Some Dangerous Liaisons

Hey guys! My characters took over my story plot line. So there may be some who aren’t going to be happy with this chapter. I had started writing, but then Draco politely told me that it sucked. So I scraped it. I decided on a different approach, essentially changing the flow of the story line. Where all my chapters before were sequential in terms of progression, I did this one a little differently. I hope it works out.

I have learned a valuable lesson while doing this. I will make sure that I have written the story in its entirety first, before I post it. Things went great in the beginning stages of this, but now the story line is getting much more complex and it’s getting harder for me to stay motivated.

Shout out time:

James Black: Thanks for the review. Glad that you are enjoying the story!

Elric Maxwell: You are my muse...

carol: good little sub, huh? LOL. We'll see.

rabidsqurl: Thanks for the great review! Things are really going to heat up from here. I hope I can pull it off!

deadly_sins: Yes, I'm an evil witch...! MUHHHAAAHHHHH

arealdeal: Thanks for sticking around for the story!

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Enjoy!

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What was happening on the other side of town…

The Burrow was in chaos.

The holiday spirit had definitely by-passed the address of the Weasley clan.

It started on the first day when Ron and Ginny had got home from school. Ron was silent and moody; not speaking to his mother or sister. He went to his room and never came out. Molly had attempted to talk to him, but he angrily shut her out. She changed tactics, and hesitantly asked if Hermione was going to come during any of the break, which resulted in his storming out of the house. She didn’t see him again until that night.

Arthur had a similar experience with Ginny. She sat alone in her room, staring at a picture of Harry. His brow furrowed at this and he delicately asked her if maybe there was something else she wanted to do. Her face turned the same color as her hair, and then very calmly replied, “No, since I can’t look at the real thing.” She didn’t come down for dinner.

After a hastily convened parental conference, it was decided that Harry should at least come for Christmas Day. Molly was almost in tears over the situation. Her two youngest children were not talking to them, and now Harry seemed lost to them as well. She had already sent an owl basket to Harry, full of Christmas treats, but had not heard any response from him. Her concern deepened.

The subsequent days brought more Weasleys and unfortunately, more problems. Bill and Fleur had arrived, with said wife expecting their first child. Fleur was hormonal, tired and fat. This latter fact would send the French woman into long, ranting tirades complete with tears and mood swings that kept most of the Weasley clan rapidly moving from room to room, trying to avoid her. One moment she was snapping, the next in tears; sometimes both at the same time. Her obviously beleaguered husband looked almost as tired as she did. By the end of their visit, everyone had adopted the grim expression that was a permanent addition to the eldest Weasley son’s face.

Charlie’s arrival brought a surprise. He had a friend. A decidedly male friend. Molly and Arthur gave their son questioning looks, but Charlie was not forthcoming with information; other than saying he was happy. Bill amicably absorbed this new possibility, while Fred and George took advantage of the situation. After talking Charlie into trying a new invention of theirs, Charlie found himself on the receiving end of…let’s just say…a new look.

The look included breasts and a high squeaky voice.

George whispered, “Well, at least they’ll know who is on the bottom.”

Charlie ran after them, his new breasts bouncing nastily under his sweater and curvy new figure whipping girlishly around as he ran.

Ron and Ginny took the news horrifically.

Ron stared at his brother, his face marred by a confused grimace.

“You’re a pouf? But you’re a dragon handler and you played Quidditch! I mean, you’re all manly!”

Charlie glared daggers and Ron closed his mouth. “Bloody hell! I can’t believe this! My own brother! How could you do this??!” He stormed out of the room again.

Ginny was even worse. “Well, I hope that you don’t go around trying to seduce other people’s boyfriends! Keep to your own! And you had better not even think of looking at Harry! I’ll kill you myself, brother or no.” She also stormed out.

Molly gaped in horror and then burst into tears. Charlie apologized and decided that he wasn’t going to stay, since it upset the family so much. This only made Molly cry harder. Bill persuaded him to stay and to give Ron and Ginny some time to adjust to the news. From what Bill had gleaned from their parents, their youngest siblings had been dealing with a lot of issues during their term at school. Charlie agreed to stay, but his friend left, not wanting to “disturb” the family.

Percy sent an owl, which was ignored by all but Molly. The poor owl hooted pathetically for several hours until Molly was alerted to its presence. Molly, already emotionally fragile from the goings on, shouted at her children for their insensitivity regarding their own blood. This sent an outcry up from Ron and the twins, shouting that Percy had betrayed the family and therefore, was no longer kin. They even suggested that his name be removed from the family clock.

When Remus arrived, you could cut through the tension with a knife. He only made things worse.

Arthur went to shake Remus’ hand.

“Glad you could make it for Christmas Eve, Remus!” He said brightly. “It’s always good seeing you.”

Remus smiled. “You know I enjoy spending time with your family, Arthur. The kids keep me a little younger.” He leaned forward to show his new growth of gray coming in.

