“House
of cards?” Dean asked. “What the hell is he talking
about?” “I
have no idea,” Ron said. “He says shit like that
sometimes.” “House
of cards,” Draco said quietly thinking of what it could mean. “Well,
let’s think about it. Why would anyone build a house of cards?”
Hermione asked. “To
just build it,” Dean said. “Then knock it down and watch
it fall.” “Exactly,”
Draco reasoned. “Harry has been built with one skill at a time
into something grand and then he’ll fall and crumble after his
duty is done.” “Good
analogy,” Ron said. “I
never knew he felt like that,” Neville said.
“Harry
feels taken advantage of, I think,” Ginny said. “He’s
been honed to be a fighting machine and used to kill. Then after
that, he believes he’ll be tossed away.” “His
duty will have been served and he won’t be needed,” Dean
said. “I can see where he’d feel that way.” “But
that’s not true,” Ron said. “Isn’t
it?” Hermione asked. “That’s exactly how the
Ministry sees Harry. They’ll use him and then try to do away
with him. They’re already laying the plans to apprehend Harry
with today’s article. They’ve already printed in the
Prophet how unstable Harry may be and people will believe it. After
Harry kills Voldemort, I’m sure the story will state Harry’s
complete insanity after the incident making it seem like the Ministry
is protecting the citizens by holding or taking Harry’s life.” “This
is terrible,” Neville said. “Everyone that really knows
Harry knows that he’s not like that.” “But
how many really know Harry?” Draco asked. “We do,
but…we’ve been with him for years. The general public
only knows what they’ve read.” “Maybe
you could get something published, Herm,” Ron said. “You
could write the truth and let people know about Harry.” “And
tell them what, Ron? I can’t very well tell about Harry’s
abilities, his skills or any of that. Wizard kind would be terrified
of him giving them just cause to back up the Ministry in trying to
kill Harry out of their fear of him,” Hermione said. “What
about something to do with Harry personally? His personality. Harry’s
a nice guy,” Dean said. “I
can’t just have something published saying ‘Harry Potter
is a nice guy,’ Dean,” Hermione said. “Anyway the
Prophet wouldn’t publish anything I sent in. They know that Ron
and I are personal friends with Harry and that my article would be
biased based on that friendship.” “What
if I did it?” Draco asked. “Everyone seems to know that
we’re enemies. I could give the Prophet an interview and make
it sound believable that Harry wasn’t so bad.” “But
why would the Prophet interview you? You’ve done nothing
notable,” Ron said. “What
if I did something notable?” Draco asked. “Like
what?” Ginny asked. “Won
a Quidditch match?” Hermione said giving them the idea. “If
you beat Harry at your next match, you’d be interviewed as
being the only Seeker to ever beat him.” “No.
I won’t let Harry throw the match,” Draco said shaking
his head. “I don’t want to ruin Harry’s perfect
record.” “To
save his life you wouldn’t?” Ron asked. “You
do have a point,” Draco said. “But…maybe there’s
something else I could do. Anything to get an interview with the
Prophet. Give me some ideas.” “We
don’t have time right now,” Hermione said standing as the
other students were leaving the Hall for class. “Let’s
all try to think of something for Draco to do to get an interview
with the Prophet today and we’ll meet after classes in the
Gryff common room. Agreed?” All the students agreed and left
the Dining Hall. Draco stood and was unclear what to do. Albus was
speaking with Professor Snape so Draco waited. Harry
had gone to training room one, kicked off his shoes, socks and shirt
and had begun the slow even movements of the Daitai sequences. With
his eyes closed, Harry concentrated on his exact and fluid moves that
he knew so well they were like second nature. It was like meditation
and Harry concentrated on clearing his mind from the disturbing
thoughts at breakfast. Deep inside he appreciated his friends’
concerns much more than he was ever allowed to admit to himself. A
soldier. A fighter. A warrior was not allowed such thoughts. Isn’t
that what he’d been taught? Don’t let the feelings
interfere with the battle? No mercy to the enemy? Isn’t that
what his mentors and Moody had always preached into his ear? Harry
set his steely resolve and moved hard and quick as if he could fight
away the feelings he was having. Feelings
were a weakness to be played upon and could render even the most
powerful warrior helpless if he gave in to them. Never let your enemy
know how much you hurt, Moody had always said. Be tough, Potter. An
enemy who thinks you’re hurting will strike you down quicker.
Keep a cool head and never let it show. Never let it show. What would
Moody say if he knew that Harry was allowing an overrun of his own
feelings to sweep him away every second with Draco? Feelings are
weakness. Moody would have a fit especially since Draco was a Death
Eater. But Moody’s suggestion would be to not worry with
something so mundane and unimportant as a relationship when there was
a battle upcoming. No time for frivolous, idle chitchat he always
said. Harry continued to move and fight into the air with his eyes
closed as he pondered these thoughts. The
longer Harry fought with his eyes closed the more that same coldness
swept into his heart and mind again. No feeling. Stay numb. Remain
strong. Kill the enemy. No feelings allowed. Harry’s
chest hurt at the thoughts. Draco. How could he have allowed it? Now
he was in love, which sapped his strength like a slow leak from a
balloon. What good was a weak and pathetic warrior smitten by the
weakness of such an emotion? All his training, hundreds of hours of
work, and years of learning told him to get rid of anything that
would be a weakness. But his heart told him to hang on with
everything he had and not let go. Harry’s mind was fighting
within himself. How could he let go of the best thing he’d ever
had? Draco was beautiful, sensual and made Harry’s chest
tighten with a feeling so strong it was overwhelming just imagining
his perfect lover in his mind. And that was weakness. One who cannot
control his mind has already been defeated the warrior inside told
him. Harry stopped his fighting to stand still. There was another
thing to consider. Running.
Harry knew the Ministry would take him to trial and have a closed
case. He was as good as dead anyway after Voldemort was defeated.
Harry had planned to run. The Ministry would never be able to catch
him anyway, but now there was something else to consider. Draco.
Harry longed to sweep Draco along with him away from everything and
they could run together far away where they could just live in peace,
but deep inside Harry knew there would never be a moment where he
wasn’t being hunted down. There were so many reasons why that
could never be and Harry contemplated them all. No. Draco couldn’t
be allowed to ruin his own life that way. What could Harry give him
anyway on the run? Draco had Malfoy Manor and all it’s luxuries
and Harry could only offer an abandoned building and living on the
street in filth until something came along. That
knife twisted in Harry’s gut at even taking Draco to that
place, much less asking him to live in such conditions. Draco was
refined and Harry considered him almost fragile or delicate even
though they’d fought many times against the other. He deserves
better than that. So now what to do? If Harry had to run Draco had
promised to never stop looking for him and Harry had felt the truth
in those words through his Legilimency. Draco would do what he said
and Harry couldn’t allow that. Ever. So
what choices were there? Kill Voldemort and the Ministry would
apprehend him. Escape and ruin Draco’s life. Not escape
and…imminent death at the hands of the Ministry. Harry winced
a bit at giving up, but it wouldn’t be giving up if it were to
save a life. Draco’s life. And what life would Harry have
anyway on the run without Draco? None. There was only the choice for
Harry of running and living in misery without Draco, or dying to save
him. There was only one way to choose. Draco
would be heartbroken that Harry was sacrificing his life and it would
hurt him. How to prevent that? How could Harry prevent Draco from
hurting at his death since they were in love? It seemed impossible.
If Draco weren’t in love with him then he wouldn’t suffer
with it. Harry closed his eyes at the pain in his heart of having to
give up what he wanted most. Love with his one. He’d waited so
long for love and it was all that he’d ever dreamed it to be
and more. But with that love for Draco, Harry would push Draco away
to keep him from suffering longer. It was the way things had to be
done. Harry
put his hand on his chest to make sure that the hole he felt wasn’t
actually real on his flesh. Aching pain settled like a pressure on
his sternum in such measure he could hardly contain it, but a warrior
shows no weakness. Harry would have to make Draco think that he was
finished with their short lived and intense relationship. Draco would
be angry at first, but he would understand one day Harry hoped. It
was settled. Harry took a fighting stance with a snarl of anger at
his own cursed fate that had made him choose. With
a gnawing irritated ache still inside him, Harry closed out his mind
to any feeling other than the anger that fueled him to fight, war and
strike at anything. Anger at choices that should never have to be
made. Anger at losing the only thing he’d ever loved and had to
give up. Anger at his own wretched and miserable existence that would
finally end in his victory. Harry screamed his anger to the walls as
he started the fighting moves about the room. The curses from his
hands as he fought were beyond measure of strength. No
feeling…stay numb…remain strong...kill the enemy. That
mantra repeated over and over through Harry’s mind as he
fought, cast and yelled with his new resolve. ***** Albus
came down the aisle to see Draco waiting on him. The two walked in
step together from the Dining Hall and Draco followed Albus’
lead to the appropriate training room. “Harry
left the table a bit upset this morning, sir,” Draco said. “I
don’t know where he is. I suspect he’s in training room
one.” “Yes.
I think you’re correct. The Aurors should be there already,”
Albus said. “We’ll go there first.” “What
type training will there be today?” Draco asked. “More
on the Diatai,” Albus said. “You do very well with that
fighting style, Draco. I was surprised that you picked up the fluid
movements so quickly.” “Thank
you, sir,” Draco grinned a bit at the compliment. “I’m
very limber and I find that the moves aren’t difficult for me.
The problem I have is remembering them in sequences.” “Tell
me what Harry was upset over at breakfast,” Albus said. “Was
there a problem with you sitting at the Gryffindor table?” “No,
sir,” Draco said. “It was related to the article in the
Daily Prophet about Harry being all but blamed for the Azkaban break
out. He blames himself for the incident. Harry said that if he’d
opted to forego the party and had gone to Azkaban sooner he could
have prevented the Aurors from being taken at all.” “There
is no guarantee of that, but I suspected he might feel that way,”
Albus said. “Harry
is an odd mix of feelings,” Draco said. “He is a fierce
warrior and a fighter which lends him to be cold and ruthless, but
his emotions with his friends and me are so strong with his kind
nature and ability to love.” “Yes,
you’re very right,” Albus said. “And that is a very
difficult thing for Harry.” “What
do you mean?” Draco asked with a scowl. “Harry
as been taught that his emotional nature is a weakness to him,”
Albus said. “A warrior who shows his emotions and bends his
will to them is considered weak. Personally, I disagree with those
teachings. But Mad Eye Moody instilled in Harry that philosophy along
with the Aurors and almost all his other instructors he’s had.
To be perfectly honest, I am still surprised that Harry has allowed
himself to be in love at all. It goes against everything he was ever
taught by those he mentors. Harry became cold to his feelings in the
last few years and it was a very sad thing for me to witness. There
are many reasons why Harry chooses to be alone sometimes, but when he
took to you, Draco, I was very surprised not that it was you, but
that Harry had given in to his feelings. That’s very
uncharacteristic of him to do so.” “I
don’t see that Harry having or showing love is a weakness at
all. I think it’s a strength for him,” Draco said. “He
is motivated by his feelings and caring for others to fight for them
in what’s right.” “I
happen to agree with you,” Albus said. “But Harry’s
mind is fighting with his heart right now, I think. Every teaching
ingrained in Harry is shouting for him to let go and never feel
emotion and put away the foolishness of being in love and showing any
feeling. But Harry’s heart, which is a mighty warrior in
itself, is pleading for him to allow it to flourish again. Harry is
under much stress right now with the upcoming battle, the situation
with the Ministry and with having told his friends about himself
recently. I was hoping that we could talk a bit today about how he
feels. He doesn’t like to do that, but I must force him to
sometimes. That’s part of what he needs as an Enigma. If Harry
is able to speak aloud how he feels then it keeps him feeling
connected to others somewhat. And in being as different as he
obviously is, he pulls away quickly and uses those defenses that he
knows so well. Harry is a very odd mix of many different things, but
a pleasure to know and learn about.” “He
is,” Draco admitted with a smile. “Harry is just so
interesting. He’s all at once cold and then warm, hard and then
soft, malicious and tender…” Draco walked up to the
stone wall at the entrance to training room one. “I hope he’s
okay after this morning.” Albus
gave the password, touched the stones and the pair entered to see
Harry standing stiff with fists clenched in the center of the mat
with sweat running down his back taking a militant shouting from Mad
Eye Moody as four Aurors lay on the mat having been hit by Harry
obviously in a training drill. “…and
the fourth one is down!” Moody yelled pacing back and forth in
front of an unmoving Harry who was taking the teaching without
flinching. “On the back sweep your form was appalling! You took
down Branton with a left and then you hesitated on the final cast!
