, more just making it up as he went along depending on what he found. Thus far his luck seemed to be holding, the manor was deserted.

Definitely coughing. It was horrible and wet.

At the foot of the cellar steps he stopped again to press his ear to the heavy door. _Homenum Revelio_ Snape thought, scanning the room for people. He cursed silently when he saw that there were two occupants to the room. Maybe his luck would continue to hold, it could just be another prisoner.

Still, better safe than sorry. Snape raised his wand and prepared to fire a couple of quick immobilising spells. He pushed open the door and shot.

The first target he hit with no difficulty, the body on the floor seizing up rigid. The second person ducked however, and the wild witch turned on him.

Bedlam broke loose. Snape was giving as good as he got, but he had to admit Bellatrix was giving better. He forced his way further into the room. It smelt vile, the acrid smell of vomit and blood filtering into his battle focused mind. Between two defensive spells he managed to remobilise Krum.

Any hope of back up from the seeker quickly faded when he saw what a state he was in. He seemed too dazed to fully realise that there were spells flying over his head.

Bellatrix managed to sneak a curse past Snape's defences as he surveyed the pitiful heap he was supposed to be rescuing. He swore under his breath and clutched a hand to his side. He threw an avarda kedrava her way, narrowly missing.

"Come on you useless git, get up and save your damned self!" He roared at Krum, whilst side stepping a skin-shedding curse.

Something finally seemed to be seeping into Krum's dazed stupor. He looked up, with a confused expression. There was blood trickling from his mouth.

"Go!" Snape bellowed. He knew it already, he wasn't going to win this battle. The least he could do was die for a good reason. Krum had to live, so that Draco and Harry wouldn't come here.

On shaking legs, Krum got to his feet, using the wall heavily for support. Snape had to cast a protego between Snape and Bellatrix as she changed her target. Her face was contorted into a snarl of rage.

"Avada Kedavra!" Knowing a shield charm would do no good for Krum now, Snape cast the only spell he'd ever heard of defeating it.

"Expelliarmus!" Bellatrix's wand soared out of her hand before the damning green light could burst forth. It seemed Potter had really been onto something.

Snape pushed Krum towards the stairs and threw another body bind at Bellatrix. She dodged, and came at him, wicked knife in hand. Curse after curse Snape desperately fired her way, each she evaded or waved away with wandless magic.

At the base of the stairs, Snape cast a ward charm. It forced Bellatrix to stop short. She was enraged, inhuman. He hurried up after Krum, unknowing of how long it would hold against Bellatrix. He thought that they ought to start calling her Lady Voldemort and laughed, the strain of the battle was definitely getting to him.

Now that he had caught up to Krum, he pushed Bellatrix's wand into his hand.

"Get past the wards, apparate to the safe house. Go!" He nodded silently and pushed on. From the bottom of the steps Snape heard hissing and he felt his stomach turn to ice.

The front door had opened, and Snape knew he needed to get out of it too. He needed to be running. But his body seemed paralysed by fear. A huge black snake had slivered into his path. It was leaning back, preparing to strike. No. No, he wasn't going to die like this.

"Confrigo!" The burst of fire seemed to reflect off the shiny black scales, without leaving a mark. "No! Defodio!" Again, the snake was left unharmed. Snape stumbled backwards and tripped on his long robes. He landed hard.

Nagini slid slowly towards him. She reared up again, egged on by the hissing echoing up from the cellar. Lightning fast, she struck. Snape roared in pain.

He could feel the ward below him shatter as the poison flowed through his veins. It was like liquid fire, burning its way around. He sobbed.

"A traitor must die a traitor's death, Severus. You think you have been hiding it but I have suspected you for a while. The Dark Lord is never wrong. You have lost me a very valuable opportunity today. It is just for you to die in the pain they should have suffered." Bellatrix's voice had turned high and cold. She stood above him, gloating.

"Go to hell." Snape spat, as another wave of pain threatened to overcome him. He could feel his body shuddering on the floor, and the wet clamminess of his skin. This was it, the end of Severus Snape.

"There is a special place in Hell for liars and traitors Snape, I'm sure I'll see you there on the off chance I should ever die." Her laugh was humourless and chilling. It rang in his ears, amplified louder and louder. It was the last thing he heard, as darkness drew him in.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The harsh daylight stung Viktor's eyes after so long in the cellar. He stumbled out of the front doors and down the wide steps before them. The wand was clutched tightly in his hand.

His stomach and inners were rearing in pain, but that didn't matter. He was not going back in there, he had to run. Under foot, the gravel of the drive crunched. He lost his balance once, cutting his hand open. Without stopping to survey the damage, he was up again. One foot in front of the other.

A pained cry echoed from the open doors of the house. He pushed on.

The drive was coming into sharper focus, but Viktor refused to notice how long it was. He couldn't hear any sounds of pursuit yet. He would make it, he had to. He needed to see Hermione again.

With that thought in his mind, he forced himself on. He was in a bad state, he could feel the after effects of the potion he'd been forced to eat. That had been hellish.

There was a gate up ahead. He wasn't far off now. The screams had stopped echoing from the house now, Krum refused to dwell on what that meant. The man had told him to go so he had, there was nothing he could do now.

He stepped through the tall gates and immediately turned on the spot. The crushing of the apparation seemed so intense on his injuries that he thought he wouldn't make it out the other end. He hit the black door hard, groping for something to hold.

He slumped over the iron railings and heaved. Blood splattered the rose bush as the door was yanked open.

"Viktor? Oh my god! Harry!" The safety of her arms wrapped around his waist. Relief flooded him.

"Hi 'mione." Her face was so beautiful even contorted by worry. His smiled weakly, before giving in to unconsciousness.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry guided Krum's head as Draco carefully levitated him down the corridor to the kitchen. When they had heard Hermione's yells they had rushed down from the second floor landing where they had been falling asleep against each other.

To begin with they had tried to carry him, but despite only having a seeker's build, he was too heavy for them. Harry had always been on the slightly weedy side, and Draco hadn't been eating well for much longer than his time here. Harry had suggested Hermione levitated Krum, but she seemed too distraught it didn't seem wise. Harry said he'd always been rubbish at levitation charms so had passed his wand to Draco.

Draco had pushed away his anxiety of not using magic for nearly two months. It was so far working quite well. They managed to negotiate the door and get him onto the kitchen table. Draco kept the surrealism of it to himself – a fortnight ago he'd been the one bleeding out on this table and Krum had been the one saving him. His shoulder had healed remarkably well actually, the scald mark all but gone.

Krum groaned but didn't wake. Hermione was fretting, trying to cast diagnostics with shaking hands.

"I…I can't tell what's wrong with him." Her voice was strained. Harry put a calming hand on hers.

"We'll fix it. Do you think he might have splinched himself on the way back here?" Hermione seemed to pale further. Draco, realising he was still clutching Harry's wand, had a go himself. When he looked up again he had two pairs of anxious eyes on him.

"I can't really tell either, it seems mostly internal. There is some bad muscle damage to his shoulder, and lots of minor scrapes and bruises. But something else is up, and I can't tell what."

"Kreacher can help." Draco turned to look at the little creature who was loitering by Draco's knee. When he had entered, Draco had no idea, but he was immensely grateful. Hermione finally burst into tears.

"Thank you Kreacher." At the acknowledgment Kreacher ducked his head. Draco noticed Harry's puzzled expression and mouthed 'later' as the elf pulled out a chair. It clambered on and tentatively poked Krum's leg.

"Sir's insides are scrambled." He said after a minute. "And his shoulder has some sort of dark infection." Kreacher withdrew his hand quickly, as if scared the infection would spread.

"Scrambled? What on earth does that mean?" Harry said.

"It means," Draco said coldly "That my aunt has been at him. It was one of Bellatrix's favourites, a potion which breaks down organ membranes. It effectively scrambles your inners into a big mess of organ soup." Hermione had turned green, and Harry looked little better.

"Okay, we have a diagnostic. It's not good but we can work with that. What should we do?" It was clear Harry was trying to distance himself from the situation in order to deal with it. Hermione on the other hand was clutching onto Krum and sobbing loudly.

"Well he's not dead yet, so she didn't give him much." Draco decided to follow suit, he could pretend this wasn't happening. Krum's life wasn't really on the line, this is merely a test to see if he could do the right thing. "I don't think she ever bothered finding an antidote, she would have no need. We need something to heal, so try vulnera sanentur."

Draco passed back Harry's wand, who tried the spell. When he was done, Kreacher apprehensively touched Krum's leg again.

"It is helping his insides, but his shoulder is fighting it." Kreacher withdrew very quickly. Something about that wound scared him. Harry cast the spell twice more.

"We could try Dittany for his shoulder. I'm afraid I don't really know anything for infections." Draco interjected. Harry nodded and went to retrieve Hermione's bag from the side.

"Accio Dittany." He said, pointing his wand into it. A small bottle flew into his empty hand. "Hermione, we are going to need to roll him over, so we can get to his shoulder." She nodded and moved away slightly, trembling.

"On the count of three. One, two, three." Harry and Draco heaved, and managed to get Krum onto his side. He coughed violently and a small trickle of blood ran from his mouth. Harry pulled away the ragged shirt.

There were four deep scratch marks marring Krum's back. The blood around them was dark and dried, the scabs broken. It looked like they had half healed then been torn open again.

"I think we are going to need to clean some of the blood off first. Kreacher, can you bring us some clean water." Kreacher clicked his fingers and a bowl materialised. Any other time Harry would have been very impressed. He wrung a cloth in the water and tried to dab of as much as he could.

Without the dry blood surrounding them, they looked a little better. Harry unstopped the bottle and poured it onto the wound. Draco had to hold on tight to stop Krum thrashing and rolling back over.

"I think that's as good as we are going to get. It looks like it will scar. What now?"

"Keep casting the healing spell, and we wait. Only time will tell now." Harry nodded. Gently, he and Draco lowered Krum back onto his back. Harry sat down next to him and began casting.

Hermione was stood stock still. She looked like she was in shock. Her skin was pale and her eyes unfocused and reddened. It was like she couldn't fully comprehend what was going on in front of her.

Draco pulled up a chair on the other side of Krum and nudged Hermione towards it. She seemed startled for a moment, as if she'd forgotten Harry and Draco were even there anymore. She crumpled into the chair and took hold of Krum's hand. Knees drawn up to her chest, she sat watching him, waiting.

Kreacher busied himself making cups of tea.

AN: Sorry about the delay between parts! I was internetless for a week because I went away for my birthday, and my A Levels are starting to go crazy! Hopefully normal updating has been resumed. I'd really like to hear what you all think to the character development going on :)


	32. Night Calls

With the mad panic of Krum's return subsided, the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place had fallen into an uncomfortable silence. None of them had failed to notice the fact Viktor had made it back alone.

