The
next morning Harry and Draco roused, injected their morning doses,
had long hot bath and dressed for the meeting with Hemmlett. Each was
waiting in the hidden alcove room when Paul appeared perfectly on
time. “Here’s
the load,” Harry said handing and letting Paul inspect each
baggie full of the drugs. “You get busted and mention my name
you’re dead.” Paul nodded. “Without
question,” Paul said picking up the load and putting it into
his book bag. “Give me a week and I’ll give you the other
half of the cash.” Harry nodded and Paul left. “Well,
that was short and sweet,” Draco said. “Ready for
breakfast?” The pair walked together down the corridors
speaking and noticing several strange looks from students at their
togetherness this early and coming from the other side of the castle
from either the Gryffindor Tower or the dungeons. “You
noticed that, too?” Harry asked of the stares. “Fuck
it,” Draco said. “We’re supposed to be doing that
friendly thing anyway. My orders.” “You
were very friendly last night,” Harry said. “Hot damn,
Draco. You have royally fucked up my head lately.” “Nice
to know I can still get to you,” Draco drawled. “Shut
up or I’m kissing you in the Dining Hall,” Harry teased
with a grin. “You
wouldn’t,” Draco said. Harry stopped in the hall with
hands on hips. “I
wouldn’t? You want to bet on that?” Harry asked with that
look of pure honesty that Draco couldn’t deny. “Okay,
maybe you are just a bit insane today,” Draco said. “Or…well,
everyday. This is Friday, you know. Party night.” “It’s
Hufflepuff probably,” Harry said. “Would you like to come
up to the Gryff common room with me tonight? There will be Ron, Herm,
Seamus and Dean up in our dorm. I could bring us some butterbeers,
whiskey or whatever you want to have up there. It’ll be our own
little party.” “Sounds
good,” Draco said. “Besides,
I want to show off that I’ve landed the sexiest piece of ass in
the school,” Harry said. “It’s an ego thing for
me.” “Oh,
I completely understand now,” Draco let the sarcasm flow. “I’m
your toy. A plaything. Some trophy for you to show off to your little
friends.” “Yeah.
That’s it,” Harry said. “You’re my trophy.”
Harry gave short laugh as they entered the Dining Hall and each split
to go in different directions. “I
hate you, Potter,” Draco called as he walked away. “Go
to hell, Malfoy,” Harry yelled back as he went to sit at the
breakfast table and grin at the ones who knew he didn’t mean a
word of it. “What
lovely sentiments,” Ron said sweetly in his falsetto voice. “What
is everyone doing tonight?” Harry asked Ron, Hermione, Seamus,
Dean and Neville. “Nothing,”
Dean said. “I’m not going to any Hufflepuff party. They
suck.” “Yeah,
we could play some chess or something in the common room,”
Seamus said to Dean. “I
may study,” Hermione said. Harry pretended a gasp of shock and
Hermione flipped him off.
“Is
that an invitation to have sexual intercourse with you, Hermione?”
Harry teased. Hermione laughed and Ron gave Harry the look. “Sorry.
Taken. I love it.” “You’re
taken?” Neville asked. “Long
story,” Harry said. “Ron, what are you doing tonight?
Hermione wants me for sex so I was just wondering if you were joining
in.” “Shut
your trap, you prick,” Ron teased. “I have no plans.” “Good.
Let’s make some. I would like for us all to meet in our dorm
room for our own private party,” Harry said. “I’ll
bring drinks. What do you all want? Butterbeer? Whiskey? Vodka? Blood
of sacrificial virgins? Tell me something here.” “The
virgin thing sounds good,” Seamus said. “I
could do that,” Harry said confidently. “If you actually
wanted that, I could get it. Now that, my friends, is very sad.” “You
are in some funky mood today,” Ron said of Harry.
“You
have no idea,” Harry grinned as he ate his breakfast. “So?
What do you all want? Anything. Name it and I got it.” “I’d
like some butterbeer,” Neville said. “Fine.
Butterbeer it is,” Harry said. “And everyone bring a
date. That’s an order.” “I’d
like some wine,” Hermione said. “I
can get that, too. Herm, give me a few sheets of parchment and a
quill,” Harry said as he finished off his breakfast. Harry
walked to the window and opened it. With a shrill whistled tune,
Harry held out his arm and Hedwig came in to him quickly. “Good
girl” Harry petted the owl affectionately for several moments
as he put her on his shoulder and gave her a small piece of toast.
“What else do you all want for our party? I’m buying.
Tell me now so I can have it delivered by tonight.” “Pretzels,”
Seamus said. “Can you get beer?” “I
can get anything,” Harry said. “Anything on this earth
you want I can get it,” Harry said confidently. “Is that
it?” Several more people named off treats and drinks. Harry
made a list on the parchment, wrote a quick note to Aberforth, sealed
the parchment and tied it to Hedwig. “Aberforth please.”
Harry lifted Hedwig and sent her off with the note. “What
time are we meeting in the dorm?” Ron asked. “Doesn’t
matter,” Harry said. “I’ll have training until
around…probably five. Let’s say six, okay?” Harry
noted them all and something caught Harry’s eye. “Dean?”
Dean turned to look at Harry and Harry tilted his head in question
probing thoughts. “You sly dog.” Harry grinned. Dean
blushed. “What?”
Dean asked. “Dean,
you cannot hide anything from me. Isn’t that right, Seamus?”
Harry gave that knowing look and Seamus looked to the others for just
a moment. “Oh, and Seamus, don’t bring a date. Just come
with Dean. Is that okay with you guys?” “Yeah,
yeah sure,” Dean said thankfully. “Right, Seam?” “Oh,
yeah. Why not?” Seamus said. Hermione gave them a look and then
looked at Harry who grinned. “How
do you do that?” Hermione asked of Harry. “Harry,
have you given any thought to the fact that we are playing Slytherin
on Saturday at Quidditch?” Ron asked taking a bite and looking
at Harry. “Yeah,”
Harry said. “And?” “Well…”
Ron started. “There might be…um…a bit of conflict
of interest there.” “No
way,” Harry said adamantly. “Can
you honestly say that you’ll not try to…um…help
out the competition?” Seamus asked. Harry sat straight up and
looked over to the Slytherin table. “Hey,
Malfoy!” Harry yelled. Draco looked. “There’s a
little gold ball with wings called a snitch. Ever heard of one?”
Harry grinned widely. “Shut
your hole, Potter! You better be ready this year, you snot nosed
little twerp!” Draco pointed at the Gryffindor table. “This
is your last chance, Malfoy! Seven years undefeated!” Harry
said loudly to the hall as he stood up with a jerk. “Not
this year!” Draco stood to the standoff. “Be prepared
cause I’m bringing you down!” Harry stood on the bench
taller so that the whole hall was watching. “You
couldn’t catch a snitch if it flew directly into your hand!
You’d probably pass out on your broom and bounce on the pitch
like some pathetic loser!” Harry shouted. Draco was trying to
hide the grin as he also stood up on the bench in a huff. “You’ll
find out on the pitch who’s the loser this year, you stupid
Gryffindork piece of crap! And when I do catch that snitch I’ll
shove it up your nose!” Draco shouted back. Harry took the game
one step further by standing up on the breakfast table between the
dishes of food. “Bring
it on then, Malfoy!” Harry yelled giving his best fighting
stance with arms bowed. Draco stood on his own table and crossed his
arms like he owned the place. “I
plan on it,” Draco said. “You prance around here like the
little hero but not on Saturday. Enjoy your time until then, Potty.” “Bite
me, ferret!’ Harry spat. “Go
to hell!” Draco yelled. “Boys!”
Albus stood and each looked to him with a smile. “That’s
enough.” Harry and Draco nodded to the Headmaster and gave each
other a hateful look before they sat again. “Damn,
that was fun,” Harry laughed softly at his own table members’
expressions. “He is so hot.” Harry said quietly so that
only the few who knew could hear. Hermione had her face hidden in
embarrassment and Ron shook his head at the humor. “Oh
god you both are stupid,” Seamus said as they all laughed a
bit. Harry caught Draco’s gaze and winked at him with a small
smile of affection. Draco returned it. The day was starting off
nicely. The pair left the Dining Hall separately and met up later
when all the students were in class. Dumbledore found them leaning up
against the wall speaking quietly and holding hands in some hidden
way. “What
was that arguing across the hall this morning?” Albus looked
over his glasses at them both. “Inter-house
communications?” Harry grinned evilly. “Friendly
competitive analysis?” Draco gave the same grin. Albus shook
his head with a sigh and walked on. Each snickered and followed him
to training room one. Empty. “No
Aurors today?” Harry asked surprised at their absence. “No.
Not today,” Albus said. “I want you to practice with
Draco on the Diatai fighting maneuvers which you were supposed to
begin yesterday, but I seriously doubt that you did because there was
no supervision in the room.” Harry looked to Draco in guilt. “You’re
right,” Harry said. “We didn’t practice those
particular skills. We practiced something else.” “And
the something else will probably not be needed in battle,”
Albus said. “I know you, Harry. Now. Show Draco the first four
formations and include the meditation sequence.”
Harry
shed off his shirt and shoes so that he was barefoot in jeans. Draco
did the same and they stood on the mat side by side. Harry
demonstrated the moves slowly and Draco followed. All morning until
lunchtime, Harry taught Draco the moves as Albus watched, instructed
and made suggestions. Draco had learned the formations perfectly in
that length of time. “After
lunch, I’d like for you to demonstrate the first three battle
stances, blocks and jabs,” Albus said. “Then until the
evening meal you’ll face off in stances.” Albus told
Harry who nodded. “So
we’ll be fighting today,” Draco grinned. “Looks
like it,” Harry said. “I can’t wait.” The
pair broke at the door to part in separate ways. Lunch was filling
and quick for them both and when the meal was half over Draco caught
Harry’s attention and gave the look. Harry nodded. “I
need to go back to training. See you all tonight.” Harry rose
and left the table headed toward the den. Harry entered and began
heating up the spoonful of relief. Harry had just drawn up one
syringe when Draco came in to assist with the other one. Each plunged
and felt a bit better with the high. “Oh
hell,” Draco said holding his temples. “I can’t
fight high.” “Relax.
We’ll wait a bit. We have twenty minutes until we have to be in
the training room,” Harry said. “Want to play on the
bed?” “No,”
Draco said. “I’ll get all hot and bothered and I know I
can’t fight high and with a hard on from hell.” Harry
laughed. “I
ordered drinks for our party tonight,” Harry said. “We’ll
have to shoot up before we go up to the Tower. I can’t wait to
get you on my bed in the dorm.” “I’m
not having sex with an audience of Gryffindors,” Draco said and
then reconsidered. “Unless you want to.” “Hell,
I wouldn’t care,” Harry said. “Last night was so
damn good I’d give it up on Albus’ desk if you ask me.” “Or
on the head table during lunch,” Draco said. “Or
in the middle of potions class,” Harry said. “Or
on the pitch with the whole fucking school watching,” Draco
said. “I’d
do it,” Harry said. “I swear I would do it.” “I
think you would,” Draco said. “But I won’t.” “Why
not? Are you ashamed of me?” Harry gave that hurt look. “No,
I just don’t fancy my naked ass being nailed while McGonagall
chokes,” Draco said. They each laughed together and enjoyed the
time together. After twenty minutes they left the den and walked
together to the training room. Albus wasn’t there yet, but they
each shed shirts and shoes and Harry began to show Draco the moves.
