Trading Places

TITLE: Trading Spaces 10

RATING: R (slash warning m/m)

PAIRING: HG/SS, HP/DM, HP/HG (friendship)

A/N: We will be updating every two weeks, possibly with more than one installment,
depending on fate and life. Any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

SUMMARY: What do you call a cross between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin? A prefect!
Don't worry, it's not "what would happen in he had been sorted into . . ." Dumbledore
works in mysterious ways as Voldemort grows in power and daring. Other than that?
Shippyness, Snogging, Shagging, Snippy and Snarky! Trust me, it'll all make sense in a
little while.

GRATUITIES:

Goddess blue - whom I adore! Thanks for your latest review, I love the 'icing on the cake'
analogy, trust me, I was preening for two days over that! And the rest of you, if you'd
like a one shot of incredibly delicious story, read her story "closet case", it's like literary
expresso without the bitter!

Katy Kinneas - Us? Teases? Nah . . .not us . . .glad you're feeling the Hermione/Snape.

S. Wing - Yeah, poor teacher . . .poor cashmere sweater . . .

Arysta - welcome aboard and thank you! If we could ship you an evil book, you'd already have
one threatening to microwave food without poking holes in the packaging!

Maddie - Drift caught and heartily seconded!

LupusLuna - You asked for more, here's 24 pages for you!

Angel of the North - thanks for appreciated the humor, even if you think its OOC. Any
suggestions for correcting that? We'd be grateful for the help!

Mad About Harry - Hope you like this chapter and sorry, the days of three updates in one week
are long gone with x-mas break, back to classes means less time for fun . . .

LenaLovely12 - <eats a chocolate frog> Thanks bunches! Oh, and they're boys.

Abskii - well, we try to maintain as much humor as possible, but you need drama every now and
again. I think you'll like this chapter.

Chaos-Rose - lol, you crack me up. Hopefully your procedure will alter a little by the end of this
installment. <cryptic smile>

J-J - updated ASAP, hope you like it.

LMiC2001 - Thank you bunches!

Schulyr - Thanks, hope this chapter helps pick up the pace a bit.

grrbaby - you're gonna love this one!

Tuysuno - patience, grasshopper.

Diosa - Yes, he is. And he's not going to get in between that pairing, but you're really close . . .

biblioholic88 - here's more, as soon as we could.

Jeminia Auburn - Umm, thanks. <blushes> This may sound stupid, but what is 'kawaii'?

Risi - whoo hoo! We're more interesting than that neat thing that dishwashing soap does to
baked on grease! LOL. Thanks!

SparkySparkles - well, if he has his way . . .nope, can't say. That would be telling.

Drakon Sword - don't worry about the spelling, happens to the best of us. And thanks for the
long review, we *love* those! Glad to hear you're sticking around. And as for the
wandless magic thing, it gets better!

kittylove - perfect? Yeah, I like that.

the lurker princess - thanks for the review and the email. Also, thank you for being so detailed
in your review, that's really helpful. Hope you continue to like the story.

The Man-Eating Dust Bunny - lol, lol, lol, <gasps for breath> Where'd you come up with that
screen name? My imagination is currently engaged in too many jokes for me to talk.
<gasps through another round of giggles> Thanks for the review!

Canadian Wierdo - Was that a compliment or a cautionary for other readers? <smile> Thanks.

Transcendence - Updated, as requested.


And a very special thank you to the 29 peowho who put us on their favorites list, you know who
you are, and we know who you are, we just didn't want to make you wait another page before the
story started. So please, feel loved even though we didn't list ynamenames!


****************************************************************************************************

Severus Snape approached his potions classroom with his wand clutched in his
hand. He heard another rattle, followed by a boom and a crash. There were three
plausible explanations for the sounds emanating from the room ahead that he could
think of. One, the snakes were trying to make spireperepellant again. Two, Hazelheart
was trying to sneak off with some of his herbs again. Or three, Voldemort had been
able to sense the protection potions he was making and had sent some Death Eaters to
capture him. Serpents, herb-junkies, or assassins, he felt he was going in fully prepared
to face whatever it was. He was wrong.

His classroom was an absolute disaster. Cauldrons were turned over, bottles lay
smashed everywhere and textbooks were scattered to the four corners. In the middle of
all of the chaos, were two figures, one perched on his desk chair, the other merrily
stomping on something.

"Yeah! Throw it on the floor!" Rune cried. Then her eyes widened. "No, not
that one! It's too exspe- ohhh." She winced and hid her head under a wing.

"I told you, I'm evil! I don't listen to orders! on'ton't obey rules!" The book was
hopping up and down, squishing the contents of a jar of beetle eyes. "Yesterday, I
removed the tags off of all the couches in the Professor's Lounge before anyone could
stop me!"

"What is going on here?" Snape stood, mouth agape. "Rune?"

"Karma." She answered succinctly, ignoring the urge to cringe and apologize. "I
told you that you would rue the day!"

"Did you . . .let that book into my classroom?" He glared at the book, who was
currently throwing dried rose petals around like confetti.

"Yes. I did." She stated defiantly.

"But I would have found a way in eventually. Being how I'm so evil and
everything." The book pointed out, not wanting the bird to take credit for the mess.

"He's got a point." Rune commented.