Hermione still sat curled up on herself. Her head now rested on the table next to Viktor and her breathing was even, but she was not asleep. She stared off into the corner of the room, lost in her own thoughts.

Harry and Draco sat at the other end of the table. Two half empty tea cups were on the table before them, both long cold. They kept exchanging glances at each other but did not speak. They were waiting.

Kreacher had busied himself cleaning the blood and vomit up from the kitchen and hallway. He had continued to mutter away like he always had as he worked, but Harry couldn't hear any insults coming out. The narrow windows in the kitchen had been thrown open and whilst the cold came in, the smell did not leave.

Harry was worried, less so for Krum now that the danger seemed to have passed, but for Draco. Snape had clearly felt strongly about Draco, after all he had been willing to walk to his possible death to try and keep him from harm's way. He was less sure of how Draco felt about their potions teacher. Harry couldn't really remember them ever discussing Snape, there had always been so much else going on. How would he cope with his godfather gone?

The thought seemed to hit home then. An intense wave of missing for Sirius seemed to sweep over Harry then. Here they sat, hiding away in the place his godfather had been so desperate to escape, seeking some slim refuge. It was the first time he'd returned since Sirius had gone.

Adrenaline had long left all of their systems. Harry yawned. It seemed so long since he'd slept, in their rush to leave the castle. Hogwarts, his only true home. He knew it was the exhaustion of the day's events catching up with him, but he felt melancholic. Getting Viktor back seemed to highlight all the people they had lost.

"Maybe we should move him to one of the beds upstairs, he'd be more comfortable than on the table here." Draco's voice seemed to stun Hermione out of her reprieve. She nodded slowly, and Harry yawned again. "And you too, you seem shattered."

"Will you levitate him up? I'll probably drop him." Harry said, standing slowly. He stretched out his stiffened muscles. Draco looked apprehensive. The tiny bit he had done earlier had felt draining, like trying to work a muscle you haven't move in weeks. Upon seeing Draco's worried face Harry quickly formulated a new plan.

"Kreacher." There was a pop as the elf materialised from wherever he'd been hiding for the last couple of hours. "Do you think you could get Viktor into one of the beds upstairs please? Gently." Harry added. The elf bowed deeply.

"Of course, Master." He touched Krum and let out a shudder again, just like when he'd helped with the diagnostics. He then glared at Hermione until she let go of Krum's hand. With a soft pop the two of them vanished.

Hermione quickly got out of her chair and left the kitchen. The boys followed her. At the top of the stairs they found Kreacher coming out of one of the double bedrooms.

"Anything else sir?" Kreacher still seemed to sneer when talking to them, but Harry was starting to think it was just how he talked.

"No, thanks." Kreacher bowed again and turned to leave.

"Kreacher, thank you. Not just for this but for earlier too, you didn't have to offer to help." Draco spoke up as the elf started to leave. He turned back, and after a moment's hesitation, bowed again. He then continued down the stairs as if nothing had happened.

"Since when were you part of SPEW?" Draco looked up to see Harry's bemused expression.

"What in merlin's name is spew?" He responded, utterly confused.

"Society for the protection of elfish welfare. Hermione's idea back in forth year, she was knitting them woolly hats and everything."

"I'm still not convinced she hasn't lost all her marbles you know. I'm not sure I'm about to knit him a woolly hat, but one does get a certain amount of gratitude at receiving food after nearly starving for four days." Harry raised an eyebrow. "We have a lot of storytelling to catch up on Potter."

Harry grinned.

"I bet I can out-storytell you any day Malfoy."

"Real mature."

"What, scared you'll lose?"

"Of course not!"

"That's settled then." Now it was Draco's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"What's settled?"

"We are going to have-" Harry broke off for a yawn then continued. "-a story telling competition. Which I shall win."

"Alright, Potter. But after you have slept." Still grinning slightly, Harry nodded.

"Night Draco."

"Night Harry." Harry turned and continued up the next flight of stairs. Draco watched him go. He wanted to follow him, but they'd only just got back together and he wasn't sure where their limits lay. Hell, he wasn't even sure what they were doing.

He checked on Hermione, who had curled herself on the bed next to Krum. She was watching him through half-lidded eyes. Draco carefully closed the door and resigned himself to another long night. He trudged up to his bedroom also on the second floor and crumped into the big bed.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Malfoy slept fitfully for the next few hours. Unlike the others, he had had a lot of time for sleep over the past few days. He was just contemplating getting up to read in his favourite chair on the landing when he heard a creak outside his door. He had to quickly remind his frantically beating heart that he was no longer alone in this dreary old place.

The door creaked open. The landing on the other side was dark.

"Draco?" A whisper floated in. Draco felt a flood of relief. It seemed he was getting a little paranoid. "You awake?"

"Yes, I'm awake. You can come in Harry." There was another creak as a silhouette slipped into the room and closed the door behind them. There was some shuffling, a thump and a cuss as Harry walked into the bed posts in the dark.

"Lumos. You alright?" Harry nodded, rubbing his nose. In the pale light of the wands glow he looked even more drawn out than he had when they'd said goodnight. "You don't look so good."

This time Harry shrugged. He stood there in a loose t-shirt and low slung trousers looking awkward and more than a little cold.

"Get in." Draco pulled back the covers, making space for Harry on the other side of the bed. A strange look crossed Harry's face, a mix of relief and shyness and something else. Draco decided it was too late at night to be analysing such things so focused on Harry climbing into bed with him instead. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Nah, too much swirling round in my head. That was the room me and Ron shared back when this was the order of the Pheonix. So much has happened since then but I do kind of miss him." Draco didn't really know what to say to that. He knew the reason Harry and Ron had fallen out so dramatically was him, and whilst Hermione was slowly growing on him, the weasel was disliked just as much as ever. Fortunately Harry continued.

"We were best mates for years and then he throws it all away at the drop of a hat over something so stupid. It made me wonder how many other people from then would support what I was doing now? Dumbledore definitely wouldn't, and Professor McGonagall has always listened to him. Sirius is gone. Snape too."

Draco felt that last bit as a sharp pain in his chest. He had been refusing to believe that Snape had lost the battle. Without Krum to contradict him, he had somehow convinced himself that Snape had simply gone somewhere else, or managed to maintain his façade as spy.

"Do you really think he's dead?" Harry looked round at him quickly, like he'd only just realised what he'd said. "Honestly."

"Voldemort wouldn't have let him live, not after what he did. He should have made it back with Viktor. I mean, it's always possible he's survived somehow, he's a survivor after all. But I don't think it's likely." Harry said slowly. He was watching Draco, as if looking for any sign he was about to crack. Draco nodded numbly.

He had never really been close to Snape, per say, but he'd been a lot closer to him than anyone else. Unlike his father, Snape had paid attention to him regardless of if people were around. And unlike his mother, he had been willing to teach him and to be brutally honest about the world instead of protecting him from it.

But then he had protected him. He'd done more to protect him than his father ever had. Lucius had been prepared to hand him over to the Dark Lord but Snape had defied him. And it had cost him his life.

"I wish I had chance to thank him."

"Me too, he was a better man than we ever gave him credit for." They lapsed back into silence. Draco extinguished his wand and they both shuffled down under the covers, not quite touching. After a little while Draco spoke up, unsure if Harry was even awake any more.

"It's strange how much I've missed your company over the last few weeks. I felt like I was bored all the time."

"I think the word Hermione used to describe me was mopey. And I know what you mean; I'd gotten so used to getting up in the middle of the night to visit you."

"It's a habit not easily broken I see." Harry poked him in the ribs. He was a little startled to feel bare skin, Draco clearly hadn't bothered with a bed top.

"I don't hear you complaining."

"Nah, no complaints here." There was a soft laugh next to him and Draco smiled. Oh how he'd missed that sound. A few moments later Harry whispered into the darkness again, sounding half asleep.

"Oh, I stole Dumbledore's pensive. So you could show me those memories. Our first kiss." Harry was mumbling away but Draco was stunned.

"Wait, you stole a priceless pensive from one of the most powerful wizards ever?"

"Um hmm. When we left. I wanted to remember."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, you did what you thought you had to." Draco wasn't really sure what to say to that so said nothing. Silence stretched on, long enough that Draco thought Harry really had fallen asleep.

"Draco, I'm cold." The sleepy mumble was barely audible. Draco hesitated for a moment before rolling onto his side and shuffling close to Harry. Harry nestled back into his body heat. Draco tentatively wrapped an arm round Harry's waist. The soft sound of snoring came just minutes later.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

When Harry woke the next morning it was to a new and rather pleasant experience. He could feel the warmth of another person radiating on to him, and feel the soft tickle of breath on his ear. There was a heavy arm draped over his waist, holding them close.

He very careful twisted himself around, so that he was now facing Draco. Some of his pale blonde hair had fallen across his brow as he slept. His eyes were shut and his brow frown free. With the alabaster skin, he looked like some exotic prince. Whilst Harry was loathe to wake him, Draco's slightly parted lips were sorely tempting.

Harry decided that he owed Draco a kiss he couldn't remember.

Leaning forward so that their noses touched, Harry gently pressed his lips to Draco's. He still tasted like apples, fresh and crisp. Weren't people supposed to have morning breath or something. Harry pulled back and admired Draco. Flawless and unruffled. Draco stirred slightly, he was beginning to wake up. Harry grinned to himself. He lent back forwards this time lining his eyes up with Draco's.

"Wakey wakey princess." Draco's eyes stared to flutter open then shot open with a start. Wide grey eyes met the smirking green ones, barely an inch away. Draco punched him in the stomach. Harry let out an _oomph _of air and laughed loudly.

"That was uncalled for! I was happily asleep!" Draco was trying to glare him down but it wasn't working. Harry's laughter was infectious and before he knew it he was laughing too. "Okay, okay, it was a little bit funny!" Harry carried on laughing, rolling around in the bed.

"You can stop laughing now." Harry nearly managed it but took one look at Draco and started laughing again. "Oh sod it. This is your fault." Before he could think twice Draco yanked Harry's top up and proceeded to tickle his torso.

Harry's laughter increased tenfold as he writhed under Draco. He was trying to tickle Draco back but not getting very far.

"Stop! Ha- stop! I yield!" Draco had paused in his ministrations for barely a moment before Harry had pushed him onto his back. Expecting a tickle war retaliation, Draco tensed, but instead Harry's lips collided with his.

They kissed with all the energy of the tickling match and all the longing they'd stored up over the past few weeks. Draco's hand slid up Harry's shirt again to feel his soft skin and pull him closer. One of Harry's hands was supporting him but the other was running up and down Draco's side.

Draco felt a tongue run over his lips and eagerly opened them in acceptance. His own tongue met Harry's in dance, fuelled by their passion. Draco grabbed hold of Harry's shirt and pulled it up over his head. They broke the kiss for the briefest of moments to pull the top free before they met again.