We’ve been through this, Potter! Why did you hesitate?” “Weakness,
sir!” Harry said loudly. “Drop
and give me twenty,” Moody spat. “You know better.”
Harry dropped and gave twenty push ups quickly and stood again in his
stance. “You will do this until you no longer hesitate on the
cast. Did you feel sorry for your enemy?” “No,
sir!” Harry yelled. “Did
you not want to hurt your enemy?” Moody asked. “Yes,
sir,” Harry said. “Tell
me what we know, Potter!” Moody yelled directly in Harry’s
face. Harry never flinched. “No
feeling. Stay numb. Remain strong. Kill the enemy, sir!” Harry
said quickly loud and cold. “Then
do what you’re taught. There is no excuse,” Moody said to
Harry and then turned to the next four Aurors to face off. “Nen,
Peck, Thomas, Dell face off with two sides. Use full spells on the
breaking sweeps taking physical contact if you can. All ready?”
The four got into position. Harry looked to each of them quickly to
assess their attack positions. Harry took an attack posture and
waited on the signal. Moody moved off the mat in front and gave some
additional yelling instructions. “Mark, begin!” The
four sent two spells each as they rushed Harry on the mat. Harry
yelled as he deflected, returned and dodged before sending a small
sweep taking down two and then physically using the Diatai did
several fighting moves and nailing one Auror in the head with his
foot. The blood spurted across the mat in Draco’s direction and
he jumped back from the flying drops of blood. Draco looked to Harry
as if he’d never seen him before. The moves Harry was using
were fierce and unrelenting as if he were fighting for real instead
of training in any sense. Harry sent, dodged, cast and fought until
three Aurors were bloody and one had a broken arm that sounded with a
stomach-churning crunch that almost made Draco sick. The final Auror
had almost landed a punch when Harry turned to dodge it and landed
him on the mat on his stomach in a flash. “Crucio!”
Harry yelled in an instant and the Auror screamed in pain. Harry
looked to Moody quickly and waited on the signal and after a few
seconds Moody nodded. “Finite!” Harry ended the curse and
backed away to wait his grade on his performance as the other Aurors
were grunting with their own pains. “Better,”
Moody said. “Heal them up.” Harry nodded and went to the
one with a broken arm and assessed the damage. With several more
looks and feels Harry ran his hands over the Auror’s arm giving
him several healing spells and the arm was mended. Harry did the same
with the other two Aurors and when he was on the last he looked to
see Draco there. Harry’s look was cold and only lasted a few
seconds with no emotion. After the Aurors were healed, Harry never
helped them up but he came back to his position on the mat. “You
did better. Never hold off on the curse with hesitation or you will
run until you can’t breathe with me, do you understand?” “Yes,
sir,” Harry said. Moody walked around Harry leaving him
standing in the position. “Albus. And look there. Is that the
Malfoy kid?” “Yes,
Mad Eye. This is Draco Malfoy,” Albus said. Moody gave the
meanest look he could muster. Draco stood firm and never flinched. “Malfoy,
you know Lucius is free,” Moody said. “I
am aware of that, sir,” Draco said flatly never leaving Moody’s
piercing gaze. “I’m
sure you do,” Moody said leaving his tone of voice to imply
anything. “What brings the young Malfoy here today, Albus?” “Draco
is learning the Daitai with Harry,” Albus said. Moody’s
one good eye went wide as the other one spun almost out of control.
“Draco is a Death Eater spy for us now and is involved with our
plan for Saturday’s meeting in Hogsmeade.” “Potter!”
Moody yelled looking at Draco and crossing his arms. Harry never
moved. “Sir?!”
Harry yelled still in his stance facing away from them having not
been given permission to move as of yet. “Get
over here,” Moody said. Harry turned and ran to him but stayed
back a proper distance from Draco. “Very good. Right standing
in the presence of any DE. Tell me what Malfoy knows of the Diatai.” “Malfoy
knows the first four sets and the focusing meditation. He has learned
some adaptation and variation on the moves, and the first three
battle stances, blocks and jabs, sir,” Harry said coldly
staring at Draco as if they were fierce enemies. “Who
taught you, Malfoy?” Moody asked. “Harry,
sir,” Draco said giving Harry the same look. “Do
you think you could take on an Auror then?” Moody asked. “Undetermined,
sir. I have only battled with Harry in simulations,” Draco
said. “And I’ve not had that training in several days.” “I
see,” Moody said. “Potter, do you think Malfoy could take
on an Auror?” “Unknown,
sir,” Harry said shortly. “Malfoy learned the skills I
mentioned earlier in only two days.” “Two
days. Very good,” Moody complimented Malfoy. “Are you a
natural fighter then, Malfoy? Like Harry?” “No,
sir,” Draco said. “But
you picked up the first four positions in only two days,” Moody
argued. “How do you explain that?” “Superior
teaching, sir,” Draco said flatly. Harry wanted to smile but he
held it in. Albus patted Draco on the shoulder. “Draco
will require additional days of instruction before I will allow him
into simulations with the Aurors,” Albus said. “At my
request, Draco and Harry had done loose simulations without harm
intent, but given the circumstances of the last several days, their
training was not possible during that time. Draco has my permission
to stay and train with Harry with the Diatai, and even with the
grankas and other weaponry if he desires. I think Draco has a bit of
experience with the grankas. Is that correct?” “Yes,
sir,” Draco said. “Limited experience only.” “Can
you cast the double grankas?” Moody asked. “Yes,
sir. But with accuracy at approximately eighty percent on the right
and thirty on the left,” Draco said. “Hmmph,”
Moody gave the insulting sound. Harry flashed his eyes to Moody just
for a quick second. “Potter what were your last numbers on the
grankas?” “One
hundred percent on the right and ninety-eight on the left, sir,”
Harry said. “Last testing two months previous.” “Where’s
your wand, Malfoy?” Moody asked. Harry let the tiniest of an
upturn to his lips come at the question. “I
don’t require it for most tasks, sir. I can cast wandless up to
spell level nine,” Draco said. “Interesting.
And who taught you that skill?” Moody asked. “Celius
Fogmore, sir,” Draco said flatly. “I was trained by him
last summer before his death and have not received any formal
teaching since then except with Harry who has shown me other spells
with wandless magic.” “Did
you do that, Potter?” Moody asked hatefully. “Yes,
sir,” Harry said forcefully with respect in the militant style
that Moody demanded of him. Harry never moved an inch but remained in
his heightened state of awareness alert. “It
seems that Draco and Harry get along quite well, Mad Eye. Their
training relationship has been quite effective,” Albus said.
Moody gave Harry a hard look but Harry never looked away from Draco,
each of their faces emotions expressionless. Harry almost panicked at
the word. “I
see,” Moody said coolly. Harry couldn’t hold back the
swallow. “And Malfoy is the only other student you’ve
brought here, Harry. Why is that?” “Malfoy
has higher levels of magical strength than other students, sir. He
can also cast wandlessly and is familiar with wizard weaponry,”
Harry said coldly. “He also has training as a DE and is
familiar with upper level dueling and…and some of the other
darker arts techniques. He is the only other student in the school
with the ability to give any challenge whatsoever to me.” Harry
was becoming more nervous by each word he spoke. Moody could sense
it. “Malfoy,
what is your relationship with Potter?” Moody asked slyly. “I
think that is between them, Mad Eye,” Albus said wisely. The
two boys’ expressionless gazes hadn’t left the other the
entire time. “What will you be training on until lunchtime?” “Blind
sense casting,” Moody gruffed before he turned around and
walked across the room leaving Harry standing as necessary. Harry
clenched his jaw and waited. “Harry,
what is blind sense casting?” Draco asked. Harry never moved or
spoke. Draco waited on the response. “What is it?” “Harry
is unallowed to speak, Draco. That is a part of Moody’s
conditioning. Mad Eye’s training methods are very strict and
militant and…” Albus was saying. “Potter.
Here,” Moody said. “Yes,
sir,” Harry said and ran to take his position on the mat as
told. “I
hate that,” Draco said. “I hate that man.” “Mad
Eye is a great fighter, dueler, and has training spanning years,
Draco,” Albus said. “Moody has to claim a level of
authority with his squads and Harry thus his manner here in the
training room. Harry is comfortable with Moody’s style of
discipline and methods. Along with the physical and magical training,
Moody has given Harry valuable training into the areas of mental and
emotional control.” “I
can see that,” Draco said. “Moody
pushes Harry to his limits and each of them respects that,”
Albus said. “But
why does Harry need this? He has phenomenal gifts that he could use
quite easily to destroy Voldemort,” Draco said. “Harry
could strike Voldemort with lightening in a flash and he’d be
dead in an instant.” “That
is a good question,” Albus said nodding. “But in the
aftermath of Voldemort’s demise, the Ministry would be aware
that Harry had that ability. It was our wish that Harry try to
maintain the secrecy of his gifts for as long as possible to keep the
Ministry from knowing exactly what he was capable of in hopes that
they would not think him such a threat.” “I
don’t think that plan is working,” Draco said dryly. The
pair watched as Moody took Harry’s glasses and tossed them to
one of the Aurors. “Put
on the blind and we’ll set up,” Moody told Harry in his
harsh tone. Harry swirled the blindfold on over his eyes and spread
his feet just a bit and held his hands at the ready. Moody pointed to
the Aurors who dispersed around Harry circling him as far away as
they could get. “Mark. Begin.” Each Auror cast toward
Harry in randomness. The drill was for Harry to sense the spells
coming toward him with his mind and aura and deflect the spells at
first. The longer the drill went, the shorter the response time
between casts around the eight Aurors who were casting from all
around. The pace upped again and again and Draco was amazed at
Harry’s concentration and ability. When the pace was quickened
to almost continual casts, Harry was hit but kept up the deflecting,
and began to cast to the senders with one spell at a time in their
direction. Three Aurors were down in one sweep. “Add the
nines.” “The
nines?” Draco asked of Albus in a whisper. “Level
nines including the pain curse,” Albus said. “Can
he do that?” Draco asked. Albus nodded as they continued to
watch. The spells were being flung and Harry was breathing heavier in
his attempt to ward off all the spells coming his way and sending
others with barely one second of response time. “Harry
will be allowed to do a full sweep after he’s hit two more
times,” Albus said. “Just watch.” Harry was hit
with the pain curse and Draco flinched as he screamed and twisted in
the pain but he quickly threw it off and sent more of the level nines
as he stood up again dodging and reflecting. The second pain curse
hit and Harry growled with an angry yell and turned to send three
hard sweeps of his hand in all directions knocking all Aurors out
with the sweeps. The hard spell whooshed over Draco and Albus who
felt it’s limited and controlled power from that far away. “Whoa,”
Draco said. “That was nothing for him, though.” “You’re
quite right,” Albus said. “That was as simple to him as
summoning.” After all the Aurors had fallen, Harry stilled at
the ready again in his blindfolded and heightened awareness with his
hands out ready to defend anything coming his way. Three Aurors timed
together and sent spells in all directions. With a yell, Harry spun
to dodge and at the same time slung his hand out and spun on an axis
sending a three hundred and sixty degree swirl of spells around him
taking out the Aurors. The spell hit Draco knocking him back against
the wall two feet back. Albus and Moody had cast a quick protection
charm for shielding. “Oh
crap!” Draco yelled at the pain. Harry’s head spun in
that direction. “Did
I hit you?” Harry asked in a panicked concern with a look of
dread. “Yes,
you did, stupid,” Draco said in a groan. Harry quickly took his
stance back again ignoring Draco. Moody took notice and walked to
Harry quickly. “Potter,
take off the blind,” Moody said quietly and Harry did so. “Tell
me…what is your relationship to the Malfoy boy.” “We’re…we’re
um…friends, sir,” Harry said quietly in that voice Moody
suspected but the look on Harry’s face gave away all. “How
close of friends are you?” Moody asked. “Harry…?” “We’re…very
close,” Harry said quietly with soft eyes. “We um…” “Potter,
I’m not going to act like your mum here,” Moody spat with
gritted teeth leaning close to Harry’s face and speaking only
so Harry could hear. “I’m going to lay it on you wired.
