Trading Places

TITLE: Trading Spaces 7

RATING: R (slash warning m/m)

PAIRING: H, HP, 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: And the chocolate frogs go to <drum roll, ta-da!>

Goddess Blue - Thank you, thank you. Quick dialogue is very important to us in a fic.

We're glad you appreciate it.

Rya Silverflame - Wonderful to hear that we're in character! Please keep checking on
us to make sure we stay there.

White Raven - sorry, we meant to have more of Haze in this part, but he was *ahem*
otherwise occupied and refused to participate. And trust me, we wish we could
give up the rest of real life. Fanfic tends to be much more fun and doesn't
involve doing dishes, house work or writing papers . . .

Maddy - lol, you never, ever have to justify reviewing! Please feel free! And trust me,
we know how you feel. We get in trouble all the time for becoming to amused
with our late night conversation . . .

Potions master - pesky book! We keep editing him and and he keeps jumping back in
our hard drive, threatening to tickle us to death if we don't leave him in. What
can we do?

Jessicat1982 - Three cheers for Snippy and Snarky! They vanquished halitosis! Yay!

crazykitty09 - Here's your update! Hope the wait wasn't too long.

Aemos - C'mon, annoying or not, what's a good story without the occasional
cliffhanger? It would be like going to the movies and eating popcorn without
getting your fingers sticky, and really, what fun is that I ask you?

Queenie - aww, we love them, too. Very much. Sorry about the ending, hope this
helps.

Mireille - You're welcome! Yeah, we like humor, but get ready because serious sneaks
up on us every now and then. Sort of like Lockhart's book . . .

Jess - thee, thee, thee . . . potion paintball, baby . . .

redrum - wait no longer! Here it is!

Moira - we'll try. Peace and love back at ya! <wink>

folkblues-spiegal - yeah, that's Snippy's favorite book scene too. Thanks!

Pidgie - we do try.


Alright! Let's roll!


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

Harry lay on his bed, staring restlessly at the ceiling. He was bored out of his
mind. School wouldn't be starting for another week and there was nothing to do. He'd
already settled in. Monotony had even forced him to organize his school supplies.
Harry had even polished and waxed his broom twice in anticipation of Quidditch
matches. He'd gone to Hermione's rooms to watch another movie with her but she
wasn't there. He'd sent an owl to Ron but had not heard back from him yet.

"What'ssss a matter, Harry?" Snippy asked, slinking up the side of his bed and
coming to rest on the pillow beside him.

"I'm bored." He through an arm over his eyes.

"Hmmm. . .we have a cure for that." Snarky said, sliding up the other side of his
bed and resting on the other side of the pillow.

"I don't think so. You guys get me in enough trouble as it is."

"Ussss? We wouldn't dream of it. You decide to get in trouble and we merely
tag along." Snippy said innocently. "You wanted us to spy on Snape for you,
remember?"

"We tried to talk you out of it."

"What conversation were you listening to? You two egged me on." He sat up.
"What did you find out about that anyway? I got distracted by that damned book and
then it was time to patrol."

"Ssssorry, we forgot to tell you. Draco and Snape are friendly."

"Very friendly." Snarky added, winking at Harry with one red eye.

"Oh. . .really? I didn't know that Snape. . .hmmm. Isn't that against the rules?"

"I'll ssssay." Snippy snickered.

"That might get him fired, huh?" Harry's day was suddenly taking a better turn.

"Too bad Dumbledore needs him rigow."ow." Snarky said. "That doesn't mean
that it's socially acceptable though. Say, how much would you say a secret like that's
worth, Harry?" Snarky asked. "Thirty, maybe forty galleons?"

"Oh, I don't know. . .wait, are you thinking about blackmailing him?" Harry
screeched as he stood up.

They blinked and spoke in unison. "Well, yessss." Then they beamed at him.

Snarky came to the end of the bed. "That would keep us in chocolate froor
or
months."

Harry seemed lost in thought. "I wonder why Draco would. . .I mean, he's very.
. .attractive. Aesthetically speaking, of course. Why would he. . .with Snape?"