Arthur chuckled. “Well, I don’t know about this holiday.” He sighed. “It’s been difficult.” He gestured for Remus to join him outside by the back door.

Remus waited for Arthur to go on. “Ron is moody and angry all the time. He’s blaming us for Harry not coming. I also think there was some sort of break up with Hermione, but he won’t even talk about it. Ginny hates us, of course. Everything is our fault. Now apparently Charlie likes men. I hadn’t even seen that coming! I don’t even know my own children anymore.” He looked dejected. “And the thing with Percy is still a sore point for all of us.”

“Arthur, Ginny doesn’t hate you. She’s just a hormonal teenage girl who has just got her heart broken. I see this everyday at school. She will get better. She’ll meet someone new before you know it. Ron will get past this, as well. They’ve had a tough year, but they’re resilient. And as for Charlie, I guess this is the year for surprises about who’s getting with whom.” He clapped the man on his back encouragingly.

Arthur gave an appreciative look at the younger man.

“How is Harry anyway?”

Remus’ face took on a troubled expression. “I don’t know, Arthur. I haven’t heard from him at all. I owled him at school, but he hasn’t responded. That’s not like Harry. I’ve been thinking on going back to check on him. Or talk to Severus since he’s there as well. I’m sure he’s keeping an eye on Harry, if for no reason to determine what’s happening with him and Draco.” He snorted darkly.

Arthur rubbed his eyes. “I still can’t believe that. Harry and Lucius’ son. Merlin’s beard! If Harry was my own son…I would’ve rung his neck by now. I just can’t even imagine how those two manage to have a civil conversation, let alone…anything else.” He was blushing crimson.

Remus shook his head. “I have no clue, other than that perhaps Harry was drawn to him because of the dark magic in his system. Draco obviously knows quite a bit about the dark arts and his aura is dark. Maybe something out of Harry’s control is driving the attraction.” Remus looked thoughtful for a moment. “I wonder…”

“So you think that Harry is being controlled somehow?”

“Yes, I do. I wish I had done more this year to get through to him. But he was so closed. I hardly saw him this term. That should have been my first clue. I knew something was happening but every time I tried to talk to him, he would just shut down. I chalked it up to teenaged moodiness, but now I’m convinced that something’s not right.”

“And you think this thing with Draco is connected somehow?”

“I don’t know, Arthur. If Lucius was out of Azkaban, I wouldn’t put it past him to use Draco to get to Harry. But I’m telling you, Draco seems genuine in his affection for Harry. And if I didn’t know about Harry’s condition, I would admit the same thing about his feelings for Draco. They seemed very happy with one another, even though they can’t openly show it. It’s the only reason that I can think of that would have kept Severus quiet about it as well. He may want to allow Draco some happiness for once.”

“Do you think that Severus could be of any help? Merlin knows that I don’t envy anyone who has to work with that man. I don’t know how Albus has done it all these years. It took every ounce of patience that Sirius had, which wasn’t much of course, to just be in the same room. You seem to manage it well.”

“Severus is a complicated man. I didn’t hate him in school, unlike James and Sirius. Severus automatically hated me because I was their friend. I actually think he is quite brilliant at potions and many other skills. I wouldn’t tell him that of course. So I can tolerate him, mainly because he makes a huge effort to avoid me at school, just like when we were kids.” He shook his head at the memory. “Well, I don’t know how much help he’ll be. But there’s one thing I can wager. He isn’t pleased that Draco is in love with Harry. I’m sure he would probably go along with just about anything to end that affair, but not wanting Draco to find out his connection to it.”

Arthur nodded. “Wouldn’t we all?”

He had no idea how right he was.

At that moment, their private conversation was not so private.

Ginny had come down to the kitchen for some juice. She wouldn’t normally have eavesdropped, but at the mention of Harry’s name, had scooted closer to the door to listen to Remus.

Ginny slowly lowered her glass of juice; her head twisted to one side. Malfoy and Harry? Malfoy was in love with Harry??

Ginny surprised herself by how calm she was to hear that news. So, Malfoy was in love with her boyfriend. It explained a lot. The mysterious blonde leaving Harry’s room all those months ago; Malfoy hanging around Gryffindor Tower, and then giving her that story about Justin; Malfoy’s inexplicable anger at Zabini for being Harry’s friend. Come to think of it, Malfoy had disappeared almost as much as Harry had this term. Had he been following Harry like she tried to?

She put her cup in the sink and walked upstairs to her room. She sat down at her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment and wrote a short letter. After that, she went to find Ron’s owl, Pig.

As she watched the owl fly off, she smiled to herself.

Oh, Malfoy…you’ve made a huge mistake.

On Christmas Eve, Remus decided to Apparate to Hogwarts to see Harry in person; and to make sure he had received the invitation from the Weasleys for Christmas dinner. He had a nagging feeling that something was very wrong; aside from everything that was already wrong.