Cut this shit and get your head out of your ass. You’re
seventeen and I don’t give a rat’s ass who you’re
fucking. But use your head. This isn’t any time for you to be
getting all sweet on some boy. Think! Your battle is two days away.
Two days and you better get it together and drop this mushy feely
shit. What have you learned?” Harry swallowed. “No
feeling. Stay numb. Remain strong. Kill the enemy, sir,” Harry
said quietly. “Again!”
Moody yelled in his face. “No
feeling. Stay numb. Remain strong. Kill the enemy, sir!” Harry
said a bit louder. “Again!”
Moody screamed in Harry’s face. Harry gritted his teeth and
took a deep breath. “No
feeling! Stay numb! Remain strong! Kill the enemy, sir!” Harry
screamed back with his face determined to mean every word. “Now
tell me what you’re going to do,” Moody said quietly. “No
feeling,” Harry said coldly with the deadness inside. “Keep
my head. Get my head out my ass and drop it, sir.” “That’s
right,” Moody said harshly. “This isn’t to be mean,
Potter. This is war. It’s your life on the line here. After the
battles are times for the spoils of war, but not before.” “Yes,
sir,” Harry said determined. “What?!”
Moody yelled. “Yes,
sir!” Harry yelled with a stern face. “Albus…”
Draco said quietly. “What did he say?” “I’m
not sure, Draco. I couldn’t hear the conversation completely,”
Albus said. “Now.
Drop and give me twenty sits and you’re free until after
lunch,” Moody said. “Yes,
sir,” Harry said as he dropped to give the sit-ups quickly.
Draco and Albus watched as Harry did his sit-ups. “Is
he always like that?” Draco asked of Moody. “Yes.
Moody feels personally responsible for Harry in a sense,” Albus
said. “Moody toughens Harry to not feel.” “A
killing machine is all he wants,” Draco said with a scowl. “And
that’s exactly what Harry has become. It makes me sick to watch
this.” “Draco,
Harry’s battle is two days away,” Albus said. “Moody
feels as though Harry needs to be in top form as a fighter.” “Hell,
why? So what if Harry kills Voldemort. The Ministry will take Harry’s
life either way. One way he dies, and the other way he gives up
everything and wishes he were dead. So what’s the point in all
this?” “Voldemort
has to die,” Albus said. “That is the point. That’s
the sole purpose in all of this as you said.” “So
this is all about Voldemort? It seems like there’s someone else
involved here, too,” Draco said. “What about Harry?” “I
will be straightforward with you, Draco. And this isn’t to be
cruel in any way because I love Harry as my own son,” Albus
said in all seriousness which almost frightened Draco with his look.
“But right now killing Voldemort is all that matters. If he’s
not destroyed and soon, he may have access to other powers beyond
imagination. This could be Harry’s only chance since Harry is
the only one who can destroy him. The situation is dire and of the
greatest importance because not only will Voldemort destroy the
Wizarding world, but he could have access to rule the entire world if
he’s not destroyed soon. I can’t reveal to you the nature
of what Voldemort may be planning in the future, but hopefully we
won’t ever come to that.” Draco
looked from the old man to Harry finishing his situps and resting on
the mat for a moment before he walked over to speak with two Aurors
and wipe off all his sweat with a towel. Harry’s hair was
soaked with sweat and it stuck to his forehead. Harry leaned over to
the table and felt around until he’d located his glasses. Draco
smirked at Harry’s semi-blindness without them. The two Aurors
and Harry were speaking as Harry put on his socks and shoes and
tugged on his shirt. One Auror patted him on the shoulder and they
were speaking of some hand movement when Harry nodded and backed
away. Harry took a stance and flicked his hands out and instantly in
each hand was a granka. He demonstrated a double casting cross over
and then two more casting stances to one Auror before handing the
Auror his created grankas to try it. Harry stood beside him and
showed the correct hand movements so that the Auror followed him.
Harry stood back a bit and the Auror tried the moves at full speed
before Moody came over to help. Draco watched Harry back up two steps
from Moody as he demonstrated and Harry watched for a few moments
until he turned to walk toward Albus and ignoring Draco completely. “I
have to eat and return afterward,” Harry said to Albus. “I’ll
be in the Dining Hall.” Harry never looked to Draco as he
strode past them and out the exit. “Wha…”
Draco said in confusion and then looked to Albus. “He’s
pissed off at me for some reason. I suppose I should apologize for
what was said at breakfast.” “I
think there may be more to Harry’s mood than that,” Albus
said giving Moody a look. “Excuse me, Draco. I think I may need
to have a private word with Mad Eye. You may return after lunch here
to train if you wish. The password is ‘black gravity’ to
this training room.” Albus walked his regal walk over the mat
to the Aurors and Moody. Draco only stayed to see them speaking for a
moment before he turned and headed toward the Dining Hall. Harry
sat with a flop onto the bench at the Gryffindor table and piled up
his plate and dug in quickly. “How
was training?” Ron asked. “Fine,”
Harry said firmly and shoved the food in quickly and gulped down
water. “Slow
down, Harry,” Hermione said. “You may make yourself
sick.” Harry never responded but continued to shovel in food as
if it were the last he’d ever eat. “Where’s
Draco?” Seamus asked. Harry never responded to him or looked up
from the plate he was attempting to clear quickly. “Harry? I
asked….” “I
know what you asked,” Harry snapped but offered no other
explanation. The others at the table looked to each other quickly and
ate in a bit of silence. “Harry,”
Draco said as he came over. “Don’t
sit here,” Harry said flatly not looking to him. “You
have your own table.” “What?
What in hell is wrong with you?” Draco asked with an irritated
scowl. “Are you pissed about breakfast? You’ve acted
like a total ass today.” “Go
to hell and get out of my face,” Harry spat as he ate. The
others at the table were dumbfounded, as was Draco. “I
want to know what Moody said, “Draco said as he sat down in
defiance beside Harry on the bench. “I
told you to go to your own damn table. And I meant it, Malfoy,”
Harry said hatefully giving Draco the stare of death. Draco never
flinched but leaned over into Harry’s face. “Make
me you psychopathic son of a bitch,” Draco drawled with every
drop of evil venom he owned. “What
the fuck do you want with me? I told you to go,” Harry said
squinting and grabbing Draco’s wrist. Harry held up the words
to Draco’s face and rubbed his finger over them to make
‘Property of HJP’ disappear. “There. Now go. I want
nothing to do with you.” Harry stood quickly and strode out of
the Hall leaving Draco with a stunned expression of disbelief and the
whole table speechless. “Draco,
what…what in hell was that about?” Ron asked with
wide-eyed disbelief. “I…I
have no idea,” Draco shook his head with the same look. “He
just…”Draco shrugged that he didn’t know. “Draco,
what was the training on today?” Hermione asked. “Blind
sensing drills,” Draco said. “Harry did marvelous and
was…unbelievable. They were working on full spells with intent
to harm. Harry broke some bones of the Aurors and bloodied them up
pretty bad before Moody called it off.” “Moody,”
Ron nodded. “No wonder.” “What
is it about that guy?” Draco asked. “Have you ever seen
him with Harry on training?” Draco turned around and began to
eat as they conversed. “He treats Harry like shit! He’s
militant and down right fucking mean. He makes Harry yell and spout
off all this garbage about…no feeling and being numb…remain
strong and kill the enemy. It’s like some…chant or
something he makes Harry say it so much. It makes me sick to watch
it.” “That’s
Moody’s style,” Hermione said. “Harry gets…a
bit…cold after he trains with Moody. Don’t worry, Draco.
Mad Eye will only be here for…well, he may stay until after
the battle.” “Oh
fuck!” Draco threw down his fork in irritation and then put his
elbows on the table with his head in them. “That bastard. What
the fuck am I going to do?” “Go
train and don’t worry about it,” Seamus said. “Seam
may have a point, Draco,” Ron said. “Every
body in contact with Harry treats him like shit and I’m damn
sick and tired of it,” Draco said. “I’ve seen it.
These people are making Harry insane. They are! I swear it. All they
want from him is to make him into the perfect soldier and the
ultimate killing machine regardless of what he wants. Harry has never
had a say so in anything!” “You’re
right,” Hermione nodded. “He hasn’t. But Harry had
to live, Draco. The training is to insure that Harry will live to
kill Voldemort.” “Fuck
Voldemort!” Draco yelled loudly and some of the other students
from other tables turned to see an angry dragon. “What about
the hero here? What does he get after all his hard work? Death or
something worse. That’s just not fucking fair. All this
training and bullshit and nobody ever gave a damn about what Harry
wanted or what happens to him afterward. Everyone is using Harry and
I hate it. I can’t stand it!” “Draco,
we know that,” Ron said firmly. “We can’t do
anything about it. We’ve discussed this already and we can’t
do a damn thing. We know how you feel. Believe me, we do. We’ve
seen Harry go from a great kid who loved Quidditch and Bertie Bott’s
beans to a cold-blooded killer who’s almost lost his damn mind.
And he’s our best friend and we can’t do anything about
it.” “Draco,
we’ve seen Harry go through things you can’t imagine,”
Hermione said. “And yes, Harry is strong both physically and
mentally, but…what can we do? We know Harry needs the
training. Two days, Draco.” “I
know what day it is,” Draco said. “I’ll be there.
And with Harry like this, what side am I on now? He won’t even
speak to me.” Draco pushed his half eaten plate away and rubbed
his eyes. “Fuck it. I’m losing my mind over this shit.” “Now
you must know how Harry feels,” Neville said as he ate. “I
do. I honestly do,” Draco said. “Everyone pulling him in
every direction to suit their own whims. Including me, I suppose. I
just know Moody told him to stay away from me. I know it.” “He
may have,” Hermione said. “Moody preaches that showing
emotion is a weakness. I’m sure he may have come down hard on
Harry if he suspected that you and he were in a relationship.” “Especially
since Harry’s meeting with Voldemort is only two days away,”
Ron said. “Ron!”
Harry called from the Dining Hall doors and the table looked to see
Harry motion out the door. Ron stood and left the Dining Hall. Draco
watched Harry but he never looked back as the pair left the Hall.