"Maybe he's the opersperson at Hogwarts he hadn't slept with." Snippy said
sagely before tossing a saucy grin at Harry. "Except you, of course."

"Hey! I might be gay but I would never-" Harry broke off. "Draco is bad, he's-"

"Naughty?" Snarky said, snickering.

Harry's mouth compressed to a long, thin line. "Why are you here anyway?
Shouldn't you be out squishing some spiders?"

"We're bored too." Snippy answered. "We already flattened everything with
eight legs in the castle." He smiled. "You should see the fourth floor, it's like
Jonesborough the day after in there."

Harry screwed up his face. "What?"

"What were saying is that we're bored, too." Snarky supplied.

They both slithered up his pant legs. "We want to play paint potion!"

"Guys, we already did t"
"

"But we didn't even get anyone good. Come on, Harry, it'll be fun."

"Yeah! We could even use the Marauder's Map."

"That's definitely not sporting." Harry admonished.

"We know!" They practically swooned from the mischievousness of it.

"C'mon, Harry!" Snippy pleaded. "We tried for years to get it from the Weasley
twins, but we couldn't get it to show the map!"

"Alright, alright." Harry really *was* bored. "But we're not going after Griff-Gruff. Not while I'm playing."

"Fine, fine." Snarky said dismissively. "Show us the map."

Harry dug through to the bottom of his trunk and removed a blank piece of
parchment. The snakes were all but shaking with excitement. Raising his hand, he
stated, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

Snippy looked at Snarky, an awed expression on his face, a tiny tear in one beady
eye. "Snarky, I am ashamed of us."

"How could we not think of that?" He shook his head.

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


Hermione forced herself to take, long deep breaths as she proceeded Professor
Snape down the pathway. She had no idea what awaited her at the end of this walk but
she was certain that she needed to get a hold on her fear in order to survive. Usually,
Harry and Ron handled the deadly and dangerous portions of their adventures. She
supplied information, spells, and potions. Frankly, she was appalled at this turn of
events. She could steal potion ingredients with the best of them but she had no desire
to die at eighteen. Nott sht she was a coward. She just had too much sense to place
herself in this kof sof situation.

Professor Snape surreptitiously rubbed her back, the place between her shoulder
blades that was tied in a knot. His hand was gentle but insistent. She leaned into him,
desperate for some comfort. Surprisingly enough, it helped immensely. She wasn't
alone in this. She blew out another breath and her heart rate ed ded down. She had
unwittingly acquired another partner-in-crime. One who was a formidable wizard in
his own rate. Together, they would get out of this.

Hermione was sufficiently calm enough to formulate a plan An And that was
her most formidable weapon. . .her mind. She'd heard Snape's insinuation earlier that
they were involved. Under other circumstances, that information would have been
alarming or annoying or. . .she didn't have time to examine her jumbled feelings right
now. She knew that he had done so in order to offer her some protection. She was sure
of it. Hermione might be able to use that too. Hmmm. . .

They reached the edge of the path. Hermione sucked in a breath as she saw the
tall stone structures that formed a perfect circle. It closely resembled the artifacts at
Stonehenge. However, this circle was intact and in near-perfect condition. Ancient
symbols were etched on all of the stones which were at l fif fifteen or sixteen feet high.
There was a large serpent coiled on a raised slab of marble in the center of the stones.
Hermione thought it might be a boa constrictor. Her attention was distracted by a line
of robed figures with torches marching up the next rise. They were shorter and
possibly younger than these men. Junior Death Eaters. In the lead was a fair haired
young man but she couldn't quite determine if it was Draco Malfoy or not.

"Lovely, isn't it?" Lucius said proudly. "I can see by your face that you can see
the likeness to another structure. This one's been protected by magic for centuries."

"Druids used it for their ceremonies." Severus explained. He watched her
carefully and gratefully noted that she was much more calm now. They might get out
of this yet.