Remus walked through the nearly deserted halls. He had arrived around dinner time, hoping to catch Harry at dinner.

A quick glance in the room revealed that Harry was not there. He decided to ask the Gryffindors who were seated there.

“Have any of you seen Harry? Has he already eaten?” Remus asked the second and fourth year sitting there.

“We haven’t seen him, Professor Lupin. Harry hasn’t been here at all since the holiday started.” The girl offered.

“Not at all? You haven’t even seen him in the common room?”

“No, sir. Harry hasn’t been here.”

Remus cast a glance at the dais. Severus wasn’t at his place. He thanked the students and headed to the parchment that was hanging outside the hall. The list showed the students who were staying for the holidays. Harry’s name wasn’t on the list.

This troubled Remus greatly. Where could Harry have gone? His instinct kept giving him an answer that he didn’t want to acknowledge. He headed swiftly towards the dungeons.

Severus had just settled into his quarters with a nice glass of port and an article about Powerful Potions Masters…where are they now? An insightful look into the world of the elusive Potions Master. He had looked forward to a quiet evening; not that things had been hectic or anything. The lot who had stayed behind this year was a quiet group and hadn’t given Severus any trouble.

Severus had few regrets in his life. Becoming a Death Eater double agent ranked as both one of the best and worst experiences; it certainly challenged him in the skill department, which he loved, but he hated the killing and the torturing.

His newest regret…was answering his door when he heard the knocking. That one moment of human curiosity set off a chain of events that he wished he hadn’t come to know. Well, in hindsight, maybe not all of it was bad, but most of it was.

Remus stood there, looking ill kempt and mangy as always. Severus blinked, before placing his icy mask back on.

He made to close the door in his face, but Lupin stuck out his foot and Severus had the wonderful pleasure of hearing the man’s bones crunch sickeningly.

“What do you want, Lupin?” He asked, anger tainting his words, as the werewolf pushed the door open and hobbled in. He looked angry, or hopefully it was a look of severe pain.

“I need to talk to you. Do you know where Harry is?”

Severus lips flattened into a grimace. The black coals representing eyes in his face raked over the werewolf in barely concealed outrage.

“You have three seconds to turn around and crawl back from whence you came, Lupin. I am not in the habit of allowing…animals in my private chambers.”

Remus’ eyes narrowed but he was not going to be swayed.

“Just answer the question, Severus. Do you know?”

“In case you didn’t know, Lupin, I’m not his keeper. I would hardly know where that incorrigible boy is.”

“You mean you haven’t seen him at all during the break?”

“That’s what “not his keeper” means Lupin.”

“That’s interesting, since you certainly kept a very close watch on him and Draco all term. I’m sure you know all the intimate details of their relationship, including the fact that Draco is in love with Harry.”

One would think it would be impossible for Severus to turn any whiter. Or hate Lupin more then he already did. However, Severus accomplished both of them with ease.

“I would daresay that Potter is in love with Draco. Draco would never allow such a thing to occur.”

“Allow what? To fall in love? Severus, don’t be a fool. If you can witness and say Harry is in love, then you have always seen that it is quite returned.”

“Lupin, please tell me that you have not invaded my sanctuary to discuss the altogether perverse and vile antics of two teenagers. I would have thought that an adult would have more to sustain him than that. Obviously I gave you way too much credit.”

Remus stifled a laugh. “Oh come now, Severus. You are practically foaming at the mouth about all of this. Your interest in them is just as perverse. I saw you watching them this term. That’s how I even found out about them. It’s all thanks to you.”

The vein on Severus forehead ticked violently. He willed himself to not kill the man right there in his front room.

“Lupin,” he said through tight lips, “I derive no pleasure in your visit here tonight, or any other for that matter. I have already stated that I don’t know where Potter is and frankly I don’t care. Contrary to popular opinion, my life doesn’t revolve around ‘the hero’. Now get out.”

“So you don’t care that Draco is involved with him? How open-minded of you, Severus. I would never have imagined that you would be supportive of this relationship. I misjudged you. How wonderful for us all.”

“Teenaged romances are fickle at best, based on clichéd drama and mindless romantic drivel.”

“Surely you’re not serious? We’re talking about Harry and Draco. Not some lovesick Hufflepuff pining over some Gryffindor. Does Lucius Malfoy ring any bells? Or how about Voldemort? Or what about this…Harry is quite possibly very ill and spending an inordinate amount of time with your god-son. With the volatile nature of those two, how long do you think it would take before Draco really pisses Harry off? Do you want to see what may become of Draco if Harry has the messier side of the Vargulf poisoning?”

Severus pursed his lips. He hated to agree that Lupin was right. He mentally berated himself for helping Draco win Potter back. It had pleased him to see that Draco had seemed more of his normal self just before the holidays. The witless Hufflepuff had looked absolutely pathetic; staring woefully at the boy brat and sending glares at Draco. As usual, Potter seemed oblivious. What was it about him that drew so many, including his not easily swayed god-son?