Draco slid his hands over Harry's back, enjoying the new expanse of skin. When Harry's lips left his to instead trail kisses down his neck and collar bone he let out a soft moan. The kisses didn't slow, and now there was the occasional nip in there too. Draco felt his finger's curve into Harry's back.

There was a noise behind them as the door swung open.

"Draco have you seen where- oh." Hermione had flushed beet red as she stood in the doorway. Her eyes drifted to the rug and she stared at it as though it was the most fascinating thing in the world. Draco was more than a little peeved. All previous feelings of dislike for the girl were threatening to make a return.

"Yes I have seen Harry. He is in my bed, where he was quite happily kissing me senseless until you walk in." He fixed her with a stony glare and even though she didn't look up she shuddered.

"Viktor's awake. I thought you'd want to hear what he has to say." She snapped at them before turning and stalking away. She left the door wide open. Draco very nearly said _damned mudblood_ but managed to stop himself.

She had turned out to be reasonably pleasant most of the time. It was just when he had a boner he seemed to dislike her so. It also seemed Harry had noticed.

"Um, we ought to get up."

"One step ahead of you. Is knocking not a muggle thing?" Harry shrugged. He seemed far from pleased by Hermione's interruption too.

The morning elation they had found in each other's arms seemed to be fading. Cold reality was hitting home and hearing Krum's tale was likely to confirm their fears about Snape.

"Do we have to go?" Draco was aware he was whingeing but he didn't want to leave the warmth of the bed or Harry's skin.

"It's not fair to ask him to repeat it more than once." Sighing heavily, Draco sat up. "Um Draco?" He turned back to face Harry. "Do you think I could just sleep here tonight, to save coming in in the dark?"

Draco smiled broadly.

"Course you can. Princess." He smirked and jumped off the bed before Harry could retaliate. He pulled on a dressing gown as Harry reclaimed his top and they headed off to hear what Krum had to say.


	33. Power of a Name

"So zat man was professor Snape? I knew I recognised him somehow." All four of them had gathered in Krum's room to listen to his painful retelling of the last few days' events. Once he'd finished, Harry had filled him in on their side of the story.

Krum had managed to sit upright in the big bed. He looked pale and drawn out but it seemed that the only wound left bothering him was the scratches on his shoulder. Hermione had curled up on his good side and had been rubbing soothing circles onto his stomach as he talked. It was clear he'd skimmed over some of the more gruelling details, not wanting to relive it.

Harry and Draco had squeezed onto the love seat together. Harry was still somewhat embarrassed that they'd been caught topless and making out, but Draco couldn't have seemed to care less. When Krum had gotten to the part about leaving Snape behind, Draco had quietly slipped his hand into Harry's. Harry gave it a little squeeze.

When the conversation had petered out a bit, Harry called Kreacher up and asked him to prepare breakfast for all of them. The whole time he was in the room he kept casting furtive glances towards Viktor, almost as if scared he was about to be attacked.

"Kreacher's certainly acting odd. More than usual anyway." Harry said once the elf had left. Draco nodded in agreement. "You haven't gotten round to explaining how you and a house elf are quite so civil you know."

"Well he was being an ornery bugger for the first few days, starved me half to death."

"It's not like you even have anything left to lose!" Harry burst, looking shocked. Draco shrugged and continued.

"All I had for three days was a bit of stale bread and very blue cheese, which I didn't even keep down after… yeah that's another story." Draco wasn't really comfortable talking about the latest burn mark on the tapestry, especially not with Hermione and Krum in the room. "In desperation I raided his cupboard, which he wasn't pleased about. I found this locket, something he'd been given by one of his old masters. I gave it back and got food the next morning. When I thanked him for it, the food improved. Turns out, your elf has got some strange kink for appreciation."

"So that's why you stopped him to say thanks last night?"

"Yeh, I don't think it was easy for him to do that. You hadn't ordered him too, and I bet he would have been scolded for speaking out like that in the past. I think he pretty much saved your life last night, speaking of which he still seemed pretty spooked by your shoulder." Everyone in the room seemed to tense at once. It had felt like the disaster had been averted and in the afterglow they'd sort of forgotten what Kreacher had said about it being cursed.

Viktor, who had been out of it for his diagnostic looked both confused and worried. The dittany seemed to have sealed his wound, he'd assumed the lingering pain was just muscular.

"Cursed?"

"Some dark infection he said. How did you get them?" Krum thought back. It had all become a haze of pain and misery.

"When zey first caught me I think. It was Bellatrix and a man, zey chased me through the tunnels under the stadium. The big man was fast, he landed on me and scratched my shoulder in the process." Harry felt his stomach turn to ice. It seemed the others were thinking along the same lines as him.

"What did he look like?" Hermione asked cautiously.

"Big, hairy. He stank too, like a vet dog."

"Is it possible?" Harry said to Hermione who had started to shake like a leaf.

"I don't know. He wasn't transformed but… its possible. It's so rare, I don't know."

"Don't know what?" Viktor's voice had raised an octave and was now on edge. There were few things his Hermione didn't know, and the worry on her face was starting to scare him.

"Fenrir Greyback, he's a werewolf. We think he was the one to scratch you." Hermione had failed to answer so Harry spoke up in her place. She'd gone terribly pale.

"Library. I need a library." She moved to get up but Draco stopped her.

"No, you need food and each other. Me and Harry will go to the library and you can come join us in a bit." For a moment Harry was certain Hermione was going to argue. Her old prejudices were about to surface and she was about to lay into Draco. But then the moment passed and she sat back on the bed. She burrowed herself into Krum's side, who wrapped an arm around her. Draco pulled Harry up and guided him out of the room.

"Good move, it looked like they could do with a bit of comfort from each other." Harry said as he pulled the door shut.

"Yeh well they aren't the only ones. I know I'm not in danger of growing hair or fangs or anything like that, but he's not the only one to receive bad news." Draco's voice was soft, gone was all his usual brashness and bravado. He still had hold of Harry's hand so pulled him towards the library door.

"What happened?" Harry was full of concern, but had to wait until they were safety behind the closed doors of the library to get any answers.

"I've been disowned. I was burnt off the family tapestry, and there is only one reason a magical tapestry gets singed like that." He wasn't looking at Harry, which made it difficult for Harry to discern what Draco felt about it. There was clearly a mask on, but whether it was hiding anger or sadness Harry wasn't quite sure.

"Draco? Draco, look at me." When his head stayed down harry put a gentle hand on his chin to pull it up. "Does it really matter? Does it really change anything? I may have called you Malfoy for half my life but it was _Draco_ I fell in love with, not Malfoy. You're still Draco, nothing will ever change that."

Draco was reeling. He'd spent many nights over the last few weeks imagining Harry saying those few precious words almost as much as he'd imagined the two of them up to other things. It seemed unreal now, now that the words were actually out in the open. He was about to say it back, ready to scream it from the rooftops even, but got distracted by the sensation of Harry's lips on his.

Currently unable to speak, Draco tried to throw all of his feelings for Harry into the kiss, to let him know that he loved him too.

"Wow, if that's how you kiss me when I confess feelings to you I might have to do that a little more often." Harry teased. Draco smiled back and could feel himself going a bit pink.

"I love you too Harry. It's ridiculous and crazy and I don't know how or when it happened, but if the last few months have taught me anything it's that I can't be without you anymore." Harry reached up to stroke Draco's cheek.

"Good thing I'm not going anywhere then. And I can't tell you how relieved I am the feelings mutual." He moved forwards to wrap his arms around Draco and hold him close. "If it really bothers you though, not having a last name, you can have mine."

"Harry!" Draco poked him in the ribs, but not particularly hard. He'd stopped himself from letting his imagination run _that_ wild.

"What?! Then I'd be able to call you _Potter_ too." He managed to do a remarkably good imitation of Draco sneering Harry's name. Draco laughed but poked him again for good measure.

"You're so..."

"Handsome, fabulous, brilliant?" Harry said with a wink.

"I was going more for daft." Draco tried to say it flatly but there was a hint of laughter in his voice anyway. "Thank you, that made me feel much better about it all."

"Well I have plenty more kisses where those came from." Tilting his head up, Draco decided to claim them all. He pressed his lips to Harry's, revelling in how warm it was. The melded with his own like they had been made for it.

They stumbled backwards, Draco's back colliding with a bookcase. They kissed with a hot passion, lips and tongue. Harry still had Draco's chin cupped in his hands, and was angling up to kiss him better.

Draco slid his hands up Harry's back, revelling at the soft skin he found there. He gripped hard, pulling Harry even closer to him. Harry broke the kiss for a moment causing Draco to whine. He lifted his arms and Draco quickly relieved him of his shirt before adorning the soft skin before him with kisses.

Harry pulled at Draco's shirt too and before long they were both topless, eagerly making up for all the physical contact they'd been lacking. Draco turned to force Harry up against the wall and sucked a love bite onto Harry's collar bone making him gasp. Every little touch and kiss was drawing soft little moans from Harry and Draco couldn't get enough of them.

Pulling Draco back up to kiss him, Harry pushed back landing them sloppily on one of the reading chairs. The leather provided a welcome cool against his flushed skin. It was a glorious feeling. Draco eagerly felt as much of Harry's skin as possible. It was so soft and warm. Everything was warm.

Draco bit onto Harry's shoulder, sucking fiercely. It felt like he'd been waiting so long to tell the world that he was Harry's and Harry was his. Harry pulled Draco up to kiss him fiercely, causing the chair to over balance and topple to the floor.

"Are you alright?" Draco said, his voice full of concern.

"Yes, now shut up and kiss me." Harry growled. Draco was more than happy to oblige. The kisses were becoming more and more heated. Draco ran his tongue along Harry's lip eliciting a soft moan. He was eager to pull more of those noises out of Harry.

Draco sat up, with a leg either side of Harry's hips, pinning him to the ground. Harry's usually messy hair had taken on a sexed-up tussled look, and from here Draco had a wonderful view to take in Harry's well sculpted body. The quidditch practices had clearly paid off well for Harry, he was not overly muscled but toned in all the places Draco was just thin. It made Draco feel a little self-conscious to be next to - the only definition on his torso was due to ribs sticking out.

"You're so beautiful." Draco felt his cheeks darken rapidly. Complements seemed to take on a whole new meaning when they were baring themselves so fully.

"Yes well, you are incredibly sexy." And it was true. Draco could feel the warmth from Harry emanating through where they touched, which definitely helped. He could feel the hardness beneath him which happily matched his own.

"I've been called many things in my life, but sexy is a new one." Harry teased while gently bucking his hips to earn a gasp from Draco.

"Hmm, The Sexy One. I like it." Draco lent forwards to meet his lips with Harry's, whilst grinding back into Harry. Two could play at this game.

Keeping his hips moving the entire time, Draco allowed his hands to explore Harry's boy some more. He found Harry's nipples and tweaked them earning him a deep moan. Every noise Harry made sent little jolts of pleasure to his groin.