"It's breathtaking." Hermione whispered. Terrible. . . but breathtaking. As they
spoke, other Death Eaters began to file in, all on other stone paths that led to this center.

ius ius sauntered to the center. "Come, Death Eaters. Our Dark Lord sends
word with me that he will join us later as he's attending to the next generation right
now." They all laughed softly, clearly proud of their offspring. "We have much to do
this night. But first. . .Severus has brought us a toy."
No, No, I said I brought *my* toy." Severus said tightly.

Hermione briefloselosed her eyes. She was about to give the performance of her
life. Before she was through, Godric Gryffindor would be rolling in his tomb. "Severus
said I could come with him because I was curious." Yep, she was calling him by his first
name.

"Did he, then?" Lucius asked, his eyes were bright and cruel. "Let me see, what
would Harry Potter's little friend be curious about at a Death Eaters meeting. . .let me
think. " He broke off as the other members looked at her with contempt. "I think you're
a spy for Dumbledore."

"Yes, of course I am." Hermione answered honestly. "As a matter of fact so is
Severus." Then, she snorted in derision. "Professor Dumbledore is not a fool. . ." She
glared at him. "Unlike some people."

"Aren't you going to do something?" Lucius said to Severus, bordering on shrill.
"She just-"

"Told the truth?" Severus who still stood behind her smiled. "She's the best in
her class."

"Really? Then she should have been smart enough to not come here."

Hermione strode forward and moved into the center of the circle. "I came here
to join you."

Lucius threw back his head and laughed outright. "A sniveling little Mudblood
wants to join our ranks?"

"She's a Slytherin now." Severus reminded.

Hermione bore the insult well, even though it made her want to blast him with
one of her dueling charms. "Don't get me wrong, I could care less what your aims are.
That's not what interests me."

Lucius humored her. "And what does?"

"The magic." She answered. "The science of it. The opportunity to compose
spells and mix potions that I would never get to under other circumstances."

"Yet, you have never shown an interest before now, except in circumventing our
best laid plans." Lucius' eyes narrowed on her once more. It was almost believabl But But, Snape? With a student?

Hermione discreetly took a deep breath. Merlin, here we go. She let a sly smile
slink across her lips, leaned back suggestively against Snape, and let one hand climb up
his chest to the back of his neck and languidly massage the muscles there. "I never had
a way in until now."

Snape tried to force his muscles not to quake as she reclined against him, rippling
her body across his own. He gave the crowd a sinful smirk and jerked her back against
his hips. Leaning down to brush his lips across the top of her ear, he said, more than
loud enough for the rest to hear, "Not now, my sweet. We have business to attend to."
Then with an extra squeeze of reassurance and gratitude for her acting skills, he
wrapped one arm around her waist, possessively keeping her close to him. "We'll play
later."

"Alright, Severus. Why not? We'll take your word for now." Lucius acquiesced.
"But you better make sure your-" He paused to sneer at Hermione. "-- little, personal
endeavor pays off."

"It will, Malfoy. Just as well as yours." Snape affectionately ran the back of his
hand down her cheek, and she shivered in response. Even he couldn't tell if she was
acting, or if the shiver was genuine.

"In which case," Lucius' smile gleamed as he played his last trump card. "She is
attending the wrong meeting."

Hermione faltered. Would Snape allow him to send her away? Into a different
place, where she would have to confront Junior Death Eaters and Voldemort, by
herself? The older Malfoy approached her, reaching for her hand. "I'm sure it'll be a
shame to mar that pretty skin with the Dark Mark. Do you think you're ready?"

Hermione pressed back into Snape, hoping that Lucius wouldn't touch her. At
the last moment, the tall blond found himself facing Severus's wand. "What did I tell
you about touching what's mine, Lucius?"

"Then, I suppose you should walk her over." Malfoy stepped back, but he wasn't
ready to let go just yet. Something was off about them, he could smell it.

"Use your head, Malfoy." Snape spat. "I'm sure that your ego, you know that
big grey thing floating behind you, scaring small children and puppies, is probably
getting in the way of your perception, but even you should know better." Lucius looked
taken aback, and all Hermione could do was cling to Snape's arm, something that the
o mem members were taking note of. "You're going to let her into that meeting,
knowing who's there, before she has even met the Dark Lord? You want her to take a
good look at every face around that fire on her first day?"

