Slytherin & Gold

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Slytherin & Gold
Warning

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Harry

The Gryffindor table was clearing out as lunch was nearly over. Harry sat by himself thinking and stewing over the events of the last several days. Remus had sent an owl as soon as they arrived to explain everyone was alright and they would be back as soon as possible. He did not reveal their location or when they might be traveling. Logically, Harry knew this was a necessity, but it did nothing to allay his fears. He still fretted over Melissae’s injuries. He was surprised, at times, how much all this upset him. He could still see her kind face, hear her soft voice as she spoke to him. Melissae was not the picture of a grandmother most muggles would bring to mind, but her affections were true and deep, and Harry felt as connected to her and Govannon as if they had been family. Merlin knew his blood relations never felt like family !

Harry sighed into his goblet as he finished his pumpkin juice, his eyes straying to the Slytherin table. Draco held his gaze for a second or two, then purposefully got up and left the hall. The blond seemed to be giving him some signal, but Harry wasn’t sure what it was. Waiting another couple of minutes so he would not raise suspicions, Harry packed his bag slowly then stood and left the hall. He was not surprised to see Malfoy waiting for him near the stairs. Checking the hall discreetly, he saw they were, for the most part, alone for the moment, but he didn’t take any chances and headed for the stairs instead of for Draco. The blond stepped into Harry’s path, as he thought he would.

“I need to speak with you, Potter.” Draco said in a low, but normal voice.

“What do you want, Malfoy ?” Harry said just loud enough for the benefit of anyone listening to them. Draco stepped in closer and glared more intently into Harry’s eyes.

“Tell Dumbledore to get the Trisstts out of there, now.” He hissed, so only Harry could hear. At Harry’s furrowed brow Draco went on. “I just overheard White bragging about how his father was going to be in the good graces of the Dark Lord for delivering a prize catch.”

“What makes you think it’s the Trisstts that are the catch ?” Harry asked. Draco had been filled in about the attack on the Trisstts, but had not been able to offer any information, until now.

“Think, Potter. Thaddeus White just got back from visiting his family…….. in Wales. His father is constantly vying for a better position within the ranks of the Dark Lord. It sounded to me as if the raid could come as early as today or tonight. You have to pull them out of there. Now !” Draco hissed angrily.

“Why are you so concerned all of a sudden ?” Harry asked. He knew he should be thankful for the information, but Malfoy still rubbed him the wrong way.

Draco eyed him coldly. “As you have observed, I care about Professor Trisstt’s welfare. I do not wish to see her hurt.” Harry continued to stare at him. “And I made a promise to Ginny to help, if I could.” Harry nodded and turned to go towards the Headmaster’s office.

“Oh … and Potter..” Draco said in a normal voice again. Harry turned back to find out what he wanted and was met with a fist connecting with his jaw and sending him stumbling back and landing on the stone floor.

“What the bloody hell was that for ?” Harry demanded as he rubbed his jaw with his hand and wiped the blood away from his split lip.

“That was for the night of the Yule Ball.” Draco’s grey eyes glared coldly into his. Oh. Harry just sat on the cold floor working his jaw, too ashamed to argue with Draco about that night. Ginny must have told him about the liberties Harry had taken with her. They both heard a quick intake of breath and turned to see Ginny with her hand to her mouth looking shocked. She stared into Draco’s eyes for a moment or two, then the Slytherin stalked off towards the dungeons. Ginny’s angry gaze followed him, then she took off in the opposite direction, but Harry knew there was a shortcut she could take to head him off.

Harry sighed deeply, then he felt hands helping him up. Turning to look, he recognized two Gryffindor third years whose names he did not remember, but he thanked them, brushed off their concerned inquiries and went straight to the Headmaster’s office.

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“Ah, Mr. Potter. Should you not be in Divination now ?” Dumbledore asked cheerily as he fed Fawks.

“We have to move Govannon and Melissae right now. Is there a way to get a message to Remus ?”

The Headmaster turned to look at Harry sharply. His brow furrowed deeply as his eyes took in Harry’s appearance.

“What happened to your face, Harry ?” Harry put a hand up to his lip and found more blood there, then pulled it back as the area was tender.