Draco slipped one of his knees between Harry's legs to better apply pressure and loudly moaned when Harry moved to do the same. Their touches became more frantic as they rutted against each other in time. Harry wrapped his arms around Draco, holding him close to his chest.

Both could feel the mounting pressure of oncoming orgasm. It was a hot tingling at the base of their spines. Moans and sweet nothings were coming thick and fast, no longer caring if they were heard.

Draco felt Harry rut against him once more and dug in his fingernails as he came, shuddering with the release. He tried to keep moving in time despite the sudden wave of fatigue. A moment later Harry muttered a soft _fuck_ in his ear as he came too.

Letting his muscles go slack, Draco dropped himself down onto Harry's bare chest, panting. Harry circled his arms around Draco and they just lay like that for a while, trying to catch their breath and come to terms with what just happened.

"You sure you want to spend the night in my bed? I can't promise to be in control of my actions with the chances of feeling that again." Harry laughed, making Draco vibrate on top of him.

"Oh I'm sure I'll survive." Draco laughed too. .

.

* * *

><p>Hermione came to join them about an hour later. If she noticed any awkwardness between the two boys she did not bring it up. Instead she made a beeline for the tall bookcases and began scanning the covers.<p>

She looked considerably more composed than she had in Viktor's room when they'd left. A look of steely determination was set on the face, a look Harry firmly associated with _research_.

"Have you gotten anywhere yet?" She said, not facing them. Draco winked at Harry who promptly kicked him under the table. He let out an oomph of air but continued to grin like a Cheshire cat.

"No not yet, found a few books which look promising though." Hermione nodded, pulling out a book herself. She leafed through it before replacing it and moving on. Harry tried to stick his head back into the book he'd started, trying to not get distracted by the intense look on Draco's face.

Not long after Hermione had finally settled in a big chair with a book there was a crack to mark the arrival of Kreacher and food. Harry's stomach growled hungrily, prompting him to wonder what had taken the elf so long. Then again, given what Harry and Draco had just been up to it was probably for the best.

He had three plates of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and toast. It smelt delicious, causing Harry to regret the fact he'd never had Kreacher cook for him before. Draco and Harry dived in like the two ravenous teenagers they were, but Hermione barely seemed to notice the food.

"Hermione, you ought to eat some breakfast." Harry said round a mouthful of scrumptious eggs.

"In a minute…" She muttered back. Harry sighed. This was far from the first time Harry had seen Hermione devote herself fully to book, but this seemed different somehow. Her eyes flicked across the pages rapidly, her every move marked by speedy desperation.

"It will be alright Hermione. The worst that can happen is that he will become a werewolf," Hermione finally looked up sharply, glaring at Harry. "And yes that's terrible but it's not the end of the world. Just look at Lupin and Tonks."

"We don't know that at all. Kreacher said it was an infection, it could kill him." She resolutely turned back to her books. After a moment of silence Draco piped up.

"If you really believed that you wouldn't be here. You would be spending his last moments at his side."

"Of course I would fucking be here! I refuse to let him die!" Hermione snapped. She was shaking, white knuckles clutching the book. She took a deep breath and tried to carry on reading.

"I think you're just scared it will change who he is."

"And why the hell should that matter?"

"Because you think he might not love you anymore." For a moment Harry was certain that Hermione was going to curse Draco or slap him, probably both.

"Out. Get out. It's clear you don't want to help the filthy mudblood so get out." Hermione's voice was low and dangerous. Draco stood gracefully and left at once, leaving Harry stuck in the middle of it all. He was shocked by what had just happened.

"I'll be back in a moment." He muttered to Hermione who had already turned, red faced, back to her books. Harry stood and quickly followed Draco out of the room. They went up the fight of stairs to the window arm chair where they'd sat the day before.

"Was that really necessary?" Harry asked. He rubbed his temples, feeling the beginnings of a head ache. He was unsure whether it was the research or the emotional rollercoaster this day was turning out to be.

"Yes. It needed to be said."

"Was it? If you were in danger of losing someone you loved, if you were in danger of losing me, tell me you wouldn't be sat in there trying to find a way to change that."

"But that's the whole point! She's not in danger of losing him. She is looking for a cure which many wizards have spent thousands of years searching for because she can't accept the threat of change. Like you said, if he becomes a werewolf he is still alive, still by her side. Hell, it might even improve his chances of surviving this damned war."

"She needs to feel like she is doing something, she's always been that way. I don't think she is in denial or anything. It's just Hermione." Harry felt like he needed to defend Hermione, though why he wasn't really sure. He sighed resignedly. He knew that whatever differences the pair had would have to be sorted another day, right now he ought to get back to the library.

"Look, if you don't want to help fine. It's your choice. I am going back to help." Harry turned to head back down the stairs.

"Harry! It's not that I don't want to help! I happen to actually rather like Krum, and mudblood was her word not mine earlier."

"So what's the issue?" By this point Harry was feeling rather resigned. His good morning mood had rapidly waned and he wanted nothing more than to crawl back into a nice warm bed and recuperate after the madness of the last few days.

"She is going about it the wrong way. Come on, there will be nothing about a cure for lycanthropy in those books. The situation is rare unto itself, how could it be documented?"

"I know!" This admission seemed to take Draco by surprise but Harry continued before he could question. "Look, she needs to feel like she is doing something and she needs to feel supported. I've never seen her so shaken by something in my life and telling her to sit there and accept it won't help."

"How much do you trust Professor Lupin? He was part of the order wasn't he?" Harry was a bit surprised by the sudden change in tact but answered anyway.

"How do you- oh never mind. Yes he was, and I trust him."

"So ask him to come here. He can allay her fears much better than any dusty book could." Harry stopped and processed the idea for a moment. Besides the fact that he had no idea where Lupin was, it was a good idea. He'd just have to hope that Hedwig could find him, and that he wouldn't go to Dumbledore. Harry doubted that he would, after all he and the headmaster hadn't seen eye to eye much after Sirius' death.

"You write a letter and ask Hedwig to send it. I better get back to the library before Hermione has a meltdown."

"Okay, and Harry?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry we just had a sort of fight." Draco stepped forward and quickly gave Harry a chaste kiss on the lips. Harry grinned.

"Fighting is one of the things we do best, right next to getting along and kissing each other senseless." Draco felt himself grinning back.

* * *

><p>AN: Hello! Sorry for the couple of weeks delay. I'll admit I've never written smut before, and it took me a while to be happy with it. It would be really appreciated to hear what you guys thought of it.<p>

I am also now into exam session which unfortunately takes precedent. Chapters will be added as and when they are ready, instead of my usual friday schedule.


	34. Furry Problem

Draco was sat in the kitchen, idly sketching on a bit of old parchment when the doorbell rang. His hand stilled. As far as he was aware, no one outside of the order should be able to find the house, but that didn't exactly mean that they were trustworthy.

He stood from the table and moved into the hall. He was torn; he knew that he really shouldn't answer the door given that he was wand-less, but he didn't want to go upstairs to find Harry in the library, and risk the person forcing their way in.

The only visitor they were expecting was Lupin. However, given that Draco had only sent the letter this morning it seemed somewhat unlikely that it was him. Draco had tried to be cryptic about what he'd put in the letter, but if the order had intercepted it they'd probably have worked it out.

He stood, indecisive, when the knock came again. This time there was a soft grunt from behind Mrs Black's curtain. Knowing he would regret it later, he yanked open her curtains and then pulled open the door. Their visitor was greeted by loud screeching profanities.

To Draco's immense relief, the man stood by the door was the haggard man from memory. Behind him, Harry appeared at the base of the stairs, his footfalls barely audible over Mrs Black.

"Lupin!" He called quite merrily. Lupin looked incredibly tired, and took a step back as Harry approached. Trusting Harry to have the situation in hand, Draco turned his back on them to deal with Mrs Black. She had outlived her usefulness and was merely inducing headaches now. Her calls died down, allowing Lupin to finally be heard.

"Who was in the room with us the night Peter was caught?" He challenged Harry. Harry looked somewhat disappointed by this greeting but pondered for a moment anyway.

"Um, well there was Hermione and me, Ron and Sirius, Peter of course, and Crookshanks. That was until Snape turned up." Lupin nodded, but didn't look any less tense.

"Check it's me Harry."

"What did you say to me when I told you I'd seen Peter's name?"

"The map never lies." Lupin paused briefly " The letter said you were having a furry problem, please tell me _he_ didn't get you." The concern in Lupin's voice was almost tangible. Draco was left feeling incredibly out of place. He'd never heard an adult express that sort of concern before, not for him and certainly not for Harry.

"Not me, no." The relief was visible. Lupin crumbled slightly, clearly letting go of his huge worry. He drew a deep breath as him steadied himself.

"Thank Merlin. I was so worried, Harry, absolutely terrified. The order has been in complete disarray since you left. Dumbledore's been having unpredictable outbursts of magic. He's livid. But you called me here for a reason, what was it?" Harry shuddered at the idea of Dumbledore so angry. Even knowing it was him the anger was directed at; he sincerely hoped he'd never have to deal with it himself. He forced himself to focus on the matter at hand.

"Oh it was Greyback alright. He scratched Viktor, but he wasn't transformed. We're now at a loss for what to do or… or expect come the full moon." The look Remus gave him was troubled. He frowned for a moment before gesturing that Harry led the way inside, and then upstairs. Solemnly they ascended the stairs, leaving Draco unsure if he should follow them.

He and Lupin had never gotten along well during their time at Hogwarts, and Draco had to admit it was mostly his fault. He'd just seen a shabby, worn-out man and deemed him unfit to teach without giving the man a chance. It had led to him stalking out of the classroom on more than one occasion and saying things he regretted now he'd grown up.

Still, it wasn't going to be easy for Lupin to forget what an arsehole he'd been, and he didn't want to make things awkward.

"He's just through there." Harry said upon reaching the top. "You coming, Draco?" When Draco could see Harry, his face open and inviting, his resolve broke and he headed upstairs. Who cared what anyone else thought of him, Harry wanted him and that was all that mattered.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Harry, Hermione and Draco had relocated themselves to the study upon Lupin's request. They sat in an uncomfortable silence. Hermione was resolutely ignoring Draco, acting like he didn't exist. Harry was trying to keep the peace between them all. And Draco, he was lounging in a chair thinking about how he had been making Harry writhe and moan on this very spot earlier in the morning.

When Harry called Kreacher up and asked for some tea and biscuits the elf seemed even more on edge than before. He vanished as soon as he'd received his orders, leaving little in the way of distractions.

"Lupin sure got here fast, he's beaten Hedwig back." Harry said, trying to fill the quiet. Hermione made a small sound of agreement before returning to her book. He turned to Draco. "What did you actually put in that letter, he seemed to think I'd been bitten."

"Just that we had a furry problem. I purposefully kept it vague, in case it was intercepted." He replied.