"I can't believe you stooped low enough to team up with quasi-evil over there."
Snape sat down on the corner of his desk, one of the only clear surfaces in the room.

"My first name's Sheldon, actually." The book called out.

"Sheldon?"

"What, just because I'm evil, I can't have a given name? I'm Sheldon Evil,The The
Blackest Magic Ever Series. We're a rare and particularly nasty family." The book
ruffled it's pages proudly.

"Mmm, yes, I'm sure you'd scare the pasta outta Tony Soprano himself." A voice
came from the doorway. There stood Troy Tatterton, surveying the damage with
amusement, before settling his gaze on Snape. "Dungeon chic . . .a little cluttered, but
you make it work. No, really. Few people pull off tall, dark and creepy that well."

"Mr. Tatterton, I presume?" Snape crossed his arms over his chest. "Something
I can do for you?"

Troy lifted an eyebrow and looked Snape over slowly. "Maybe some other
time."

Rune looked confused. "Did he just - "

"I was actually looking for my classroom, when my staircase decided to play
limbo, and I ended up down here. Just wanted to see what all the ruckus was about."

Troy grinned. "So, you are . . ."

"Severus Snape, Potions Master." Rune answered for him, looking crossly at the
intruder.

"Can I call you Sevvie?"

"Not if you wish to live." Snape said darkly.

"Ooooh . . . that was a good threat." The book began to practice, strutting back
and forth on one of the tables. "Not if *you* wish to live. *NOT* if you wish to *LIVE*."

"Perhaps you can help me." Troy ignored the book. "I can't seem to find the
Headmaster's office . . ."

"Ah, I see." Snape moved towards the door. He turned to glower at the book
and the bird. "Are you two going to clean up the mess you made?"

"I am EVIL! I do not clean." The book stopped it's Snape impersonation for a
moment. "I don't even pre-rinse before putting dishes in the washing sink!"

"And I am not cleaning your classroom." Rune sniffed. "Obviously, you don't
want me in here." And with that she flew out the window Sn Snape accompanied Troy down the hall. "Would you like me to procure you
some robes for supper?"

"Not if you wish to live."

Severus shook his head. "Death threats."

*************


Hermione reclined against the leather couch in the Slytherin Common Room,
Crookshanks lazily reclining in her lap as she stroked his fur. She never thought that in
a million years that she would find herself working with Professor Snape, much less
liking the man. It was quite bizarre in the best possible sense of the word. She actually
looked forward to spending time with him. He was intelligent, sophisticated, and
possessed an amazing sense of humor. She doubted anyone at school saw him for who
he truly was.

To think that all of this happened because she'd been skulking around the castle!
True, impersonating a Jr. Death Eater made her stomach cramp but helping out the
Wizarding World was a priority. It was high time that Harry and Severus weren't the
only hero at Hogwarts.

Severus also said he was going to train her. She wasn't sure she could do
something so physically demanding. Sure, she was good with a spell and she
occasioy ray ran from something and the like. But being able to physically attack
Lucius Malfoy ? Hmm. . .maybe this wouldn't be so horrible after all. Hermione stood
up and placed Crookshanks on the couch, he gave a sulky growl but subsided.

She could almost picture it. Maybe she'd knock his wand out of his hand with a
spell and then she'd round on him before he could recover. Maybe she'd punch him.
Hermione moved her fist through the air, slugging the imaginary Lucius. "Yeah, who's
the toy now?" She said, getting into her fantasy. Then, she'd sweep his feet out from
under him, maybe he'd smack into the spooky stones. "Take that, you-"

"Are you very angry at the air or am I interrupting a fight with one of the
invisible ghosts?" Harry asked.

Hermione turned bright red. "Oh, hey Harry! Just, you know, erm-"

"Hitting thin air?"

"So, what's new with you? Get bit lately?"

"Ha ha." Harry said, folding his arms over his chest. "No, not today."

"So, what's going on with you?"

"Nothing. Just thought I'd lay down for awhile before dinner. I'm exhausted."
And with that he turned, and headed to his quarters. Hermione frowned. She knew
there was something going on, something that Harry was keeping to himself. After
Cedrad dad died, Harry had developed an unpredictable, moody edge to his
personality. He flew too fast, dived out of towers, tempted fate too much for her taste.
Then there was the incident over the summer.

Ron, Harry and Hermione had gone to the Quidditch World Cup and managed
to share their own tent. A group of Death Eaters had made another appearance, this
time with no fear and the protection of the newly risen Dark Lord. They had
Apparated in, each holding a muggle corpse, which they dropped in front of Fudge's
tent. The trio had been cned ned to their tent for Harry's protection. As they waited for
the all clear, Harry had paced back and forth, growing more and more agitated,
declaring that he should be part of the fight. Finally, he determined to leave the tent.
When Ron and Hermione tackled him to stop him, his eyes had flashed and every light
in their tent blew out. It had stunned them into immobility, and moments later a group
of aurors came to escort them back to the Burrow. The Quidditch World Cup was
canceled. They had never spoken of the event again, but it was still there, in
Hermione's head.

Coming back to Hogwarts had seen a return of the playful, comforting Harry
that Hermione loved like a brother. But being around Malfoy lately seemed to be
unsettling him once more. There was more going on then their old rivalry. And she
intended to find out what it was. Right now.

Hermione threw open the door to Harry's room. He was standing by the
window, a blanket draped over his shoulders."Harry?"

