Gilded Soul

Chapter 14 Venom

The air was cooler then usual in the maze, and Harry had a bit of a chill. This time upon entering the foggy dream world, there was no having to retrace his steps and find his way to the place where they last left the maze. This time he started right where they had left off, on the other side of the first trial. Harry watched as Draco materialized into the maze and waited for Draco to get acclimated to the new surroundings and then promptly leapt upon him pressing him into a fervent kiss.

Both boys pulled away slightly winded after a few minutes. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.” Harry rasped.

“Me too.” Draco replied pulling Harry closer to him. “I’m starting to lose interest in this foolish old maze.”

Harry smiled, feeling genuinely content; Draco’s touch washing away all his earlier doubts. “Well, Hermione insisted we not do anything that would get us hurt…”

Draco raised a graceful eyebrow. “Did you have something in mind then?”

Harry felt a tinge of embarrassment as he reached for Draco’s robes, and pushed them gently from his shoulders and onto the stone floor of the maze. Draco looked both shocked and pleased with his forwardness, so Harry continued by addressing the green and silver tie wrapped around Draco’s delicate neck. After fumbling with several buttons Harry finally managed to free him of his clothing from the waist up, leaving Draco pale and glowing in the moonlight.

Draco stood looking equally embarrassed half nude in front of his former rival. Harry leaned into him and sucked lightly on Draco’s earlobe, causing Draco to shudder against him. Draco’s hands were on Harry’s hips, where he was digging into his flesh, trying to calm his breathing and keep his body still as Harry worked his mouth along his neck and collarbone.

Harry’s fingertips brushed across Draco’s exposed nipples and ran down the length of his torso, and Draco could no longer hold still. He grabbed Harry’s chin and pulled him level to his face and crashed his lips against the Gryffindor’s. Harry pushed him against the hedge wall, kneading the flesh of Draco’s bare back. His mouth was possessive, claiming the Slytherin’s bottom lip, which was now red and inflamed.

Their breathing ragged, Harry fumbled with the button of Draco’s trousers, but a firm hand stopped his movements. “Wait,” Draco said between panting breaths, “You don’t have to do that.”

Harry looked into his eyes, which glinted like mercury in the moonlight. “I want to.” He said finally.

A look of hunger flashed through Draco’s eyes, quickly chased with distress. “It’s just that I haven’t ever…”

Harry almost laughed but bit it back, deeming it a definite mood breaker. “You think I have?”

Draco peered at him through narrowed eyes. “You’re the Boy Who Lived.” He answered simply as if that answered anything.

Harry decided he would risk the laughter. “So you think, what? That I get sex because Voldemort tried to kill me?”

“No.” Draco rolled his eyes unable to fathom how Harry could be so oblivious. “I see how people gravitate to you. You’re like this magnet. All the girls whisper about you, and even some of the guys.” He finished, blushing slightly.

Harry took a step back, the mirth leaving his eyes, and watched Draco appraisingly. “Do you really think I’m some sort of whore?”

“No!” Draco shouted, grabbing Harry’s waist and trying to pull him closer. “No, I just thought you had… more experience.”

Harry sighed and relaxed slightly. “I don’t.” He said simply. “Plus, I thought you had at least shagged Pansy with how the girl follows you around and dotes on you every minute.”

“You noticed that, huh?” Draco said laughing. “She irritates me. I’ve never even touched her.”

“Good.” Harry said before he could catch himself, eliciting another laugh from Draco. “So really, are you just some sort of groupie? Are you just going to go back and tell all your friends about what its like to shag the Boy Who Lived?” He said smiling.

Draco rolled his eyes and leaned in kissing the other boy gently. He ran his hand through the unruly black hair and pulled him in close. “Surprisingly enough, Harry. I like you. I mean I like you in the way that makes me nervous.”

“Nervous?” Harry made it a question.

Draco nodded. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, and I don’t want to botch it up.”

Harry almost squealed in delight, but restrained himself based on his proud Gryffindor sensibilities. “I’m glad to hear it, because I like you too... despite my best efforts otherwise.” He leaned in and kissed the Slytherin.

--

Draco deepened the kiss and gasped at the feel of Harry’s fingers pressing into his exposed chest. It started to get uncomfortable and Draco realized suddenly that Harry’s hands were still at his sides, apparently respecting his earlier request to wait.