"Well if anyone can help, it'll be Lupin." Draco nodded his agreement and they lapsed into silence once more.

Harry was certainly relieved to see Lupin again. It was heartening to know that some of there were some wizards left who trusted him without feeling the need to inform Dumbledore. He'd known he could trust the man, but that didn't ease the seed of worry that Dumbledore would somehow catch up to them here. In all honesty, he was a little surprised Dumbledore hadn't turned up on their doorstep. Perhaps he thought it too foolish a place to hide.

Also, he wasn't really sure how Sirius' death had affected the wards. He had obviously become a secret keeper himself as he'd been able to get Krum and Draco in, but Lupin had come without directions. Did that mean that anyone who had visited the house at any point was free to enter? They really ought to look into that, when they had less pressing matters to deal with.

Harry sighed. They always seemed to have some crisis or other to deal with. Draco looked over at him when he heard the sigh. His brows furrowed slightly in a questioning look but Harry shrugged it off. It was a problem for another day.

Now that his thoughts were wandering to Draco he couldn't help but think of how many problems they'd already gotten through together. He knew it was wishful thinking to hope that the problems were now behind them. Still, they'd been doing a good job of being on the same side of the problem of late.

That reminded him. The stolen pensive was still sat in his room, waiting for the promised memories. He was sad that it seemed unlikely now for him to ever regain his own memories of the start of their friendship, but at least he'd get some vestige of them.

He couldn't remember falling in love, just remembered realising without a doubt that he was.

The door clicked open, breaking his train of thought. Three sets of eyes looked up to where Remus was currently hovering.

"Well?" Said Hermione at once, raising from her chair. Lupin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I don't know." He said simply. Hermione looked a little stunned. "Until the full moon rolls around it is impossible to know for sure. I think it is unlikely he will turn, at least I've never heard of it happening. Then again, I've never heard of someone being half a werewolf, and there is no doubt the wolf's magic is in him."

"So what do we do?" Harry said, fighting to keep his voice even.

"There is a cellar under this house, a level below the basement. Dare I say it; it was probably used for the practice of dark magic by the Blacks. Dumbledore showed it to me while the Order were based here, in case I wanted somewhere to change. I never did, enclosed spaces seem to help little, but it should be sufficient. He'll need to stay in there overnight. If the worst comes to the worst and he does transform then I'll talk to professor Snape about getting some more wolfsbane potion. I will be paying him a visit in the next couple of days to pick some up for myself."

"That could be problematic." Draco's voice was flat and emotionless. Lupin looked up at him in surprise. "My godfather is dead."

For a moment it was clear the words hadn't sunk in. Draco had a mask on so impenetrable Harry wouldn't have known how much he was hurting. It was only from seeing the distress when they'd briefly talked about it last night that Harry knew better.

Lupin on the other hand was far from emotionless. He went white as a ghost and it took Harry a moment to place the emotion in his eyes. Fear. But mixed with something else that Harry still couldn't place. Lupin's knuckles had turned white as he gripped the doorframe for support.

"Dead?" He managed to croak out at last.

"He was the one to rescue Viktor. He'd didn't make it back out. I'm sorry." Remus looked like he was about to crumple to the ground, so Harry stepped forward to catch him. Sat in the doorway, stunned and trembling, Lupin looked much less than his years.

Harry was unsure if it was simply because his supply of wolfsbane had now been cut off. It seemed more complicated than that. Together he and Hermione managed to guide him to a chair. He had become a broken man due to four small words. _My godfather is dead._

When Harry looked back up he noticed Draco had slipped out of the room.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

By the time Harry was able to hunt Draco down, about half an hour after, it was clear he had just finished putting himself back together. His eyes were red rimmed, but he greeted Harry with his head up and his voice steady.

"How is he?" Harry carefully sat on the arm of the chair, next to Draco. The second floor landing had become one of their favourite haunts, with its big window overlooking the park.

"He's… in shock I guess. It seems there may have been slightly more between them than just Remus' reliance on his potions, but now isn't the time to be asking. He's agreed to stay here for the next three days; just he's going to have to leave for the full moon. We can't have both of them in the cellar." Draco nodded, staring out of the window again. "How are you?"

"Lost, I guess. Everything has changed so quickly. Four months ago I was still a Malfoy. I had a godfather who looked out for me. I didn't have a price tag on my head and whilst life was far from decent I at least knew where I stood. It may have been a crap place to stand but I was with my family. I had status and money and a reputation and whilst I know those things don't matter, I've always grown up being told you're worthless without them! So yeah... lost."

Harry had let Draco have his rant, watching him carefully.

"Do you regret it?" He said at last, softly.

"Leaving? Not letting the Deatheaters in? Merlin no. I may not be a free man exactly, but at least I'm not bound to that maniac in the same way as I was." He finally turned to look at Harry, silver eyes shining. "I love you, and life is too short not to revel in that fact. If what you were saying about Sev and Lupin was true it only proves that point."

Leaning down, Harry pressed a warm kiss to Draco's lips.

"I love you too. Now come on." Harry stood and offered Draco a hand. He took it without hesitation.

"Where are we going?"

"To our room, you have some memories to show me and this seat is too small for the both of us. Besides, they will be as good a distraction as any." Draco couldn't help but grin at the way Harry had said our room. He followed, hand still entwined with Harry's.

* * *

><p>AN: Hello! I know this chapter is a bit of a filler chapter but I was just desperate to get something up. The good news is my exams will be over in 10 days, then I should be able to get typing like mad! Please review, I'm so close to 100!<p> 


	35. Pensive

It was an unusual feeling, to watch oneself from afar. Particularly when there was no recollection of doing or saying the things the doppelgangers before Harry did. Draco stood wordlessly behind him, watching Harry watch themselves.

He'd been careful when extracting the memories; he wanted to be meticulous, to remind Harry of the good and the bad. After all, it was his fault they were having to do this. They'd started from the beginning, as Harry had said he couldn't remember anything about them since the start of term.

It had been painful for Draco to watch. When he had stood in the girl's bathroom on the second floor and used the mirror shards to find some pitiful relief in the wreckage of his life had been the second lowest moment of his life. Knowing the lowest moment was yet to come did nothing to buoy his spirits either.

Harry had slipped his hand into Draco's about the time that Harry had entered the bathroom. When the blood loss finally caused memory Draco to hit the floor he squeezed his hand, providing comfort in a way words would have failed to.

The memories swirled around them, refocusing on finding Harry outside the room of requirement. Draco could see the panic in his own eyes; fear that his secret had been revealed. He'd thought he had managed to hide his emotions better than that; really it was a surprise that only Harry had noticed anything.

Draco had stormed off after that, walking around the castle for hours, paranoid that Harry was somehow following him. The next memory was of a few days later. He'd rushed down to breakfast late, trying to avoid Harry and Snape.

He'd thrown up his usual walls, being snide and rude. It might have even been enough to convince Harry nothing was wrong had Snape not arrived and embarrassed him. Then again, maybe not. Now that he was looking back with a clearer mind, Harry's offer of help definitely seemed genuine.

"_If you don't want to talk to him you could talk to me. I don't keep Veritaserum in my robes."_

Eclectic piles of objects were next to materialise around them as the come-and-go room came into focus. Draco felt his heartbeat quicken. Beside him the real Harry turned to look at him. The slight frown made Draco realise that Harry had absolutely no idea what was about to happen. He opened his mouth to give some sort of warning when the sound of the door opening caused Harry to look away.

With a heavy sense of apprehension Draco watched himself trying to flee the room, running headlong into an invisible Harry. He watched as Harry tried to reach out to him and offer a lifeline and how he had repaid the efforts.

"_Sectumsempra!" _

Real Draco drew his hand back out of Harry's. With the same disgusted fascination as before he observed the lake of red grow. There was a shuddering breath beside him as Harry took a shaking step back.

"I know you'd said that… that you'd done it but I didn't realise it had been quite like that. It looks really bad." It was really bad, Draco thought bitterly.

"Yeah well, being a sworn deatheater and all means I know a few of the nastier hexes." He said, voice full of self-loathing. The memory Draco suddenly turned and bolted. Whilst he knew he was going to get help, it still shamed him. He should have said something. The look on Harry's face made it clear he thought he had been left for dead.

It was too much. Draco pulled them out of the memory and backed away from the pensive. He landed heavily on the bed and drew a shuddering breath. It was ridiculous that he was the one reacting this way. This had all come as a complete shock to Harry.

"Draco?" Harry's voice was tentative. It sounded like he was still stood by the pensive, not coming any closer.

Draco suddenly felt angry at himself. It was stupid to have shown Harry all this! Now he was going to lose Harry, as he would see him for what he really is. They were happy, and now he'd ruined it. The Slytherin in him was especially scathing. It had been a reckless move.

"Draco? I'm sorry." He felt his head jerk up and all his inward anger burst.

"You're sorry?" He spat. "What for? Believing that I could be a good person? For saying that you loved me? I'm the one who used the fucking spell Harry! I'm the one who nearly got you killed, and not just this once! You say that you love me and yet you have no idea of all the terrible things I've done. You've deluded yourself and I've happily let you!" Draco drew in a deep breath. He knew in truth if anyone was deluded it was himself.

"Don't do this Draco." Harry's voice was strong despite his pleading words. "I'm not deluded and I'm not letting you tear yourself apart over the past. And I know more than you think I do. Hermione has filled me in where she could, and I know all about the fiasco with the Deatheaters. Point being, I knew all about this at one point, and it didn't stop me wanting you then, did it?"

"Harry you need to listen to me-"

"No, you need to listen to me. I love you Draco, and nothing you show me in these memories is going to change that. Deep down, I know all of these things happened. Yes it came as a bit of a shock, but I also know I've already forgiven you. Now be the man I know you are and show me the rest of these memories."

Draco looked at Harry intently and saw a side to him he didn't think he'd seen before. The green eyes were bright and his gaze unwavering. There was no blame there, just a fierce seriousness. He extended a hand to Draco, which Draco grasped firmly allowing himself to be pulled off the bed.

"There are better memories, I promise." He said, somewhat shakily. Harry gave him a soft smile.

"I know."

Together they dove back into the memories, picking up where they left off. It was a fortnight later, when Goyle had stolen Looney's shoes. Draco had told Goyle to leave her alone, when Harry had appeared and looked shocked. Despite the fact he had quickly left the scene he still saw the small smile on Harry's face and this time round had more time to enjoy it.

Really some of these memories were only little things, but he'd fished them all out. It was later the same evening when Harry had found him in the Astronomy tower. He'd been sat up there watching the snow swirling through the inky darkness, looking slightly more at peace than he had in any of the other memories. A small smile graced his lips; Draco seemed to remember it had been Harry he'd been thinking about.

Harry had startled him, causing Draco to shoot off an expelliarmus and knock him back down the ladder. It had ended up being the first real moment of closeness they'd shared. Harry had guilt tripped Draco into helping Harry up the ladder at which point he had finally seen the full extent of the damage he'd caused.