“Fine, Lupin. So you may have a point. What are you suggesting?”

“I just want to know where Harry is, that’s all. He didn’t come to The Burrow, and I don’t know any other place that he would go…that I would be welcome to fire call.” He let the statement hang there, allowing Severus to draw his own conclusions.

“I refuse to believe that Draco would be that…foolish.”

“He’s in love, Severus. That is normally enough to do the trick.”

“Dear God.”

Severus walked to his fireplace. He threw in the green firecall powder, stuck in his head and called out, “Draco Malfoy.”

There was tense silence in the room as both men waited anxiously.

After an eternity, a voice finally answered.

“Severus?”

Severus breathed an inaudible sigh of relief. Then he immediately pounced.

“I want you to come to Hogwarts, now.”

“Why?”

“Just do it, Draco.”

There was a long pause and Severus thought for a moment that Draco was going to disobey his command.

“Fine. I’m coming now.”

Now turned into ten minutes. Then twenty.

Finally, there was a bright flash of green flames and Draco stepped out of the fireplace. He gave Severus a nasty sneer.

“What is it, Severus?” He then caught sight of Lupin, standing off to the side. Draco gave a start, and then turned to stare at his god-father.

“What’s going on here? Why is he here?” He jerked a thumb at Lupin.

Remus moved towards Draco. The scent coming off the boy was definitely Harry…and something else.

“Where’s Harry, Draco?” Remus asked politely.

For an instant, both men saw the flicker of fear spread across Draco’s face before the mask dropped down.

“What? How should I know? Is that what you called me here for? To ask me about Potter?” He shook his head in disbelief. “I’m going home.” He turned to head back to the fireplace.

Both men moved forward simultaneously as if it were rehearsed.

Severus spoke first. “Draco, please tell me that Potter is not at the Manor with you. Did you actually take him there? Where is Narcissa?”

Draco looked incredulous. “Why would I have Potter at my house? Have you gone mental, Severus? What are you going on about?”

Remus spoke up. “Draco, we know about you and Harry. Don’t try to deny it. We just need to talk to Harry that’s all. We’re not going to interfere in your relationship.” Severus opened his mouth, but Remus silenced him with his eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Professor.”

Severus snapped. “Draco, stop this right now. As loathe as I am to stand here with Lupin talking about this, I also happen to know it’s true. How you could have been so stupid as to get involved with Potter is beyond me. Narcissa will be furious to hear about this. I can’t even imagine what Lucius is going to say when he hears.”

Remus said, “Severus, you’re not helping.”

Draco snapped his head around to glare at his god-father. “You’ve gone mental! Me and Potter involved? You can’t be serious. Mother would never believe you! She knows that your loyalties are questionable.” Draco felt a blinding headache coming on.

Severus raised an eyebrow at Draco’s brashness. “Oh, then I suppose that wasn’t you having sex with him in my classroom during detention? I believe that you gave Potter a blowjob? Or wait, maybe that was the Hufflepuff boy that has been in Potter’s bed lately. I’m sorry; I guess I confused the two of you; since both of you were on your knees.”

Remus stared at Severus in shock. He watched them have sex in his classroom? There was more to Severus then he had originally thought.

Severus felt Remus staring at him, but he refused to look at the man. Now was not the time to think about what Lupin thought about it.

Draco’s nostrils flared in outrage. He was beyond mortified.

“You spied on us?? You set that detention up didn’t you?? You knew all this time?” His fists clenched in anger.

“Of course, I knew. There isn’t much that I don’t know about what’s going on in my own House.”

“I can’t believe this! And you told Professor Lupin??” He shook his head as if trying to shake the thoughts out of his head. “Well, you can’t prove anything! It was only that one time. It was just sex! Potter and I aren’t together, so you can stop with the interrogation.”

“Really, then I guess you won’t care if I mention this to Narcissa? I’m sure she will find this quite interesting, even if it was just sex.” Severus headed towards the hearth, and stuck his hand into the ashes.

Draco fought to keep from running to Severus to stop him. He watched anxiously as the man headed to the pot. If Severus told his mother, everything would come crashing down. He would lose Harry for sure. Narcissa would invoke some sort of thwarted love jinx or something equally crazy, which would prevent Harry from coming anywhere near him. She would know whenever Harry was around him. He cursed himself for not paying closer attention to those Witch Weekly advertisements about those kinds of products.

Severus tossed in a handful of powder. “Narcissa Mal-“

“Wait!” Draco cried out. He would hate Severus forever for this.

The potions master turned, looking expectantly at him. Remus cocked his head, also waiting.

“Don’t call my mother.”

“Well, Draco?”

Draco raised a defiant head towards his god-father. “Ok, so yeah, Harry’s been at the Manor.”

“Is he there now?” Severus asked.

Draco hesitated. “I don’t know where he is now.”