Lucius' mouth set in a tight line. "Well, I suppose I was just trusting your
judgement, Severus."

"Don't waste your breath. You haven't trusted a soul since you were born."
Snape snorted, bringing a small chuckle from the circle, that had before then been too
tense to move. "Trust my ability to find a superior intellect . . .and partner." He let
innuendo slide through the term. "Let's see what she can do, before we let her take a
look at all our little secrets, shall we?"

Malfoy nodded, and it was done. She was in, for the penny, the pound, the
whole point of no return bit. He was about to continue the meeting when a man she
recognized at Peter Pettigrew fumbled into the center of the circle. He put one rodent
like hand on Malfoy's shoulder, and gripping his cloak, pulled him down to whisper in
his ear. Malfoy nodded once and turned to the group. "It seems there has been a
development. Our plans for tonight have been postponed. Those of you who have
people in the other meeting may take them anparaparate. " He looked around,
meeting everyone's eye, but holding Snape's. He refused to look at Hermione. "And
you, may take your 'toy' back home."

With that Malfoy swept from the circle, and walking with Pettigrew, went with
the others, further into the woods. Snape removed his arm from her waist, grasped her
hand a shade too tightly, and led her back down the stone path, away from the circle,
away from the Death Eaters, back to where they harst rst Apparated. And Hermione
knew for sure that they might be in the same spot, but they were in a whole different
position.

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

Harry merely shook his head as one of the snakes lobbed a balloon at a flustered
Rune. Snarky crowed in triumph as it hit the regal-looking eagle right on the tail
feathers. She screeched with outrage and then whirled around from her perch high
atop a flagpole. "How would you tike ike another one way trip to The Forbidden
Forest?"

"Save it, sister. You couldn't get out there without noticing something you
wanted to study." Snippy drawled.

"I'm going to tell Professor Snape about this!" She threatened before she
muttered. "As soon as I can find him."

"He's missing?" Harry asked curiously as he stepped around the corner.

She fluffed up her feathers, trying to shake off some of the potion. "So, you
really *are* a Slytherin, aren't you? Helping the snakes coat other mascots in blue
goo."

"It'll make your breath smell better." Harry offered by way of compensation.
"Snape's really missing?"

"Yes," She hung her head. "He's always in his rooms at this time of night. He
usually changes into a dressing gown, does some light reading, maybe a snack and-"
She broke off when she noticed the looks of censure and shock she was receiving. "Tpoinpoint is that he's gone."

"Sssssomeone's got a thing for. . .ewww. . .Snape." The snakes teased in unison.
This was followed by a chorus of laughter.

"Voyeur." Snarky teased.

"You know, Snape's a bird lover, but I don't think he's a *bird lover*."

"No one asked you, you scaly little cretins." She huffed.

Harry consulted the map. "Hey, he *is* missing!"

"What. An. Idiot." Rune said waspishly. "Didn't I just say that?"

"Hey, Draco is missing too!"

"Uh oh, I think I know what they're doing." Snarky snickered. Harry's face
contorted, half disbelief and half disgust.

"Oh, Harry!" Snippy patted him on the back with his tail. "Don't worry. Look
on the bright side-he might be grateful to you for the blue goo bombing now!"

Harry glared at the snakes and was about to state that he was not concerned with
anything of Draco's, gratitur otr otherwise, when he realized that someone else was
also missing from the map. "Hermione's gone, too!"

"Well, I have to say that's a development that I didn't expect." Snarky sniggered.
"No wonder she was so worried about changing his breath!"

"Snape sure is getting around. First the ssssex god, now Hiney!" Snippy shook
his head. "Looks like you're the only Sssslytherin not invited to the shag party, Harry."

Snarky slid around his neck, attempting to get closer to his face. His fork tongue
flickered close to Harry's cheek. "Maybe we should hit you with a little potion. Breathe
a little! Let me see!"