"_Careful Draco, your caring side is showing." _

And it had. Draco had been able to heal the wound which Madame Pomfrey couldn't because it had been his Dark magic which had caused it. He hadn't been able to remove the scar completely though.

Then, in the swirling snow and wand light, Harry had commented on his eye colour. He'd blushed beautifully too, Draco noticed. The real Harry had a slight blush too as he smiled at Draco. Memory Draco had changed the topic quickly, not wanting to comment on how he'd been noticing Harry's eye colour for years. He'd felt more joyful that evening than he had been for years.

The next memory didn't actually feature Harry. Draco was sat on his old bed in the Slytherin dorms with a neatly tied box before him. He opened it with great care, first reading the note from Harry before lifting out the delicate sneakoscope.

"That was the first gift I remember having that truly meant something. That someone had put a lot of thought into. And it saved my life when me and Krum fled here." The real Draco interrupted. Harry turned to look at him.

"It did? I never got the full story about that night either you know."

"Yes, well we didn't exactly have any way to communicate then. The memories don't go that far, but I promise to tell you soon."

"Okay." Harry moved closer to Draco and wrapped an arm round him as the fog of memories swirled again. They were in the entrance hall, the noise of breakfast spilling out. It was when Draco had first told Harry the Dark Lord had marked him. The real Draco watched the memory carefully, to see the emotions play across Harry's face. He couldn't identify them exactly but it wasn't the hate or disgust he had always imagined.

The next memory was also far from pleasant. He rethought his earlier feelings about the bathroom incident being his second worst moment, this probably pushed it to third.

One glimpse of himself with tear streaked face and bloodied knuckles was enough. He turned to bury himself in Harry's shoulder, who promptly wrapped both arms around him comfortingly. He heard the thud when he'd hit his head off the wall and the memory abruptly ended.

Without moving from the warm embrace Draco quickly filled Harry in before the next memory could start.

"You arrived shortly after that. You knew I was in trouble because of that map of yours. You healed my broken knuckles and the gashes I had made, and then you stayed the night, to make sure I was alright."

Draco's room was starting to come back into focus. It was almost comical the way he had jumped to see Harry in one of the other beds. Harry had then showed Draco the map, showing a level of trust in Draco that he still didn't fully understand. They had talked after that, teasing each other but not maliciously so. It was the first time he'd initiated contact too, when he'd hugged Harry, however briefly, and said thank you.

Next up was Harry and Ron's fight in the great hall. He may not have been able to hear it all that clearly, but Draco thought it might help Harry to understand why he'd discovered one morning that his best friend was no longer talking to him.

Afterwards they had spent hours up in the Dark tower, Harry having given Draco the key to finding him. Whilst this had been one of their happiest times together, they had spent hours up there. Knowing that they'd already spent so long in the pensive, Draco hadn't put the whole memory in, just the part about their tentative friendship and Harry asking to stay another night in the Slytherin dorms.

At the time it had marked the beginning of the end to Draco. The one week where they were happy, stealing moments away with each other. Then the letter had come from home and the worst part of Draco's life had begun. The part without Harry.

_Time is running out Draco, you have until the end of the month. _

Harry had fought. He had tried to convince Draco that they would make it through this and when words had failed he tried the only thing left to him. Harry had kissed him, out of desperation and out of love. Draco's heart clenched as he said the final, damning, word.

"_Obliviate."_

When Harry pulled them out of the pensive Draco still had his arms wrapped around him. He didn't mind, it was nice to have something to hold on to. His world felt a little off kilter. He hadn't remembered exactly but all of the memories Draco had just shown him had fitted neatly into the gaps they'd left behind.

"Thank you for sharing all of that with me." Harry finally said. Draco nodded into his chest. "Draco? Look at me?" Slowly Draco moved away just enough to tilt his head to look at Harry. "I love you."

"I love you too Harry." Harry smiled before closing the space between them, sealing Draco's lips with his own.

AN: Yoohoo. I'm glad that some of you have managed to stick with my over the last couple of months of silence. I have a huge list of excuses if you really want to hear them, such as being internet-less for a month, moving out, getting engaged and starting at university... Good news is we are back up and running, I've got the next three chapters already typed so you are guaranteed updates for the next few weeks at least. Kyuu, this chapter is for you sweetie :)


	36. Respite

AN: This chapter actually has very little relevance to the overall plot, but I've had tons of reviews wanting more of Hermione and Viktor. So here, have a happy moment before it all goes to hell...

"Viktor?" Hermione stood uncertainly in the doorway. Viktor was stood by the window, shirtless. The angry claw marks across his shoulder still looked very raw. Instead of turning he sought her reflection in the glass, looking as she surveyed the wound.

"Pretty ugly huh?" He said humourlessly. He turned and opened his arms, wordlessly inviting her in. She crossed the room in four quick strides and into his embrace. He held her firmly, grateful for her comforting warmth.

"Hermione, vhat will ve do if I turn? It vill not be safe for me to be around you." She tightened her arms around him, her bushy hair tickling his face.

"We will survive, just like we always do. Once a month you'll have to go out for the night. _If_ it happens." A soft sob made its way out of Viktor. He buried his face deeper into her hair.

"It von't be once a month though, will it. If I turn it means that monster turned me in the middle of the lunar cycle. It means you vill alvays be endangered by me. I don't vant to lose you 'moine."

"You won't lose me Viktor. Not now and not ever. The worst thing you could do when the moon's not full is turn me and well, at least you won't be alone then."

"Hermione! You cannot mean that!"

"I mean every word of it! Yes you may have been cursed, but that curse does not mean you must spend the rest of your life alone."

Viktor was taken aback. His Hermione had always been passionate and stubborn about things, but somehow this devotion was on a new level. And worryingly he didn't doubt that she would follow through on it.

Hopefully it wouldn't come to that. He sighed. Either way, they would know in three nights time.

He had been apprehensive when the old professor had first introduced himself. Admittedly his current experiences with werewolves had been less than encouraging. It was good however to look at someone and not see a hint of fear in their eyes. Even the pity the man had looked at him with was manageable. If anyone could claim to understand what he was going through it was him.

They had talked for quite a while. To begin with it wasn't even about the lycanthropy. Viktor quickly found himself liking this worn looking man.

He had been honest with him. The wolf inside Lupin could sense that the curse was in him too, but he had never heard of anyone being turned by a wolf in human form. That said, he'd also never heard of anyone having the curse without having the ensuing transformations. The outlook? Bleak.

The thought of it all made him want to hold onto Hermione all the more.

"'Mione? How about ve get out of here for today?"

"Out of here? Viktor we are on the run from two sides of a war, we can't get out of here." The idea had already taken root in Viktor's mind however.

"Vhy not? Ve are not against ze muggles are ve. Zey vill not be looking for us. Let's spend the day doing the most muggle things you can think of." Hermione shook her head, but Viktor could already see that he'd won. The look in her eye told him she was just a tempted by it as he.

He smiled at her for a long moment before she caved.

"Fine! What do you want to do?" Hermione said, smiling back.

"You lead, my fine princess, and I vill follow!" Viktor swept into a deep bow, causing Hermione to giggle.

"Okay, okay! Let's just go and tell Harry before we head out." Viktor grabbed a shirt and pulled it over his head then together they headed up the stairs to Harry's room. From half way up the stairs however they could hear shouting echoing down.

Hermione and Viktor looked at each other with concern. Whatever was happening up there, Draco sounded upset.

"I do not think ve vant to disturb zat." Hermione shook her head in agreement. She took his hand and led him back down the stairs.

"Kreacher?" She called out uncertainly. She was relieved when the elf came to her, uncertain if he would listen to her call. "Could you please tell Harry and Draco that we have gone out for the day? We will make sure we are careful and promise to be back this evening. Tell them once they leave their room please."

Kreacher bowed and after waiting a moment to ensure there was nothing else, vanished.

"Right then, Viktor. Shall we?" She looped her arm around his and together they stepped out into the chilly winter air. With a smile she disapparated them away.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The alley they landed in was narrow and graffitied. Sacks of rubbish were piled high next to each back exit, leaving the whole place smelling pungent.

"Wow, Hermione. You really know how to impress a guy." Viktor's comment earned him a not so soft thump in the arm.

"Don't be stupid. I just thought it would be safer to apparate here than into a busy street! Come on, let's get out of here." Hand in hand they exited the alley. A worker from a nearby shop wolf whistled at them before having another drag of his cigarette. Hermione's nose crumpled in distaste, a trait Viktor and come to find quite endearing.

She steered them away down the street, Viktor enjoying her too much to really notice his surroundings. It wasn't until they reached a busy intersection that he finally realised there was something odd about where they were.

He couldn't read any of the signs. Some words he could vaguely pick out from his knowledge of Bulgarian, but beyond that he was lost.

"Vhere are ve, 'mione?" He asked, looking around for more clues. As far as he was concerned they were driving on the correct side of the road, but that only really ruled out England, India and Australia.

"Paris. I thought it would be safer than London and it's closer than Edinburgh which I originally thought of." The lights changed and they crossed the road, heading into more populated streets. A group of tourists had stopped in the middle of the pavement, causing them to weave in-between.

"Paris? Ze city of lovers, no?" Viktor couldn't resist, wandlessly he conjured a rose and with a flourish he presented it to Hermione. She let out a soft squeal before hitting him on the arm as a scolding for using magic in public. A girl nearby looked wishfully at Krum before being pulled away by the crowds.

"You should be more careful! And yes, it is sometimes called that." She was looking slightly pink around the ears. Viktor softly kissed her nose then pulled back, grinning from ear to ear.

He was impressed that Hermione managed to navigate the streets of Paris so well. Within minutes she had them at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Viktor was about to confound a few people to help them get though the queues when Hermione caught his arm.

"You wanted to do what muggles do. Muggles have to queue." She informed him primly. The rose he had conjured for her was still in her hand though, despite her no magic rules.

It took them nearly an hour to get tickets and to the base of the tower. They opted to take the stairs. By halfway up Hermione was regretting the decision but she didn't complain. It was nice to spend so much time with Viktor. With school and all the other various catastrophes, she'd spent very little time with him since the Christmas break.

Once at the top, Viktor wrapped his arms around Hermione as they looked out over the city together. It was early afternoon, and the sun was shining more than it had been at home. The panoramic views were pretty spectacular too.

"You know, I am not all zat fond of heights." Hermione twisted in his arms to look incredulously back at him.

"You fly for a living."

"Yes, but not zis high. No one can see you if you are zis high up." Hermione had to concede he had a point, but that didn't stop her finding it amusing. She snuggled further into Viktor's arms.

"What else do you want to do on our day off?"

"I admit, my princess, I do not know vhat zhere is to do in Paris." Hermione smiled before her natural question-answering streak took over.