They worked for hours until Draco had the fighting sequences learned
and memorized. “Remember
that these moves are the basis of all the others,” Harry
explained. “You may use adaptation and variation on the moves
if you see they may work. Let’s try the first sequences.” They
faced off and began to move, punch and dodge physically and with
spells. The pair were so involved that they didn’t notice Albus
sneak into the room hours later and stand near the door to watch. “Good.
Now move the left back and do the sweep front,” Harry
instructed. The fighting continued and each was still moving slowly
together so that Draco was learning. Harry was impressed at Draco’s
quick retention of what he’d been taught. After the drills were
practiced several times it was almost effortless in determining the
other’s moves. “Okay.
I think I’ve got the first sequences,” Draco said. “Let
me try on my own. You do whatever and let me see if I can do this.”
Harry nodded. “Ready?”
Harry asked. The first sets began and Draco did fabulously. “You
want to go faster?” Harry asked and Draco agreed. “I’ll
throw in my own adaptations to see if you can defend. And if you
think you can land a punch at me, do it.” Draco nodded. With
lightning speed each began to circle, cast and do the moves as Albus
stayed hidden watching in amazement the two who moved so catlike with
the other. The fight was fierce and became almost real. Draco tried
to land four punches, but Harry was too quick. The sets went on for
almost another two hours and Albus had walked in quietly and had
taken a chair in the back. Both boys were sweating with their efforts
when they stopped to sit on the mat. “You
did very good,” Harry told Draco as they lay back and rolled
over to face. “You’re weaker on your right, but you can
easily fix that by facing a bit more to the left to compensate.” “I
can’t get the hand movement on that sweep in the second
sequence,” Draco said. Each rolled on their backs and Harry
held up his hands to show the positions that Draco mimicked. Harry
showed how to move slowly and exactly until Draco had solved his
problem. “Okay, I get it now. I had my hand too much to the
left. Want to do it again?” Harry quickly rolled over onto
Draco’s body pinning him that delicious way. “I’d
love to,” Harry said seductively. Albus cleared his throat
loudly and Harry hung his head in embarrassment and rolled off. “You
could let us know when you come in, you know.” “I
was watching,” Albus said. “You both did very well.
Excellent. Each of you has progressed further than I thought you
would in only one day.” “Considering
that we were in here alone, you mean?” Harry asked as he and
Draco lay on the mat tired from their workouts of the day. “That
makes your efforts today even more astounding,” Albus teased as
he towered over them. “You are both dismissed for the day.
Tomorrow is your match against each other and Sunday the detox.” “What
time is the detox? When should we report to Poppy?” Harry
asked. “Ten
in the morning,” Albus said. “That will give you time to
eat breakfast if you wish.” “No
food,” Draco said. “I’ll just puke it anyway.”
Harry groaned. “Try
to drink plenty of liquids to keep hydrated. I know you both know
this anyway,” Albus said. “Harry, you need to mentally
prepare for the detox. Use your meditation that morning. I’ll
assist you if you need it at any time during the three days.”
Harry nodded to that logic. “You may want to teach Draco a few
of the meditation practices. That may help him with mental
preparation and with pain management.” “I
will,” Harry said with a nod. Albus turned to leave and when he
was at the door he only spoke but never turned back. “I
hope you enjoyed your date, Draco,” Albus said with a chuckle
as he left he room. Harry laughed. “How
did he know that?” Draco asked. “Were
you thinking about it?” Harry asked. Draco looked guilty. “He’s
a Legilimens, dumb ass. Don’t think things around him. I need
to teach you Occlumency.” “Not
today,” Draco said as they continued to lie on the mat. All
classes were finished and the evening meal was in an hour. “What
could we do on this mat for an hour?” Harry rolled back over
onto Draco and each grinned. “There
you two are. Oh god, are you always doing that?” Hermione’s
voice rang out. Harry and Draco laughed and Harry rolled back onto
the mat again with a flop. “That
looks like practicing training to me,” Ron said with a grin. “What
the hell are you doing here?” Harry asked them. “Hedwig
came with your package and almost attacked me looking for you,”
Ron said holding out the small box to Harry who sat up and took it.
Harry sat the tiny box down and resized it to full size. It was
larger than he anticipated. “Damn,”
Harry said opening the box to show all the goodies he’d asked
for. “Perfect.” “Where
did you get all that? Who sent it to you?” Hermione asked. “I
know people,” Harry said. Draco snorted a small laugh and Harry
shot Draco a grin. “That’s
an understatement,” Draco said. “Did Albus let you in?”
Hermione nodded. “We
asked Lupin where you were training and he gave us directions, and we
just happened upon Albus in the hallway. What did you say to him?
Albus was almost laughing when we met him,” Ron said. “Draco’s
thought entertained him,” Harry said. “I hope Albus
didn’t dig around in your head too much or I’m royally
screwed, Draco.” “Oh
shit,” Draco put his head in his hands. Harry almost panicked. “What
the hell were you thinking?” Harry asked. “Please tell
you weren’t thinking of…stuff that you shouldn’t
be thinking around Albus.” “No,
oh god no not…well, not anything that would lead to any
situation for you,” Draco said. “But…well, I was
remembering the moon last night.” “Oh,”
Harry was relieved and flopped back on the mat. “Thank god. I
need to teach you how to form a thought block. It’s the easiest
thing to do with Occlumency at first.” “Yes,
you need to teach me that most definitely,” Draco said
adamantly. “Are
you two ready for dinner?” Ron asked. “I’m
starving.” Draco and Harry put on their socks, shoes and shirt.
Harry shrunk the box again and put a cold charm on it before putting
it in his pocket for safekeeping. “Hermione,
have you ever heard of Gaelis ‘Brothered Fount’ nude?”
Draco asked as they were leaving. “Of
course,” Hermione said. “I studied about Gaelis during my
summer break. I had taken the opportunity to enlist in several
Wizarding art cultural appreciation correspondence studies for fun.” “Some
fun,” Harry said quietly. Draco elbowed him a bit. “The
Gaelis ‘Brothered Fount’ nude is one of Gaelis’
first free form sculptures,” Hermione said as they walked
along. Ron and Harry rolled their eyes and Hermione and Draco’s
ongoing conversation of art. “I
now own Gaelis ‘Brothered Fount’ nude,” Draco
grinned. Hermione stopped and held Draco’s biceps. “You
do?” Hermione was excited. “Is it at the Manor?”
Hermione sounded disappointed. “No,
I have it here,” Draco grinned. “Oh,
Draco, could you please let me see it? I would love to examine it up
close,” Hermione was extremely excited. “Certainly.
I could do that. I’d be happy to. It’s one of my prized
possessions now,” Draco said. “Where
did you get it? The last known location was in Vericalli Valley,”
Hermione said. “Harry
bought it for me,” Draco said. Ron and Hermione looked to
Harry. “What?
He wanted that thing,” Harry explained. “You
just bought him Gaelis ‘Brothered Fount’ nude? Harry, how
much did you spend on that?” Hermione asked. “That
is none of your business,” Harry said. “Approximately
forty thousand,” Draco said. “Draco!”
Harry scolded. “Only
forty thousand?” Hermione was in shock. “That nude is
worth at least eighty thousand. How on earth did you manage that,
Harry?” “I…um…I
know people,” Harry said giving Draco a look to which he only
grinned. “You
bought Draco a forty thousand galleon gift?” Ron asked in
disbelief. “Well,
yeah. Sort of,” Harry said. “It was…um…a
business transaction thing…kind of,” Harry said. “It’s
complicated, but…Draco wanted it, so I…sort of got it
for him last night in London while I had the chance. No big deal.” “Forty
thousand galleons is certainly a big deal,” Ron said. “Hell,
I don’t think Dad gave that much for our house.” When it
was realized what Ron said, all eyes turned to Draco who stilled for
a moment. “What?”
Draco looked stunned. “I
think we were expecting you to make some terribly haughty and
tactless remark over how poor I am,” Ron said. “Oh.
Do you want me to?” Draco asked with a grin. Harry laughed and
hugged Draco quickly in the hallway from behind. “You
are too much,” Harry laughed. “Draco, come sit with me
for dinner. Would you?” “After
that fiasco at breakfast?” Hermione teased. “What the
hell were you two doing yelling across the hall like two first
years?” “Having
a little fun,” Draco said. “Yes, I think I’ll come
sit with you. After that shouting match today, nobody will understand
it. We’ll confuse the hell out of everyone. Doesn’t that
sound fun?” “Yeah.
Let’s do it,” Harry said. Draco moved close and kissed
Harry’s cheek quickly while no one was looking. “I’d
love to do it,” Draco said. “Again.” “Let’s
go I’m ready right now,” Harry said slinking and arm
around Draco before they turned the corner into the main hallway. “Please
stop. The testosterone level around here is reaching critical. Reign
in the hormones, Harry,” Hermione insulted. “You
called me skinny and I’m not over it, so shut up,” Harry
teased. “You
are skinny,” Draco said. Harry shoved Draco. “I
am not,” Harry said in defense. “Okay,
you’re not skinny. You are perfectly delicious,” Draco
said. “Thin, muscular and tight…turns me on in a major
way.” “Oh
hell,” Ron said. “Are you two going to be like this all
night? Because if you are I’m not attending your party.” “Yes,
you will,” Harry warned. “Or I’m giving you a level
nine vicat hex that I just learned about six months ago. Now that
shit is not pleasant.” “How
are you enjoying training, Draco?” Hermione asked. “It’s
very difficult,” Draco said with a nod. “What
is Albus teaching you?” Ron asked. “Nothing.
Harry is teaching,” Draco said. “I’m
just assisting Albus,” Harry said. “No,
you’re not. You are teaching. Albus wasn’t even there,”
Draco said. “Harry
is a great DADA teacher,” Ron said. “When he had his
private class I learned more than I did in two years of school
classes.” “So
did I,” Hermione said. “But Harry is more practical magic
and hands on teaching that studying texts.” “Draco,
can I give you some hands on?” Harry asked. The four laughed as
they entered the Dining Hall. Draco automatically went toward the
Slytherin table and Harry grabbed his arm. “I thought you were
going to have dinner with me?” “Habit.
I just automatically went that way,” Draco said. “Oh
hell. I’ve never had a meal over here with the Gryffindors.
This should be fun.” Draco followed Harry over and sat beside
him each started to fill their plates and they were getting plenty of
looks, whispers and pointing. “Harry, people are staring at
me.” “Want
me to fix it?” Harry asked Draco. “How
are you going to fix it? Hex everyone?” Draco asked. “I
could do that, too if you want,” Harry said. “Watch.”
Harry sat for a minute more and then turned to every eye and stood
quickly with the most evil look daring anyone to say or look again.