Draco was in a scowl of thought. “What
is it?” Ron asked as he followed Harry down the corridor and
into the bathroom. “Give
me a vial of that lotuscel,” Harry said. Ron gave a tiny scowl.
“It’s non addictive and I’m sort of having a fucked
up day so give me the fucking vial right now.” Ron dug into the
side pocket of his robes and handed Harry the vial which he popped
open quickly and took a great inhale and leaned back against the
wall. “Oh fuck. I hate this shit, Ron.” “I
know,” Ron said. “You were harsh on Draco, man.” “Fuck
it,” Harry said. “I don’t care. I can’t deal
with it right now. I was stupid for starting anything with him in the
first place.” “You
don’t mean that,” Ron said. “You love him, Harry.” “So
what?” Harry asked. “What does that get me, huh? Weak and
pathetic like some little lovesick third year dreamy-eyed girl. I
shouldn’t have allowed it to begin with. I should have had more
control. I’m better than that.” “Listen
to you,” Ron said with disgust. “You’re fucking
lying to yourself right now. So what if the battle is two days away?
You’ll win and you know it. You hurt Draco, Harry. You hurt him
bad. Think about that. He loves you and you love him. It’s not
fair that you just throw that away because Moody told you to. Moody
is wrong on this one and you better dig your head out of your ass and
apologize to Draco.” “You
can go to hell,” Harry said in a low growling voice. “You
know nothing about me or how I feel.” “I
know just about everything there is to know about you,” Ron
said. “And I know you’re hurting right now and trying to
cover it up with that fighting bullshit making you seem all cold and
uncaring when you’re not. Harry, listen to me. I’m your
best friend in the world. Moody doesn’t care about how you
feel, but me, your friends and Draco do. So what if you have a battle
coming. Take comfort with Draco. He needs you and you need him. You
need him, Harry. Don’t push this good thing you’ve got
with him away.” “I
can’t,” Harry said. “Ron, I can’t.” “Yes,
you can,” Ron said. “Think. Harry look at yourself. This
morning you were so bright and happy and after the thing with
Moody…you’re a different person. You rant and rave and
hurt others. Is that what you want to be?” Harry stilled for a
moment and listened to the words. “Ron,
I…” Harry started. “I don’t know…I
mean…” “Harry…”
Ron held Harry’s upper arm in a friendly masculine way. “I
know who you are. You are caring and friendly. Bright and warm. Don’t
let them make you into a cold-hearted bastard. You can still fight
and love at the same time. You don’t have to choose.” “Yes,
I do,” Harry said. “I can’t give in to emotional
weakness.” “Emotional
weakness?” Ron asked with a laugh. “With you, your
emotions are your strength. You fight because you care about others.
That’s what this whole thing is about. Everything you do is
because you love others and are so emotionally driven by the fact
that you care for them that you are willing to sacrifice yourself to
save them. You don’t have to fight Voldemort at all. You could
just up and fucking move to London and leave his sorry ass here. But
you don’t. You have chosen to fight because you care. Don’t
let Moody make you forget that.” “I…Ron,”
Harry was torn. “I can’t. I’ve already told Moody
that…that I’d…stop seeing Draco.” “So?
You lied,” Ron said. “Fuck it. You love Draco, Harry.
I’ve never seen you so happy than when you are with him.” “Ron,
I need to tell you something,” Harry said. “Draco knows
that after the Voldemort thing, that the Ministry will hunt me down.
I can either give in and go with them and they’ll kill me, or I
can be on the run. Draco asked to go with me when I go.” “Then
go and take him,” Ron said. “I
can’t do that,” Harry said. “I can’t
just…take him away from everything he has and everything he’s
ever known. He has Malfoy Manor and anything in the world he desires.
Draco is the kind of person who needs refined things. The studying of
theories and artistic sculptures…those are the things he
enjoys. And what could I offer him on the run? An abandoned building
to sleep in, and empty stomach and a tattered blanket instead of the
feather down quilts he’s used to. I won’t take him. I
can’t do it.” Harry paced the floor for a moment of
thought. “And…Draco said that if I don’t take him
if I run, that he’d search for me and with my Legilimens
ability I knew he was telling the truth. I can’t let him do
that. I love Draco more than anything on this earth and I swear on
Merlin’s grave that I would do anything, and I mean anything
for him, Ron. Oh god you just don’t know how totally I am in
love with him. I’ve never had this before and it’s so
damn good I can’t believe it.” Harry closed his eyes for
a moment to savor the in-love feeling. “I
know that. I can see it all over you when you just mention his name,”
Ron grinned. “But
I won’t let him ruin his life chasing after me if I run,”
Harry said and then turned to Ron. “If the Ministry prosecutes,
I’ll let them and not run. Because I couldn’t live with
the thought that Draco would be hurt because of me. I’ll die so
that he won’t run.” “No.
That’s stupid,” Ron said. “Harry, damn. Draco wants
one thing. And that one thing is you.” “I’ve
made up my mind,” Harry said. “And I have to push Draco
away from me so that he’ll not chase me when I run. And if he
still tries to hang on to me, I’ll surrender to the Ministry
and they’ll kill me. That’s it. And I have to go.”
Harry handed Ron the vial. “Listen,
Harry. You’re wrong,” Ron said walking beside Harry out
of the bathroom. “Harry, listen to me. Draco doesn’t care
about all that other stuff. He just wants you.” Harry was
walking quickly down the hallway and Ron was trying to talk sense.
“Harry, listen, dammit. You should let Draco decide, not you.
He wants you more than some stupid sculpture. Are you listening?”
Ron stopped when Harry never responded. Ron watched Harry walk down
the hallway and turn the corner at the end. “Ron,
what did he say?” Draco came up quickly having seen them walk
past the Dining Hall doors. “He’s…it’s
not good,” Ron said softly. “And…I can’t say
anything about it.” “Tell
me. Ron, please,” Draco said putting his hand on Ron’s
arm lightly. “Ron, you know I love Harry. Please tell me what I
did or…what Moody said. I don’t know what to say to
Harry to help. I know he’s hurting because I can feel it. Tell
me how to help him.” “Ron,
is Harry okay?” Hermione asked coming to them. “No.
He’s not okay at all,” Ron said with the long face. “I…I
can’t talk about this. Where’s Albus?” “At
the head table,” Hermione said. “I
need to speak with him and then…then I’ll find you,
Draco, okay?” Ron asked. Draco nodded. “I’ll
be in training room one. You remember where that is, right?”
Draco said. Ron nodded. “Albus may bring you if you ask.”
Draco looked to his watch. “I need to go. Find me and let me
know what the hell is going on because I know Harry won’t speak
to me with Moody around. See you later.” Draco headed off sadly
down the hallway in his Malfoy gaited walk toward the training room. “Want
to come with me, Herm?” Ron asked taking her hand. “I’d
like for you to.” Hermione nodded kindly and the pair went to
the head table. “Headmaster?” Ron asked. Albus turned
from the back of the chair where he’d just ended a conversation
with Filch. “Ron,
Hermione, what can I do for you?” Albus asked. “Sir,
do you have a few minutes? I just spoke with Harry and…I’m
not…I don’t know what to do,” Ron said. “I’m
confused by what he said.” “Certainly.
Would you like to come to my office for more privacy?” Albus
said of the lingering students and teachers in the hall. Ron nodded
and the old man escorted the pair of students to his office and
seated them comfortably in the chairs in front of his desk before he
took his own seat. “I take it that Harry said something that
upset you?” “Well,
no. He didn’t offend me, but what he did say…um…worries
me,” Ron said quietly. “Harry
is training with Alastor Moody and his two squads today,” Albus
reminded them and each nodded that they knew already. “Yes,
and this may be related to that,” Ron said and then took a deep
breath to begin. “I…I’m not good with talking and
telling stuff, but let me just say what happened and then…then
you can tell me what I meant.” Hermione just shook here head a
bit with a grin. “I mean…um…” “Ron,
just say anything you wish to say. The beginning is always a good
place to start,” Albus said wisely. “Well,
okay. At lunch Harry came in and sat to eat. He hardly said two words
to anybody and was in some terrible mood,” Ron said. “Then
Draco came in and started to sit. Harry wouldn’t allow it and
was awful to Draco. Harry even told him to go away and…did
something…just…” “The
small mark Harry put on Draco’s wrist that said ‘Property
of HJP’ as a sort of joke between them meant a lot to Draco,”
Hermione helped Ron explain. “Harry, in a fit of…something,
took off the mark and basically told Draco that he wanted nothing to
do with him anymore. And…we just didn’t understand it.
Then Harry left the table.” “Draco
was very upset, naturally and told us a bit about how Moody has Harry
saying stuff like ‘no feelings’ and ‘kill the
enemies’ and stuff like that,” Ron said. “Draco
also said that he feels Moody may have come down on Harry for having
a relationship with Draco. And…Draco feels like…well,
we all sort of feel this way, and I don’t mean to say this in a
bad way, but…it’s like…people use Harry sort of.
Like…as a killing machine or something.” Ron was
embarrassed by what he just said. “I’m sorry I said
that.” “No.
I can understand that perfectly,” Albus said. “Is that
all?” “No.
Harry came back to the Dining Hall to speak with Ron privately,”
Hermione led. “When
we left the Dining Hall we went to the bathroom and talked a bit,”
Ron said. “We said a lot but I’ll just tell you the
basics of it. Harry did promise Moody that he’d end it with
Draco because Moody said it made him weak to have feelings like that.
For somebody like…well love and all. And the worst part of it
is that Harry knows the Ministry will come get him after the
Voldemort thing and he will either have to surrender to the Ministry
and let them kill him or he’ll have to run. Draco told Harry
that if he has to run, that he wants to go with him. Harry refuses to
take Draco along and submit him to any hardship that may occur
because Harry says that Draco needs sculptures.” Hermione shook
her head. “Draco
is a refined person is what I think you meant to say,” Hermione
said. “Harry would want Draco to be comfortable and have the
ability to remain in the lifestyle to which he is accustomed.” “Yeah.
That’s what I said,” Ron said. “But Harry won’t
let Draco come with him. That’s why Harry thinks he has to
like…push Draco away from him so that he won’t want to
go. But if Draco still wants to go with Harry if he runs, then Harry
said he won’t run at all. He’ll submit himself to the
Ministry and let them kill him. He’ll die to save Draco’s
life.” “I
see,” Albus nodded. “I did confirm with Mad Eye that he
and Harry spoke of the relationship with Draco, but Moody said
nothing of forcing the separation of them. Harry admitted that he
would end the relationship to Moody today in the training room. And…I
know that deep down, Harry doesn’t want that at all.” “Sir,
do you think Harry should end that relationship or at least put a
temporary separation for now so that Harry can prepare for that lies
ahead with Voldemort on Saturday?” Hermione asked. “In
my personal opinion, no,” Albus said. “But I can’t
tell Harry what to do.” “But
Moody can?” Ron asked. “No.
I spoke with Moody today to that effect,” Albus said. “Moody
honestly believes that Harry needs to distance himself and prepare
mentally for what may lie ahead. There is no doubt in my mind that
Harry will kill many DEs as well as Voldemort. I have every
confidence in Harry’s skills, but knowing Harry, he will try to
spare as many lives as he can. But I think that Moody wishes Harry to
take the initiative with Voldemort’s troops and destroy as many
as possible and that is the reason for his mental and emotional
attempt at conditioning.” “You
mean brainwashing,” Ron said. “I don’t think Moody
should have told Harry to drop his relationship with Draco. Moody
doesn’t know that Harry is in love with him. That was just not
right. Now Harry and Draco are both miserable over it.” “Perhaps
Harry and Draco may speak today and work it out between them,”
Hermione said.