“Oh, this. I deserved it, I guess. It’s not important. Draco overheard something at the Slytherin table. He believes the Trisstts are in danger. We have to warn them !” Harry nearly shouted. The old wizard stared at him for a few moments, seeming to process this information.

Dumbledore went to his desk and pulled out a quill, parchment and ink. Harry watched him with a desperate urge to yell at the Headmaster that this was no time to write a letter. “Sir ?” Harry managed to say impatiently.

“Sit, Harry.” The old man said motioning to a chair in front of his desk. “The only way to reach them is by owl. We will send out three owls each with a different destination, just in case this is a rouse.” Harry took a mental step back, he hadn’t thought of that. What if Draco was just trying to find out where the Trisstts were. That information could buy him a lot of respect in Death Eater circles. He looked at Dumbledore again.

“Mr. Malfoy may have been baited, to test his loyalty. We must find him and quickly.” Oh. Dumbledore thought Draco might be in trouble ? The old man said moving faster than Harry could ever remember him moving. “May I assume the injuries you sustained were inflicted by Mr. Malfoy ?”

“Uh ….. Yeah.” Harry said sheepishly.

“Then I believe he should be taken directly to his head of house ………. for his ‘punishment’.” The Headmaster said with a bit of a twinkle as he lead the way down the stairs. When they reached the entry hall, the old wizard turned to Harry and handed him something.

“Take this, Harry. It will let the staff know you are acting under my orders.” Harry looked down at the object he had been given. It was golden, or gold who knew, and it resembled a muggle credit card though it was significantly larger.

“I want you to get Miss Granger from her Arithmancy class and have her go to stay with Severus. He has an open schedule this afternoon and I do not want him to be alone. Viviane is teaching 4th year Gryffindor and Slytherin at the moment I believe, so Miss Weasley will be there already, but I want you to go to be with her as well.”

“Are you expecting an attack, Professor ?” Harry asked worriedly.

“No, but I would rather be prepared and wrong. Hurry now ! I will send these owls immediately and have Professor McGonnagal take Mr. Malfoy to Severus’ office.


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Severus

Severus sat at his desk trying to grade some first year essays, but his mind would not stay on task. The lack of communication from Lupin and Black was unsettling. Blast it ! Why hadn’t he thought of this ? Viviane’s parents had been here, safe within the castle walls. Why hadn’t he realized the Death Eaters would attack ? It was a standard practice to harm loved ones of those they wished to control, but Severus had never had anyone he cared about, until now.

Throwing down his quill, Severus ran a hand over his face. He looked up sharply as he heard someone clear their throats. It was Hermione. What in the name of Avalon was she doing here ?

“May I help you, Miss Granger ? I had not thought to see you until later this afternoon.” He said standing.

“I …. well I … um….” Hermione stuttered out. Curious, as she was never at a loss for words.

“Yes, Miss Granger ?”

She took a deep breath. “I was asked to come stay with you.” Hermione managed to say.

“Indeed. By whom ?”

“By Professor Dumbledore.” Curiouser and curiouser, Severus thought.

“But you should be in ….....let’s see” Severus said looking in the drawer of his desk and taking out the course schedule Hermione had written out for him when he hired her as an assistant. “yes here it is. Arithmancy is your current class.”

“I …. I am supposed to be here, sir. Just in case.”

“In case of what, Miss Granger ?” Severus said. But Hermione never got to answer as Minerva came in following a rather perturbed looking Draco Malfoy. “What is this, Minerva ?”

“Mr. Malfoy punched Mr. Potter in the entryway outside the Great Hall. He is here to receive his punishment.” Gryffindor’s head of house said with her lips tightly pursed. Severus looked at Draco questioningly. Hadn’t he and Harry worked out their differences ? The blonde’s face gave nothing away.

“And aren’t you supposed to be in class, Miss Granger ?” Professor McGonnagal asked in a clipped tone.

“I … um… “ Hermione started to say.

“Miss Granger is helping me with some work. Thank you, Minerva.” Severus said pointedly inferring she could now leave.