All the students turned away quickly and Harry sat giving Draco a
grin. “See? That works for me.” “You
just stood and they obey?” Draco asked in disdain. “Yeah,”
Harry said. “They’re scared to death of me.” “With
good reason,” Ron said. “You’re a nut.” “I’ll
show you a nut,” Harry insulted grabbing his crotch in teasing
Ron. “Harry,
please,” Hermione said.
“Did
you say please you’d like to see a nut?” Harry asked in
his humored way. “Oh, by the way Draco, Hermione propositioned
me this morning.” “I
did not!” Hermione defended. Harry gave a short laugh. “Really?
I thought you were more into red heads, Hermione,” Draco said
teasing her. “I
flipped him off,” Hermione said. “Harry was going on
about something as always and…just never mind.” The meal
was shared in good company and was very pleasant. Several of the
Slytherin house members were speaking in hushed voices which Draco
and Harry both noticed. “I
wonder what they’re saying?” Harry asked quietly. “Probably
how well I’m succeeding in my orders,” Draco responded.
“I’ve befriended the pride of lions and made advances
with the king of beasts himself.” “So
I’m a beast now?” Harry teased. “You
do appeal to my animalistic nature,” Draco said. “You
mean your desire to hump like a dog in heat?” Harry teased and
Draco almost choked on his water. The meal was finished. Harry and
Draco were each feeling the need of the drug just a bit. “Hermione,
I have the sculpture and I’ll bring it to the party tonight so
that you can examine it,” Draco said. “I’ll need to
get it Harry, it’s in the den. Let’s go get it now.” “Yeah,
I need to change my shirt and take a bath. I’m all sweaty after
our training today,” Harry said. “We’ll see you
both in the Tower in about an hour.” Draco and Harry left the
table together and headed out the Dining Hall doors toward the den.
When they were inside the room and had taken crates, the drug was
prepared in the spoon and injected giving them some relief. “Did
you give Paul all that dope?” Draco asked. “Hell
no,” Harry said. “I still have half of it here. I only
gave him about two thousand worth. I have another two thousand here.”
A hot bath was drawn and each bathed quickly but enjoyed the time
together in the tub with kissing and touching in the warm water.
After they’d finished bathing and dressing, Draco took the
small box containing the Gaelis ‘Brothered Fount’ nude
and put it into his pocket until the party. Harry also brought his
package with their party snacks and they left on the way to the
Tower. “What
will your house members say when Malfoy walks up into their common
room?” Draco asked. “Not
a damn word,” Harry said. “They know better.” When
they’d turned the corner off the main hall Harry pulled Draco
over to a large portrait. “What
are you doing? The Tower is that way,” Draco pointed the other
direction. “Secret
passage,” Harry wiggled his eyebrows as he pushed open the
portrait hole to reveal a set of stairs leading upward in a circular
motion. They climbed all the stairs and popped out into a hallway.
Harry led the way down a small hall and they were in front of the
Gryffindor common room portrait. “Wow.
That was a short cut,” Draco said. “That
passage is enchanted to bring me here,” Harry said. “It’s
my own spell. Cool, huh?” “Very,”
Draco said. “Pensington
Deringilius,” Harry said the password and they entered the
crowded common room. Neither paid notice to the wide-eyed stares at
Draco as Harry led him up to the boys seventh year dorm rooms at
almost the top of the tower and they entered. Seamus and Dean backed
away quickly from each other as they entered without knocking.
“Relax. I already know you’re together. I also know
you’ve had sex, so don’t deny it. You know I can read
your minds like a book. So who knows and who doesn’t?” “Nobody
knows but you and now Draco officially, but I suspect that Hermione
and Ron might know,” Seamus said as Dean sat back down and
leaned closer to Seamus again. “I
thought you were straight,” Draco said to Dean. “Well,
I…I was until this happened,” Dean motioned to Seamus
who put his hand on Dean’s thigh and laced their fingers. “But
this is good, too.” “Good?
You mean I’m not great?” Seamus asked. Dean gave him the
look. “Yeah.
Okay you’re great,” Seamus said. Harry took the small box
from his pocket and was resizing it when Neville and his new
girlfriend, Debbie McCaulk, came in timidly. “Hey,
guys,” Neville said. “Debbie, you already know everyone I
think. There’s Seamus, Dean, Harry and Draco Malfoy.”
Debbie looked at Draco and Harry oddly. “She
don’t know,” Seamus told them. “Oh,
um, Debbie, it’s nice to meet you,” Draco shook the fifth
year Hufflepuff’s hand. “And Harry and I are together. As
in a couple. And if you could not repeat that to anyone we’d
very much appreciate that.” “Sure,”
Debbie said quietly in her soft voice. “No problem.” It
was evident that Debbie was very shy. Neville led Debbie over to his
own bed and each sat. Neville leaned back against his headboard but
Debbie sat stiffly and gave Seamus and Dean a small glance. “Oh,
and well, Dean and I are sort of together, too,” Seamus said.
“But nobody knows that either, so…could you not
like…tell anybody?” Debbie nodded but said nothing.
Harry laughed softly when Debbie looked at him. Harry came over to
her and shook her hand. “Nice
to meet you, Debbie,” Harry said. It was evident that Debbie
was either frightened or nervous at meeting Harry. “Harry’s
okay, Deb,” Neville said. “A bit strange, but you get
used to it. After few years that is.” “Go
to hell, Nev,” Harry said kindly. Ron and Hermione burst
through the doors in fits of laughs. “What’s got you so
riled up?” “Oh
god, Harry,” Hermione laughed. “Collin Creevey is having
an absolute fit downstairs because you brought Draco up here. He’s
convinced everyone that you’re under the Imperius and Draco is
planning to kill you.” “He
is technically,” Harry said. “But Collin knows I’m
Imperius immune. Hell, everybody has known that since fourth year.” “But
you know how Collin is over you,” Ron said as he and Hermione
sat and curled up together on Ron’s bed. Draco spread out on
Harry’s bed and lay down. “Your
bed is just too small, Potter,” Draco said. “Shut
the fuck up, ferret,” Harry spat. “Make
me, you sorry fucker,” Malfoy drawled. Harry reached into the
box and dug out a beer. “You
want a drink?” Harry asked Draco sweetly. “Yes,
please,” Draco responded equally in kind. Debbie looked to
Neville in confused question and Hermione saw and laughed. “Debbie,
you just have to get used to these two,” Hermione said of Draco
and Harry. “They’ve fought for so long that they
sometimes forget that they’re together now, I think.” “Debbie,
would you like a drink or anything? Anyone? There’s all sorts
of…well, stuff in this box,” Harry said of the snacks.
Everyone gathered around the box and chose a drink and snacks. Harry
sat on his bed and kicked off his shoes and socks and pulled off his
shirt. Draco resized the sculpture in his pocket. He and Hermione
discussed it briefly. “I’m
still burning up from our training today,” Harry said as he
moved back on the bed to lounge against the headboard with his beer.
Draco kicked off his own shoes and socks and lay back beside Harry on
his bed. “There
is not enough room on this bed for both of us,” Draco said.
Harry moved his leg over Draco so that Draco was leaning back on
Harry chest and lying in the vee of Harry’s outstretched legs.
“Much better. You have a terrible bruise on your shoulder where
I hit you today.” “Do
I?” Harry looked. “Damn. I could heal that if I wasn’t
so lazy.” Harry leaned back ignoring the bruise. “That’s
nothing compared to what you’ve done to me before. Hell, I was
black and blue when we fought outside Flitwicks classroom in fifth
year after that incident with the spitwads.” “Oh
hell, I remember that,” Draco and Harry laughed. “So
do I,” Ron said. “I ended up with a broken nose from
Crabbe and had to stay in the hospital wing for three hours.” “Where
are Crabbe and Goyle lately, Draco?” Dean asked. “No
idea,” Draco said. “I see them at meals. Their room is
next to mine own. I think they stay in the kitchens most of the time
just eating everything in sight.” “They
do,” Harry said taking a long swig of his beer and lacing his
fingers with Draco’s over Draco’s chest. “I see
them there all the time at night. Well, I used to anyway before I
stopped my nighttime patrols.” “Patrols?”
Draco asked. “Yeah.
I sort of have this thing about being out in the school at night,”
Harry said. “I still do. I know every stone in this school,
every room, every niche, alcove, secret passage…there is
nothing about this school that I do not know and I guarantee that. I
could show you some shit that would freak you out.” “No
thanks,” Ron said. “Whenever we go following you around
we sort of end up fighting for our lives.” Harry laughed. “Damn
devil’s snare and fucking spiders…” Harry laughed
even harder. “That’s
not funny, Harry,” Hermione said. “Yeah,
or we end up fighting with Death Eaters,” Neville said and then
paled when Draco gave Neville a small grin. “I
still do that daily,” Harry said pulling Draco closer. “Does
everyone here know I’m a DE?” Draco asked. They all
nodded. Debbie swallowed and her eyes went wide. “I see Debbie
didn’t know. Don’t worry. I’m not…well, I
am, but…help me out here, Harry.” “Draco
is a Death Eater and is planning to kill me,” Harry said. Draco
elbowed Harry’s gut. “Oh shit. Stop that. Don’t
worry about it Debbie. I’ve killed many DEs.” Draco lay
his head back and turned it to look at Harry. “Would
you kill me?” Draco asked. “Yeah,”
Harry said lightly. “If you made me or if I had to.” “Harry,
how can you say that?” Neville said. “Easy.
I kill DEs. That’s my job, Nev,” Harry said. “Remember
me? Harry Potter? It’s them or me, and I’ve become quite
fond of breathing in my seventeen years.” “I
wouldn’t kill you,” Draco said. “I might, but doubt
it.” “Thanks
for the confidence,” Harry said. “But I wouldn’t
kill you either. Probably. I might, but…I don’t think
so.” “Listen
to you two,” Hermione said. “Lighten
up, Herm,” Ron said. “They’ve tried to kill each
other for years. Why should they stop now?” “I
want to know more about these places you know of in the school,”
Dean said. “You’ve never taken me on one of your
adventures.” “Adventure?
In the Ministry in fifth year was no adventure,” Neville said.
“I was scared to death every minute. Harry kept dragging me
through those rooms and…damn, it was awful.” “And
I was nearly killed too with a spell,” Hermione said. “And
I almost never healed up from those damn tentacles from that…whatever
that was that wrapped around me and was squeezing the life out of
me,” Ron said. “Did
you have Voldemort’s wand pointed directly at your skull while
he said ‘avada kedavra?’” Harry asked. They shook
their heads. “Well then you don’t even have a clue as to
the meaning of fear until you hear him say the words to you at three
feet away.” “Oh
my god,” Debbie said softly and turned to Neville. “I
wasn’t there, I didn’t see it,” Neville told her. “Draco’s
aunt saw it,” Harry grinned. “Bella was there. I had just
hit her with a pain curse and that bitch…oh god, she stood up
and laughed at me. I almost had a fit. If I could have moved just two
more feet over I could have blasted her.” “Why
didn’t you?” Dean asked. “I
sort of had Voldemort in the way,” Harry said. “I would
give anything if you all had seen Albus and Voldemort casting to each
other. Oh man that was so cool. At that time, I was still using a
wand and I didn’t know it at the time, but they were casing on
the Diatai with doubles and full cast brinking spells.” Harry
sounded excited. “What
the hell does that mean?” Seamus said. ”Um…well,
I can’t explain it with words. I could show you, though,”
Harry said. “It’s a way of bringing the spell strength up
with mental focusing directed with your mind. I can do that now.” “So
you, Albus and Voldemort are the only three that can do that?”