Something about the look on Draco’s face worried both men. They silently gave each other a look across the room.

“What happened, Draco?” Remus asked quietly.

Draco turned to look at Remus. Now that he was closer to Draco, he could tell the boy didn’t look well at all. He looked like he hadn’t slept and there were dark circles under his eyes. He had obviously used some sort of glamour to cover his skin. Remus could smell the scent of faint blood on him. Remus moved closer to him. Draco backed away slowly.

Severus watched Remus move towards the boy. “What is it, Lupin?”

“He’s been injured recently, Severus. He’s using a glamour.”

Severus swooped over to Draco in one quick movement. Draco barely registered what had happened when Severus had grabbed his arm. He let out a gasp.

“Let me go, Severus!” Draco tried to pull away from him, but he held tight to him.

“Draco, did Harry hurt you? Has he been acting different? You must tell us! Harry’s not himself.” Remus said quickly.

Now there’s an understatement for you, Draco thought crazily for a moment. He suddenly barked a harsh laugh.

“Draco, what happened? Did Potter attack you? Where is he?” Severus pulled his wand and muttered an incantation. The glamour that Draco had been under disappeared.

Severus sucked in his breath and Remus put a hand to his mouth.

Draco had been ravaged.

Both of his eyes were black and a long gash ran along his cheek. There were large bruises on his neck and what looked like teeth marks. Remus feared what would be under the boy’s clothes. Severus let go of Draco’s arm.

“Draco! Why didn’t you say something? Have you done anything to heal these?” Severus already knew the answer. Stupid teenagers. He jumped up quickly and strode over to his potions cabinet.

“Draco, you must tell us what happened. What has Harry been doing? How long has this been going on? Have you fought like this before?”

Draco looked at Lupin. Remus suddenly realized how scared Draco was. He remembered his own family when they first experienced his transformations. His mother had been scared to death for him, his father stoically standing by his side until he couldn’t be with him anymore. Draco looked just like that now. He loved Harry, but was terrified of him.

“I’m not going to tell you anything! All you’re going to do is use it against him, Severus. You would like nothing more than to see him expelled or in Azkaban. Or even let the Dark Lord finish his job.”

Severus bit back a retort. “Draco, I’m here to help you.”

“Yeah, Severus, me. You’re not going to help him at all. I know how much you hate Harry. I’m not going to help you send him to Azkaban.”

Remus gave Severus a look that clearly meant that he had better convince Draco quickly that he was going to help them both.

Severus rolled his eyes. “Draco, I’m not going to have him sent to Azkaban. And I certainly don’t want him killed, no matter what you both may believe. I’m not a complete monster. Killing a child? Even I have my limits.” He surprised himself at his honesty.

“No, Severus. I’m going home. I don’t believe that you want to help me. I’ll figure this out on my own.” He had moved away from Remus and was backing away towards the fireplace again, judging how long he had before Severus reached him.

Severus walked briskly towards Draco again. “You need medical attention, Draco! We need to see the extent of your injuries. We need to find Potter. Tell me where he is now, Draco. He’s not well.”

“No! Leave me alone! I’ve told you enough. This is between Harry and me. We’ll fix it!” He dashed to the fireplace and grabbed a handful of powder.

“Severus!” Remus shouted. The werewolf was not close enough to Draco to stop him.

Severus’ showed amazing agility for a school teacher. In one quick movement, he grabbed a hold of Draco’s shirt, just as the boy shouted, “Malfoy Manor!” There was a huge roar and the fireplace shot green flames. For an instant, Remus was certain that neither one of them would be able to floo. He had never known anyone to share a floo before. But to his astonishment, both of them disappeared with a loud whoosh!

Remus snatched up a handful of ash. He prayed that he would make it in time before the wards closed, if he didn’t…well, he had had on okay life.

At first he wasn’t sure if he had made it or not. He thought he saw light and the outline of a sofa in front of him. Then there was a horrible pressing feeling in his chest, like a weight boring down on him. He tried to yell, but no sound would come out. Tears filled his eyes as the weight crushed him. Remus moaned, but a sweet thought filled him. At least he would never have to transform ever again. There was more horrible pain and then nothing.

Through the hazy fog, he heard his name. “Remus! Lupin!! Ennervate!!”

His body jerked when Severus’ wand touched him. If felt like he had been shocked with electricity. “Oh…gawd…” he groaned.

Severus was kneeling down beside him. “I see you have returned to the land of the living. How wonderful for me.” He drawled. He sat back on his hunches.

Remus struggled to sit up. Severus helped him, a gesture that was not lost on the werewolf. They were sitting in a large parlor. Remus guessed this was the Manor.

“What happened? Where’s Draco??” Reality came flooding back. Remus looked at Severus.

“Well, after that little stunt you pulled, trying to floo through a heavily warded home, I lost Draco. I must admit I’m not as young as I used to be. I am surprised that he can run that fast. He never fancied physical ministration. You needed attention immediately. The wards almost killed you even though you managed to slip in just as they were closing. A second later we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m not sure which would have been better.”