As McGonnagal exited, Hermione followed her to the door, closed it. She then drew her wand and put locking and silencing charms on the room. She turned back to look at him. Severus raised a questioning brow.

“Draco isn’t here because he’s in trouble, Professor.” She said. Draco’s head snapped to look at her. “Professor Dumbledore wanted him under your protection at the moment.”

“As I am under yours, is that it ?”

“Honestly, sir, I think we are to protect each other.” She said looking somewhat at a loss.

“Why ? What has happened ?” Severus saidermiermione turned her gaze pointedly to Draco.

“I overheard some talk around the Slytherin table at lunch today.” Here the boy paused and looked at Hermione. She seemed to give him some signal as the blond began to speak again. “I’m afraid ……. Death Eaters may know where the Trisstts are and are planning an assault.”

Severus could feel the anger rising in him immediately. “WHAT ? Why wasn’t I informed !” He began to stalk towards the door, but Hermione stepped in front of him. “Out of my way !” Severus snapped, but Draco joined her in blocking his path.

“Professor, please. I’ll explain everything if you’ll just sit down. I was telling you the truth, Professor Dumbledore does want you to protect Draco.”

“Me ? Why ? Is Potter on the rampage or something ?” The young Gryffindor’s eyes narrowed and her lips pursed in a good imitation of her head of house. Severus sat on the edge of the closest desk mildly amused by the interplay between the two young people.

“No ... and don’t be stupid. Incase that information you overheard was a plant. A way of finding out where your allegiances lay. The fight w han handy excuse for getting you to Professor Snape.”

Draco crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked thoughtful for a moment. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“The Headmaster is also worried that this might be another distraction and he doesn’t want anyone getting to either you or Professor Trisstt.” Hermione said, turning her attentions to him again.

“Who is with Viviane ?” Severus asked.

“Ginny is in her class right now.” Draco said. Severus and Hermione both turned a questioning glance to the young Slytherin. The boy’s face remained unreadable.

“That’s … er … right and Harry is also with her.” She said still looking at Draco strangely.

“Has a message been sent to Lupin and Black ?” Severus asked.

“Yes. The Headmaster sent out three owls, they will be harder to trace that way.” Hermione said.

“Very well.” Severus said movingk tok to his desk. “We shall wait. Miss Granger, you may remove the silencing charm so we can hear if someone knocks. Since you are both here and fairly competent at potions, you may help me correct these essays.”

The two students settled into seats and began reading. Severus idly thought he should be more worried about the possibility of an attack, especially for Viviane’s well being. In truth, he wasn’t. Not that he trusted a 4th and 5th year student to protect her, even if one of them was Harry Potter. Viviane was quite powerful in her own right and with her pregnancy fortifying her magic, he shuttered to think what could happen to a person who tried to harm her.


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Viviane

Viviane had been largely perplexed when Harry showed up in her classroom, but he had the Headmaster’s golden pass, so Dumbledore must have asked Harry to come here. She had him stay in her office so he would not disturb the class. Harry had been agitated for some time before he showed up. She had felt his fear suddenly, then a brief explosion of pain. She had been sitting down at the time and luckily the students had not been in the classroom yet, when it happened. So she was not surprised to see the bruise on Harry’s face nor the split lip. She was surprised though, that he somehow felt he deserved it.

While the class was practicing the hex for the day, Viviane glanced through the open door of her office. Harry was standing at the window looking thoughtfully out onto the front gates. Viviane could have seen he was worried, she did not need to receive the information empathically. He must have felt her watching him, because he turned his head and tried to smile, but the effect did not make it to his eyes. She smiled faintly back, then turned her attention back to her class.

Harry worried her lately. Frankly, Viviane thought to herself, everything worried her lately, but she had good reason. Sighing deeply, she prayed once again that the Gods were protecting her parents and her friends. No news from Remus was not necessarily good news, but at least there had not been any news of a new attack.

“I think I’ve got it, Professor Trisstt.” Ginny said, looking very proud of herself. Ginny raised her wand and pointed it at her Ravenclaw partner, Mary Hayes. Mary did not appear to be happy about being used for a demonstration. Ginny said ‘Furnunculus’ and sent the hex flying. Boils suddenly sprung up all over Mary’s face.