Neville asked. “No,
there are two other wizards I know that can do it,” Harry said.
“I had both of them for instructors last summer.” “So
five wizards in the world can do it,” Draco said. Harry nodded.
“And you’re one of them.” Draco grinned.
“Shut
up,” Harry said. Draco laughed. “Sometimes
I just sit and marvel at your strangeness,” Draco said leaning
back against Harry’s hard chest. “You are one terribly
fucked up individual. What in hell made you so damn weird? Were your
parents like…some sort of test subjects for medical research
or something?” Harry laughed. “I
have no idea. I never knew them,” Harry said. “I do know
that my dad was a total bastard. He must have been a real jerk.” “Sirius
said you were just like him. Identical is the word Sirius used,”
Hermione reminded. “And
Lupin said that you fly better than your dad,” Ron said. “Well
there’s a shocker,” Draco drawled. “Your dad was a
seeker, too, wasn’t he?” “No,
he was a chaser,” Harry told him. “The slacker. He did
play reserve seeker, though.” “Now,
I have to wonder just how much like your parents you really are,”
Draco said. “I think I know you well enough to say that you are
absolutely nothing like either of them.” “I
know Harry better than you do, Draco, and I think Harry is probably
just like his dad,” Ron said. “There
is no way you know him better than me,” Draco shook his head
with a grin. “No way.” “We’ve
known Harry a lot longer than you have,” Hermione said. “Harry,
who do you think knows you better? Ron and Hermione or me?”
Draco asked confidently with a grin. “I’m
not even going there,” Harry said shaking his head with a grin
of his own. “How
can you even say that? I know everything about you, Harry. I’ve
lived with you for years,” Ron said. “We’ve been
best friends since first year.” “And
we’ve seen plenty about you that I’m sure Draco doesn’t
know,” Hermione said. “I
know a side of Harry that you will never know,” Draco said. “That’s
enough about me,” Harry said. “Draco, please don’t
get me into a shit load of trouble. I’d hate to hurt you to
shut you up.” “You
can’t make me shut up,” Draco said. “You’ve
been trying that for years. I’m just damn arrogant enough to
push you around. And you like it so go to hell.” “I
will drop kick you off this bed if you don’t shut your trap,”
Harry said. “If
you think you’re man enough mister boy who lived, bring it,”
Draco knew he’d said the wrong thing when Harry set his beer on
the side table and with great strength hoisted Draco into a Diatai
hold pinning his arm around his back hard. “Let me go you
asshole.” “No,
you need to be taught a lesson,” Harry said straining to hold
Draco down. “I
mean it, Potter. Let me go now or I’m cursing you,” Draco
said harshly. “Don’t
be kinky with me,” Harry said. Draco set his drink in the floor
quickly. Harry laughed and Draco moved his leg over to trap Harry’s
and pull him over in another hold. “You
fucker, let me go,” Harry laughed. “Hell
no, I think I’m the one teaching this lesson now,” Draco
said. “Stop
fighting,” Hermione said. “Shut
up, Herm,” Harry said. “Draco, move your leg before I
break it.” “You
think you can you pansy ass freak?” Draco asked in jest. Harry
slung out his arm and they wrestled for a moment until they both
rolled off the bed with a thunk in the floor. The wrestling continued
until Harry had Draco pinned on his stomach with both arms behind
him. “Get
off!” Draco yelled.
“You
can’t beat me, Malfoy,” Harry spat. “Face it,
ferret.” Harry loosened his grip to let Draco have a chance and
he took it. With several more bouts of wrestling and laughter, they
were up on the bed again. “They
do that,” Neville told Debbie who was watching the two wrestle. “Harry,
you’re upsetting Debbie. Please stop,” Hermione asked
nicely. Harry let Draco pin him on the bed and they ended up with
Draco lying flush on Harry holding his arms up over his head. “Looks
like I won,” Draco said. “I
have you laying on me on my bed with me half naked and you think you
won?” Harry asked and each laughed before Harry pulled Draco
into a nice but short kiss. “How
sick,” Seamus teased.
“And
I still want to go roaming around the school so you can show me some
places that you know about, Harry,” Dean said. “I
could show you one place right now,” Harry said. “It’s
above us. The attic room I call it. It’s right up there.”
Harry pointed to the ceiling. “There
is no room up there. This is the top of the tower,” Ron said. “If
I tell you there is a room there, then there is a fucking room
there,” Harry said. “You want me to prove it?” “Yeah,
do it,” Dean said. Harry wiggled off the bed and then stood up
on it. Harry moved his hand and created three bars between his
bedposts on the end. Harry climbed up on the posts and put his hands
on the stones of the ceiling. With a quickly muttered spell, Harry
pushed the stone up and over into the room above. Harry sat on the
top bar he’d created. “See? Told you. There’s a
trunk up there with old clothing in it, some photos and a few books.” “What
kind of books?” Hermione came to look up into the hole in the
ceiling. “Do
you all want to go up there? I’ve been up there before plenty
of times,” Harry said.
“How
did you know that was there?” Draco asked. “It
had to be,” Harry said. “One summer while I was here I
was flying around on my broom and I looked at the tower closely and
this is the top dorm room, but there was more space at the top of the
tower. So…I investigated it and found the room. Do you all
want to go up?” They all agreed to explore the room. Harry
stood and hoisted himself up and brought up Draco first into the
cobwebbed room. A few torches were created and lit while everyone
else came up through the hole. The room was large and held a few
trunks of different things, a few old chairs, one moth eaten bed and
a few old dusty paintings. “This
is so cool,” Dean said. “Look
at this, Draco,” Hermione said of the stack of books near the
trunk. “Old potions manuals. And look at the dates. That book
is over a two hundred years old.” Draco took one of the books
and flipped through it and in a few minutes began to sneeze
uncontrollably. “Harry,”
Draco sneezed. “Help.” Harry went to lay his hand on
Draco’s face and gave him a congestion clearing and healing
spell. “Thanks, baby.” Draco pulled Harry into an embrace
and kiss quickly before Draco pulled away to look at the book again. “I
was rejected for a potions book? I’m deeply hurt,” Harry
teased. “I
told you that you suck at kissing,” Ron teased. “Fuck
off, Ron,” Harry said. “Harry,
clear out this room of dust and the cobwebs and give us more light so
we can see the things in these trunks,” Hermione said. “What
do I look like? A house elf?” Harry asked. “Harry,
please?” Draco asked sweetly. “Fine,”
Harry moved his hands to do away with every cobweb in the place and
added more torches along the walls. Harry did several waves of his
hands to clear up all the dust and the room was pleasantly bright and
cozy. “Some
chairs would be nice,” Seamus dared asked. “You
people,” Harry said before he flicked his hand and created
eight very nice and cozy high backed chintz chairs. “How
nice,” Hermione said as she and Draco took two comfy chairs
created near the books. Everyone was digging through the trunks and
Harry sat to watch. “There
are some very cool photographs in that trunk, Ron,” Harry said.
“Look at the old Quidditch uniforms. They’re awful.” “Oh
my god, Harry,” Hermione said. “These are…dark
arts spells and potions. These should be in the restricted section.” “Yeah,
I know,” Harry said. “I’ve read a few of them. I
actually used one of those dark hexes spells on Albus once. He almost
killed me afterward.” “What
did he do this time make you scrub toilets?” Draco asked
reading the book. “No,
he made me run until I threw up,” Harry said. The others
laughed. “Debbie, how do you like it up here?” “It’s
different,” Debbie said in here shy mousy voice. “Interesting.” “You
don’t have to be shy,” Ron said. “We’re not.
Just…you know, be yourself and all.” “I
think Debbie is just a quiet person by nature,” Hermione said.
Debbie nodded. “I
wish Draco was,” Harry teased. Draco flipped him off. “Is
that a promise?” “You’d
better believe it,” Draco said taking another book from
Hermione. Ron dug out some of the old Quidditch uniforms from the
trunk and soon everyone had things strewn about the room. Harry
looked around the room closely and could almost feel something odd.
There were wooden beams at the top of the pointed room and Harry
looked to them quite intently for a very long time while the others
were laughing and chatting. Harry sensed something but had no idea
what it was. “What’s
wrong?” Draco asked. “I
don’t know,” Harry scowled as he looked up. “There’s…it’s
something but…I can’t…” Harry stood to look
up at the beams again. “There is something in this room and I
feel it. It’s not right.” Harry spread out his hands to
sense things more clearly and walked slowly through the room until he
abruptly stopped and looked directly up. “What?
What is it?” Draco asked. By this time everyone was watching. “It’s…”
Harry started. “Hold on.” Harry backed up and with a
flick of his wrist conjured a ladder that went up to the beams. Harry
climbed up the ladder and ran his hands all along the beams until he
stopped and picked it up. “Is
that a wand?” Hermione asked in awe. “Yes,”
Harry said climbing halfway down and then jumping the rest of the
way. “And…if I’m right…” “What?
Who’s is it?” Ron asked. “There’s
no way to tell who a wand belongs to unless it’s marked,”
Hermione said. Harry held out the wand with one hand and touched the
tip with his finger. “Priori
incantato,” Harry said. With a burst of green smoke everyone in
the room jumped. “How interesting. The last spell from this
wand was the killing curse.” Harry grinned in fascination.
Every face in the room was pale. “How very interesting.” “Who
would hide their wand after killing someone with it?” Dean
asked. “Anybody
not wanting to get caught,” Ron said. “Hermione,
do you feel like doing an investigation?” Harry asked. “Draco,
you’re a great investigator, too. We could find out who this
wand belongs to.” “How?”
Seamus asked. “Every
wizard is required to report a lost or broken wand,” Hermione
said. “We’ll check the records.” “I
can tell that the last spell cast was approximately…fifteen
years ago,” Harry said running his hands over the wand. “I
can feel and sense it. That’s not an exact date, but very
close. And this wand is willow with…” Harry stopped
quickly. “With unicorn hair and fairy dust...” Harry’s
face paled a bit. “Oh god.” “What?”
Draco asked. Hermione’s face was pale, too and she laid a hand
on Harry’s arm. “Harry?
Is this…could this be your mum’s?” Hermione asked
in fear. “It’s…it’s
the same as hers was,” Harry said. “Exactly.” Harry
ran his hands over the wand in the shadow. “Your
mum’s wand? Here? That’s insane,” Ron said. Draco
took the wand from Harry’s hands. “Harry,
did you ever check to see if your parents’ wands were
confiscated after their deaths?” Draco asked. Harry swallowed. “My…my
dad’s was lying next to him when he died, but…by my
mum’s wand was never found,” Harry said and then thought
hard for a moment. “Ollivander.” “Yes,”
Hermione said. “He’d remember it if it was hers and she
got it from him.” “They
both did,” Harry said. “My parents both got their wands
from Ollivander.” “Um…Harry,”
Draco said gravely. “What was your mother’s maiden name
again?” “Evans,”
Harry said. Draco looked to Harry sadly and showed him the butt end
of the wand. “L.E.?” A shiver of tingles ran through
everyone in the room. “My mum was a killer?” Harry asked
some wide-eyed stare. “Holy shit. How fucked up is this?” “Very
fucked up. Creepy,” Neville said. “I
bet that’s how you sensed it so clearly up here. And the odd
thing is…” Hermione looked down through the hole to the
room below and then up to the beam. “You’ve been sleeping
directly under your mother’s wand for seven years.” “Holy
living hell,” Ron said. “Put
it back,” Draco said handing Harry the wand. Harry looked to
him oddly. “Why?”