"Oh well there is the Louvre of course, that's an art museum, and the Notre Dame is supposed to be very impressive. There are lots of lovely restaurants and things too. And there is always Disneyland." She said the last part with a gleam in her eye, but the word meant little to Viktor.

"Dinseyland? Vhat is that?" Her face seemed to light up even more.

"You poor unfortunate wizard, such a deprived childhood!" She laughed, sounding care free. "That settles it then, Disneyland it is. Although I warn you, it may not be what you had in mind when you said 'city of lovers'"

Viktor Krum had been to many places and seen many things as an international seeker but this 'Disneyland' was unlike anything he had previously experienced. They spent the rest of the evening there. He found Hermione's excitement about the place was immediately contagious even though he didn't understand half the things around him.

They'd been on a few of the rides but Viktor found he wasn't overly fond. It was like flying but with all of the freedom taken away. What was the point?

With it still being early spring the night had fallen around them quickly. The castle and streets were all lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. They sat on a bench eating fast food staring up at the nightly fireworks with not an inch between them.

Tearing his gaze away from the fireworks, he turned to watch Hermione. Her face was open and she was smiling softly. The worries of war had temporarily slipped from her face making her seem younger and so much freer. This is what he wanted for her, a world where she could make a wish upon a star and it actually came true.

But first they had a war to survive. Viktor felt his mood darkening rapidly.

"Hermione? Ve ought to get back, it is getting late." He said softly. She turned to him and nodded gently. Viktor watched as life's worries flooded back. They found a quite spot behind one of the food vendors and apparated away.


	37. Darkening Skies

Hermione and Viktor returned to 12 Grimmauld Place to find Harry pacing the kitchen and a tired looking Draco trying to calm him down. As soon as they entered the kitchen, Harry rounded on them.

"Where the hell have you been? I was told an hour ago that you'd actually been out all day and that you promised to be back 'this evening'. It's nearly eleven!" Hermione looked at her feet feeling somewhat shameful, the time difference making it later than either had realised. Viktor just burst out laughing. The sound was deep and rich.

"Harry, you sound like our mother!" There was a tiny twitch in the corner of Harry's mouth but he tried to carry on regardless.

"We have been stuck here with no idea of where you were or what kinds of trouble you'd gotten yourselves into."

"We didn't mean to worry you Harry; we just had to get away from it all for a while." Hermione said quietly. At this Harry's anger completely dissipated. He pulled her tightly into his arms.

"Sorry Hermione. I shouldn't have shouted at you." She nodded, not quite trusting her voice to hold. Constantly being on edge was starting to take its toll on her in more ways than one. She missed the relative calm of Hogwarts, at least there they weren't on edge all the time.

"Vhere is Lupin?" Krum asked into the quiet.

"Sleeping in one of the upstairs rooms. He said he always finds the days before a full moon quite draining." Draco answered. Both seemed content to let Harry and Hermione have their moment.

Viktor nodded and gave Hermione a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before heading off to bed. Draco quickly followed him, wondering what it was like to have friends like that.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The next morning Kreacher cooked them all a huge cooked breakfast, good enough to rival any at Hogwarts. Draco made sure to tell him so and thank him, earning him a lopsided smile in return. It was the penultimate night before the full moon so Lupin said he would be leaving that evening.

They had the day to make sure that the cellar was ready for a possible werewolf transformation. It was no surprise therefore that the mood around the breakfast table was sombre.

Draco and Harry spent most of the day on the second floor landing, reading. Remus and Viktor had gone into the cellar a few hours before, leaving Hermione in the library. She had sort solace in her books too.

"What do you think is going on back at Hogwarts? And out there?" Draco asked. Harry looked up from the book he'd found on thestrals and out over the park. He thought for a moment before answering.

"I think the order is probably feeling rather panicked. Lupin did mention that Dumbledore was far from happy. I think we ought to see if he knows anything more before he has to leave. And at Hogwarts? Well I bet they are gossiping like mad and this time I really couldn't care less. Merlin only knows what Voldemort's up to." Harry was impressed when Draco barely even flinched at the name.

There was a long pause, long enough for Harry to think the conversation had ended, before Draco spoke up again.

"And what are we doing? We can't hide out here forever."

"Once the full moon has passed I thought we'd go horcrux hunting. If I've got to face Voldemort in battle I'd rather he were as mortal as possible." This time Draco did shudder, though whether it was at the name, the idea of horcruxes or Harry's resigned tone he was unsure.

"Shouldn't we be researching them then? Horcruxes I mean." Harry let out a short humourless laugh.

"Would you believe there is only one chapter in one book on them in the entire Black library? It seems the topic was a little too dark even for them."

That certainly doesn't bode well, thought Draco.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

Like breakfast, dinner was also sombre. Kreacher had cooked up a fine casserole but they had little appetite, Krum especially. Harry used the opportunity to ask Lupin about what had been happening since they'd gone into hiding a week ago.

"Nothing good Harry. You know about the fire in the forbidden forest, the night before you left? It would seem he is behind it. He broke in again a couple of days later and tore one of the greenhouses to the ground. It was the one with all the medicinal plants in."

"You mean Hogwarts isn't safe anymore?" Hermione asked aghast.

"Dumbledore has been doing everything he can to strengthen the wards. Somehow the Prophet got wind of it all though, so parents have been withdrawing their kids left, right and centre. The whole order is in a state of chaos, he's got them all on the hunt for you. Molly is besides herself and-"

"It doesn't make sense." Interrupted Harry. "If he can get into the grounds and be destroying things why doesn't he set his sights higher than plants? He could kill Dumbledore, or at least attack an inhabited part of the school."

"I don't think any of us can try to understand him Harry." Remus said, but this time Draco spoke over him.

"He's gloating." Four sets of confused eyes turned to him, causing Draco to continue. "He is making a point, showing that nowhere is safe from him, that there is nowhere to hide. He doesn't need to kill anyone; he's got them scared enough. I'll bet that Harry's disappearance has made it into the papers too. Everyone things their savoir has legged it, what's that going to do to morale?"

"But why not kill Dumbledore? Surely that would only make people more scared." Hermione said. It was clear her mind was spinning, trying to make sense of this new theory.

"I think he wants to make Dumbledore submit to him before killing him. It would mean he'd all but won."

"Then he would just have me left to defeat." Harry's voice was quiet but it carried across the room.

"No! If Dumbledore dies, or submits or whatever, it won't stop other people standing against him Harry. You won't be the only one fighting." The outcry was Hermione's. Surprisingly it was Lupin who answered.

"He'll be one of the few. I daresay the Order will try and continue but without their leader they'd be directionless. Hogwarts would quickly fall and the ministry even sooner. The only people who would carry on are those who feel they have nothing left to lose. That is why he doesn't kill the students at Hogwarts; they are valuable weapons against any parent who might fight him." Draco nodded in agreement.

"So basically we're screwed?" Viktor had sat quietly in a corner for most of the conversation, choosing only to speak up now.

"No." Harry said firmly. "We play him at his own game. We destroy his horcruxes and we exploit his weaknesses. If others can see he is not all powerful then we can restore their hope. We can win."

No one had anything to say to that. They ate the rest of their meal in completive silence, Draco feeling incredibly proud of the brave man he'd fallen in love with.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

The next evening, Viktor requested that he went down into the cellar on his own. He said that Lupin had shown him what to do and didn't want the others to go any further than the kitchen. He descended the steps into the darkness with his shoulders hunched, walking like a defeated man.

Draco had wanted to shout at him, to tell him that there was still hope, but let him go like the others. There was a soft scrape as Harry had bolted the door behind him.

By an unspoken agreement, they all remained in the kitchen that night. Hermione had inevitably cried, but Draco had surprised her with a dose of calming daft he'd bought with him from Hogwarts. Given how they had fought a few days ago, it made Hermione appreciate the gesture all the more.

Either Viktor was keeping quiet or the cellar was far enough below the house for any noise not to be heard. Knowing it had likely been the Black's torture chamber once upon a time meant that the silence bought them little comfort.

Deep below the ground, Viktor had little in the way of comfort either. The cellar was dimly illuminated by the set of hurricane candles in one corner of the room, which was perhaps just as well. Viktor dreaded to think of what this place would look like in a harsher light.

He leant against the cold stone wall. He'd fastened the manacles around his wrists, ankles and waist, just to be sure. Just to be safe. Lupin had said he thought it unlikely that the wolf would make it through the doors and wards separating him and the others but he didn't want to run the risk.

Pulling the blanket more firmly around him he fidgeted, trying to get more comfortable. There was a black stain in the opposing corner which he strongly hoped was mould. It was difficult to tell in this light.

He closed his eyes, to try and shut out the dank room. He told himself to think of something happy when a wave of pain flared up his back. His eyes flew open and he let out a low cry. There was more pain, engulfing his muscles. It was in his shoulders now, causing them to cramp and spasm uncontrollably.

Still, he thought wistfully in the corner of his mind not crippled by pain, it wasn't quite as bad as the cruciatus curse Bellatrix had subjected him to.

He tried to curl himself into a tighter ball. The blanket slipped from his shoulders, the cold now providing some mild relief for his screaming muscles. Pain down one side caused him to twist and jerk, he felt his wrist snap in its binding. He cried out once more, before settling to whimper into the darkness. He hoped the pain would cause him to black out soon and yet it did not seem to come.

For hours he lay there, muscles beyond his control and pain flowing like waves around his body. He could almost sense the sun rising and with it the pain finally eased. He collapsed back, shaking, and finally lost consciousness.

Upstairs, Harry had made them wait until the sun was peeking over the tops of the houses before unbolting the door. Knowing that whatever met him down there was likely to be unpleasant, he asked that Hermione waited upstairs. After some convincing he finally descended, wand alight before him.

He had to wind his way down many flights of stairs before weak flickering candlelight greeted him. Harry rushed forward, unlocking the final door. He could see Viktor lying in a heap against the wall, half covered by a blanket. He looked to be in bad shape, but Harry took some comfort in the fact his clothes appeared mostly intact.

"Viktor? Can you hear me? It's Harry." Crossing the room in three long strides he dropped to his knees by the prone body. "Viktor?" He gave him a soft shake on the shoulder, earning him a small bit of movement in response.

Harry nudged him again, before retrieving his wand and attempting one of the diagnosis charms he'd learnt after so many run ins with Draco. It was better than he had hoped; a broken rib, a shattered wrist and severe fatigue.

"Kreacher?" The elf popped to his side at once. "Could you help heal Mr Krum's wounds please?" The elf jerkily nodded its head. Harry remembered how the elf had struggled last time because he could sense the wolf's curse, but didn't relieve him. Viktor needed healing and Kreacher's discomfort would have to wait.

"I can do nothing for the fatigue Master Potter sir. He needs rest sir." Said the little elf some time later. His wrist was certainly looking better, the swelling had gone down and the purple bruise fading.