“They
won’t,” Ron said quickly. “Harry is determined to
follow to the letter exactly what Moody says. That’s his
training, Herm. Harry does what he’s told with his training. He
always has.” “You’re
quite right,” Albus said. “Perhaps I could speak with
them both.” “Albus,
it may help if Ron and I were there as well,” Hermione said.
“The more pressure there is on Harry, the easier it is to
convince him that he’s wrong. We gang up on him in the dorm and
that seems to work. Harry can’t argue with Ron, me, Dean,
Seamus, Neville, Debbie, Ginny and Michael all at once, so he gives
in. Our strength in number convinces Harry that we’re correct.” “That’s
a good idea,” Albus said. “Perhaps you could gather those
students to my quarters after classes. Since your tactic seemed to
work with Harry before, then it would seem logical that it would
again. I think we should convince Harry that he should continue on
his own and do what he thinks is best for him personally without the
influence of others.” “But
won’t we be as a group be influencing him then?” Ron
asked in confusion. “Ron,
don’t think so hard,” Hermione grinned wickedly. Ron
nodded to that intelligence and with a few other instructions, left
the Headmaster’s office. After
classes were over, Ron and Hermione had spoken to all of Harry’s
friends that were on the last adventure in the forest and had told
them of Harry’s unique situation with Draco and Moody. Each was
eager to assist in the rescue attempt of Harry and Draco’s
relationship. The group was headed toward Albus’ quarters when
Seamus spotted Draco speaking with two Aurors on the hallway to the
right. “There’s
Draco,” Seamus said. “But…I don’t see Harry
with them.” The group paused until Draco had noticed them.
Draco spoke for a few more moments with the Aurors and then walked
toward the group with an interested look. “There
you are,” Ron said. “Were you in training?” “Yeah.
I worked on the Diatai fighting sequences with three Aurors,”
Draco said. “What
about Harry?” Dean asked. “Harry
was rewarded today,” Draco drawled sarcastically as the group
started to walk together in the direction of Albus’ quarters.
“Where are we going?” “We
are taking you to Albus’ personal quarters because he has
requested to see all of us,” Hermione said. “Why?”
Draco asked. “Just
come with us,” Ron said. “Is
something wrong?” Draco asked. “Is Harry okay?” “Like
anything could hurt him, stupid,” Seamus spat. “I
did,” Draco said quietly. “No,
you didn’t” Ron said. Draco gave the how-stupid-are-you
look. “Harry is an idiot and we’ll talk about it when we
get to Albus’ quarters.” The students arrived and
knocked. Albus welcomed them all inside and the couples took the four
chairs that had been conjured for them. Draco sat alone across from
Albus. “What
is going on?” Draco asked of the group. Albus with assistance
from Ron and Hermione explained to Draco what Moody was trying to do
with Harry and his mental conditioning and that Moody was concerned
for Harry’s well being by asking Harry to end his and Draco’s
relationship. The next part about Draco’s admission that he
would follow Harry if the Ministry prosecuted was also discussed.
“Stupid Gryffindor.” Draco spat. “You
know that Harry would sacrifice himself for you, Draco,” Ron
said. “He’d do it in a second.” “Then
he’s stupid,” Draco said. “I absolutely cannot
stand Harry Potter. He is the most stubborn and irritating person I
have ever had the misfortune of meeting.” “But
you couldn’t live without him,” Dean teased. “Let’s
hope I never have to find that out, shall we?” Draco bit. “Is
Harry coming here?” Debbie asked. “Yes.
I asked Lieutenant Nen to tell Harry I wished him to come here after
his training,” Albus said. “Although, the training Harry
is having now is more of his idea of fun.” “Yes,
his reward I was told,” Draco smirked and rolled his eyes. “What’s
Harry doing that’s fun then?” Seamus asked. “Maybe
we could all do it.” Albus and Draco chuckled just a bit. “If
you consider yourself a walking target, then yes, you might consider
that fun,” Draco said. “Harry
is playing a type of game with the Auror squads today,” Albus
said. “Harry enjoys it very much. The squads give a permiter in
the forbidden forest and either they track and try to catch Harry, or
they allow him to try and catch them.” “Like
hide and seek?” Ginny asked. Draco snorted. “No.
With weapons,” Draco said. “It’s like cat and mouse
for real. They’re allowed to hit and hurt but not kill each
other. It gives that danger thing and risk of death rush that Harry
likes to play around with.” “That
is his reward?” Dean asked. “That sounds more like
punishment to me.” “Harry
loves it,” Albus said with a smile. “He’ll be in a
great mood if he did well. Draco, do you know what weaponry they
chose for the game?” “Game?”
Ron asked in dread. “No.
They didn’t say,” Draco said. “It could be
anything. Knives, swords, guns, bow, wands…who knows with
those idiots? I’m beginning to think that all the Aurors just
live to land a curse on him. When they actually hit him with
something they get so excited over it. They’re all very sick
individuals.” “It’s
very difficult to land a curse on Harry, I would think,”
Michael said. “I know I’d be thrilled if I actually
nailed him with one.” “You
couldn’t,” Draco said flatly. “There is no way
anyone will ever land a spell on Harry one on one with him. It’s
impossible. He’s just too good. Today he was blindfolded and
took out eight Aurors at once. I saw it and…actually I felt it
because he accidentally hit me with that spell and it knocked the
crap out of me.” “I
was aware of what Harry was planning so I cast myself a protection
spell,” Albus said. “You’d better learn that one
quick, Draco if you plan on being around Harry while he’s
training. I learned to cast myself protection when in Harry’s
presence when he was only fourteen. He can be a bit much sometimes.” “No
kidding,” Draco laughed. “How
did you do on the Daitai today?” Albus asked. Draco went into
the explanations of what he was learning and it was evident that
Draco was thrilled over having the teachings of the Aurors on the
fighting skills. After they’d all discussed the Daitai and
moves, Draco was demonstrating something that he’d learned for
them all when they heard the entrance open. “You
wanted to see me for…” Harry stopped and immediately
flicked his hands to draw the grankas with his casting stance. “What
are you doing?” Ron asked. “What
do you think I’m doing?” Harry asked in his stance ready
to strike. “There is a DE in my immediate presence who is in a
Daitai offensive position in close proximity to my guardian who also
happens to be my father.” “Draco
was only demonstrating what he’d learned of the day,”
Albus said. Draco took back the position and stepped away from Albus
as to no longer be a threat. Harry watched closely and when he was
satisfied, he lowered the position and flicked his hands to vanish
the circular throwing blades. “Harry turn around and face
away.” Harry gave Albus and Draco a quick glance and did as
requested. “Tell me how many are in this room.” “Eleven,”
Harry said quickly. “And
how many are without a weapon?” Albus asked. “Four,”
Harry said quickly. “And
how many have intent?” Albus asked. “Two,”
Harry said. The students all looked to each other and then to Albus. “You
may turn,” Albus said and Harry turned to face them again.
“Very good.” “What
on earth happened to you?” Hermione asked with a bit of humor.
Harry looked down to himself. “You’re covered in mud.” “Camo,”
Harry said. The students looked confused. “I was in the forest
in simulation and this is my camouflage. I took off my shirt and
rolled in mud. I blend in with the environment that way and I’m
harder to see or hit.” Harry stood in his mud caked jeans and
shoes with the mud covering his chest, back, arms neck and face.
Lines of sweat had rolled down from his forehead and had left streaks
over the sides of his face and neck even though Harry wore some brown
headband of cloth. The sweat had beaded on his hard sculpted chest
leaving it glistening. Harry’s bow was over his right arm and
shoulder and a quiver of arrows were laced to his right thigh. “You
used the bow today I see. How did you fare?” Albus asked. “I
hit seven of eight in the first round,” Harry said. “And
took the flag without a hit on the second.” “Would
you care to explain that?” Ron asked. “In
the first round I was the hunter and hit seven of the eight Aurors
with pop arrows,” Harry said. “I had the last target
Auror in sites, but I had to kill two Praders and skin them, so he
got away.” “Skin
them?” Ginny asked. “Yeah,”
Harry said. The looks were confusing so Harry rolled his eyes at
having to explain. “Praders are wild dogs in the forest and
were near the Thestral dens. The thestrals won’t eat the Prader
dogs if they have the fur on them. So after I killed them, I skinned
them and left the meat for the thestrals. Never kill something and
then leave it inedible or without purpose for taking it’s
life.” “But
you left the Randars,” Neville asked. “Randars
eat their own kind,” Harry explained. “I had to do
nothing to them but leave them. And…why are you all here?” “What
is that?” Debbie asked of a leather pouch that hung from
Harry’s left side. Harry pulled up the pouch, opened it, dug in
and ate a handful of the purplish berries. “Yupi
berries,” Harry said with a mouthful walking to Albus and
handing him the full bag. Harry continued to eat the large handful of
berries he had. “What
is that?” Debbie asked. “Yupi
berries grow wild in the forest,” Albus explained with a smile.
“Harry knows how fond I am of them and he always brings them to
me when he’s in the forest. I wasn’t aware that you’d
be in that far.” “The
backside perimeter was at the fielding stones,” Harry said.
“There’s a small patch of berries there that I knew
about. These are the best ones this year.” Harry popped more
into his mouth. “Have
any of you ever eaten these?” Albus asked of the berries as he
ate one. “Aren’t
you going to wash that first?” Draco asked Albus. Harry snorted
in irritation. “Harry
washes them before he brings them,” Albus said. “Don’t
you?” “Yeah,”
Harry said giving Draco a hard look and then away. “I use the
fresh sacs of Lipper trees. At the bottom of these trees there are
like…small sacs of fresh water from the tree. I used that to
wash them. But I think Albus would eat them dirty anyway.”
Albus chuckled and each student took and tried the sweet juicy
berries. “I
like these,” Debbie said. “Tastes
sort of like grapes but sweeter,” Ron said. “Very good.
Are these rare?” “No.
Not really,” Harry said. “They do grow in the tops of
trees, so I have to climb up to get them, but…it’s no
trouble. And before you ask, yes, I’ll go get you more of them
for your pie you simply must have.” Harry teased Albus who
grinned. “Yupi
berry pie is my favorite,” Albus said. “Harry knows that
my own mother would prepare it for me in my youth.” “And
since you’re older than dirt and can’t climb a tree
anymore you make me do it. You’re slave driver,” Harry
teased. “And why are you all here?” Harry popped the last
berry into his mouth and chewed it. “Why
don’t you go shower and then we’ll speak of things. You
know you have clothing here,” Albus said in the way that Harry
knew a discussion of some kind was imminent. Harry never moved but
took a small glance to each of them. “I
don’t like this,” Harry said of the situation. “You
are all here and obviously waiting on me to arrive and Malfoy hasn’t
opened his smart mouth once.” Harry gave a glare to Draco who
sat in the chair, spoke not a word and refused to look at him. “And
that is even more suspicious. Someone needs to start talking before I
get pissed.” “Harry,
take a shower,” Albus said giving the look over his glasses.
Harry narrowed his eyes and gave them all a questioning look. “Fine,”
Harry said as he took off his bow and quivers and vanished them.
Harry stilled again and looked to each of them. “You’re
covering them from me and I don’t like it.” Harry said to
Albus and then turned to go to the back of Albus’ quarters and
shower. “Covering?”
Neville asked. “I
covered you all with my own spell so that Harry couldn’t get
anything from your minds,” Albus said. “He was searching
as to the reason you were all here and he probed each of you. He’s
very sneaky. I knew he’d try it.” Albus shared the
berries with the students who eagerly asked about his mother and his
childhood while Harry showered and dressed. Draco sat in the chair
and rubbed the dragon tear in his hand. “Draco, what is it you
have there?” Draco held up the emerald-like stone between
finger and thumb and handed it to Albus. “A dragon tear.