"I'm so cold." He said softly. "Is it cold in here?"

"No, not really." She frowned. It was late in the afternoon, and though the
dungeons were cooler than the Gryffindor Tower in the sunshine, it was still quite
warm.

" jus just be me, then." Harry sat down distractedly on his bed. "I was going
to take a nap. Wake me before the feast ok, Hermione?"

"No, I don't think so. We have to talk."

"Now?" He closed his eyes, sighing.

"What's going on with you Harry?" Hermione asked. "And don't say 'nothing'.
Something's wrong, I know it."

"Maybe I'm still sick from the boomslang - "

"It has nothing to do with that, and you know it. Is it Malfoy?" Harry closed
lips were firmly pressed together. "It is, isn't it? What's going on with you and him?"

"There is nothing going on." Harry was beginning to feel warm again.

"Yeah? Then why did you lie about seeing him the other night?"

"I . . .you . . .how did find out about that?" Harry sighed.

"I saw you on my way back to the castle with Snape." She lied without blinking
an eye, thinking maybe she was a little *too* good at the whole evil thing.

"I just didn't think it was important compared to your night." He shrugged.
Would she believe that?

"Yeah? Why was Malfoy touching your face when I walked into the hospital
wing?" She shot back.

"We were fighting."

"That's not what it looked like to me." Hermione raised a brow. "Looked to me
like he was going to kiss you."

Harry flushed a little, recalling Malfoy sprawled beneath him, the sparks of their
joined magic still in the air. He thought about Malfoy cupping his face andkingking into
his eyes with such intensity. "Well, he wasn't."

"Harry, please tell me you don't have a thing for Draco 'so-called-sex-god-of-Slytherin' Malfoy." In the back of her mind, as repulsive as the thought of her best
friend involved with that insufferable twit was, a part of her was relieved. Maybe she
could chalk up the moodiness to boy trouble.

"No, I . . .that's not the problem." Harry took a deep breath and looked into
Hermione's concerned eyes. "What do you know about joined magic?"

"Practically nothing." She frowned. "I haven't spent a lot of time on mythology
lately, because I wanted to concentrate on protection spells. But it *is* a myth, Harry.
Wizards can cast spells at the same time, but it's not the same as 'joined' magic."

"I know all of that, Hermione. But - " He stopped. Harry trusted her with his
life, but maybe he should keep this to himself for a little while. He would sneak into the
Restricted section of the Library later tonight and see what he could find out.
"Nevermind. It was a stupid idea."

"Harry? What - "

"Really, forget it. I guess I was just shook up about the whole snake incident and
some stuff Malfoy said." He smiled warmly at her. "Do you know where Snape is?"

"No! Why would I? It's not like I spend all my time with him or keep tabs on
him or anything!" She asserted quickly. Then, she blew out a breath, sounding calm
once more. "No, I don't."

He turned an amused face on her. "I wasn't suggesting anything of the kind. I
was going to propose you take a nap with me, but I don't want Snape to zap me again."

"Oh, of course. Actually, when I left him, he was going to the potions room to
check on something before dinner." She gave him a sheepish smile. He leaned back
against his pillows and opened his arms to her. She curled up beside him, resting her
head on his chest and looped his arms loosely around here, effectively enveloping them
both in the blanket, like two children hiding from their parents.

"So Hermione, answer a question for me. "S "Sure."

"You were *forced* to molest Snape, right?"

"Shut up, Harry."

***********


Draco entered the seventh year dorm room, his temporary bedroom until the bed
Dobby had destroyed was replaced. Quickly, he strode to the window and threw it
open. He was still a little warm. After a moment, he pulled his shirt off and threw it
across the room.

"Hey, dude! Watch it . . .I'm like, not a clothes hamper . . ."

"Haze? What are you doing in my room?" Draco said through gritted teeth. He
didn't need this right now. Fooling around with Harry Potter, magick moonbeams or
some crap shooting off. . .things were getting pretty damn strange. He had a good idea
about what had happened out there in the woods and he needed to figure out the
ramifications of what that meant. Of course, maybe he was wrong. Maybe it was a
fluke.

Hazelheart ducked out from under his shirt. "Harry put me and the book here."

Draco froze. "*THE* book?"

"Y'know . . ." Hazelheart stood up on his back legs and gestured dramatically.
"Mr-I'm-Evil, no-really-really-evil!" Draco suppressed a smile. Haze continued sadly,
"He ate my last Dorito."

"That's a shame." Draco had no idea what a 'Dorito' was, but there were more
important issues at hand. "There better not be anything green and sticky on my stuff."

"Bookman's not that scary." Hazel sat back down, feeling a little dizzy. "What's
up with you, dude?"

"What do you mean?" Draco was busy scanning the room, making sure th wer were no secretions on anything important.

"You're all flushed." Hazel concentrated for a moment. "Were you in a duel?"

"No, you must have smoked some bad stuff, it's making you see things." Having
determined that Hazel hadn't messed anyt up, up, he decided it was time for him to
go. "I think you need to go now."

"Easy there. I was just asking." Hazel stumbled to his feet and ambled around in
a circle before sitting down, heartbroken. "Oh, man, do Ido I get out of here?" Draco
stared at him. "Well, don't you think I've been trying to leave? I was taking a little nap,
and when I woke up, book was gone, Harry was gone. And the room's all round . . . "
Hazel was starting to feel dizzy again.