"Quit it!" Harry shrugged him roughly onto the floor. "I have to go find
Hermione." He turned back toward the Slytherin Rooms. He needed his Firebolt.

"Awwww. Harry's worried about Hiney. How sweet." Snippy shuddered.
"Anyone else feel slightly nauseous?" Snarky held up his tail to signal agreement.

Rune leapt in the air with a sneer of disgust at the snakes. She lit on Harry's
shoulder. "You'll find Severus, as well, won't you?"

"Yes." Harry said shortly. "And if he or Malfoy harmed one hair on her head . .
."

"No need to sound so theninening. If she really is with the Professor," Rune
looked doubtful. "He will protect her at all costs. He's the smart, noble type, really."
The eagle sighed. "Which is why you have to find him, and save him . . .if he needs it."

"I thought you were the intelligent mascot." Harry rolled his eyes. He thought
of all the trouble Snape had gotten him in, his past as a Death Eater, the night in the
Shrieking Shack when he had let Peter Pettigrew get away, and what Harry had lost
because of that. He had cost the Boy who Lived the closest thing to living with a real
father he would ever have had. "Snape is hardly worth saving."

"And I thought you were a brave Griffindor." She said imperiously as she
nipped Harry lightly. "Heros don't judge who's worth saving."

Harry reached up and flicked some blue off a tail feather, muttering, "Thanks,
Hermione."

"What was that?"

"Thanks, Rune."

"That's what I tho you you said."

***********


Hermione walked next to Professor Snape through The Forbidden Forest. He
hadn't said a word since they left the meeting. She wasn't sure if he was just weary,
angry (the more likely option), or had nothing to say. Her brain wasn't quite
functioning as it should be. Random thoughts and feelings were pinging through her
head.

Thoughts such as Whoohooo! I'm alive! Yes! Yes! YES! I'm going home and I
miss my bed. I'm kinda hungry. Malfoy Sr.'s nostrils flare when he talks. Wait 'til I tell
Harry and Ron about this. Who's the hero now? Er, maybe that's heroine. Oh my God.
. .I molested Professor Snape.

Woah, that last one was a problem. She had done it in the name of survival but it
hadn't been that bad. In fact, it was quite good. And that was bad. Hermione shook
her head. She was having quite a mind babble and she needed to concentrate. Things
were bound to be uncomfortable between herself and Professor Snape after what
happened. Figures. She was starting to almost like the man when she went and ruined
it all. Not that she had any choice in the matter.

They had reached the grounds proper and passed by Hagrid's cabin. She
thought longingly of the days when a homemade sweet, a cup of tea, and some sage
advice from their old friend could shed light on a problem. At the very least, he
provided comfort. However, she wasn't sure she could share this particular situation
with him.

Luckily, they had encountered no one on their trek to the door. She and Snape
entered and walked swiftly down the hall and over to Slytherin Tower. She started to
go up the stairs to the dormitories when his hand on her arm forestalled her.

"Come to my rooms." He directed quietly as he gave her a genuine smile.

"Oh, okay." So, he wasn't angry! She might even get a few House points out of
this for bravery. Minus the ones for rule breaking of course.

"I have something. . .special to show you." He placed his hand on the small of
her back as he directed her to his door. It was hard to believe she had stood here only a
few hours earlier. So much had changed. She heard him release the wards on his
rooms and he guided her through the entrance.

Hermione couldn't believe how warm and kind he was being. It was so unlike
him. Hold up. . .*something* special. Oh. . .no. . .he wouldn't. . .? But she had been so
forward. Hermione was flabbergasted. What if Professor Snape was really interested
in her? Oooh! Hey, he thought she was pretty too. And that 'toy' comment had come
from somewhere, right? What if he'd misread her act and thought she had issued him
an invitation?

He proceeded her down the hallway. She suspected that he was directing her to
his bedroom. She gulped and followed him down the hall. "At least Harry took care of
his breath." She muttered.