Draco pulled back quickly to find himself being held firmly against the hedge wall by thick obtrusive vines. He began hyperventilating as the dark red vines sliced and crushed his chest. Harry was already pulling at them trying to loosen their hold on his bare flesh. “You’re bleeding!” He shouted in a panic.

Draco looked down to see that the vines had thorns, which were in fact cutting into his pale skin, causing blood to well up and leak down his stomach. Now that he saw the cuts, they began to sting and Draco tried to wiggle away from them, only to have the vines cut him deeper.

A cry from Harry made him look to his left where a large red flowering plant was emerging from the hedge. Draco hardly had time to scream before two long yellow stems lashed out at him, leaving giant red welts on his chest. Stinging pain coursed through his body and Draco felt as if his blood were on fire. “Poison” He whispered before passing out.

--

Harry panicked, not entirely sure he knew of a spell that would destroy the plant or free his friend. A cool wind whipped through the maze and Harry felt and eerie calm wash over him and suddenly he knew what to do.

He leveled his wand with the massive flower and shouted a spell he had never used before. The spells effects promptly caused the flower’s violent explosion, sending bits of red and green mush flying through the air and covering both Harry and the now unconscious Draco from head to toe.

The vines holding Draco fell limp and Harry rushed over to catch him before he fell. The boy was a dead weight in his arms and Harry fought not to cry out in despair as he held onto his pale limp form. Harry felt for a pulse, and relaxed slightly as he found one, though it was terribly weak. The calming feeling had left him the minute he touched Draco’s exposed flesh, and now he was left wondering how he would save his beautiful Slytherin.

“Wake up!” Harry shouted aloud. He didn’t know how to will himself from this dream. He needed to get Draco to Dumbledore; he would know what to do. Just as he thought it, the maze around him began to fade into darkness all around him.

--

Harry shot upright in bed, soaked with sweat and fear. A quick glance around the room confirmed that he was in his own dorm room in Gryffindor tower and that it was still before sunrise. Everyone’s trunks were packed and ready to be taken down to the train first thing after breakfast this morning, and his fellow students were sleeping soundly.

Lying next to his was Draco, even paler then usual and bleeding slowly from several cuts along his skin. Harry spared no time with spells or invisibility cloaks and lifted Draco from the bed and rushed out of the room. Draco’s heartbeat had slowed considerably since the dream maze, and Harry subconsciously knew that his time was limited.

When Harry stepped out of the portrait hole he hesitated a moment, thinking perhaps he should rush him to Madame Pomfrey instead, but instinct told him to go to the Headmaster straight away.

He approached the gargoyle statue and realized too late that he didn’t know the password. He stood in front of the enormous winged structure, still cradling Draco’s still body against his own. He looked down into the lifeless face of his Slytherin and a single tear slipped down his cheek landing on Draco’s bottom lip and reflecting the bluish color of them.

He hadn’t noticed the statue moving aside to reveal the doorway leading up into the Headmaster’s office, and he hadn’t noticed that Dumbledore now stood before him with a questioning look.

He finally took account of the changed surroundings as Dumbledore lifted Draco’s still form from Harry’s grasp and carried him quickly up the spiral staircase and into his office, motioning for Harry to follow suit.

--

Harry refused the offered seat and instead hovered in the corner of Dumbledore’s office, watching closely as Dumbledore lay Draco’s limp figure onto the settee. “Fawkes, come.” Dumbledore bellowed, and the bird was at his side in an instant.

The fiery red phoenix perched on the back of the sofa and looked down at Draco’s pale face questioningly. It looked briefly up to Dumbledore who nodded, and then large shimmering tears fell onto Draco’s face, mingling with Harry’s own.

The cuts on the Slytherin’s chest oozed a clear yellowish liquid before sealing up and turning into thin red slits. With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore cleaned the boy up. Draco’s breathing was now noticeably solid and steady. Harry collapsed onto the chair across from him, not taking his eyes off the other boy, but fully relieved that he was now safe.

“He’s going to sleep for a while now.” The Headmaster intoned, startling Harry out of his thoughts as he watched the Slytherin’s color slowly return.

Harry nodded. “Thank you, professor.” Dumbledore moved to sit behind his desk and after a moment Harry turned to look at him. “How did you know we were out there?” He asked, not sure if he would get an answer.

Dumbledore smiled. “I am linked to this school, Harry. Just as it can sense students in need so can I.”

Harry was curious as to what extent this ability worked for the Headmaster, but chose not to pry any further. “Aren’t you going to ask what happened?”