"Thank you Kreacher. Could you please apparate us up to the kitchen? You've been a great help." A definite look of pride crossed Kreacher's face this time as he nodded. Harry knelt back down and scoped Viktor into his arms. The man may have been shorter than him, but he was well muscled. Harry nodded at Kreacher who squeezed Harry's shoulder and disapparated them with a pop.

There was a sudden chaos in the kitchen when they arrived. Hermione leapt forward from where it looked like Draco was trying to restrain her.

"How is he? Is he okay? Did he turn?" He shrugged off her barrage of questions in favour of putting Viktor down on the sturdy table.

"He's okay. A few broken bones, which Kreacher helped with, and fatigue. He'll probably sleep for a good while." Draco noticed immediately which question Harry had failed to answer.

"Did he turn?" He repeated. Harry turned to him looking incredibly worn.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know."

After giving Hermione some time to fuss over him, he and Draco managed to levitate him back up to the bedroom he'd been occupying. Hermione climbed into the bed next to him, stroking the close cropped hair.

Draco slipped his hand into Harry's, softly pulling them up the stairs to their room. They stripped off to their boxers then climbed into the enormous bed. When Draco opened his arms up, Harry happily crawled in. He rested his head over Draco's heart, listening to its steady beat. And despite the fact the sun was just rising, both boys were asleep before long.

AN I warned things were getting a bit heavier! Just a heads up - I have begun a university course and while I love writing it has to take priority. This story is not abandoned but things might get a bit patchy as I only have one more chapter mostly written up.


	38. Turbulent Emotions

AN: Smut warning...

The sun was casting long shadows through the windows by the time the boys awoke. Draco sleepily tried to snuggle deeper into the duvet and pulled Harry's arms more tightly around his torso. Harry laughed softly, his breath tickling the back of Draco's neck.

"Morning, Gorgeous." A soft trail of kisses was planted along Draco's neck, drawing a soft little contented noise from him.

"I definitely like waking up like this." Draco murmured sleepily. The trail of kisses continued until Harry was gently teasing his earlobe with his teeth.

"Wouldn't you rather be woken like this?" He whispered into Draco's ear, hands sliding down. Draco went to make a sound of agreement but it came out as more of a moan when Harry's hand tightened.

Draco tried to thrust into the touch, wanting more, but found himself restricted by his lover's arms. Harry held Draco tight, making sure to continue his languid, teasing pace.

"You alright there, love?" Even the tone was teasing. Draco felt a soft shiver run through him, quietly admitting to himself how much he loved it when Harry was like this. Over the last couple of weeks at Grimmauld place they'd been able to fully enjoy each other. It was rarer however for Harry to take the more dominant roll, quite happy for Draco to set the pace. It meant moments like this made Draco come undone all the quicker.

Harry was skilled. Had Draco had more of his wits about him he would have made some teasing remark about how much practice Harry must have had under the cover of silencing spells. As it was, Draco just moaned loudly.

When Draco desperately tried to thrust into the hand pleasuring him again, Harry pulled away. In one fluid motion he had Draco flipped onto his back and himself on top. Hips securely pinned to the mattress, Draco looked up at Harry feeling slightly breathless.

There was a definite glint in Harry's eyes, showing that he was enjoying this every bit as much as Draco. His dark hair was even messier than normal, mussed from sleep. He was bare but for the pair of boxers he wore. Draco noted that they were silk and had definitely been his last time he'd checked. He wondered if it was an honest mistake. He hoped not.

Slowly, Harry leaned forwards. He ran his hands along Draco's sides then pushed his hands above his head. Holding his wrists in place, Harry preceded to thoroughly kiss Draco. If he was going for senseless then he managed it.

Their tongues danced and Draco found himself moaning without realising it. Harry could feel Draco's erection pushing against him and moaned back eagerly. Harry vanished both pairs of silk boxers, gasping as even softer skin touched his own.

"Draco?" Despite being a breathy moan, Draco could hear the question in it. He stopped trying to create some friction between them at looked at Harry, trying to make sure all was fine. To his surprise Harry's self assured attitude from earlier seemed to have vanished. He looked nervous.

"Yes?" Draco eventually managed when it became clear Harry wasn't about to continue. There was a pause before Harry let out;

"Make love with me?" Emotions swept through Draco, the main being love and lust. He quickly pulled Harry back down for a passionate kiss.

"Yes, of course. How do you want to do this?" Draco finally managed, a little breathless from the kiss. Even though the kiss had made his answer rather obvious he still wanted to say it. This was a new step in their relationship but one he was more than ready to take, his hard cock testament to that fact.

"I don't mind. Do you want to go on top or bottom?" Draco thought about it for a moment. He had to admit he'd imagined this, both awake and asleep, but the roles they'd played had often switched.

"Bottom, I think, but can I be in control? At least at first?" Harry planted the softest of kisses on Draco's lips, making his heart flutter.

"Of course love. I'll prepare you first, yeah?" Draco nodded his agreement, pushing up to kiss Harry hard. They continued their make out session where it had left off, but this time Harry's hands wandered a little lower.

Harry broke off from their kiss to softly mutter the enchantment for a lubrication charm, before resuming their heated kiss. He gently caressed Draco before slowly sliding one finger in. Draco let out a short gasp and Harry slowed, allowing Draco to get used to it. Once Draco was writhing against him he began to move his finger at a steadier pace, adding another finger when Draco begged him to.

Harry desperately didn't want to hurt his lover. He wanted their first time to be perfect, so took his time to make sure he was ready.

"Please Harry." Draco moaned into his ear. He pulled his slick fingers out and rolled off Draco. Harry lay back in the middle of the huge bed and pulled Draco on top, so that he was straddling him. This way Draco was in full control.

Draco allowed his weight to pull him down, onto Harry's slicked cock. He moved quicker than Harry would have, obviously slightly less worried about hurting himself. He let out a small hiss all the same as he tried to grow accustomed to the sudden stretch.

It was good through. Draco only managed to slide himself up and down a couple of times before accidentally hitting his prostate. Stars bloomed across his vision as he let out a loud moan. As soon as his head had cleared enough, Draco started moving again.

He found it difficult to maintain any sort of pace in this position himself, his thigh muscles already screaming out. He enjoyed being able to control the angle however, ensuring each hit was better than the last.

"Move." He growled into Harry's ear. Harry was more than happy to oblige, thrusting up into Draco letting out a low moan himself. Upon reflection Draco decided that being in control was overrated. Losing control like this was so much better.

He pressed their chests together, drawing a lovebite out on Harry's soft skin while he relentlessly thrust into him. They were moaning in unison now.

Draco could feel his own climax building, any thought beyond the man thrusting beneath him had completely dissipated. He let out a loud cry, the only warning before he covered both of them in cum. A couple more thrusts bought Harry to a swift completion, the clenching of Draco's muscles around him being his undoing.

They collapsed together, not caring about the mess in their post orgasm bliss.

"Wow." Draco finally managed, murmured in Harry's ear. He felt Harry shake underneath him as he laughed.

"I'll say. You are wonderfully vocal Draco." The teasing tone was back and Draco found himself flushing deeply. Harry reached up to gently caress his cheek. "And I love making you blush too."

Draco pouted, causing Harry to laugh some more and kiss him fondly.

"We ought to get up. I need a shower." Harry said, earning him a good look in return. "Oh come on then."

Both boys got out of bed and raced to the bathroom, feeling more carefree than they had done in months.

.

* * *

><p>.<p>

When Harry and Draco eventually made it to breakfast they found the kitchen quite. Not empty, but there was a definite silence between the other occupants.

"Everything alright?" Harry said, immediately concerned. At moments like this he always assumed the worst, and given they were at war the worst was a terrible thing. Hermione nodded stiffly. Harry turned to Viktor instead. "So, last night?"

"I did not change." Harry felt a small gush of relief, which was quickly eclipsed.

"Why do I feel like there is a huge but following that?"

"I am not unchanged. I vas in a lot of pain, you yourself healed the broken bones. My eyes feel too sensitive still, and my hearing is sharper. I feel…strange." Harry strongly hoped that Viktor's hearing wasn't _too_ much better, but judging by the look on his face he'd heard exactly what had just happened upstairs.

"What do you mean strange?" Draco asked. It seemed he had also noticed the look and was eager to redirect the conversation.

"It is difficult to explain. It is not bad per say, but it is different." There was a pause as no one knew what to say. In that time Kreacher bought Harry and Draco a steaming plate of eggs each.

"Well, Lupin should be back in the next couple of days. He might be able to understand it a bit more." Harry eventually said. He started eating just for something to do. It still felt like there was an elephant in the room.

Hermione was not looking at any of them, staring morosely at her feet instead.

"I can't do this anymore." She said in a sudden rush. Harry made an enquiring noise round a mouthful of eggs. "I don't know how you do it Harry, how do you carry on despite how much you've lost?"

Images of Sirius and Cedric's bodies flashed across his mind. He pushed them away forcefully.

"I have to 'Mione, to make it worth it." He said gently.

"But aren't you scared that you're just going to lose even more? Lose the only good thing you have left?" She glanced over at Draco for the briefest of moments. Harry slipped his hand into Draco's felling in need of a bit of support.

"Course I am, I'm bloody terrified, but if I don't fight this war then the chances of him, of us, surviving it are even slimmer." Hermione was wringing her hands, looking very uncomfortable. Viktor stood and moved next to her, letting her lean into him.

"I just don't know if I can. It's like some instinct telling me I need to get away, I need to get somewhere safe." She said very quietly, wrapping her arms round her middle.

"We can't just give up Hermione! What about the horcruxes? We are the only ones who know, and how the hell else are we supposed to defeat the bloody maniac?" Hermione was in tears now but Harry didn't let that stop him. "We can't let Voldemort win!"

If Harry hadn't been in such a rage then he might have felt the tingle of magic as the wards changed around them.

Draco slipped his hand into Harry's as an attempt to calm him, while Krum glared at Harry for making Hermione so upset. He may not have agreed with her choices but he couldn't deny he wanted her safer, he defiantly didn't think Harry yelling at her was called for.

"Harry, why don't we go upstairs? This can be resumed later when everyone is a little calmer." Draco tried to be the voice of reason. After a moment Harry nodded firmly then all but stormed from the kitchen, dragging the blonde after him.

They had just made it into the hallway when the front door was blown off its hinges. Harry's wand was in his hand before it even hit the floor.

Bellatrix Lestrange stood proudly in the doorway.

"Using the Lord's name in vain, Potty?" She cackled.

* * *

><p>AN: Sorry for any mistakes towards the end. I was so desperate to get this up today that it hasn't made it to the beta and back. I think I should probably also apologise for the end... That was completely unplanned literally to the point of me typing Voldemort. Oh well, horcrux hunting can wait!<p>

I also am aware that Hermione may seem a little out of character. There are reasons for this, which I'd be interested to hear any theories on.


End file.

Harry Potter, Hurt-Comfort, Romance