Remus smiled, though it hurt his face to do so. “You always know the right thing to say, Severus. A man could truly fall in love.”

Severus narrowed his eyes. Did Lupin just flirt with him?

He drew back from the man hastily. Remus smirked, but didn’t say anything else. He pulled himself up using the back of the sofa. He wobbled for a moment, but then stood steady.

“I can catch his scent, even though it’s his home. He has Harry’s scent on him as well. It’s not going to be hard to locate him.” Remus said. He headed out towards the hallway, Severus on his heels. Remus turned to the right. “He went that way.”

“Probably to his room. I believe it’s in that direction if I remember correctly.” Severus said. “I doubt he would leave again. Narcissa could show up at any time. I know he doesn’t want us to run into her.” They headed off towards the right.

After several moments, Remus led them to a circular corridor down the right wing of the house. “He’s in there. I can hear him.” He pointed towards an ornately decorated door.

“Yes, that’s his bedroom.” Severus sighed. “This is why I don’t have children.” He pulled his wand and Remus pulled his. “I don’t doubt that Draco will probably try something even more foolish.” He pointed the wand at the door. “Alohamora.”

Draco heard the door click and he pointed his wand at them when they entered.

“Expelliamus!” He cried out.

He forgot that Severus and Remus were much better wizards then he was. His wand was out of his hand almost before he had finished saying the words. Severus reached out and caught it easily. Wordless incantations always came in handy. He then fixed Draco with a chilling stare.

“Now Draco, I hope that you won’t continue in this manner. You know how much I hate to floo. I am finding your behavior quite disturbing.”

Draco was about to respond when a loud crack erupted in the room. Geechee appeared, looking very harassed.

“Master Draco, we are having more guests? Why hasn’t Geechee been told of this?” She looked at Severus and Remus. “Geechee remembers Severus Snape. Geechee is not knowing the other wizard. The other wizard is werewolf. Will they be helping Harry Potter, Master Draco?”

At this Remus stepped forward. “Yes, we are here to help Harry. Do you know where he is?”

“Geechee! Stay out of this! I forbid you to speak of it.” Draco called out.

Geechee frowned. “Master Draco, I am sworn to protect you, sir. Harry Potter is quite dangerous. After his doing bad things last night, his almost killing Master! And then poor Kreacher! Killed most foul! Masters Severus and Werewolf can stop Harry Potter!”

Remus goggled at Draco. “Kreacher’s dead? What the hell happened?”

“Geechee! Leave now!” Draco barked.

“He died most foul! But it was keeping Harry Potter from killing Master Draco. Geechee is most pleased that Kreacher is dead instead of Master. Geechee told Master that Harry Potter was bad. It was those pills that Master was taking, trying to make Harry Potter not bad anymore.”

“Harry tried to kill you? But killed Kreacher, instead??” Remus struggled to comprehend this turn of events.

Severus turned to look at Draco, who had grown steadily paler. “What pills? What is she talking about Draco?” Severus wondered what the hell he had just gotten himself into.

“She’s talking about nothing! Geechee, I am getting clothes for you right now!” Draco marched over to his wardrobe, flung it open and grabbed a shirt from the closet. He spun around and walked purposefully over to Geechee.

“Master Draco!! Geechee is telling nothing but the truth! Geechee is protecting Master! Please Master!” She began wringing her hands.

Severus moved in between Draco and the elf. “Draco! Enough of this! What are these pills she’s talking about? What have you done?” He fixed the blonde with a look that made Draco wince.

“Nothing! She doesn’t know what she’s saying. She doesn’t know what she saw.”

“Tell me what you’ve done, Draco! I’m not going to say it again.” Severus looked close to exploding.

Remus tried. “Draco, please! Just tell us what’s going on. We want to help you and Harry. He’s beaten you, now Geechee is saying Kreacher is dead by Harry’s hand! You have to know that Harry isn’t himself. He’s been sick for a long time, but we were too slow to do something about it. I won’t forgive myself if something happened to him. I know that you won’t either.”

Severus suppressed the urge to tell Remus to shut up. He shook his head. They didn’t have time for hand holding. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Draco.

“Accio pills!” He figured there couldn’t be too many pills in Draco’s room.

There was a faint tapping sound and Severus looked towards the table by the bed. The tapping was coming from inside it. Severus looked at Remus who was closest to the table. Remus walked over to it and pulled it open.

“NO! Stay out of my stuff!” Draco rushed towards Remus, but Severus pulled him away. Draco struggled against Severus, the man barely able to hang onto him he was so wild. Merlin! Severus couldn’t believe that all of this was actually happening. He knew that Draco was severely injured, but the way he was flailing against him, it was as if he couldn’t feel the pain.