Harry asked. “Because.
You’ve had seven years of good luck, Harry. And now is the
final battle? Put the damn wand back,” Draco said. “No,”
Harry said as if it were insane. “That’s stupid.” “I
don’t know, Harry. Maybe you should put it back,” Seamus
said. “No,
I’m finding out about this,” Harry said. “I won’t
be able to sleep for days until I know who was killed and why this
wand is here. Don’t you think it a bit odd that my dead
mother’s wand is found above my own dorm and the last curse
from it was the AK? Why didn’t she have it with her that
night…when…” Harry blinked. “I mean…if
she’d had it maybe she could have…” “Harry,
don’t do that to yourself,” Hermione said kindly. “There
is virtually no way to know that she didn’t have it with her
then.” “And
somehow it got here after she was killed?” Harry said. “That
makes no sense, Herm.” “Harry,
how much do you know about that night you were hit with the AK as
baby?” Draco asked. “Not
much,” Harry said. Harry told them all he knew about the night
in question when they all sat in the chairs to listen to the tale.
“…and sometimes if I meditate really hard I can almost
remember the green of the AK coming toward me and then a bright flash
of green light and that’s it. Then I was taken to the Dursleys
by Dumbledore.” “Albus
might know something about this,” Hermione said. “You’ve
been Auror trained, Harry. Do you know if back then your home was
checked for the spell count or who cast in the house during the
incident?” “Yes,
I have asked that question,” Harry said in some type of dread
and realization as he stared straight ahead unfocused. “And
those records were destroyed shortly after the investigation.” “By
who?” Ron asked. “I
don’t know,” Harry said. “Lupin told me that a few
years ago when we were talking about it one night.” “Maybe
Professor Lupin would know how the wand got here,” Debbie
squeaked in her small voice. “Yeah.
He might,” Harry said. “My parents, Lupin and Sirius were
very close. And if mum didn’t have her wand that night, then…he
might know.” “Let’s
go ask,” Draco said. “Tonight?”
Ron asked. “Why
not?” Hermione asked. “I’m
not sure I want to know,” Harry said with a grin. “Harry,
whose things are these in the trunks?” Seamus asked. “Could
there be a connection between your mum’s wand and these old
things?” “I
never found a name associated with any of it and I couldn’t
identify any of the people in the photographs,” Harry said. “I
never bothered with asking anyone about it. I just…thought it
was junk.” “This
Quidditch uniform is about…fifteen years old,” Ron said.
“But back then they didn’t change uniforms every year
like we do now, so it may be a bit older.” “And
Harry is seventeen,” Dean said. “Close numbers.” “So
the last spell of the AK cast with your mum’s wand was
approximately fifteen years ago and the Quidditch uniforms are the
same age,” Hermione reasoned. “It’s
plausible that the wand and the trunks were put here at the same
time,” Draco said. “And most likely by the same person.
Who else in this school would possibly know about this room?” “Living?
Albus,” Harry said. “Possibly Filch or Hagrid…or
Lupin. He stayed in the dorm room and…he had my bed when he
was in Gryff Tower.” Harry gave Hermione and Draco looks. “Hmm,”
Hermione said in thought. “Harry, maybe we’d better not
mention this to Professor Lupin.” “You’re
right,” Draco said. “You
suspect Lupin of killing someone?” Seamus asked as if it were
stupid. “Not
exactly, but if he knows about it, then it could mean trouble,”
Draco said. “I
hate to ask this, but Harry did your mum ever kill anybody?”
Dean asked. “Not
that I’m aware,” Harry said with a grin. “ But…”
Harry held out her wand. “This is my mum’s wand and the
last curse from it was the AK. So…who the hell knows?” “I
think you should ask Albus first,” Hermione said. “Since
he would be the most likely person to know about this room and he
took you to the Dursleys after the incident. Surely he’d know
whose trunks these are.” Draco walked solemnly over to the
window to look out over the treetops. “Harry,
I need to tell you something,” Draco said quietly to the window
not looking at any of them. “What
is it?” Harry asked half interested as he held his mum’s
wand. “I
um…Ron, are there six uniforms in that trunk?” Draco
asked. Ron rambled through the trunk counting them and froze before
he turned to Draco. “Yes,”
Ron said quietly. “How did you know that?” All eyes
turned to Draco who nodded and turned to face Harry. “My
mother,” Draco said. “My mother and yours, Harry, were at
school here together.” “I
know that. And they didn’t get along. No big surprise there,”
Harry said. “Must be genetics between us, then, huh? And my dad
was here, too at that same time. Tell me about the uniforms.” “I
remember my mother speaking of some prank by the Slytherins by
stealing six uniforms and hiding them in a trunk from the Gryffindor
team in their seventh year,” Draco said. “I suppose it
was a typical Slytherin thing to do. I mean, how can the team play
without uniforms. Brilliant, really. I’m surprised I didn’t
think of doing that myself.” “I’m
so proud of you,” Harry said sarcastically. “What else
did she say?” “Just
that the uniforms were taken and hidden somewhere,” Draco said.
“But, and here’s the kicker, several of the students from
my house and yours fought over the incident and…a Slytherin
student was suspected to be killed over it. But in all actuality, the
body or the wand that did it was never found.” “You
think my mum killed a student?” Harry asked with eyes wide.
“She would have been in Azkaban. Or at least there would have
been a record of that if it were some type of frame up.” “Not
necessarily,” Hermione said. “If the killer were never
found out and your mother’s wand was missing….?” “But…”
Harry shook his head. “Maybe
someone took your mother’s wand and used it without her
knowledge,” Debbie said. “Perhaps you could check to see
if McGonagall remembers your mother reporting her wand stolen or
missing.” “Good
idea,” Ron said. “McGonagall would remember that. I’m
sure of it.” “Yeah,”
Harry said quietly. “And I thought my dad was the bad one in my
genetic pool.” “Your
genetic pool is like a swirling quagmire of toxic waste, Potter,”
Draco said. “No wonder you’re so fucked up.” “Draco,
lay off,” Hermione said. Harry took off his glasses and rubbed
his eyes. “Okay.
Well, this day rates right up there on my scale of the strange and
weird,” Harry said. “And I have plenty of days on that
scale. I need something to calm my nerves. I’m just freaking
out.” Harry flopped on the chair and then began to chuckle
sadly to himself. “Don’t
worry about this, Harry,” Neville said. “I’m sure
there’s some explanation for it.” “Oh
yeah, I’m sure there is,” Ron comforted. “It’s
probably just what Debbie said. Your mum’s wand was probably
hidden here by some student to cover up a crime.” “That
student may have been killed by my own mother that I never knew,”
Harry said. “I didn’t need this stress right now. I have
too much already.” Draco came to sit on Harry’s lap and
put a comforting arm around him. “This
is just one of those Harry Potter oddities that makes life
interesting,” Draco said. “We’ll investigate it
further later. It’s in the past so it doesn’t matter
right now. You and I have a match tomorrow, so you’d better be
on top form because I’m kicking your ass on the pitch. And so
what if your mum’s a killer? I think that would be very cool.”
Harry laughed a bit and Draco smiled at the teasing. “Draco,
that wasn’t very nice,” Hermione said. “And
when have you ever known me to be nice to Potter?” Draco asked. “Well,
last night was nice,” Harry said with a grin. “We
don’t need to hear the details,” Ron said. “I’d
love to hear the details,” Seamus said. “And graphic
visuals if you have them.” “Let’s
get out of here,” Neville said of the room. “This room is
becoming more eerie by the minute.” “Eerie?
This room?” Harry looked about. “This room is great
compared to some in the dungeons. I know of at least three rooms with
skeletons in them.” “Where?”
Draco asked. Harry grinned evilly. “Not
in your closet, baby,” Harry said. Draco punched Harry’s
gut.
“Where?”
Draco asked seriously. “Hidden
rooms,” Harry said. “There are two on the very bottom
level of the school. That’s about…” Harry thought
quickly and counted on his fingers. “Nineteen levels below the
Gryffindor common room.” “There
is only six levels of dungeons,” Draco said. “I
know that,” Harry said. “Then
how did you get nineteen? That would be only eighteen levels,”
Hermione asked. “There
is one level of this school inaccessible to you,” Harry said. “But
not to you?” Ron asked. “No.
I can get there, but you can’t,” Harry said. “There’s
nothing there much anyway. Empty classrooms with nothing in them at
all and everything is covered in dust.” “Then
how did you get there?” Dean asked. “I
know how to do it,” Harry said. “And I have an ability to
go there which you all do not have unfortunately. Don’t worry
about it. There’s nothing there anyway.” “What
ability?” Hermione asked. “I
can’t talk about it, Herm” Harry said. “Just one of
those things I can do that Albus won’t let me talk about. You
know how it is.” Hermione nodded. “Tell
me about the rooms in the dungeons,” Draco asked. “There
are three hidden rooms down there?” “No,
there are more than that. I think there are about twenty, but the
others are so connected that it’s like…well all
connected,” Harry said. “The three rooms I’m
speaking of, one is two levels below and to the right of the potions
labs. I thought that you knew of it.” “Hold
on a minute,” Hermione said. “You said skeletons. If
someone was killed in Slytherin and their body was never found, one
of those skeletons could be whoever was killed with your mum’s
wand.” “That’s
a large guess,” Seamus said. “Is there any way to tell if
your mum’s wand killed one of those people?” “Draco,
do you know if there is any way to determine that?” Harry
asked. Draco thought for several minutes.
“The
spell to detect that would be a dark art spell,” Draco said.
“And…I think I know of a way, but I don’t like
doing dark arts at school, Harry. I tend to be in trouble when I do
that.” “Not
if I was helping you,” Harry said. “It
would required a blood rite with your own blood since you hold part
of your mum’s genetic code,” Draco said. “No
way,” Ron said. “Harry, you can’t take part in any
dark art blood rite. Holy hell.” “Why
not?’ Harry said. “Chill out, Ron. I’m around more
dark arts crap than you could possibly realize. Draco, do you know of
an exact spell or rite we could perform?” “Maybe…”
Hermione looked through the books that were in the room again and
picked up one, blew the dust off of it and opened to the index.
Hermione sat in the chair and began to read. “Maybe
you should just ask Dumbledore first,” Dean said. “That
might solve the whole thing and then you’d know without doing
any dark arts, Harry.” “To
tell if the skeletons were killed with the AK is very simple,”
Draco said. “Take a bone fragment and look under a microscope
at the bone. There is a definite and easily recognizable pattern that
can be identified if the body was killed with an AK.” “Surely
the school would have kept a record of missing students over the
years,” Debbie said in her tiny voice. “Malfoy, did your
mother mention if the student killed after the Quidditch uniform
incident was a male or a female? Perhaps we could check the skeletons
for their sex and age. The student killed may be one of those.” “She
has good ideas, Neville. She’s much better than you are at
helping me out,” Harry teased. “Go
to hell, Harry,” Neville said. “But I agree with you.