Dumbledore chuckled. “I think I already know what happened.” He looked down at the unconscious boy. “He was obviously attacked by a Venomous Tentacula. It’s best not to touch the hedges, for there are several of these creatures throughout the maze.”

Harry sighed. “I didn’t know what to do at first, but then a spell just suddenly came to me and I blew the plant into a million pieces.”

“What spell did you use?” Dumbledore asked in a hushed tone.

Harry thought about it. “Confringo.” He said at last. “Yeah, that was it I think. Though I don’t know how I knew it.”

“Nor should you.” Dumbledore said with narrowed eyes. “That spell is not taught till the end of seventh year.”

Harry felt a chill as something deep within his mind laughed maniacally. Harry shivered and Dumbledore must have noticed because he grabbed his robes and lifted him to his fee. Harry’s eyes were locked with the Headmaster’s usually sparkling and blue, but were now filled with anger and concern. “Get out of his head!” He shouted into Harry’s face, making him wince away, but he could not pull himself from the Headmasters strong grip.

Harry felt that eerie chill sweep over him and with one swift and powerful motion he was free of the older wizard and standing with his hand clasping his wand, not yet pointing it, but obviously wanting to.

Harry!” Dumbledore shouted, “You must clear your head. You must shut him out.”

Harry tried. He could plainly feel the unwanted presence in his mind now, pressing his thoughts into conflicting directions. “I’m trying.” Harry choked out, hardly able to make out his own voice.

“Try harder!” Dumbledore bellowed.

Harry stumbled backward and fell beside the sofa where Draco lay. His hand brushed against the Slytherin’s cool arm and Harry immediately felt a calm wash over him. His thoughts were his own once again.

Dumbledore looked shocked at the instant dissipation of evil from the room. “He’s gone.” It was both a statement and a question.

Harry nodded. “I think so.”

Dumbledore looked from Harry’s face to his hand, which was making slow swirling patterns on Draco’s chest. Harry caught the look and followed his gaze, noticing what he was doing and quickly pulling away in embarrassment.

“No.” Dumbledore said quickly, “Keep touching him. It seems to keep Voldemort out of your head.”

Harry returned his hand, but kept it still against his arm instead. “How?” He asked, not sure if he wanted the answer.

Dumbledore hook his head. “I’m not sure, but I have a few theories.”

Harry waited for the Headmaster to elaborate but he didn’t. “What theories?”

Dumbledore smiled sadly. “I think I should do some fact checking before I relay any of them to you.”

Harry’s shoulders sagged. He was starting to feel the fatigue of the events of the past few hours. “I think I need to sleep. Do you think I can safely let go now?”

Dumbledore nodded. “I believe it will be safe, just continue to shield. I will have Mr. Malfoy returned to his quarters.” Harry nodded and after getting up, walked slowly to the door, trying to resist the urge to look back at his sleeping Slytherin. A warm hand on his arm surprised him and he turned to meet Dumbledore’s warm blue eyes. “Can I ask you something, Harry?”

Harry let the shock play across his face. He thought the Headmaster would just bluntly ask whatever he wished to know. He had never before asked permission. Seemingly reading his mind Dumbledore laughed. “I only ask, because this is a personal question. One that I hope you will answer, but I cannot make you.” Harry nodded. “What is your relationship with Mr. Malfoy?”

Harry flinched. Somehow he knew that was going to be the question, but he was still unprepared. “I assume you mean the one lying here in your office, and not the one I refer to as Mr. Malfoy.” He asked, trying to stall.

Dumbledore’s eyes lit up with their usual sparkle as he chuckled. “Yes, Harry. I am referring to Draco.”

Harry smiled in spite of himself. Sometimes it was hard not to when he was around the perpetually mirthful wizard. “I honestly don’t know, sir.” Harry answered finally. “I like him,” He said quietly, “I like him more then friends.”

Dumbledore didn’t say anything for a moment, but eventually nodded. “And Draco? Does he feel the same?”

Harry looked down at the sleeping form of his beautiful Slytherin. “He seems to.” Harry said, leaving off the fact that he hoped with all his heart that he did.

“Good. That will make this less difficult then, though by no means will it be easy.” Dumbledore replied, ushering Harry toward the door.

“Make what less difficult, sir?”

“Never you mind that now, Harry. I will let you know just as soon as I can be certain of my theory.” He patted Harry on the back and opened the door. “Now go to bed, Harry.”