***********


Draco Malfoy trudged through the woods feeling older than when he had
entered them. He was more exhausted than he ever remembered being, but his stride
felt more full of purpose, of power. He moved through the eery pines and swirling mist
of The Forbidden Forest as if he could command the breeze that ruffled his hair, the
shadows that coated every strand making them almost ebony, saturated with the night
around him. The moist earth clung to his heels, weighing him down, but as he reached
the edge of the wood, he never faltered or slowed.

Draco's eyes, used to constantly scanning his environment, settled on a figure
against a tree, a silhouette. He paused and the figure separated from the tree, moving
towards him. A beam of moon light haloed the man's hair, making it appear almost
white. A stray breeze rustled past Draco to brush across the man's face and the
moonbeam lit upon a jagged scar.

"Shouldn't you be tucked into your bed, safe and sound, Hero?" Malfoy asked,
stepping closer.

"I could ask you the same question." Harry said, deadly serious. He turned and
stepped out of the forest, completely into the light. "Why don't you step out here and
have a little chat with me?"

Draco hesitated for a second, then followed him. "Alright, Potter. What's your
game? Do you have snakes out here, ready to smack me with some more colored goo?"

Harry's breath caught in his throat as Draco stepped out into the light. He stood,
regally, legs spread, arms crossed over his broad chest, regarding Harry with calm eyes
and a cool smirk. He was dressed, head to toe in black, but the most startling part was a
long, formal cloak, hood thrown back recklessly. Was it . . .a Death Eater's cloak?
There was a dangerous look to Malfoy as he stood there, a daring that called to Harry.
Malfoy had never seemed *safe* to Harry. At this moment, Draco was venomous,
deadly, surrounded with a malevolent storm of tension. He was powerful. Striking.
Beautiful.

"And what were you up to Malfoy? A pleasant late-night stroll among the
scenic, giant-spider infested woods?" Harry finally found his voice. "In a formal robe?"

"Checking up on me, Potter? That's considerate." His eyes glittered like ice.
"But in case you've forgotten, I still have parents. There's really no need."

Harry flinched at the harsh implication. "Is that who were you out visiting?
Your parents?" He scratched his chin. "Now, what could Lucius be up to in the woods
in the middle of the night?"

"As much as I enjoy your company, Potter, I am rather tired, so if you don't
mind. . ." He moved to step past the green-eyed boy.

Harry grabbed him, his hands fisting in the rich cloth of the cloak, crumpling it
for a second, and he pulled Malfoy towards him. "As a matter of fact, I do mind. Why
don't you stay a moment?" It was not a request. "Your life currently depends on how
you answer my next two questions, so think carefully before answering." His face was
so close to Draco's that he could feel his breath across his lips as Harry snarled the
words at him. "Have you seen Hermione?"

"Yes." Draco bit the words out, trying to retain the sense of power he had been
feeling. He could still feel it running through his veins, but now it seemed to be
reaching out to Harry, as if it saw somewhere to belong.

"Is she ok?"

"Yes. I saw her with Snape in the woods." Draco managed this a little easier. He
looked into Harry's eyes, they still smoldered like green flames, and he wondered
briefly what it felt like to be under the protection of that emerald fire. He shrugged the
thought away.

"Looks like you get to live a little longer." Harry let go of the cloak, it felt
*wrong* to have crumpled it. His hands smoothed the fabric briefly, of their own
volition. "You're going to help me look for Hermione."

"You really think you could take me, Potter?" Draco eyed him, feeling the
purpose that had filled him returning. Besides, he had always been a clever, observant
student, and he had seen the reverence in Harry's touch as he smoothed his cloak. "Or
were you just looking for an excuse to grope my cloak?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Well, yes you are. But, I was commenting on how fixated you are on this cloak.
Fancy it, do you?" Draco met his eyes. "Would you like to try it on?"

Yesssss . . .the thought hissed inside his mind, creating an image of him in the
cloak, a white mask grasped in one hand, a wand in the other. Harry Potter. In Death
Eater garb. "No, thank you, Draco. I don't happen to have any bleach on me at this
point."