Deb’s great.” Debbie gave a tiny smile. “Draco,
do you know how to determine the age or sex of a skeleton?”
Harry asked. Draco shook his head. “I
know how to tell the sex by the measurement of the pelvis bones,”
Hermione said. “I
can tell the age of bones,” Neville said. “In Herbology,
we use bone meal. I have made it myself and the bones must be aged a
certain number of days or years depending on the right acidity level
needed. I have a bottle of the potion in my room required to test the
age of bones.” “Great,”
Harry said. “I
have my own microscope in my room,” Draco said with a grin. “I
have access to any school records,” Harry said. “Draco,
do you remember if the student killed was a male or female?” “No,
I can’t remember,” Draco said. “I don’t think
it was mentioned.” “I’d
love to see some skeletons,” Seamus said. “Can we go?” “Now?”
Dean asked. “Why
not?” Draco asked. “We have two hours until curfew
anyway.” “And
I know of a few secret passages to get us there quicker,” Harry
said. “I’m not sure you all will like sliding down a
chute, but I love it. Very fun.” “Oh
no,” Ron said. “You mean like in the Chamber of Secrets?” “Yeah,”
Harry smiled. “Those chutes that you and I went down after
Lockhart? Just like those except longer and darker. Very cool. I bet
I did that a hundred times last summer when I was sneaking around
alone in the school. That was fun sometimes. I was bored a lot,
but…still fun.” “Are
you sure it’s safe?” Debbie asked. “With
Harry? Nothing is ever safe with him,” Ron said. “And
there better not be any damn spiders or some…fucking…basilisk
thing down there either.” “There’s
not,” Harry said. “I was actually looking for another
entrance into the Chamber when I found those rooms. I wanted to see
the basilisk skin again. That was cool, wasn’t it?” Harry
asked Ron. “Hell,
no it wasn’t cool,” Ron said. “It scared me to
death. The fucker was at least sixty feet long.” “Sixty
feet?” Draco asked. Harry nodded. “Whoa. Big snake.” “You
have no idea,” Harry said. “And fast? Oh hell it was
fast! And it bit me with those huge teeth when I had my fucking arm
down it’s throat. Damn that was stupid of me.” Harry said
with a laugh at surviving it. “Harry,
you were twelve,” Hermione said. “You weren’t very
bright.” “He’s
still not very bright,” Ron said. “I
think Harry is a fucking genius,” Draco said. “A
mastermind really.” Draco smirked at Harry. “Thank
you, baby,” Harry said pulling Draco’s kiss deeper. “Let’s
leave this room, please,” Neville said. They all agreed and
Harry assisted them all down until he came down last. Harry re-sealed
the stone in the ceiling to close off the room. “Where’s
your mum’s wand?” Ron asked. Draco held it up. Harry
finished, climbed down and flicked a wrist to get rid of the bars
between the two posts of his four-poster bed. “You
know, I have to wonder how many times you’re modified this bed
for your sick and twisted pleasures,” Draco said lying on
Harry’s bed. “More
than I can count,” Harry said sitting with a flop on his bed.
“You
liar,” Ron said. “You’ve never modified your bed.” “Okay,”
Harry said with a grin. “Did
you?” Ron asked. Harry nodded. “Plenty
of times,” Harry said. “I’ve practically modified
the whole fucking school.” Harry laughed to himself. “You’d
be surprised at the shit I did here when I was the only student here
for three months. Albus…oh god,” Harry laughed. “He
would chase me in the school and I’d run from him. It was like
hide and seek to see if he could find me after I’d done
something outrageous. One time I changed all the candles in the
Dining Hall to condoms.” All the students were in fits of
laughter. “They…they were everywhere and Albus was
screaming mad.” Harry lay with a flop on the bed. “Oh god
that was so funny. He gave me detention and I had to wash the outside
windows for three days. But oh man it was almost worth it.” “What
other crazy shit have you done?” Dean asked. “I
can’t even remember it all,” Harry smiled. “We
would fight all the time over stupid shit. He would piss me off on
purpose and then I’d start slinging spells all over and he’d
nail me with a hex when he’d had enough of my bitching. Albus
throws some nasty fucking hexes and when they hit you, oh man, it
feels like you’ve been hit by a train.” “The
Headmaster hit you with a hex?” Debbie asked in her small
voice. “Yeah,
Harry’s his kid,” Draco grinned. Harry gave Draco a hard
look. “Harry is like a son to Albus. Almost literally.” “It’s
like just…arguing with a parent or something,” Harry
explained. “But just don’t ever let him hit you with a
hex. Oh my god it was bad. Not as bad as a ‘crucio’ but
it was pretty bad.” “Are
we going to the dungeons?” Hermione asked. “Yeah,
let’s go down and see them skeletons,” Dean said. “We
can if you want,” Harry said. “Draco, hand me my shoes.” “Get
your own damn shoes,” Draco spouted reaching for his own shoes.
Harry reached out his hand and summoned his shoes and socks to him.
Harry also put on his shirt. “We ready?” “Are
we taking the chutes down?” Ron asked. Harry nodded. “Yeah.
Let’s do that,” Harry said taking Draco’s hand and
leading the pack out of the dorm room. Harry never noticed that he
was still holding Draco’s hand as they crossed the common room
full on onlookers as the little group left out through the portrait
hole. “Where
are these chutes anyway?” Seamus asked. “Ground
floor,” Harry said. “I studied them a bit and I think
they were used as toiletries before running water.” “Oh
gross!” Dean said. “I’m not sliding down on some
stones where turds have rolled.” “Get
over it,” Harry said. “That was over four hundred years
ago.” They passed by several open windows on the ground floor
and Harry stopped just for a moment to look out over the dark lawn
and into the forest. “What a nice night.” “We
could go for short walk outside before going in the dungeons,”
Draco said. “Oh god it’s always so damn damp and musty
down there. I hate it.” “I
always thought you loved the dungeons,” Hermione said. “Hell
no,” Draco said. “It’s awful. Want to go out for a
bit, Harry?” Harry was in thought. “Harry?” “Hmm?”
Harry asked. “Do
you want to go outside for a bit for a walk before we go to the
dungeons?” Draco asked slipping his hand into Harry’s. “Sure,”
Harry said as they walked along. “Find us a secluded spot and
I’ll show you something cool.” “No,
Harry,” Hermione scolded. “We don’t want to see
that.” “I
meant some magic, Herm. Damn,” Harry said. “I do more
than have sex and use dope you know. And yes I know all about it and
I know you all know I do, so fuck it. I’m starting on detox
Sunday with Draco.” “You
are? Oh, Harry that’s wonderful,” Hermione smiled. “I’m
so proud of you both.” “Well,
you wouldn’t be if you knew what Harry will be going through,”
Draco said.
“Draco,
don’t,” Harry said. “They don’t know, so…just
drop it.” “Well,
I sure as hell know what detox is like. Puking, hurting, shaking,
sweating…it’s awful,” Seamus said. “If not
for the spells and potions it would be total hell. I don’t
think anyone could survive it…if…they….”
Seamus stopped talking as Ron, Hermione and Draco were looking at
Harry. Harry sighed and stopped.
“Okay.
Let’s talk about it,” Harry said. “You all know
that those potions and spells won’t work on me. I’ll be
doing this on my own and….this is a new form of detox that is
stronger than a seven day break. It’s a quick detox that Poppy
knows that works in three days. I’ll puke, sweat, shake
and…just do all that unpleasant shit, but I’ll live.
Now, are we okay with this?” “Harry…I…I’m
sorry,” Seamus said. “I just forgot that…” “Don’t
worry about it,” Draco said giving Harry support. “I’ll
be there with you.” Draco rubbed Harry’s arm and Harry
held his hand tightly. “I
know you will,” Harry gave an affectionate smile of
appreciation. “And
we will be there for you, too,” Ron said. “If
you come near that hospital wing while I’m toxing out, you may
not make it out alive,” Harry said. “And, there is a bit
more to me than others as I’m sure you know. I tend to…well,
leak magic when I’m upset. I can be just a bit dangerous
sometimes when I’m pissed. So…please don’t come,
Ron. I’ll have to have Albus there constantly to keep me under
control. But….don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.
Are we okay?” Harry assessed the mood. “Okay. Come on.”
The group walked along and Harry dropped Draco’s hand when the
Slytherin group came near and passed but when the group went outside,
Draco picked Harry’s hand back up again. “What
is the plan between you both? Are you going to ever tell the school
or the Slyths that you’re together?” Seamus asked holding
Dean’s hand while they all trudged out over the dark lawn
toward the lake. “That’s
sort of a situation right now,” Draco said. “There are
some circumstances that require us to be seen together, but not as a
couple just yet.” Harry nodded his agreement. “Interesting,”
Hermione said. Harry gave her the look to lay off the investigation
for now. “What
were you going to show me?” Draco asked. “Magic,”
Harry laughed. “Well,
no shit, Sherlock,” Dean said. “What are you going to
do?” “Something
you’ve never seen before,” Harry said. “Very cool.” “What
is it?” Draco asked. “You know you can’t do
that…those…other things.” “Oh,
I know that,” Harry said. “This is just some…crazy
shit that I found out that I can do. You could probably do it,
Draco.” “What
is it and I’ll know,” Draco said. Harry stopped, as did
the others. “Stand
there so I don’t blast you,” Harry took a few steps back
and held out his arms for a moment and breathe in deeply several
times. “Get close together all of you.” They all huddled
in a tight group with Harry only three steps away. With a great pull,
swoosh and a yell, Harry punched up into the air over the group and
walked quickly to them as a flood of what looked like water descended
and washed over them giving each one a drenching in tingly energized
magic. Harry looked up into the flow and held out his arms as it
rained down hard on them for a few seconds. “How
cool!” Neville smiled. “That was fucked up!” “What
was that?” Seamus asked. “Magic,
stupid,” Harry said. “Feel that tingle on your skin?”
Harry asked them. “That’s me on you.” “You?”
Dean asked with a laugh. “Yeah,
me,” Harry grinned. “That’s my froital punch front
of congealing magic. It’s sort of like taking magic and making
it semi solid for a few seconds. But that is my signature magic on
you. Only mine. Everyone’s is different. That’s what mine
feels like. Tingly. How cool it that?” “You
feel good,” Draco grinned. “Can you do that again?” “Sure,”
Harry stepped back. “Here’s something else. If you all
hold hands while I do this, I can give you a spell through the magic
that falls on you and you’ll all be able to hear and see my
thoughts for about a minute.” Harry grinned widely. “But
my mind is a scary place, so you decide if you want to do that.” “Yeah,
let’s do it,” Seamus said chuckling. “I
don’t know,” Neville said. “Just don’t think
of Voldemort, Harry.” “Fine.