“Very good, Ginny.” Viviane said, before saying the counter curse, much to Mary’s relief.

As the class drew to a close, Viviane reminded her students of the essay they had dor tor the next class, then wished them a good day. All the students filed out and Ginny stayed behind, presumably to talk to Harry. Viviane was just walking over to Ginny when she heard Harry call from the office.

“They’re here !” He said excitedly. Viviane turned to him and immediately felt a hot wrenching pain go through the side of her chest. She braced herself on the edge of the desk, trying with all her might not to collapse.

“Harry !” Ginny’s panicked voice came from behind her. Viviane closed her eyes, feeling the world beginning to whirl. Harry’s strong hands were supporting her and moving her into a chair. In the background, she could hear Ginny’s worried voice asking what was wrong.

“Viviane, what is it ?” Harry’s frantic voice sounded close to her ear. Stifling a moan, she grabbed Harry’s robes to bring him closer and finally opened her eyes locking them to his.

“Sirius. Wounded. Help them. Hurry.” Viviane managed to gasp out before her world went black.


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Harry

Harry stood looking out the window with his hands gripping his armss fis fingers drumming nervously. Where were they ? How long does it take an owl to reach them ? He had no idea. Harry didn’t want to tell Viviane anything, not just yet. It all could be a mistake. Malfoy could have jumped to the wrong conclusion. Though, in the time Harry had known him, Malfoy never jumped until he was sure.

Turning his head, Harry looked out into the classroom. Viviane met his eyes. He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but he must have failed miserably if the weak smile she returned was any indication. Harry sighed and looked back out the window at the front lawns. The day was gloomy and rain threatened to burst forth any moment. The noise from the classroom barely reaching his ears, Harry ran several possibilities through his head, none ending happily.

The sounds from the classroom were lessening, Harry turned to see the students leaving. He caught Ginny’s eye and she nodded. Turning his attention back to the front gates, Harry blinked. Was he seeing what he thought he was ? A party of people had just appeared outside the front gates.

“They’re here !” Harry said, exhaling with relief. He wasn’t sure, but there seemed to be an extra person.

“Harry !” Ginny said. He turned back to see Viviane leaning on her desk, obviously in a great deal of pain. Running out of the office, he signaled for Ginny to get Viviane’s chair from behind her desk. Harry helped support the pregnant Professor and ease her into the chair.

“What is it, Professor ? What’s wrong ?” Ginny asked worriedly.

“Viviane, what is it ?” Harry didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t tell what was wrong. Was it the babies ? Merlin, no ! He could almost feel her trying to ignore the pain. Viviane grabbed Harry’s robes pulling him closer and opened her eyes, boring into him.

“Sirius. Wounded. Help them. Hurry.” She said before slumping over into Harry’s arms. His mind went numb with panic. He looked wide eyed at Ginny, who had her fingers at Viviane’s throat.

“She’s alr, Ha, Harry. Just passed out. What was she saying about Sirius ? How would she know if he was hurt ?” Ginny said. He wasn’t sure himself, but somehow knew it was true. After all, Viviane had known when he was upset and crying in the tower. His chest tightened. Sirius.

“Take care of her.” Harry told Ginny as he rested the unconscious woman back into the c. T. Then he took off at a run, nearly falling down the stairs in his haste and slamming through a pack of girls gathered near the front doors. Bounding down the steps, he took off at a full out sprint, feeling the blood pounding in his ears and the cold sweat collecting on his forehead. The group hadn’t moved from the spot where they must have apparated.

“Alohomora” Harry yelled, flicking his wand from a considerable distance away, but the gate swung open. Govannon and Remus carried the unconscious body of Sirius, (Merlin please let him be unconscious), onto the grounds. Harry barely stopped himself from running into Govannon when he reached them. The older wizard stopped him short with his large hands. Harry panted helplessly, unable to catch his breath, he looked at Remus’ drawn and worried face and he felt his heart sink. Collapsing onto his knees, Harry placed a hand over his godfather’s chest. He was breathing, raggedly, but breathing.