Remus had pulled out a small box. When he opened it, several pills flew out and hit Severus in the chest, and then fell to the floor. Severus let go of Draco, bent down and picked one up. He peered at it closely, and then frowned. He cut his eyes to Draco.

“This is one of those muggle pills they use as drugs, isn’t it? You’ve been doing drugs??” Severus was thunderstruck. He felt as if he had walked into some alternate universe where nothing made sense. The tally of that score card had AU: 10 Severus: 0.

“Draco!! Where did you get these? Did Potter get these for you?? Did he get you hooked on these things?” Severus knew he was close to murder now. He tried to pull himself together. “What’s been going on here?” He asked, much calmer now.

Remus and Draco knew better.

Draco backed away from his god-father’s increasing wrath. Remus moved towards Severus, ready to stop the man from hexing Draco to ashes.

Remus spoke. “Draco, has Harry been using drugs too?”

Draco lowered his head. He remained silent.

“Draco?”

“If you don’t start talking Draco, I’m on my way to that floo to talk to Narcissa. I mean it. Then I will personally make sure that you go to Azkaban.”

Draco looked at the two men. He sighed wearily. “Yes, Harry’s been using drugs. He’s been using them since the attack. He got them from a guy at the party where the werewolf attacked him. He makes his own drinks and other stuff. His sister is in Slytherin.”

Severus’ eyes became pinpoints. “What girl in Slytherin?”

“Millicent.”

Severus’ mind whirled as he scrolled through the list of names from his House. He scowled darkly when it registered.

“Fadien Bulstrode is selling drugs? I taught him potions! He was actually quite good.” He glanced down at the pill. “I’m sure he’s adding his own brew to these. So he’s tampered with muggle drugs by mixing them with magical properties? Astounding!”

Remus cocked a disapproving look in Severus’ direction. “So Harry’s been doing drugs since August? And you’ve been doing them with him?” Remus asked.

“Yeah. Look I know it was stupid, but it just happened. At first he thought they were pain killers or something. He thought Fadien was trying to help him, since it was his friend who attacked him.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “His friend? Who was it? Do you know his name?”

“Yeah, Nicos Parmoude or something like that.”

“And what happened after the attack?”

“Well, some people tried to help Harry because he was bleeding pretty badly. Then Fadien gave him some pills, said it would help with the pain.”

Now it was Severus’ turn to raise an eyebrow. “He just happened to have these pills to aid in a werewolf attack?”

Draco nodded. Severus gave Remus a significant look. “And then?”

“Well, Harry just kept using it because he said that the pain never really stopped. He didn’t know it was drugs at first, but then he eventually figured it out. He can be so naïve sometimes. Fadien threw drug parties all the time. Harry didn’t know that. But we knew it because of Millicent.”

“How did you start using this, Draco?” Severus asked. “While Potter may have the brains of a first year, you certainly don’t. So explain this.”

Remus interjected. “Severus, they’re teenagers. Isn’t that enough of an explanation? Besides, now isn’t the time for lectures on drug use. We need to find Harry and the sooner the better.” He looked at Draco. “Do you have any idea where he went? What happened last night that caused him to leave and kill Kreacher?”

Draco was about to respond when he suddenly winced. The wards had just signaled that someone was approaching. He plastered an innocent look on his face as he tried to figure out how to deal with this new problem.

Geechee, however, had other ideas.

“Harry Potter is coming, sir. He is at the gate.”

Damn you, house elf!

“Let him in, Draco.” Remus said. “We can help him.”

Draco looked towards Severus. “Severus, do you promise that you will help and not turn him in or anything? And do you promise not to hurt him?”

Severus stared hard at Draco. “I’m not in the habit of repeating myself. I already told you that I wouldn’t. You certainly seem to care a lot about someone who was just sex to you.”

Draco smirked. “He’s great in bed.”

“And apparently with his fists as well.”

Draco paled. His god-father had no idea what had really happened. He was almost ready to blabber out the whole sordid story. He wanted to believe that they could help and that Harry wouldn’t be hurt or sent to prison, but he wasn’t ready to risk that right now.

He chose to ignore that statement. “Fine, I’ll let him in. But I’m going out to talk to him, first. He’ll be pissed that you are here.” He gave Geechee a look. “Go down to the kitchens and make some food. Steak, rare. Don’t come until you are called. Do not disobey again.” He pointed at the shirt that was on the floor. “One more stunt like that and you’ll be wearing that shirt.” The ice prince was back.

Geechee bowed her head. “Yes, Master Draco.” She winked out of sight.

Draco looked at Severus. “May I have my wand, please?”

“Why do you need that?”

“Yes, Draco…do tell…why do you need your wand?”

All three of their heads whipped around.

Harry stood in the doorway of the Draco’s room, leaning casually against the door frame.

Draco stammered, his fear rising like the tide in his body. “H-how did you get in through the wards?”