"Go back to your tower, Hero. Forget about Granger. Snape will take care of
her. Play with your snakes, and pretend that you're good and brave. You don't belong
out here." Malfoy stared steadily at him.

"You haven't answered my question yet." Harry crossed his arms over his chest,
wishing briefly that he appeared half as imperious as Malfoy did when he was in that
pose. "And I don't intend to leave until I'm satisfied."

"And I don't intend to be responsible for your *satisfaction*, Potter." Malfoy
smirked, letting the innueentwentwine around the word. "Maybe I was meeting a girl
for a little snog session, ever think of that?"

"Nice try." Harry didn't blink. "For one, a girl? Hermione wouldn't touch you,
and she's the only girl missing. So unless you were snogging with Snape . . ." Harry
took a moment to shudder. "For two, from what I've heard you never stop at just a
snog session. Try again."

Draco frowned. He knew that he had developed quite a reputation. There were
few people in his year in Slytherin he hadn't slept with, male or female. But where was
Potter getting his information. He would have to lonto nto that later. "Why don't you
pretend to be a man and just ask me?"

"Why don't you just pretend to be one and tell me?" Harry shot back.

Draco stepped forward, placing one hand on Harry's chest and pushed him back
against a tree. "Trust me, Potter. I'm more than man enough to handle you."

Harry couldn't help the shiver that went through his body at the resolved
purpose in Malfoy's movements. "And how exactly are you planning to handle me,
Malfoy? Been learning new tricks while you were out tonight?"

Draco stepped forward, his hand remaining on Harry's chest, his arm bent
between them. "Exactly what are you accusing me of?"

As they stood there, Harry formed a picture of what they must look like in the
shadows. The hero and the villain. Black and White. Symmetry. Harry wondered if
Draco was capable of what Harry had implied he'd been learning. Wondered if his life
was in peril now, if he was underestimating his opponent. The thought sent wonderful
chills through him, and his nerves started to quake. "I'm accusing you of coming back
from a secret meeting. One that required Apparation. One that requires cloaks and
masks and learning little two word curses-"

Harry felt the tip of Draco's wand dig into his jaw. He had never even felt him
tense his muscles as he had reached for it. Draco leaned forward, his lips brushing
Harry's ear as he whispered, "What two words would that be, Harry?"

The thought of him whispering the words, so clos him him, was sending
adrenaline through Harry's body. The sound of his first name on the other's lips for
perhaps the first time vibrated over his taught nerves. He met Malfoy's eyes as he
pulled back. "You know what two words."

"Avada-" Draco's voice was cut off as Harry's hand clamped over it.

"Don't." Harry pulled his hand back as Draco sharply bit him. He wiped his
hand on his pants. "What are you doing?"

Draco shook his head, trying to hide the tremble that was threatening to overtake
him. "Living up to your expectations."

"Welcome to my life." Harry murmured, not intending to be heard. Draco
looked up sharply. He didn't like the darkness in Harry's words, but before he could
say something, do something about it, Harry leaned his head back and pushed at him
"C'mon, I want to see if Hermione's back yet. And don't think I'm done with you,
Malfoy. Because we are far from done here."

"I wasn't . . ." Draco stepped back, a little shocked at how close they had gotten.
He could feel the warmth radiating off of the Boy Who Lived. "I wasn't casting the
curse, Ha- Potter. I wasn't trying to kill you."

"I . . .I know." Harry sighed. "It's just painful to hear."

"Painful, Hero? I don't think so." Malfoy sneered, turning to walk toward the
gray towers of Hogwarts.

"What do you mean by that?" Harry fell into step with him, considering the
taller boy with guarded curiosity.

"I mean that you were afraid you would enjoy it." Draco regarded him with a
marked intensity.

"Enjoy what?" Harry stopped, his tone exasperated.

Draco smirk was sinful in its insinuating flow. "The Danger. The Power."

"You're twisted, Malfoy." He moved to turn away, and Malfoy caught his chin in
a steely grip, forcing him to meet his eyes.