Draco picked him up and started to toss him out the door, but then thought
better about possibly scaring the furry little thing. He set him down outside the
common room. Sitting down on one of the couches, he sighed. He would go to the
library tonight and look for information in the Restricted section.

"For the last time, Malfoy, I said 'no'. You can stop prancing around half
naked." Griff-Gruff smirked as he climbed up into his throne-like chair.

"I was on my way to the shower actually." Draco replied defensively.

"I understand. I want to shower after being in your company, too." Griff-Gruff
scowled at him. "Don't use my shampoo. And soap scum . . .I better not see any in
there after you're done, Malfoy."

**********


Dr. Tatterton was awed by the night sky reflected in detail on the ceiling above
The Great Hall. Beside him was Professor Snape, he was keeping step with him as they
marched into the room for the feast. "Magnificent. Did you do this, Sevvie?"

Severus barely spared a glance. "No."

"I guess you're the strong silent type, right?" Troy said, attempting to loop his
arm through the professor's.

Severus nearly tripped as the other man grabbed his arm. "I wish you were too."
He scowled at the offending limb, expecting him to remove it at once.

"What are you doing after the dinner?"

"Unhand me, sir."

"I get it. You're playing hard to get. That's alright, I enjoy the chase as much as
the next man." He winked at him before he strutted off to take his place under the
Sorting Hat.

Being a Wizard of the world, he was familiar with both gay men and women. In
fact, some of the Death Eaters were known to. . .experiment. However, he had never
been interested in men. Although, he'd never had another man show any interest in
him. It was disconcerting and he supposed he should be flattered but Dr. Tatterton
was really not his type. He must have a talk with him soon but this wasn't the
appropriate venue.

"Boring Hat, where ya gonna put him?" Snarky asked. Snippy and Snarky were
in the middle of Slytherin's table, anticipating the food.

"I don't know yet." The Sorting Hat snapped. "I haven't sat on his head yet,
have I?"

"Nothing like a 'hello, how are ya?' followed by a hat's ass on your head, eh?"
Snippy called. They both burst into wicked laughter.

The Sorting Hat had a red tinge to it as Professor McGonnagal picked it up and
placed it on Dr. Tatterton's head. "Hmmm. . .very strange indeed. A Muggle's head. .
.I've never sat on one before-"

The snakes burbled with laughter, they were able to hear him, being magickal
creatures and all. "Great. Boring Hat and his super ass get a new experience. Hurry it
up, already!"

"Yeah! We've only had four meals today, we're starving!" Snarky admonished.

"Shut up snakes! Ambition. . . a very good mind. Cunning as well. Oh. . .and
you're. . .well, so is-"

"Shhhh!" Troy whispered with a grin. "I'm aware of a certain professor's
feelings for me."

"And slightly oblivious. . .Gryffindor!"

Usually, a raucous cheer would issue from a table, but Pansy and Draco
managed some weak clapping and a "whoo!". Pansy turned to Dracottintting her hand
on his arm. "At least we have someone other than McGonagall to appeal to."

Draco shrugged her off, his mouth pursing in irritation. "Great, another
Gryffindor to boss us around. And a muggle, at that."

"What's with you lately?" Pansy scowled. "Since when did you become Mr.
Loner, hmm?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco crossed his arms over his chest, leaning
back in his seat.

"You know exactly what it means. You barely talked to anyone at any of the
summer parties. You never want to hang out now that we're here. You're always in a
foul mood about something." Pansy pointed out. "You better be careful, or people will
start to talk."

"Oh? And which people would these be?" He turned a deadly look up at her
through his lowered lashes. "You, perhaps?"

"Now, Draco, you know I'm your most devoted friend, but I have to consider
larger issues." She demurred, her stomach fluttering with trepidation.

"Very true, Pansy." He conceded, his voice still filled with lethal intent. "You
have your own neck to consider. So, listen to me very carefully. I want you to write a
letter to your parents tonight, detailing my good humor, abundant charm and
determined state of mind. I will read the letter, and watch you seal and send it. And if
I hear anything contradicting that information, you will be held directly, and dearly
responsible. Am I clear?"

"Very clear." Her voice trembled a little.

"Calm down, Pansy." His hand cupped her face, but his grip, however gentle,
was not soothing, and the smile on his face never warmed the glacier sh in in his eyes.
"I have a lot of extra-curricular activities coming up of an important persuasion.
Obviously, I'm a little tense about completing them. You understand, right?"

"Yes, I do." She assured him. "I'll do it before I go to bed." He stared at her for a
moment, before she pulled out of his grasp, promising, "I'll have that letter for you
tonight, before you do rounds."

"Thank you." He dismissed her, not even bothering to glance at her. His eyes
sought Harry's and when they met the brilliant green gems, he couldn't resist giving
him a wink, as a sly smirk slid across his lips. He whispered, "I have other business to
attend to before bed."

***********


"I'm sorry, what was that part about cheese again?"

"Not cheese." He gritted out. "Chi." He glared at her. "Try and pay attention."

"But I'm still hungry. Harry ate most of the food on our table." She pouted a
little as she flounced down on his couch. "Maybe some brie, on a toasted baguette . . .
or Bertie Bean Ice Cream. I hear they make a no-vomit-variety now."