Remarkable and very rare in this color. Tell me. Where did you get
this?” Albus asked with a scowl. “Harry,”
Draco said. “On our adventure into the forest at the dry river.
The snakes told him it was in one of the tide pools and he dived in
and got it. And then…he gave it to me.” “I
see,” Albus said quietly as he held up the stone to the light
and looked through it. “A perfect stone and in emerald color. A
rare prize for you.” Albus handed it back to Draco who held it
lovingly in his hands as he rubbed it. “Yes,”
Draco nodded a bit in some sad way. The others knew that Draco was a
bit apprehensive about the upcoming discussion. A lively discussion
was breached over a current debate topic in the political realm when
Harry came out from his shower dressed in jeans, no shirt and
barefoot. The students were in the midst of the debate with Albus, so
Harry just sat on the floor between Albus and Draco’s chairs
and leaned against the stone hearth of the fireplace. Without having
heard the whole discussion, Harry conjured and began to work on a
project with his hands as the others kept up their bickering of their
own opinions. Harry tried several different designs on his project as
the others wound down their topic. “What
is that you’re working on?” Ron asked. “A
weapon,” Harry said. “My own design. Just something I
thought up and have been working on.” “Interesting,”
Albus said looking at it in Harry’s hands. “What is it?” “It’s
a mix of a wand and a blade,” Harry said. “If there would
ever be need of such an atrocity, a wizard could cast with the wand
or use the blade. See how when holding the wand to cast a spell the
blade curves around the top of the hand? I just thought it was cool.
Useless, I suppose, but…I need something to do and this is
good as any right now.” “That’s
a good idea,” Neville said. “I could use that.” “For
what?” Harry asked. “Who would ever need this?”
Harry said holding it up. “Wizards use wands for everything and
hardly ever rely on their physical skills of defense. I hate wands. I
think they should all be destroyed.” “Why
do you think that?” Ginny asked. “Wands
are weak and dampen the spells,” Harry said. “Magic is in
the wizard, not in the wand. So why use a wand?” Harry asked
them all. “Not
everyone knows wandless magic,” Seamus said. “Why
not? You could do it,” Harry said. “Any wizard can use
wandless magic with enough instruction and practice. I don’t
understand why it’s not taught at school.” “We’ve
been through this a million times, Harry,” Albus said. “The
training required to teach students wandless magic takes years to
learn.” “And
the students stay here for years,” Harry argued. “Start
them in first year.” “There
would be an additional class for each student in the school and the
practicing of wandless magic has to be overseen by a professor,”
Albus argued back. “The teachers have no time to teach all
their classes and also oversee each student practicing their skills
each day.” “Then
let the seventh years tutor the younger kids during common room
time…or come up with something else,” Harry said. “I’m
not arguing about this again with you,” Albus said. “You’re
stubborn.” “Whatever,”
Harry said holding his project and changing the blade style a bit
wandlessly to try and perfect the weapon. “And the answer to
your question is no.” “I
didn’t say anything yet,” Albus said. “You
don’t have to say a word around me and you know it,”
Harry gave him the look. “Your thoughts are pounding into my
brain just sitting this close to you. And it doesn’t take too
many brain cells to figure out why you’re all here.”
Harry gave Draco a small glance before he looked back at his project.
“Isn’t that right, Malfoy?” “I
was brought here the same as you,” Draco said. “Potter.”
The name was said in a disgustful tone. “We
all know that Moody told you to break it off with Draco,” Ron
said. “And we’re here to convince you he’s wrong.” “Is
that so?” Harry said in the most uninterested voice he had. “Harry,
I think you need to tell us why you think Mad Eye is right,”
Hermione said. “And
I think I don’t have to tell you a damn thing,” Harry
said giving her a cold look. “Watch
your language,” Albus said kindly. “I happen to agree
with your friends. Alastor was wrong in even suggesting you bring
your relationship with Draco to an end and I have spoken to him in
that regard. Your mental and emotional conditioning is for your
upcoming battle and Draco will be a part of that. You need to work
together. The forced separation from someone you care about at this
time will do more harm than good.” “That’s
why he made me run until I threw up. Twice,” Harry said. “I
knew someone said something to him. He was not in his usually
pleasant mood after lunch.” “Harry,
you’re avoiding the issue,” Hermione said. “Was
I?” Harry asked sarcastically and then sat for a few moments in
thought. “So you think I’m wrong? All of you?” “I
do,” Seamus nodded. “Me,
too,” Dean said. Neville and Debbie nodded. “You’re
stupid,” Ron said. “And
you?” Harry asked Draco. “I
think you know how I feel already,” Draco said bearing his
soul. “Then
make the choice for me,” Harry said. “Suppose you are
given the choice of living only to see someone you love suffer, or
simply dying to prevent the one you love from suffering at all. Now
choose.” “Your
sentiments are noted and my gratuity is given,” Draco said.
“But you have no right to assume anything and make life
changing decisions for those individuals based solely on those
assumptions. Harry, we know the Ministry will come after you. We know
that you’ll either give in or run. As much as half of me would
rejoice at having you dead, it would be a waste. And of the other
matter, if you go, I’m going with you.” “No,
you’re not,” Harry said with a snort of laughter. “I
already told you. No. You’re not coming with me.” “Then
I’ll look for you,” Draco said. “Why
do you do that? Why?” Harry asked. “You are such a pain.
No one on earth irritates me like you do. Not even Voldemort is as
much of a thorn as you.” “Thank
you,” Draco drawled making it into a compliment. “Only
you would take that as a compliment,” Ron said. “If
you decide to run with me, then I’m not running,” Harry
said. “I’m over it anyway. I don’t want to live
like that. I’d never have a moment of rest knowing I was being
tracked constantly. I’d never be apprehended, of course,
but…it’s the thought of always watching, waiting…like
the prey from the hunter.” Harry vanished his weapon project
and pulled up his knees to his chest and laid his forehead on his
knees. “There are just things that you all will never
understand.” “That’s
because you never tell us anything, Harry,” Hermione said in a
huff. “Then
use your head and understand what you know already,” Harry said
with hurt. “Look at me and see me for the first time. I’m
only seventeen years old, Herm. I’m not even considered an
adult. I am still a child faced with a responsibility that you can’t
even begin to fathom. Things you all take for granted I would love to
be able to do. I can kill a league of trained militants with one cast
but I’ve never even been on a pair of friggin’ roller
skates.” “Fine,
I’ll buy you a pair,” Ron said trying to help. “A
bit late now, don’t you think?” Harry asked sadly and let
that sentiment linger for many moments as he took off his glasses and
put them in the floor to rub his eyes and run fingers through his
still damp hair. “I’ve racked my brain to try and think
of a way, Draco. And I can’t think of anything to get me out of
this. I’ll go to trial and I’ll be guilty and everyone
knows it. There’s nothing I can do or say. They’ll ask me
about what I can do and I’ll have to tell the truth. And the
one question that will determine my fate is the one I’ll have
to answer. Are you a danger to those around you? Yes. Yes, I am. Then
you Mister Potter get the injection and boom it’s over.” “Are
you a danger to those around you? No,” Draco said. Harry
snorted and then locked gazes with Draco for a moment before the
rumbling of the entire foundation of Hogwarts took a jolt and a
shaking for just a moment. “Now
tell me the right answer,” Harry said of making the whole
school shake. “If I let go, you’re all dead.” “And
that’s why you’ve been trained,” Albus said. “And
what good is training at a trial? The Ministry doesn’t care if
I’m the best trained mouse in the cage,” Harry said.
“They won’t let me loose on society. Are you kidding me?
We’ve been through this a hundred times.” “The
point of this discussion isn’t the trial at all,” Debbie
said. “The point of all your friends being here today, Harry,
is to let you know that one decision you made may have been in error.
That one.” Debbie pointed to Draco. “Debbie’s
right, Harry,” Neville said. “So
we called you on your crap,” Seamus said. “I’ve
never been right in an argument with you before. And I want to
remember it.” Harry gave that crooked grin in spite of himself. “Are
we famous for that?” Dean asked Seamus. “I
think so,” Seamus told Dean and Harry shook his head and rubbed
his forehead. “Where
do I find these idiots?” Harry asked. “Gryffindor
Tower,” Draco said with a smirk. Harry chuckled softly and
looked to his arm when Albus let go of the little magnet and it
stuck. Albus chuckled to himself. “Stop
that,” Harry said picking off the magnet and putting it back on
the side table. Albus picked it up and dropped it in front of him and
in mid drop it took a turn and stuck to Harry’s shoulder. Harry
picked it off. “I said stop it, you crazy old man.” “I
think that is so interesting. I’ve never seen anyone magnetic,”
Albus said. “Well,
you can still stop,” Harry put the magnet on the side table
again. “And leave it there or I’m killing you.” “Don’t
threaten him,” Draco warned. Harry’s head snapped to
Draco. “Don’t
tell me what to do,” Harry said. “You
need someone to tell you because you sure don’t have the good
sense to do it yourself,” Draco said. “Shut
your hole,” Harry argued back. “You’re alive
because of those same decisions, pal.” “What
bullshit,” Draco said. “I’m a Malfoy, Potty.
Whatever you’ve done in your pathetic existence hasn’t
affected me in the slightest. Loyalty to light or dark means nothing
to me. I go with the winning side at the time to keep me living. I’m
a bastard, so sue me, but at least I’m an alive one.” “How
Slytherin of you,” Michael said. “Thank
you. I just love all these compliments I get around here,”
Draco said. “And
you deserve them all,” Ron said sarcastically as the other
students snickered. “Ron,
you’ve known me for six years, don’t act surprised,”
Draco said. “But
to hear you admit it is another thing,” Hermione said. “It’s
Potter’s fault,” Draco said. “Everything is always
his fault. That’s my mantra.” “I
have several,” Harry said. “Moody will work me until I
pass out tomorrow just for thinking that I was in the same room with
you, Draco.” “Then
don’t train tomorrow,” Albus said. Harry looked at the
man as if he’d turned green. “What
are you talking about? Two days is all I have. You know that,”
Harry said. “And
what further training do you need?” Albus asked. Harry sat and
shook his head. “Nothing,”
Harry said. “I need nothing. I just…train to have
something to do. But you people make me crazy. I get told one thing
and then another. Moody says ‘get your head out of your ass and
think, Potter. This isn’t any time for you to be getting all
sweet on some boy. Drop this mushy feely shit.’ And then you
all say ‘But Moody is wrong. You’re in error Harry.’
No wonder I’m a fruitcake. It’s just like Kiata on my
casting grankas. I have a better cast than she does but she insists
that I use her method. So I use hers. But mine is still better.
Nobody makes any sense to me anymore.” Harry rubbed his
fingertips on his eyes hard and took a long sigh. “No wonder
enigmas seek out solitude. I totally understand it. It’s not me
that’s insane, it’s everyone else.” “I
agree,” Albus said. Everyone in the room gave him an odd look.
“Everyone has their own opinions. I am very well aware that
others think I’m somewhat eccentric myself.” “You
are,” Harry said. “See? That’s part of my problem,
too. You. You’re a nut, my primary teacher in all things and
I’m just like you. Everyone says ‘oh Harry you’re
just like Albus.’ Do you know what they’re really saying?
I’ll tell you. ‘Oh, Harry you’re just as nutty as
the old man with one marble rolling around upstairs.’”