I can think of something to show you all if you want,” Harry
said. “Tell me what you want to see now and I can show you all
some imagery along with the thoughts.” “I’d
like to see your uncle Vernon and the Dursleys,” Draco said. “Why
in hell would you want to see them?” Ron asked. “Because
they are Harry’s only living family,” Draco said. “And…I
know about things Harry’s done here, but I’ve never seen
them. I was just wondering what it looked like in Surrey.” “Okay,
I can do that,” Harry said. “For you, I will. I’ll
show you the infamous cupboard and all it’s glory. Anything
else?” Harry asked in sarcasm. “Can
you show me something?” Hermione asked with a head tilt. Harry
shrugged. “Show me the Chamber of Secrets.” “No,”
Harry shook his head. “You don’t want to see that.” “Yeah,”
Ron said. “I want to see it, too. I’ve heard you describe
it, but…it would be good to see it.” “I
wouldn’t mind seeing that either,” Draco said. “But…why
would you want to see that?” Harry asked. “I
might like to see that, too, Harry. Please,” Debbie said shyly.
“I know the story, but…the descriptions were very vague
in the book I read.” “You
read a book on him?” Ron asked. Debbie nodded. Draco laughed. “How
many books are there on you, Harry?” Draco grinned enjoying
this. “I
have no idea,” Harry said. “Twenty
four that I know of that mention Harry, his abilities,
confrontations, medical histories or past events,” Hermione
said. “Oh
holy hell,” Harry said. “That is so stupid.” “No,
it isn’t,” Neville said. “You’re very
um…interesting sort of.” “No
autographs, please,” Harry said. “Are we doing this or
not?” “If
you’ll show us the Chamber,” Ron said. Harry snorted. “Fine,
you want to see it, I’ll show it to you,” Harry said.
“But Tom and Ginny will be in the memory, too, so…don’t
freak out. Ready?” “Tom
Riddle?” Dean asked. “Well,
yeah,” Harry said. “He’s not bad looking as a
human. But now he’s freaky looking with his white crackly skin
and those red eyes. Just creepy to look at lately. Ready?” “He
has red eyes?” Debbie asked. “Yes,”
Harry said. “Snakey looking with vertical slits. Chills you to
the bone when he looks directly in your eyes. Scary even. Ready?” “But
he’ll be human in these thoughts, right?” Neville asked. “Dammit.
Just watch this,” Harry said as he punched up hard and sent the
wave up. Harry quickly came over and took everyone’s joined
hands as the water-like crash of magic poured over them and drenched
each one heavily. “Okay. Watch this. Let’s sit.”
Everyone sat holding hands and Harry thought and showed mental
imagery. “Draco, this is my uncle Vernon, my aunt Petuina, and
that is Dudley.” “Oh
gross,” Draco laughed at the image of Dudley eating, then in
his Smeltings School uniform and hat. “Oh god he’s a
pig.” “Yes,
he is,” Ron said. “And there’s your room, Harry.” “And
this is my cupboard,” Harry showed the mental imagery of the
cupboard and the few pictures and personal effects Harry owned.
“That’s my stuff.” “That
place is tiny,” Seamus said. “I would smother in that.” “You
get used to it,” Harry said. “I lived in here for twelve
years. Okay, now this is the Chamber part. I had to open that portal
hole and climb through it and down the ladder.” A series of
gasps came when Harry showed the first memory of the full Chamber
with it’s snake head sculptures and of Ginny lying on the cold,
wet floor. “I thought she was dead when I first saw her, too.
And then this is Tom.” Harry showed Tom Riddle in a very sharp
close up.” “He
was up in your face?” Dean asked. “Isn’t
he always?” Harry asked. “And here is the basilisk and it
chased me down this tunnel and…” Everyone gasped again
at the extreme visual of the huge basilisk only a few inches from
Harry’s face. “Do
you always have to get so close to stuff?” Seamus asked. “Sorry,
couldn’t help it,” Harry said. “I’m half
blind even with glasses. Okay, and this is when Fawkes came and
brought the sorting hat…and that’s the sword. I was
climbing up the wall and there’s the basilisk again.” “Oh
god that damn thing is fucking huge!” Draco said. “Oh
shit!” Draco said loudly watching as Harry stabbed up through
the snake’s skull. “Oh
no,” Debbie said. “There. It’s fang in your arm.” “Hurt
like hell,” Harry said. “And I climbed back down
and…there he is again…I took the fang, stabbed the
diary…and…boom. He’s gone. Ginny was so pale and
cold…her lips were blue already. And then we went out for Ron
and Lockhart. Fawkes flew us out and there’s Albus.” “Is
he yelling at you?” Draco asked. “Yeah,
sort of,” Harry said. “Oh there’s your dad, Draco.
He came and then…” Harry let the memory play on.
“He
just sent you a killing curse?” Neville asked. “He
tried to. Again,” Harry said. “He’s always trying
to kill me. I think it’s funny. Anyway…there goes
Lucius…and Dobby is a pest.” “Holy
hell, what is that?” Ron asked. “That
is inside the Tri-Wizard hedges,” Harry said. “That’s
what it looked like inside the maze. And there’s Krum…and
Fleur Delacour. There’s Cedric.” Harry paused a moment in
respect for the dead boy. “And there is that stupid fucking
trophy that I…damn I hate that thing.” Harry let the
memory play just a bit further and then quickly changed thoughts to
Quidditch. “Why
did you change?” Draco asked. “Because
nobody wants to see Voldemort or Cedric being hit with an AK,”
Harry said. “This is my first Quidditch match. And…me
almost falling off the broom that was being jinxed by Quirrell. And
there’s the snitch and …I have it.” Harry laughed.
“I was scared to death that first game. I’d never even
heard of Quidditch and I was put on the team. That was dumb. But this
is the reason why I was put on the team.” Harry replayed his
memory of Draco taunting him and they faced off on brooms in the air.
Everyone laughed at the imagery of Draco at eleven. “Damn,
Draco, you were so fucking cute, but now you’re just fucking
beautiful.” Harry let the memories play a bit longer until the
spell wore off. “Wow.
That was so interesting,” Dean said. “Those are your
memories, huh?” “Yeah,
from my perspective,” Harry said. “That’s what I
saw and did. I showed Albus a ton of crap over the summer and he
showed me some of his memories of his parents and such. Albus is very
interesting. Much more interesting than my memories.” “More
interesting than that?” Dean asked. “Impossible. Oh god
that was like watching a moving picture show.” “I
can see why you didn’t want to go to Surrey every year,”
Draco said. “Harry,
if I asked you to show me happy memories, do you think you’d
have a full minutes worth?” Hermione asked. Harry thought. “Well,
I guess,” Harry said. “I thought those memories I just
showed you were happy ones.” “That?
That’s your idea of happiness?” Neville asked. “Harry
that was almost all of it terrifying.” “I
lived, Neville. That’s sort of a happy thing for me,”
Harry said. “I didn’t think I’d live this long to
be honest with you. Can you imagine showing up in the Wizarding world
one day and then the next finding out that some dark psychopathic
powerful wizard killer is after you?” Harry laughed. “It
wasn’t good.” Harry stood up with the rest of them. “But
you almost look sort of normal,” Draco grinned. “You
always say the sweetest things,” Harry said with much sarcastic
drawl. “I
hate you, Potter,” Draco said. “I
hate you, too, Malfoy,” Harry said. “We ready for the
dungeons?” “Here
we go again, Herm,” Ron said. Harry laughed. “Why
do we do this shit with you?” Hermione said. “Because
it’s fun,” Harry said. “And this is what I do. I go
looking for stuff. And you have to admit that this is pretty cool.
It’s just in the school and we’re not fighting to stay
alive this time. Isn’t that nice?” Harry laughed as he
took Draco’s hand and led the group up to the school. “Harry,
I don’t like following you around,” Neville said. “You
always get us into something and…it’s not good.”
Neville laughed. “Relax,
Nev,” Harry said. “There is only one DE present and he
belongs to me, so lay off. Nothing can hurt you this time. Just enjoy
this little adventure into the unknown. This shit is fun for me. It’s
great.” Harry led them down the hallways farther and farther
into the school until Harry stopped in the middle of the hallway and
turned to some plain wall. Harry ran his hands over the stone and
said an incantation. “How
did you know that incantation?” Hermione asked. “I
know lots of shit,” Harry said as the small wall slid up to
show a small opening. Harry started to climb into it. “Now
listen. This is a chute and it’s like a slide that goes down
about twelve stories. And it’s super fun. Two at a time. Come
on, Draco.” “Um…I
don’t know if I want to get in that,” Draco said looking
into the hole. “Come
on you chicken shit,” Harry said taking Draco’s hand and
pulling him downward. “I’ll go first. And everyone give
us about ten seconds before you come down. Draco put your legs around
me.” “Gladly,”
Draco said.
“Oh
hell yeah,” Harry said of the position. “Everybody slide
down in pairs like this. Got it? And you all are coming down, right?”
They all nodded and Harry pushed himself and Draco down the chute and
each was laughing all the way down. The chute was steep and slick. “Oh
god!” Draco yelled with smiles and laughter joining Harry’s
own. “This is great!” When at the bottom there was a
small leveling off spot and they scooted forward and into a large
room with other rooms leading off of it. Harry lit the torches
magically. Harry and Draco moved and waited. Ron and Hermione could
be heard laughing and eventually emerged from the tunnel. Soon
Seamus, Dean and then Neville and Debbie arrived. “That
was so damn fun!” Dean said. “Oh god we have to do that
again!” “You
can do it later,” Harry said. “Pay attention and I’ll
show you the way out of here so you can come slide again when you
want.” Harry took Draco’s hand and led the others through
the empty rooms. “The first skeleton is right up here.”
They walked in the darkness. “Lights
would be nice,” Draco said. Harry waved his hand hard into the
room. “Lumos
torchelia,” Harry yelled and immediately all the torches lit.
“Lumos torchelia estelas grandus maxius.” The torches
shot up and were ten times brighter. “Nice
spell,” Neville said. They continued to walk and Harry went to
kneel at the skeleton as the others came around. “Herm,
come tell me what sex body this was,” Harry said. Hermione
looked for several minutes. “This
is a male,” Hermione said. “Draco, if we took a small
bone could you look under your scope and see if this person was
killed with the AK?” Draco nodded. “And then Neville,
could you perform the test to tell the age of these bones?”
Neville nodded. “Harry, pick a bone.” “I’m
not touching that,” Harry said. “Why do I have to do it?” “This
is your little party,” Ron said. “Just pick a small one.” “Gross,”
Dean said. “It’s
just bones, I guess,” Harry said. Harry moved his hand, flicked
his wrist and conjured up a small pouch that he turned inside out and
picked up the bone without actually touching it. When he flipped the
pouch again the bone was inside. “Okay. This is bone number
one. Someone needs to hold it while we find the others.” Seamus
took it and stuffed it into his pocket. “Okay. Seamus has bone
one.” The group was led through several more huge cavernous and
interesting rooms until another pile of bones were present. “This
is also a male,” Hermione said. Harry did the same thing with
the created pouch and Dean took bone two. Again Harry led the group
through several winding paths until he stopped flush at one wall. “Okay.