Snape sighed. He had been trying to instruct her on the mental discipline
needed for the tasks that lay ahead for the past hour, and so far had only managed to
discuss reforming her diet to more protein based foods, and recounting several new ice
cream flavors. "Perhaps we should explore some more practical applications."

"Does that mean you're going to teach me how to fight now?" Her eyes lit up.

"No."

"Oh." She bit her lip. "Then can we take a break for a snack?"

He sighed again in defeat and began searching his desk for a stash of chocolate
the elves hid for him. He tossed her a few brightly wrapped objects and moved on to
legal, though not ethical spell work. He was not sure if it was the chocolate or the
change of topic that motivated her, but she sat up, her eyes fixed on him. "First, I only
keep that in case of a Dementor attack."

"Yes, I get it. You're too wicked to actually like chocolate for chocolate's sake."
She waved a hand. " Go on." She mumbled around a piece of dark chocolate.

Severus was afraid that he'd lost his edge. She didn't even tremble anymore.
"Now then, the subject of self defense."

"We're doing more than defense, rightsn'tsn't the best defense a good offense?"

"I think you've got that the other way around, Hermione." Severus answered.
"Anyway, the key to defending yourself is to catch your opponent unawares."

Hermione tossed a plastic covered piece of candy at him, ing ing him square
between the eyes. It bounced off and hit the floor. "Like that?"

Severus' expression didn't change. "I see we've mastered that technique.
Although, I suggest you use something heavier than a sweet to lob at your opponents."
He paused a moment. "As long as its not me."

"I told you, I'm done hurting you. You have nothing to worry about." Hermione
put another piece of chocolate in her mouth. "What else?"

"Don't be afraid to fight, shall we say, dirty?" Hermione's hand moved. "Don't
you dare try to demonstrate that technique."

"Spoilsport." She bit her lips, eyes glittering with anticipation. "Does that mean I
get to kick Malfoy in the-"

"We'll see. Everything has a time and a place. You shall not be practicing this
manoeuver on me."

"Draco?"

"No." Her shoulders slumped. "However, I do have a spell for you."

She perked up at that. "A painful one?"

"Bloodthirsty little thing, aren't you?" Severus marveled.

"You don't get to be top of your class by being Miss Sunshine and Light."

"Alright then, the new spell is Flippendo. This will allow you to flip an opponent,
causing him or her to lose balance."

Hermione sighed. "Yes, yes. You flick the wand and say it and the person-" She
broke off. "Does something that I know nothing about because. . .because I don't know
that spell yet."

"Very convincing." He replied. "Come on then. Let's give it a whirl."

"I get to flip you?"

"Have at it. It's only going to happen once." Severus placed his arms at his sides
and tensed his body up, preparing for the impact.

"You know, I dreamt about using this a couple of times, like when I got an A- or. .
whenever you said something--"

"Hermione, Amnesty Day is over."

"Right, then, Flippendo!" She arched her arm over her head and flicked it.

Severus spun on his side and landed harmlessly on the far couch. He caught his
breath. "Excellent."

"Can I use it on Draco?"

He considered this. "You need the practice. Fire at will."

Hermione grinned.

************


Harry crept into the restricted section of the library, under the cover of his
invisibility cloak. Technically, he was allowed in the section, and to wonder about the
halls at night, for that matter, but he didn't want anyone asking him what he was
researching. While Harry was a good student, for the most part, he was far from
Hermione's level, and rarely remembered exact details of history lessons, or properties
of plants. But, vaguely, he could recall learning something about joined magic. All he
had to as fas find the right books.

Harry removed his cloak in a swirl of motion, folding it over his arm. He took a
moment to glance about the library, picturing his first year when he had snuck in here
while in pursuit of the sorcerer's stone. How many times had he sat, stifling laughter,
with Hermione and Ron? Harry smiled a moment, before he turned back to the task at
hand.

He remembered that joined magic was a myth about wizards and power. It had
something to do with a link between two wizards, but he couldn't remember what that
link was or what it could do. And it increased the power of spells, but he wasn't sure
how. What he did remember was that it was supposed to be a dark magic, and that
supposed 'joined' wizards had been executed in the past for just that reason. They had
been burned at the stake in a mass hysteria of fear about the power they could wield. Of
course, all these wizard pairs were innocent, because joined magic is a myth, the text
book had told them.

Harry ran his fingers over the spines of the books as he searched the shelf on
Wizard Mythology. The library was a labyrinth in the half twilight, full of uncertain
turns and hidden things, and he was anxious to get out into the fresh air. He leaned
closer to the book case, reading the titles under his breath. Something landed on his
shoulder, startling him.

"Feeling a little jumpy, Hero?" Draco leaned one hip against the book case,
smirking at him.

"Malfoy."

"Potter." Draco just regarded him with one eyebrow raised.

"What are you doing here?" Harry sighed.

"Exactly what you're doing here, I'd imagine." Draco turned and headed down a
different aisle, Harry reluctantly following him. Draco seated himself on the corner of a
table stacked high with various open books. Next to them lay a parchment with
scrawled notes on it and a slightly chewed quill.

"What is all this?" Harry glanced from the table to Draco, catching his eye.

"What you're lookinr, Hr, Hero." Draco smirked.