“Oh, I had some help.” He pulled his hand from behind his back. He tossed a small bundle to the floor in front of their feet. The bundle twitched slightly and both Remus and Severus were instantly wary. The bundle moved again and a small hand fell out on the floor. It was Kreacher.

But he was moving.

Remus looked at Harry uncertainly. “I thought…” He glanced at Draco. The boy’s eyes were huge in his face and he looked ready to vomit. Remus walked over to him quickly. Draco looked close to passing out. “Severus…”

Severus’ eyes were glued to Harry. The dark magic on the boy was choking them in that room. Harry looked…malevolently evil in the light. It was almost like watching Voldemort when he was in his maniacal phases. Harry’s eyes glinted a strange golden color, mixing in with the once beautiful green. He was also covered in blood. It had stained his clothes and there were streaks of it in his hair and on his face.

Remus pushed Draco down on the bed. “Are you going to be ok?”

Draco nodded, a bit breathless.

Remus turned his attention back to Harry. “Harry, where have you been? We’ve been worried about you.” He tried to push down the gnawing feeling of dread in his bones. Harry’s appearance was truly frightening. And his miraculous entry into a heavily warded house like Malfoy Manor was absolutely terrifying to even think about.

Harry looked at him and gave a slow smile. “I’ve been…busy. What are you doing here? And with Severus no less.”

Severus growled at the use of his given name. The impudent brat! “I am still Professor Snape to you, Potter. No doubt you have been filling your brain and Draco’s with god knows what over the last few months. We know about your little hobby.” He showed the pill to Harry.

Harry turned accusing eyes to Draco, who blanched under his gaze. “You told them? You betrayed me!”

Draco stood up, rushing towards Harry. “Harry, I didn’t tell them! They just figured it out.”

“And I suppose they just happened to walk into your bedroom, also?” He sneered at Draco, but then smiled again. “No matter. This works out even better. Now you’ll never see him again. You can’t control me anymore. I can do what I want.”

Draco stood staring, white as a sheet.

Remus moved toward Harry. “Harry, we need to talk to you, ok? You’re not yourself. Look at what you did to Draco. You love him, don’t you? Why would you hurt him like that?” He held his wand out in front of him. Harry stood up straight, keeping his eye on the wand and Severus, who was now closing the distance on his other side.

“I know nothing about love. Draco was a good fuck, but that was about it. Who can trust a Malfoy? He surely didn’t think that I loved him, did he?” He laughed at that. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Draco inhale sharply. Harry eyed him coldly. “I only came back for something that belongs to me. Where’s the book?”

“What book?” Remus asked quickly.

“None of your business, Remus. Even though I must thank you for your help.”

“What?”

Severus answered. “The Book of Shadow Vengeance, isn’t that right?”

Harry snarled at Severus. “What do you know of it?”

“Enough to know that you won’t be getting your hands on it.”

“Is that so? You’ll be surprised what your little Harry can do. Ask Draco.”

Before any one could say anything else, there were footsteps in the hall.

“Draco? Do you have company?”

Harry turned to look at them, smiled and vanished with a puff of smoke.

Narcissa Malfoy walked into her son’s bedroom.

“Oh my God!! Draco! What happened to your face??” She hurried over to her son. She then noticed the other two men. “Severus? What are you doing here?” She narrowed her eyes at Remus. “Lupin?? Is this your doing?? What are you doing in my house?” She demanded. Remus looked on helplessly.

Severus took control of the situation. “Narcissa, Draco had a slight emergency that required my assistance. Apparently, he got into a fist fight with some muggles who happened upon something they had no business being involved in. Unfortunately, Draco was unable to get his wand, because of the unfair advantage the muggles had, since they outnumbered him five to one. He only suffered the minor bruising. I shall fix it momentarily. Lupin happened to be with me at the time for school business. I apologize for the intrusion. I pray your vacation went well.” He said silkily. Remus inclined his head polite

Narcissa smiled. “Yes, it was wonderful. Well, I’m glad you’re here to help Draco with this. Fighting with muggles! How absurd! Barbarians, I say.” She looked at Professor Lupin. “Since you are a colleague of Severus’, I will trust his judgment. Is there anything I can do to help, Severus? These wounds look ghastly.”

“No, Narcissa. But you know I prefer to work alone. I will come to see you shortly.”

“I’m fine, Mother, really.”

Narcissa looked at the men one last time. She then nodded. “All right. I will see you later then, Severus. Draco, get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed him gently on the forehead and swept from the room.

Severus looked at Remus. “We have a problem.”

“You think?” Draco asked sarcastically. His life had just ended.

Severus cocked his head at Draco. “You’ve been lying to us, Draco. There’s a lot more going on that you haven’t told us. You had better start talking now.”

Draco swallowed the lump in his throat.

Once Narcissa had left the room, she heard the quiet mutterings of the potions master. She frowned slightly. Something was definitely going on. When she rounded the corner, she could have sworn she saw Harry Potter standing in the doorway.