Albus laughed and ruffled Harry’s hair, and he tried to move
his head away. “Stop it. You’re messing up my hair. You
know how picky I am over it.” Harry laughed with everyone else
over the state of hair. “Draco, I’m sorry for pissing you
off today. But I sort of do what I’m told sometimes.” “You
need to learn not to do that,” Draco said elated inside. Harry
reached for Draco’s hand and rubbed his thumb over his wrist.
‘Property of HJP’ appeared. “But I’m not
owned by you.” “Yes,
you are,” Harry said with that grin and look of pure affection
for his one. “No,
I’m not,” Draco said. “Not by you or Voldemort or
anyone.” “I
like that dark mark on you,” Harry said. “I think the
dark mark is very cool. Voldemort did well with that, I think. It was
a good idea for him.” “You
are just not agreeing with Voldemort,” Ginny said shocked. “Yeah.
I do all the time,” Harry said with a nod. “He’s
brilliant. His ideas are pure genius.” Albus nodded. “But
I had a brilliant idea today in the forest.” Harry stood up to
stretch up his hands as high as they would go and every rib showed. “You
are so skinny, Harry,” Hermione said. “You need to eat
more.” “Leave
me alone,” Harry said. “I’m fine.” Draco
tugged on the loop of Harry’s jeans to pull him back into the
chair with him. They sat and Draco put his leg over Harry’s.
They intertwined their fingers. “Oh god just touching you gives
me chills. Look.” Harry held up his arm that was covered in
goose pimples. “I’m
great,” Draco said. “Yes,
you are,” Harry smiled. “Tell
us about this brilliant idea,” Ron said. “I just can’t
wait to hear this.” “I
want to go to the Ministry and talk to Fudge,” Harry said. “What?!”
Draco asked. “Oh god…why do you do that? You can’t
just walk into the Ministry.” “Yes,
I can. I do it all the time,” Harry said. “I’m
usually in cuffs when I do it, but I go there a lot.” Harry
laughed softly. “Why
do you want to speak to Fudge?” Albus asked. “I
want him to sign some paperwork to the effect that I’m an
employee of the Ministry,” Harry said. “I want him to
hire me to kill Voldemort. That way he can’t prosecute me.” “What
a good idea,” Hermione said. “Except for the fact that
he’d never do that in a million years.” “Fine.
Then Voldemort lives,” Harry said. “Piss on it. Either
Fudge signs my forms or I’m not doing anything. And I think I
have a better plan than he does anyway.” “Harry,
we can’t wait and you know that,” Albus said. “Voldemort
has plans in the works for the future. If he gains access to…” “He
won’t,” Harry said. “Voldemort will never gain
access to that power.” “There
are some things that you don’t know, Harry,” Albus said. “There
is hardly anything I don’t know,” Harry said slyly with
that mischievous look. “The
parchments that Voldemort wanted were stolen,” Albus said. Ron,
Hermione and Draco laughed and Harry grinned. “I
know that,” Harry said. “I’m the one who stole
them. Voldemort seeks the power of the stars and he will never have
it because I stole those parchments myself. I have them hidden so
that Voldemort can’t have access to them. And I made fifty
thousand on the heist which was for myself anyway. I’m a
hustler.” “You
stole the Giriardi Star Parchments?” Albus asked. Harry nodded.
“Harry, how could you? That’s theft.” “Theft?
Piss on theft. I was sort of thinking it was more like saving the
damn world,” Harry said. “Theft. What a joke. Now I have
an ace in the hole with Fudge and all the time I want with Voldemort.
So now tell me how insane I am. Who has the power now? Me.”
Harry crossed his arms with that tight-lipped smile. “Where
are the parchments?” Albus asked. “Here
at Hogwarts,” Harry said. “You want to see them?” “How
did you break in to the Oppenheim Building? There are armed wizard
guards, security wards all over the place, lighted beam sensors, and
guard dogs,” Albus asked. “It
was easy,” Draco said with a grin. “I
took dumb ass here with me,” Harry said motioning to Draco.
Albus shook his head in disbelief. “I had to. He wouldn’t
let go of me.” “That
couldn’t have been easy,” Michael said. “It
was,” Draco said. “Harry has had the building plans for
weeks and…” Harry put his hand over Draco’s mouth. “Shut
up, please,” Harry said. Albus gave Harry the look. “So
you were the one who broke into Vanticats Architecture and stole the
building plans,” Albus said. Harry nodded. “And you also
broke into Junder Security to get the information on the lighted beam
security systems on the building.” “Yes.
That would be me,” Harry said. “I’m a criminal and
a thief. But I’m a damn good one.” “You
could have been caught, Harry,” Albus said. “I can’t
condone theft.” “I’m
not asking you to,” Harry said. “For me it’s better
to ask forgiveness than permission because you never let me do
anything. So I do it anyway because I have to. Besides if you were
questioned on the matter, you could honestly say that you had no idea
or influence over my decisions or actions. I was protecting you. But
it doesn’t matter. All I need from you is an escort to the
Ministry to tell Fudge that if he doesn’t sign a waiver for me
to kill Voldemort, then he’s on his own with it. I’ll
even donate my wand to the cause so he’ll have a fighting
chance against him one on one. Aren’t I a nice guy?”
“Good
plan,” Neville said. “I knew you’d think of
something.” “And
you took Draco along on this dangerous theft mission? Harry, that was
very irresponsible,” Albus said. “He
was physically attached to me,” Harry said. “I couldn’t
kill him, so I had to let him come with me.” “They
had a big fight over it,” Seamus said. “It
was interesting,” Dean said. Draco laughed a bit. “That
was fun, Harry,” Draco said. “The lighted beams were
quite tricky, but…that thing you did with the flour was
excellent.” “Thanks.
I thought that up myself,” Harry said. “But you did well
with your…bendy flexible thing to get through it. You’re
a great criminal, Draco.” “Thanks,”
Draco said. “Would
you like to go out tonight?” Harry asked Draco. “No.
No more thievery,” Albus said. “I’m
not thieving tonight because there is nothing I need right now,”
Harry said. “I was merely asking Draco out on a date.” “I’m
not allowing you to go to London,” Albus said. “Draco,
do you want to go out?” Harry asked. “He
just said you couldn’t go,” Draco said. “Fine.
I won’t take you to London,” Harry said. “I’ll
take you to Paris. Or Rome. Or Milan. Or…well, just anywhere
you want to go.” “Harry,
no,” Albus said. “Why
not?” Harry asked. “Because
I can’t allow students to leave the school grounds without an
escort,” Albus said. “I
don’t need a chaperone,” Harry said. “I think you
know I can take care of myself and anyone else who happens to be
around at the time.” “Please
don’t leave the school grounds,” Albus asked kindly.
Harry groaned in irritation. “You’re
not very good at this parenting thing,” Harry said and joined
in as the others laughed softly to themselves. “Forgive
me,” Albus said with sarcasm of his own. “I’m over
a hundred and just became a parent. I’m a bit inexperienced at
having a teenager at all, but with having you is another story all
together.” “Not
true,” Harry said. “I’m just a normal seventeen
year old. I like to do normal stuff every now and then.” “Well,
we can’t go off school grounds, but there are other things we
could do,” Draco said. “You could take me on another
tour.” “Oh,
take us, please,” Dean said. “I’m
not taking you on a date with us,” Harry said. “But
we like doing that stuff,” Seamus said. “Please, Draco?
Let us go.” “Where
are you going?” Albus asked them. “I
have no idea what these idiots are talking about,” Harry said.
“I never told them I was going anywhere.” “We
want another adventure,” Debbie grinned. “I’d
like to go again if you go,” Michael said and Ginny laughed. “We
could, Harry, if you want,” Draco said. “You could take
us somewhere.” “No.
Please don’t,” Neville said. “It’s always
scary and…I just freak out when I follow you around.” “Then
don’t go Neville,” Harry gave Neville a smile. “I
will. I always go,” Neville said. “That
makes no sense,” Harry said. “If you don’t want to
go, then don’t go.” “I
can’t help it,” Neville said and all the students
snickered. “Can
I take the students into the forest at night?” Harry asked
Albus. “No,”
Albus said. “I think I’ve mentioned that every single
year since you’ve been here.” “Every
time I ever ask you anything you say no,” Harry said. “Ask
him if you can go to Hogsmeade on Saturday,” Hermione said with
a smirk. “Can
I go to Hogsmeade on Saturday?” Harry asked with a grin. “I’ll
think about it,” Albus teased and then students laughed softly. “Will
you help me on my paperwork, Draco?” Harry asked. “I need
to write out a liability form for Fudge stating that I’ll do
what I’m supposed to do if all charges are waived against me
for anyone that ends up dead, property that gets destroyed, or…well,
anything else that could possibly happen so that there’s no way
for them to catch me in a loophole.” “But
you always ask me for things like that,” Hermione pouted and
crossed her arms in a huff. “But
you’ll help regardless if I ask you or not,” Harry said. “Hermione,
would you help me with that?” Draco asked. “Yes,
Draco. I’d love to,” Hermione said and then stuck out her
tongue at Harry. “Harry,
are you going somewhere cool today? Cause if you do, I want to go,”
Ginny said. “Just
a small trip?” Debbie asked with a smile. “Like
what?” Harry asked. “Just let me sit here and think of
somewhere.” Harry flicked out his hand to conjure a granka and
twirled the circular blade around and around his finger as he sat and
thought. “Albus,
we may need your assistance with Harry’s waiver,” Draco
said. “There are some legal technicalities that need to be
worded perfectly. And Hermione we may need to research on the
penalties given by the Ministry.” “See?
I knew you’d work for me one day,” Harry teased. “You
seem to be a bit confused,” Draco said, patting Harry’s
knee. “I never do anything for anyone unless I’m
benefiting from it.” “We
may need to start on this waiver right now,” Hermione said.
“Depending on its length and in depth focus, it could take a
few days.” “If
you get it done and signed I’ll go Saturday,” Harry said.
“If not, then…I’ll wait. You give me a day to go
get Voldemort and I’ll go kill the bastard. I could find him
easy. He leaves a trail so easy like some trudhog.” “What’s
that?” Michael asked. “A
trudhog?” Harry asked as if everyone knew. “It’s a
wild boar type creature from the forest. They leave trails so easy to
follow that anyone could do it blindfolded. And very good to eat.
Aren’t they?” Harry asked Albus who nodded. “Yes.
The trudhog’s flesh is similar to a common pig,” Albus
said. “Last summer when on drills, Harry killed one, butchered
it and cooked it for all of us.” “All
of us? Who was that?” Ron asked. “Harry,
myself, Moody, Kiata, and six squads,” Albus said. “About
thirty people.” “It
was after the battle simulations,” Harry said. “Me and
Moody made a pit and I cooked it for two days in the pit with slow
embers, flavored sweet woods and lava rocks. It was absolutely
delicious. Oh god that was so good. We need to do that again. I know
where there’s a herd of about thirty right now. Easy hunting.” “We
could do that,” Albus said with a nod. “You
want me to go get one?” Harry asked excitedly. “Not
right now,” Albus said. “But
I could get one in about…seven minutes,” Harry said. “How
many would it take to feed the entire school?” Albus asked. “The
entire school?” Harry asked. “About…” Harry
sat and thought for a moment. “Probably about fifteen hogs.