Harry pulled a chair back from the table, turning it backwards before straddling
it. "And what is it I'm looking for?"

"Well, that's a loaded question, isn't it?" Draco gestured to the books.
"However, we'll just talk about what you were looking for in the library."

"I'm waiting." Harry set his jaw.

"Symmetrius." Draco's voice sent a chill down Harry's spine. "It's Greek, for
symmetry. I trust you understand the word?"

"Yes." Harry bit out. He tried to hold on to his temper. He wanted to know what
was going on. "But what does it have to do with - "

"Us?"

"I was going to say 'joined magic'." Harry glared at him.

"Well done, Potter. You're not as idiotic as you look." Draco taunted. "Joined
magic is only part of the picture, though, the active part. Symmetrius refers to the
condition, if you will, of the wizards that performed joined magic."

"What's your point?"

"My point is, that's what happened last night." Draco gritted his teeth for a
second before regaining his calm. Harry seemed very uncomfortable. "Or were you
thinking that it was what? A fluke? A coincidence? Nothing at all?"

"Joined Magic is a myth." Harry raised his chin.

"So it is." Draco nodded. Harry stared back at him, his face impassive. Draco
raised both eyebrows. "Nice try, Hero. I know the curiosity is killing you."

"Well then, why don't you satisfy that curios" Ha" Harry asked, staring up at him.

"Quite an offer, Hero." Draco's smirk widened as a slight red hue crossed Harry's
cheekbones. "Symmetrius is power, pure and simple. Shared power, Hero."

"Yeah? We already have power." Harry closed his eyes. "Us meaning Wizards
that is."

"This is power untold, Hero. Power that surpasses Dumbledore's." Draco slid off
the table, standing in front of Harry and leaning against the table. "Power that's
stronger than Voldemort's wildest dreams."

"What are you saying?" Harry whispered, his heart skipping wildly.

"You know what I'm saying. This could be a chance at greatness. A chance to
defeat Voldemort. To be a *real* hero." Draco's voice held a reverence Harry had never
heard from him before.

"Greatness?" Harry echoed, his mind retreating to the day he had first grasped
his wand, when he had been told that he could be great, like Voldemort. "Who say wan want that?"

"Don't you?" Draco shot back.

"I thought joined magic was inherently dark." Harry pointed out.

"It's strong. Nothing is inherently dark." Draco answered with a shrug.

"Are you sure about that, Malfoy?" Harry stood, sweeping the cloak around
himself, vanishing once more.

"Magic is magic, dark and light have to do with the wizard." Draco insisted to
thin air.

"I know." And then he was gone, like there had been nothing there at all. Draco
shivered.

*********


"Are you alright, Severus?" Hermione asked gently.

He was stretched out on his back on the cold stone floor. His hair was mussed
and his robes were disheveled. "I do believe that your aim is just fine." They had been
practicing her use of defensive magick and she had knocked him about the room for the
better part of three hours.

"Thanks." She smiled at him as she held out a hand to help him to his feet.

He took it gratefully and swept imaginary dirt off of himself as he put his clothing
and hair to rights. "As always, you are a quick study, Miss Granger. I can only hope
that you will master your new lessons as rapidly."

"Is this the physical stuff?"

Severus gazed at the wall. "In a manner of speaking."

Hermione moved into a fighting stance. "Well, come on then!"

"Do you normally punch your suitors?"

"My what-ers?"

"I thought that we could practice. . .that is. . .we shall have to appear. . .oh bloody
hell. Let's go to the kitchens and get some food."

Hermione laughed. "Oh, you wanna kiss me, right?" Then, she blushed. "For
practice, I mean. . .Voldemort. Big evil we need to defeat. . .by kissing."

"Er, yes. Come here, Miss Granger." He waved his hand, indicating the space in
front of him.

Hermione dutifully walked over. "Okay, I'm here."

"Right then. I suppose we should commence with the kissing."

Hermione screwed her eyes shut, leaned forward and pursed her lips, pushing
them out in front of her face in the style of a goldfish. Severus leaned down and was
about to settle his mouth over hers when. . .

"Sarah Michelellaellar! What are you two doing!?!"

Hermione jumped away from her professor.

Severus shot him a dark look and said dryly. "Working on a potion."

"Um. . .uh. . .pucker potion." She pointed to her lips and they went into a pucker
pose. "See?" She mumbled.

"And why would you do that?" Troy asked.

"We're wizards." Severus answered. "You wouldn't understand our ways."

"Are her lips going to stay like that?" Troy was concerned.

"Only until she leaves my classroom." Severus said, gesturing for Hermione to
take her leave. She gave him a grateful look. "We'll continue this tomorrow."

"So," Troy said as soon as Hermione was out of earshot. "You wanna try that
without the potion?"

"No," Snape growled.

"Just because you keep turning me down, doesn't mean I 'll stop asking. I'm
persistent."

"Goody."

**********


Draco walked swiftly through the hallways. Harry was fifteen minutes late for
their round, so Draco decided to look for him. He had tried the library, the kitchen, and
the owlery. Now he was headed to his bedroom. The outer password was easy enough.
"Leo." After all, Hermione had picked up astrology in her fifth year. But the door to
Harry's actual room was going to be trickier. Maybe he should just knock? Draco
frowned. That wouldn't do.

"Parselmouth."

"Hero."

"Quidditch."