Suddenly, Harry was shoved unceremoniously to the side by a profusion of fiery copper colored curls. Landing flat on his bum, he glared up to see who would have shoved him away from Sirius. It was a girl, near his own age. She was gently lifting Sirius’ head and emptying a small vial into his mouth. Her long delicate fingers caressed the unconscious man’s throat to get him to swallow. After a few seconds, Sirius’ eyes opened and he coughed. To Harry’s horror, he saw the man was coughing up blood.

“We have to get him to the infirmary.” Harry said quickly.

“Aye, we will. Only now he’ll live long enough to see it.” The copper haired witch said in a very thick accent. Her pale green eyes turned to Harry reflecting her concern and weariness. Harry looked at her for a moment, then stood up drawing his wand again. Remus looked far too weak to perform this kind of exhaustive magic.

“Mobilicorpus” Harry said pointing his wand at Sirius. The wounded man’s slack body rose in the air and began floating towards the castle.

“Gently, Harry.” Remus said. “The potion has stopped the bleeding. Poppy should be able to mend him easily now.” Harry turned to look up into the werewolf’s face. He appeared much older than when he had left. Looking to the other side of him, Harry noticed Govannon was carrying Melissae. She gave Harry an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

As they entered the infirmary, Harry saw Viviane laying on a bed. Ginny must have moved her, he thought. Harry set Sirius down a few beds away and Govannon set Melissae on the bed opposite.

“What is Viviane doing here ?” Remus asked hurriedly.

“She told me Sirius was injured, then passed out.” Harry said.

“She cannot stay here.” Remus said leaning over to pick her up.

“Remus …” Harry started to say, but was cut off.

“Harry, you do not understand. Viviane can feel Sirius’ pain and emotions, and ours for that matter. The closer she is the stronger the feelings. I have to take her as far away as I can.” Remus said, then turned towards the door. Harry thought for a moment, then he had an idea.

“Hagrid’s hut.” He said. Remus turned around and nodded before leaving. Turning back to the scene unfolding before him, Harry saw the young girl talking quietly to Madame Pomfrey as she worked over Sirius who seemed to be sleeping. A large hand clasped his shoulder and Harry was drawn into a half hug against Govannon’s side. He looked far up to see the old wizard smiling at him.

“Ye done good, lad.” He told Harry with another squeeze. Harry couldn’t help, but smile back. His attention turned to Melissae when he felt her take hold of his hand. She drew him down to sit on the bed next to her. Harry was pulled into a very warm, very welcome embrace. She held onto him longer than a casual hug and to his shame Harry felt tears stinging his eyes as he began to shake. As she stroked his hair and rocked him gently, Harry felt all his defenses crumble and he sobbed quietly in her arms.

“Sirius will be fine. Moliannu Duw*.” A young feminine voice said softly. Harry didn’t want to look at the girl at the moment. He felt embarrassed enough as it was. “Madame Pomfrey is very skilled.”

“I …. I should go tell Professor Snape you’re here.” Harry said, pulling away from Melissae. He dried his eyes hastily and made his escape from the room. Some savior of the wizarding world I am, Harry thought, everyone’s alright and I fall to pieces and in front of a stranger.

On his way to the dungeons, Harry wondered who the girl was. With all that coppery hair she might be a relative. But …. if she was close to his age….. why wasn’t she in school ? Did she attend another wizarding school ? Maybe he was wrong and she only looked young. She was certainly as bossy as any adult. But he could hardly be mad at her though. It appeared she had saved Sirius, seemed to care about him, in fact. Harry’s brow furrowed at that thought. He didn’t like the idea of the fiery witch having affections for his godfather. Why was that ?, he wondered.

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* Moliannu Duw – praise God (welsh)

A/N – Thank you all for your patience. Things are slowly going back to normal. My father’s death was not wholly unexpected, but a shock as death always is. The strange thing is, as I was writing about the death of Valora’s father in ‘Snape’s Obsession’, I had a kind of tweaking in the back of my mind.


Well, as you can see there is much more to come. Faster if I get some reviews and know that I’m not just talking to myself. ~_^

Glinda



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