These are hidden rooms,” Harry said. “We have to emerge
into the Slytherin dungeon area and go down a few corridors to the
other hidden set of rooms. Ready?” They all nodded. Harry
touched the wall and murmured the incantation. The wall looked like
water. “All you have to do is step through the wall. Come on,
Draco.” Harry took Draco’s hand and they stepped through.
Each had eventually stepped through the wall when Harry waved his
hand at the wall again and it solidified again. “How
do you know to do that?” Seamus asked. “I
just know stuff,” Harry said. “Let’s go.” The
group followed Harry and Draco’s lead down several corridors
until the passages were dark. Harry cast the lighted torch spell
several times until the group was deep within the belly of the
castle. Harry stopped a small wall, touched it and muttered another
incantation. The wall slid back with a grinding noise into the side.
Harry ushered everyone inside before coming in and closing the wall.
After the wall closed it was pitch black in darkness. “Um,
Harry?” Draco asked. “Lights, idiot.” Harry laughed
and gave the lighted torch spell with maximum light and then took the
lead again through the passageways. Eventually Harry knelt at the
other pile of bones. Hermione looked closely at them. “I
think this might be female,” Hermione said and inspected
closer. “Yes. This is a female.” “A
female?” Harry asked softly looking at the bones. “How
odd.” Harry conjured another pouch and took another bone. Harry
stuffed the third bone into his own pocket. “Since we’re
down here, Draco can we go to your room and look under the
microscope?” “You
want me to bring Harry Potter, five other Gryffindors and a freaking
Hufflepuff into the Slytherin dorms?” Draco asked as if it were
insane. “Yeah,”
Harry said with a grin. “You do lead your house. And I’m
there, so I’ll just kill anybody that gets in my damn way.” “Fine,
let’s go then,” Draco said. “I cannot believe I’m
doing this.” Draco kept muttering as they walked out of the
sliding stone door again and headed toward the Slytherin common room. “We
don’t have to go into the Slytherin common room or dorms if you
don’t want us to, Draco,” Neville said. “It’s
fine. Don’t worry about it,” Draco said nonchalantly. “No,
I mean…I’m scared to death of Slytherins,” Neville
said. “Neville,
you have me and Harry Potter with you,” Draco said. “How
much more safe could you possibly be in a den of snakes with two
snakes?” “Two?”
Debbie asked. “Potter
is a Slyth,” Draco smirked and Harry laughed softly. “I’m
assuming they know that.” “Actually,
no, they don’t,” Harry said. “They do now, though.”
Draco gave the password and led the group into the common room. It
was almost deserted except for a few couples who gawked wide eyed at
Draco leading the unlikely group down into the boys’ dorm
rooms. Draco waved his wand over the door to give the unlocking spell
and welcomed them into his room. They all looked about and Harry, of
course, lay on Draco’s bed. “What
a nice bed,” Harry said seductively. “I can’t
imagine how many you’ve entertained here.” Draco was
pulling out the microscope and setting it up. “I
can’t even begin to count,” Draco said making sure it was
setup properly. “And of that mattress you have?” “Don’t
worry about it,” Harry said with a grin. Draco gave the smirk. “Okay.
Give me bone one,” Draco slipped on working gloves, took a
scalpel and chipped a piece of the bone away. The chip was put onto a
slide and Draco looked through the microscope lenses. “No. This
person wasn’t killed with an AK. And…I think that…it
looks like this person had some sort of disease of some kind.”
Draco looked intently through the eye holes. “I’m
positive that this man died of some disease or old age.” Draco
took the slide away. “We’ll know more when Neville does
the bone dating, but I think this man was old and probably not a
student.” Bone two was looked at in the same manner. “There
is no AK on this bone either. And…this also looks like an
older person and not a student. That will depend on Neville’s
bone dating as well.” “I
think that this bone fragment will show an AK,” Harry said. “I
can almost feel it.” Harry handed Draco the third pouch, a part
of the bone was sliced and it was examined. “You’re
right,” Draco said turning from the microscope. “This
person was killed with the AK.” “And
their body was hidden,” Hermione said. The others looked to
each other. “We
need to take this bone fragment and check the date on the bone,”
Harry said. “Then we can determine how long the body has been
there. After that, we can check student records and find out which
female student was deemed missing at that time.” “And
if it fits in the time frame of the killing when my mother and your
parents were here,” Draco said. Harry nodded. “We
may be able to piece together more information,” Hermione said. “And
there is always doing that dark arts blood rite to determine exactly
if Lily Potter’s wand was the one who killed this girl,”
Debbie said. “Are
you sure you’re a Hufflepuff?” Harry asked. Debbie
grinned a bit in shyness. “Damn. A Hufflepuff wanting to do
dark arts? Holy hell.” They all laughed. “Draco, could we
do that dark arts rite?” “Yes,”
Hermione said. Everyone turned to her. “The blood rite is
mentioned in the book up in the secret room above the Gryffindor
Tower. And, I suspect that whomever used that wand to kill, may have
put the book up in that room with it so that no one at school could
find the book or the wand.” “Makes
sense,” Sean said. Draco and Harry looked to one another. “There
is never a dull moment around you is there?” Draco asked. Harry
grinned. “Nope,”
Harry said with a smile. “Not one.” “More
like a nightmarish freak show,” Ron said. “Let’s
take that bone up to the Gryff Tower so I can date it,” Neville
asked. “I’m
starving,” Seamus said. “We
have snacks in the dorm room that Harry brought,” Dean said.
Harry pulled Draco out of his chair and onto the bed for a moment. “You
know that this is something,” Harry said quietly to Draco as
they others spoke. “Nobody hides an intact wand. They’re
usually always broken and disposed of in fire if they have committed
crimes. Someone wanted this wand found one day.” “I
thought the same thing,” Draco said. “And…somehow
I…it’s like my mother wanted me to know that information
about the stolen uniforms now that I think about it. Why could that
be? Why would she even mention something repeatedly to me of no
significance?” “And
the wand is over the boys dorm? There is a similar room over the
girls’ dorm but it’s empty,” Harry grinned. “So
if it was my mum, why is it over the boys’ dorm?” “Maybe
your dad put it there,” Draco said. “That’s
exactly what I’m thinking,” Harry said softly. “But…I
don’t think my mum killed anyone, Draco.” “I’m
sure she didn’t,” Draco said. “You’ve told me
of your mum and I can’t see it with her. Now, my mum? Yeah,
sure. My mother could kill in an instant.” “But
it’s not her wand showing an AK cast,” Harry said. Draco
nodded to that logic. “Are
you two ready to go?” Ron asked. “I
have Harry lying under me on my own bed. Do you think I’m ready
to go, dumb ass?” Draco asked. Harry laughed and each stood to
follow Draco from Slytherin areas. As they were ascending the stairs
up, up, up to the ground level, Neville groaned. “Oh
god, how can you walk up all these stairs every single day all day
long, Draco?” Neville asked. “After
seven years, you sort of get used to it,” Draco said skipping
lightly up the stairs he’d traveled thousands of times. At the
ground level, they rested for a moment. “This
has been very interesting,” Debbie said to all their surprises
at her forwardness. “Fun, actually.” “See
what you did? You created another one of us,” Ron said to Harry
said. “Ron,
fuck off” Harry said. “I’m trying to find out if my
mother was a killer, okay?” Harry laughed a bit in some type of
confused way. “Besides, you know you love this funky, creepy
investigative shit. So shut the fuck up.” “No,
I don’t,” Ron said. “How
many times do I have to remind you I’m an Occlumens?”
Harry asked. “Liar. I can sense that adrenaline rush you get
every single time. The only one here who is even mildly afraid is
Neville. Sorry, Nev.” “I
admit it,” Neville said. “It’s just that I don’t
know or understand how I get mixed up with you in doing these
adventure things, Harry. And every time I’ve been involved
something disastrous has happened.” “That’s
not because of you, Neville,” Hermione said and then she
grinned. “That’s just the way Harry is.” The others
laughed. “Ha,
ha, ha,” Harry said sarcastically. “Fine. Anyone wants
out, they don’t have to get involved ever again. I don’t
remember asking for your help anyway. I didn’t force you up
into the secret room. I didn’t push you down the chute. I
didn’t make you follow me around in my crazy crap. You all did
what you wanted. And your all liars if you tell me you don’t
think this is intriguing.” Harry gave them all the challenging
look and nobody spoke. “See? Don’t fuck with me. I know
you all better than you think.” “And
we know you,” Ron said. “No,
you don’t,” Draco said. “You have no idea about
this basket case.” Draco slipped his hand into Harry’s
again. “And I have a strange feeling that I’ve only
scratched the surface of Harry’s many layers.” “And
what gives you that idea?” Harry asked with just a hint of
mystery. “I
think I’m beginning to figure you out. The way you operate,”
Draco said with that accusing stare. “You do things to make
others follow. Even though they don’t even know you’re
doing it. But I have watched you long enough to know you, Harry. And
from what I’ve seen recently, and you know what I’m
talking about, I think I can almost predict things about you.” “Now
that is very scary,” Harry smiled wickedly. “And what do
you think I’ll do next?” “I
think you’ll ask for the dark art ritual,” Draco
challenged. Harry smirked just a bit. “And
why do you think that?” Harry asked. “Because
you’ll want to find out all you can before you go to Albus with
it,” Draco challenged again. “How close am I?”
Harry looked away for a moment and then back to Draco. “Very,”
Harry said. “That’s exactly what I want to do.” “And
I also think you know more than you’re letting on,” Draco
said. “Do
you, Harry?” Hermione asked. “I
know things,” Harry said quietly. “But I can’t tell
how or what I know because I’m sworn to not reveal things. But
I can tell you I’m a member of the Five High Council.” “You
liar,” Dean said with wide eyes. “You? Oh shit!” “Yes,
I was made a member over the summer. I forgot to tell you all,”
Harry said. “But I won’t be able to be in active service
until I turn eighteen. Oh, and get this. I will get paid for it.”
Harry laughed hard and no one else seemed to get the humor. “Oh
well. I thought it was funny.” “You
are a member of the Five High Council?” Ron asked. “You?
That is a scary revelation into the leadership of our world.” “Why
were you made a member?” Hermione asked. “Think
really hard,” Harry said sarcastically. “Think, Herm. I’m
a level thirty-nine. If I go ape shit one day off the deep end of
insanity and try to become some dark evil overlord they’ll have
control over me. Everything is about control with me. Why do you
think Voldemort wants to kill me so bad? Control. Why does Albus keep
me under a tight leash? Control. The whole fucking Wizarding world
operates to play at the one with the most power. Whoever controls the
power, controls the world both wizard and muggle.” “Who
has the power?” Dean asked. “Harry
does,” Draco said. “So
who has control?” Seamus asked. “Draco
does,” Harry said with a laugh. “For
the love of all that is sacred, please don’t tell me Malfoy is
controlling the world,” Ron said. “I
control the world,” Draco mused to himself. “I can see
that with me. I could do that.” “We
are so screwed,” Seamus said of Draco’s controlling
ability.
http://www.ficsavers.com
Tomorrow Will Come
Chapter 06: Chapter 6
By: Kimberjingle
Chapter 6:
Tower Party, Finding the Wand, The School Adventure Starts