"Seeker."

"Snitch."Draco sighed. This was taking a long time. With a sardonic twist to his
mouth, he tried, "Death Eater."

"Where?" At the voice, Draco jumped a foot in the air. "Feeling a little jumpy,
Malfoy?"

"Potter." Draco sighed. "Where'd you come from?"

"The kitchen." At the confused look on Draco's face, Harry smiled and held up
his invisibility cloak. "Been following you ever since."

"Why would you wear that cloak around the castle?" Draco glared at him.

"Sometimes it's hard to get alone time around here." Harry shrugged, a little
surprised at the honesty of his answer. He looked at the door, he needed to get his
broom. "Having a little trouble with the password?"

"My next guess was brown-noser." Dracouggeugged. "I would've gotten it
eventually."

"Of course." Harry grinned before turning to the door, "Symmetrius." Draco
looked taken aback. "Welcome to my parlor."

Draco looked around the room. It really hadn't changed much since he had seen
it the day he had come looking for Professor Snape. Harry's trunk rested at the end of
his bed, closed. Hedwig's cage was in a corner. On the corner of the bedside table was a
moving picture of Harry in quidditch robes horsing aroundh Roh Ron and Hermione,
both in Hogwart's robes and Gryffindor scarves. Other than that, Draco might have
thought the room uninhabited. He met Harry's eyes. "Cozy."

Harry grabbed his broom. "Let's get this over with."

"What? No idle chit-chat? No humorous remarks to make the 'best of things'?"
Draco pressed a hand to his chest. "I'm hurt."

Harry ignored him as he brushed by, headed for the exit. The moment they left
the building, he was on his broom and in the air. They circled the castle twice before
Harry decided to talk to Draco. "You're wrong, you know."

"About what, Hero?" Draco whooshed in beside him, flying parallel.

"I don't want to be great. I'm a wizard, and that's enough." Harry told him.

"Is that so?" Draco looked Harry over.

"Yes." Harry grimaced. For a moment he looked like he might elaborate, but he
let the silence fall between them.

"Follow me." Draco turned abruptly and headed across the lake.

"Never." Harry whispered as he kept pace with the former Slytherin.

Draco landed softly, next to a cold bonfire pit near the forest. Sometimes he came
here to be alone and to think. Other times, he had waited here for his father to Apparate
and take him to secret meetings. Few students chose to walk along the lake this far, and
any who did would be deflected by a spell his father had cast and never explained. He
wasn't sure that Harry would be able to follow him here, but a second later, Harry
touched down next to him.

"What are we doing here, Malfoy?" Harry asked impatiently.

"Call it a field trip, Hero." Draco set his broom against a tree. "We have to talk
about what we did last night."

"Not interested." Harry placed his broom next to Draco's.

"Liar." He replied softly.

"Look, Malfoy. I know you have this idea that we have some big, important
connection, that it means more than it does, but it was nothing. Meaningless." Harry
stated coldly. "Let it go."

"Nothing was it?" Draco lifted his wand, then grabbed Harry's arm. "Lumox!"

White hot, searing light shot through the wand, so blindingly bright Harry had to
look away. He turned back to find Draco regarding him with an expectant look.
Mulishly, Harry refused to respond.

His eyes locked on Harry's, Draco dropped his wand, letting it roll until it hit
Harry's shoe. Then he let go of Harry's arm, slowly entwining their fingers instead.
"Right then. Explain this, Hero." He raised his free hand and pointed at the cold
remnants of the last bonfire. As he spoke, his voice resonated irry'rry's head, he felt the
breath pass his vocal chords, speaking with Draco, like a cascade of echos. "Incendio,
incendio, incendio!"

The embers burst into flames, licking at the sky, roaring like a pride of lions,
hissing like a thousand serpents. Harry clutched Draco's hand, panting slightly, his
evergreen eyes flickering with uncertainty, fear, excitement, and power.

"Want to try something harder?" Draco whispered, when he had recovered.

"Like what?" Harry's voice was hushed, hesitant as he was wracked with chills.

"Anything you want, Hero."

"That's quite an offer." Harry said softly. "Maybe some other time."

The firelight cast an warming glow on Draco's snow-hued skin as he circled
Harry, trapping him between Draco's body and the fire, glad to be away from the
inferno of heat. "Scared, Potter?"

"You wish." Harry scowled. "What do I have to be afraid of? You?"

"Being tempted." Draco answered.

Harry pretended he hadn't heard him. "You think you scare me?"

"No, I think *you* scare you." Draco deliberately stepped forward. "Tell me you
don't want that kind of power."

"I don't."

"I don't believe you, Hero." Draco countered. "You're telling me you don't want
to kill Voldemort?"

"I don't want to kill anyone." Harry lowered his gaze. "Except maybe you, right
now."

"You couldn't kill me, but I'll explain all that later. Right now, I want you to give
me the truth, Hero." Draco grasped his shoulders and shook him until he looked up.
"Tell me you're not tempted. That you wouldn't like to look into the eyes of the thing
that killed your parents, whisper 'avada kedavra' and watch him leave this world for
good?"

Harry froze. "You think we could do that?"

"I knt." t." Draco whispered. "You see? You do want the power, just as much as
I do."

Harry shook his head as if to clear it. "But we know exactly why I want that
power. Joined Magic has been linked to darkness for a reason."