Harry left the ornately decorated office thinking about Dumbledore’s mysterious ranting, the unconscious Slytherin on his couch, and how they might somehow be related. He kept the walls around his mind locked firmly in place to keep out his unwanted visitor and made his way to the Gryffindor tower.

--

Hermione was in a right state when Harry walked through the portrait hole. Judging by the light outside the windows, it was still before dawn, yet the common room was bustling with commotion. “What’s going on?” Harry asked looking around the room. There were at least ten people up and about.

Hermione jumped at his voice and looked at him in shock for a moment before leaping upon him and smothering him in a tight hug.

“Hermione,” He choked out finally, “you’re crushing me.”

“Sorry.” She replied, still not releasing him from her feral grasp. “Are you okay?” she asked, finally letting go to in order to step back and look him over concernedly.

Harry looked around at all the faces waiting for him to answer. “I’m fine.” He replied slowly. ”Why are you all up?”

It was Neville that answered. “I woke up and saw your bed empty, and when I went over, I saw your sheets soaked with blood!”

Shit. Harry had no idea how he was going to explain all this away. He looked to Hermione pleadingly. “We were just about to go get McGonagall.” She said. “But you’re obviously fine, so maybe we should just leave this be until the morning.”

Harry sighed relieved as everyone slowly trailed back upstairs, save Hermione. When the last of them were out of earshot, Hermione pulled Harry over to the sofa. “Harry, what happened?”

He began to relate the entire ordeal; from the moment he set foot in the maze to what happened in Dumbledore’s office, including his cryptic message. He did leave out the part about him making out with Draco, however.

Hermione didn’t say anything for a moment, seemingly processing it all. “How did Draco get attacked by a Venomous Tentacula? They are usually dormant unless disturbed.”

“Draco was… leaning... against the hedge it was in.” Harry responded, blushing slightly.

“Why would he do that? How foolish can you be even touching the hedge in this magical maze? I mean really?” Hermione griped.

Harry looked sheepish. “It was sort of my fault. I had him pinned there.”

Hermione’s eyes went wide. “Oh no, Harry did you have a fight with him?”

“Er… no.” Harry said, blushing deeper. “Not fighting.”

“Well then what… oh.” Hermione smiled. “I think I understand.”

Harry looked down at his shoes, having just now realized that he was fully dressed, and must have woken up that way.

“Hermione?” Harry asked. “Do you think we can manipulate the dream at all?”

Hermione seemed to think on it. “Well, Only Dumbledore would know for certain, but my guess is based on your experiences so far, that you can manipulate yourselves in the maze… to a certain degree.”

Harry thought about it. “I went to sleep tonight in my normal bed clothes and I woke up like this, which is what I was wearing in the dream.”

Hermione looked at his robes and uniform and frowned. “You both woke up here this time though, instead of in the Slytherin common room. That’s peculiar.” She mused.

“I thought so too.” Harry responded.

Hermione was thoughtful for a moment then burst out laughing. “It’s so simple.” At Harry’s questioning look she continued. “It’s both of your conscious minds controlling it. You see, when you turned into a bunny, Draco was the fully conscious one, so when he left the dream, you went with him. The same happened when you broke your leg and passed out. This time, Draco was unconscious, so you left the dream and took him with you. You remained clearheaded enough that you knew you had to get him help right away, so your body here, replicated what happened there. Same as when you break your leg there, it’s also broken here.”

Harry sat back and thought on it. “Dumbledore says it’s unusual that we can dream about it. It’s a physical place that we should only be able to get to by locating it in the physical world.”

“Maybe you are.” She huffed at Harry’s petulant look. “Maybe you apparate there? Does anyone know if either of you are still in your beds during these dreams?”

“No. I guess not.” Harry replied. “Could we really be leaving the castle? I mean, you can’t even apparate from inside Hogwart’s.”

“That’s true, but you’re not supposed to be able to access this dream world either.” She shrugged.

Harry sagged into the sofa, his mind reeling. Hermione must have noticed his state, because she laid a gentle hand on his leg. “Look, when I get back, we can start some experiments with the dream. Until then though, just promise me you’ll be careful. More careful then this.” She said gesturing to the blood still drying on the front of his robes.”

Harry only nodded and walked up to bed. Laying down his mind drifted into a mazeless, though not entirely peaceful sleep

--.