But…I could do that. It would take about an hour but I could
find them.” “Not
today, Harry, I meant that we could plan an event of it,” Albus
said. “An
event?” Draco asked. “At
some later date,” Albus said. “Possibly instead of having
a leaving feast at the end of term indoors, we could move the
celebration to the front lawn. I’ll give you permission to
prepare the pits and allow the house elves to assist if necessary
with watching the coals.” “Okay,”
Harry said. “I’m just in a hunting mood today. I was in
the forest all afternoon and…I just love it in there. I would
live in the forest if you’d let me.” “I’m
not letting you,” Albus said. “Even Hagrid thinks you
spend too much time in the trees.” “That
last hunt when Hagrid got the honey in his hair…oh my god, I
thought I would die of laughing at him,” Harry said with a
laugh and then told the students the story of the hunt of one summer
and the beehive incident and everyone laughed heartily. “I
could hunt,” Ginny said. “I think I could do that. I like
the forest…well, during the daylight.” “I’ll
take you hunting with me when I go looking for the hogs if you want
to go,” Harry said. “They don’t attack, they’re
slow running, and easy to track. Perfect for a girl to hunt.”
Harry teased. “You’d
better lay off on the male chauvinist crap,” Hermione said.
“I’ve had it up to here with your male ego trips.” “Harry
has picked up that bad habit from the Aurors,” Albus scolded
Harry. “The squads are all men who are mostly all married and
like to joke and tease about women.” “You
know what’s worse than a male chauvinist?” Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. “A woman that won’t do what she’s
told.” Harry burst out into laughter as Hermione, Ginny and
Debbie all took turns punching him in the arm. “You bitches.
Leave me alone.” “You
asked for that,” Albus said. “I
just tease them,” Harry said. “They know I don’t
mean it. Don’t you?” “No,
we don’t,” Ginny said. “That’s the problem.
We believe you when you say things like that.” “You
are very mean to females,” Draco said. “I think you know
what I’m speaking of.” “That’s
different,” Harry said. “I treat everyone like crap when
they’re just hanging around to get something from me.” “What
did you learn today?” Albus asked. “No
feeling. Stay numb. Remain strong. Kill the enemy,” Harry
teased. “That’s
what Moody had you saying,” Draco spat. “The man is a
nut. You shouldn’t even be around him.” “What
I meant was, did you learn anything new?” Albus asked. “No,”
Harry asked slinging the granka up to the ceiling and catching it
expertly. “They don’t know anything else to teach me I
don’t think.” Harry swirled the granka around his finger
from the inside. “I
wish you’d put that thing away,” Ginny said of the blade.
“You make me nervous with it.” “It’s
fun,” Harry said. “And I’m bored. I need something
to do.” “I
thought you were going to take us on tour,” Michael said. Harry
turned Draco’s arm over to look at his watch. “There’s
an hour until dinner,” Harry said. “Do all of you have
homework?” Several students did but most did not. “Go do
it and after dinner I’ll take you somewhere.” “Where?”
Neville asked. “I
don’t know. I haven’t decided yet,” Harry said. “Be
careful with them,” Albus said. “I’m
careful with them,” Harry argued. “Nobody that has ever
gone with me has died. So there.” “That’s
a comfort,” Ron said sarcastically. “Almost
died, but not all the way,” Harry said. “But if you
remember on all these crazy things like with the Ministry of Magic in
fifth year, I was going alone and you people just had to argue with
me and come along. So if you get hurt when I tell you not to come
with me, I’m not responsible for you.” “Yes
you are,” Draco said. “You’re our little security
blanket because we know with absolutely no doubt that nothing would
happen to us while you’re there. We know it. That’s why
we go.” “That’s
true,” Debbie said. “I’m not the least bit afraid
when you’re around.” “How
nice,” Harry said. “Thank you. You’re not afraid of
me, Deb?” “Why
should I be?” Debbie asked. “It’s
just that most Hufflepuffs are terrified of me,” Harry said.
“Come on, Draco. Let’s go so that these can do homework.” “Yeah,
let’s go,” Draco said eagerly as they stood. “Harry,
where are you taking the students after dinner?” Albus asked. “I
have no idea,” Harry said. “We’ll be on the
grounds.” “I
meant where in the school,” Albus asked. “I
don’t know,” Harry said. “I’ll think of
something safe. See you later.” The ten students left the
quarters. “I wanted to take you to Blackwater. I need to fight
today. I have this uncontrollable urge to beat the crap out of
somebody.” “Harry,
you’re not wearing a shirt. You’ll be in deep shit if a
teacher sees you,” Ron said. Harry flicked a finger and
conjured a shirt onto himself. “That
Blackwater place. That’s where the street fighting is,”
Draco confirmed. Harry nodded. “I can’t understand that
street talk you jabber on with sometimes.” “My
street fighter name is Blackhawk,” Harry told them. “Most
of the time it’s general physical fighting. Fist fights. But
sometimes I’d get lucky and come across some nut that thinks
they know how to fight with a weapon. We’d use anything.
Knives, sticks, whips...” “Whip
fights?” Hermione asked. Harry nodded. “Hell
yeah,” Harry said. “Watch this.” Harry stopped in
the hall and conjured a long black leather whip with a black handle.
With another flick of his wrist, he conjured a small metal coin.
Harry flipped out the coin and slung the whip hitting it with the
very tip of the whip sending it clinking down the hallway. “I
love it.” “Let
me see that,” Ron asked. Harry handed him the whip. Ron moved
further down and slung the whip making it crack in the air. “Holy
shit. This is cool.” Michael and Seamus also tried the whip and
were equally impressed with playing with it. “You
want me to use that?” Draco asked in that sexy voice. Harry
wiggled his fingers and then created a smaller black handle with
several long softer suede ends. “Here.
You can use this one,” Harry handed it to him and Draco
immediately struck Harry’s back with it. “Oh hell yes.
That feels great. Doesn’t hurt at all. Do it again.”
Draco gave several more lashes that Harry stood still to take. “That
feels good. It does, I swear it.” “Do
me,” Ron said as he lined up next to Harry. Draco gave the
whipping to Ron. “Stings a bit.” “I
could become addicted to this,” Draco said and the others
laughed. “Anyone else want their punishment?” Michael,
Seamus and Dean all took a lashing. “Oh god. I am just some bad
ass dominant with five slaves. This rules.” “One
slave,” Ron said pointing to Harry. “You can whip Harry
all you want. I’m done.” The others moved away and Harry
put his hands on his head lacing his fingers in a surrendering
stance. “You
want me bound and gagged?” Harry asked. “I could do that,
too.” “You
sick bastard,” Hermione said. “Come on. We’re in
the middle of the hallway. If anyone comes through here, they’ll
ask questions.” “And
I’ll answer them,” Draco said as he lay a slash on
Harry’s back. “You
are really turning me on with this shit, Draco,” Harry said. At
the admission, Draco gave a succession of five slashes across Harry’s
back. “Oh god.” Harry crossed his eyes and whimpered at
the sensations. “Come
on. Let’s go back to the den,” Draco said. “Then I
can tie you up and whip you like you need it.” “Fine
with me,” Harry said as they started walking again. “I’m
not into that,” Neville said. “That seems cruel to me.” “It’s
a mind thing,” Draco said. “Harry has need of being
dominated. And I’m simply perfect for that. But Harry can be
dominant, too sometimes.” “This
is more information than we needed,” Ron said. Harry laughed
with the others. “It’s
all foreplay,” Harry said. “It’s all a sex game.
Draco and I have done some very strange things. Haven’t we?” “Yes,
we have,” Draco nodded with a smile. “Very strange
things.” “Oh
I meant to tell you this joke that Auror Peck told me,” Harry
said. “Tell
us then,” Debbie said. “Okay.
A guy came into a bar one day and said to the bartender, ‘Give
me six double vodkas.’ The bartender says, ‘Wow! you must
have had one hell of a day.’ ‘Yes, I've just found out my
older brother is gay.’ The next day the same guy came into the
bar and asked for the same drinks. When the bartender asked what the
problem was today the answer came back, ‘I've just found out
that my younger brother is gay too!’ On the third day the guy
came into the bar and ordered another six double vodkas. The
bartender said, ‘Damn, doesn't anybody in your family like
women? And the man says, ‘Yeah, my wife.’” All the
students laughed hard over the joke. “Oh
god that was so funny. The Aurors are all the time telling me dirty
jokes and…just all sorts of shit like that. They know I’m
bisexual and it absolutely freaks them out. They’re all
straight except for Lieutenant Nen and he’s gay,” Harry
said. “Please
don’t tell me you’ve had sex with any of them,”
Draco said. “I
haven’t,” Harry said. “What must you think of me,
Draco? But Nen does ask me out occasionally.” “Did
you go out with him?” Hermione asked. “Hell
no,” Harry said as if it were insane to even ask. “Moody
would have a fit and run me till I drop, Nen would end up fired or
worse, and besides he’s definitely not my type. I do fuck
around with his mind, though.” Harry laughed a bit. “You
tease,” Draco said. Harry grinned. “I
do tease him,” Harry said. “He’s just not a
Slytherin Death Eater like you, Draco. Damn, you’re perfect.
You got class and style and you got that true player way that’s
trump tight.” “What
the hell?” Michael asked. Harry laughed. “That’s
his street talk crap,” Draco said with a grin. “I
just complimented Draco because he’s got it going on,”
Harry said. “Draco’s in full effect.” “Just
shut up,” Hermione said. “You little street urchin. I
think part of your problem, Harry, is that you’ve done so many
different things that you’ve picked up on all of it to create
your whole persona. And that’s a bit overwhelming to others who
haven’t had as many experiences as you.” “That
would be the entire Wizarding world,” Ginny said. “I
just gave up,” Harry said. “I blend in with the current
atmosphere wherever I happen to be. I have the ability to speak
coherently and even properly in a given situation and if I can’t
I keep my mouth shut. I can also sling slang on the street at
Blackwater when I’m kicking some game,” Harry said. “The
only problem I have is when I’m at dinner parties. I freak out
when I have to wear a tux or…that dress up Wizarding robe
garbage and be paraded around like a circus animal for viewing. I
hate that crap. Make me feel cheap and used.” “I
thought you liked feeling cheap and used,” Draco grinned. “Just
with you,” Harry said with a grin of his own at the tease. The
students ended up at the den.
“We’re
going to do homework,” Ginny said. “After the meal are
you taking us somewhere or not?” “Yeah.
I’ll take you somewhere,” Harry told them. “I’ll
find something. You want to see hidden rooms or do something that
will take your breath?” “Rooms,”
Neville said. “Breath,”
Seamus grinned. “Breath,”
Ginny said. “Breath,”
Debbie said. “Breath,”
Dean said. “Doesn’t
matter,” Ron said. “They’re
probably the same thing,” Hermione said. Harry laughed. “They’re
not,” Harry said. “And of you my dragon? Rooms or
breath?” “I’m
hoping you’ll take my breath in this room,” Draco put his
hand on the den muttered the password and pulled Harry toward the
door. “After
dinner meet us here,” Harry said to the group before he was
pulled all the way inside the den and the entryway closed. “Oh
no,” Neville said as the group began to walk down the corridor. “I
can’t wait to see what he will have us doing,” Michael
told the group. “There
is no telling what it might be,” Ron said. “We’ll
just have to wait and find out.” “If
he’s not too tired after what he’s probably getting in
that room right now,” Seamus said. “Seamus,”
Hermione scolded shaking her head. “You
know he’s getting laid,” Ginny said. “Which doesn’t
sound too bad to me either.” Ginny slipped her arm around
Michael. “What?”
Ron asked. The group laughed. “Ginny, don’t tell me shit
like that. You’re just a kid.” “I’m
a year younger than you and yes I do have sex, Ron,” Ginny
said. “And you know that already so shut the fuck up before I
land a hex on you.” “You’re
starting to sound like Harry,” Neville said. The others laughed
as they continued to the Gryffindor Tower.
http://www.ficsavers.com
Tomorrow Will Come
Chapter 15: Chapter 15
By: Kimberjingle
Chapter 15: The Breakup, Stay Numb, Whip Play