"Well, power has corrupting tendencies. But surely, the Great Harry Potter could
resist the darkness." Draco mocked. Harry pushed past him, away from the warming
fire. "Or maybe not. Is that what you meant in the library today?"

Harry nodded, almost imperceptibly. "Destiny is defined by our choices." Harry
tilted his head towards the sky. "And I refuse to make the wrong ones."

"Now is not the time for nobility, Hero. Now is the time for strength. If you want
to win the upcoming war, you might have to let that shining armor get a little
tarnished." Draco stared at his back. "Besides, if you're afraid the darkness will touch
you, it's too late."

Harry whirled around. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't I? Let's face it, you have a dark side, Hero, and it's bigger than anyone
could have imagined. You go to bed at night dreaming in greens the shade of the Killing
Curse. " Draco sneered at him. "You have a new obsession, and it's not quidditch,
Potter. It's revenge and death, and you can't get away from it. There's one hell of a
villain inside of you, Hero."

"Shut up, Malfoy." Harry spat the words out. "I'm not a dark wizard, and I never
will be." He wasn't sure who he was convincing, Draco or himself.

"But you do want revenge, don't you, Harry? For your parents? For Cedric?"
Draco's voice turned soft as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. "It can be done. I
can help you."

"Why would you want to help me, Malfoy?" Harry's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Why not?" Draco smirked. "You can fight it all you want, Hero. We are
Symmetrius. You can't change that anymore than you cannge nge death, or darkness."
Harry looked away, his face shrouded in darkness. "Funny thing about shadows, Hero.
You can pour light into a room, but you'll never get rid of all of them."

"It's getting late." Harry looked lost for a moment, an expression so vulnerable it
made Draco's stomach twist. Then his face returned to the grim mask he had worn for
most of the conversation. "I've had enough of this fonighnight."

"What's the matter, Hero? Am I getting a little too close to the truth?" Draco
taunted him, watching the Boy Who Lived as he turned to stare into the depths of the
Forbidden Forest.

"Nothing you say can bother me, Malfoy." Harry snarled into the darkness.

"It's true, isn't it?" He stepped closer, standing just behind the dark-haired boy.
He placed his hanck ock on his shoulder and whispered. "I can feel it inside you, Potter.
The darkness, the death. Nobody survives what you have without being touched by it."

"And what about you? Are you untouched by all of this?" Harry whirled
around. He wasn't sure what 'all of this' referred to - the strange connection he was
feeling toward Malfoy, the upcoming fight, the past ones.

"No, I'm not untouched. Not hardly. Not remotely." In a surprisingly tender
gesture, Draco reached over and smoothed black hair away from Harry's scar. "But then
no one comes away from exposure to the light untouched either."

"What are you . . ." Harry broke off, bewilderment stretching across his features.

"Shhh, Hero." He placed a finger against his lips. Then he leaned down and
kissed Harry's scar, feeling the boy tremble as he did so. "Excites you doesn't it? una unadulterated wrongness of it?"

"Wrong. Couldn't think of a better word to describe it." Harry stepped back.
"What are you trying to do?"

"Trying?" Malfoy scoffed. "Succeeding. I'm looking for a confession, Potter.
You're not quite the hero everyone thinks you are, not anymore. You just took a detour,
Potter, toward dark and it's not an easy path. I know you think you're strong, and I
know exactly how strong and how powerful you are. And if you're not careful, you're
not going to come back from that dark place, Potter. And not even Dumbledore will be
able to save you. Or us."

"And you're going to save me?" Harry drawled. "You have no idea what it
means to be a hero."

"I didn't say I was going to save you." Draco smirked. "I just want you to be
aware of where you're dragging us down to."

"Me?"

"Yes, you, Hero." He looked into Harry's eyes. "You, with that venomous green
all around youu thu the golden boy of Hogwart's. I want to make it clear to you. I know
what you are and what you need."

"And you're going to show me where we're going by kissing me?" Harry
smirked, the drawling sarcasm dripping off his words enough to make any Malfoy
proud.

"That wasn't kissing you. That was kissing a talisman, your connection to
darkness and the Wizarding world's bridge to salvation." Draco eyes deepened, the
greyish blue swirling with power, intensity, passion. He cradled Harry's face firmly in
his hands. "This is kissing you." Draco's lips lowered, suddenly capturing Harry's in a
kiss of fire and pain.

Harry tried to pull back, but Draco followed him, backing Harry up until they
were leaning against a tree. Shivers raced through his nerves, his body going up in
flames as Draco pressed against him, stroking their mouths together in a searing caress.
Finally Harry gasped for air, and Draco took full advantage, thrusting his tongue into
Harry's mouth in nothing short of a full invasion. Harry moaned softly in the back of his
throat, his hands cing tng the other boy's biceps, gripping him tightly as he kissed him
back. Draco's passion was like flying, like dying.

Draco broke off the kiss, panting slightly. "Run back to your tower, Hero. And
convince yourself that you didn't enjoy every second of that. And then convince
yourself you really want nice and safe and normal. You can come find me when you're
ready to face the truth."

"And what truth is that?" Harry's fingers still dug into Draco's arms.

"That there's more going on here than right and wrong. It's about power, Harry.
And survival. And us. It's about us." Draco turned, sweeping back towards the castle.
He did not look back.