"You can lie to your adoring public, lie to the Weasley's, the mudblood, even lie
to yourself, Potter. But you can't lie to me. I've been watching." He fixed Harry with a
look that froze him to the marrow of his bones. "I've been watching you, and I know
what you really are, what you really want."

"Do you?" Harry wasn't so sure he knew himself. He was shaking now, and he
couldn't pretend it was the early autumn night air. "Care to enlighten me?"

"Some other time."

"Why should I listen to you? You're known for your manipulation and . . .and . .
."

"And honesty. I don't have to lie, Hero. The truth is much more painful."

"So I should listen to you because you want to hurt me?" Harry tried to twist
away, but the grip was too strong.

"Yes. I'll make you this promise, Potter. Whatever else you expect from me, I'll
never lie to you." Harry continued to watch him with suspicion. Malfoy sighed and
released him. They walked in silence through the doors to the Great Hall. They had
arrived at the top of the stairs when Draco reached out and stopped Harry on the very
top step. "I'm not a Death Eater, Potter."

"Yet." Harry's eyes narrowed.

"There. That's the answer to the question you won't ask, isn't it?" Draco's eyes
flashed with frustration. "Now, I'm sure Snape's taking care of Granger, so could we
just go to bed?" Harry's eyebrow shot up. "Separately, Potter. Stop trying to get into
my pants."

"You'll give me your word that you saw Hermione and she's fine?" Harry's eyes
held a calculating gleam that Draco felt shouldn't be there. And he held out his hand,
an echo of their first year reverberating through thhoolhool.

"Yes." And Draco put his hand in Harry's. For a second, their hands entwined,
they stared into each other's eyes, a flash of what might have been had Harry done
what Draco just had seven years ago. Then, Harry's grip tightened, and his other hand
shot out to grasp the sleeve of the black robe and push it up. He looked down, almost
afraid of what he would see. The pale skin was unmarred, there was no Dark Mark.
His hand slid slowly back down to Malfoy's wrist, lightly gliding along his bare skin,
reassuring himself that there was nothing there with his fingertips. Draco met his eyes,
looking oddly hurt. "Is this Gryffindor trust?"

"No." Harry felt a little ashamed. Still, he'd be damned before he'd admit
remorse to a Malfoy. "That's reserved for those worthy of it."

"Strange. Wouldn't expect a hero to judge whose worthyMalfMalfoy's grip
loosened and Harry realized that he was still holding his hand. Quickly he dropped it.

Malfoy turned and strode away, not giving in to the temptation to look back,
leaving Harry alone with the words, an echo of Rune, ringing inside his head long after
he had walked back to the Slytherin Common Room and checked the Marauder's Map
to affirm that Hermione was indeed back inside the castle and in the company of Snape.
But, by the time he was back in bed, the words had left him. Instead, he cradled the
hurt look in Malfoy's eyes close to him, even as he tried to warm his hand from the chill
clinging to it ever since he had dropped his hand, and fell asleep trying to block out the
image of Malfoy in the light of the moon draped in that deadly cloak.

***********


Severus swung open the door ts bes bedroom. "Lumos Alight!" Several wall
sconces and candelabras filled with candles burst into flame. The room was dominated
by a large wrought iron bed which was draped in red linens. It had an Eastern flare.
There were two framed pictures scripted with Chinese lettering. A couple of bonsai
trees were on the floor in red urns. There were several apothecary cabinets then held
interesting potions and powders no doubt.

Severus waived her further into the room. "I'm about to show you something
I've never shown anyone at Hogwarts."

Hermione's eyes rounded. "You are?"

"Well, after what we did tonight, I knew you had to see it. . .my special place."
His lips curved into a small smile. "I call it My Tibet."

"It has a name?" She asked, appalled.

"Of course it does!" He held out his hand. "Come here, I want you to touch it."

"Oh my God!" She shrieked.

He looked puzzled. "You've never seen one before? Because I assure you, it's
quite safe."

"Uh well, of course I have. There was this one time, when I-"

"I'd wager mine is bigger than any you've had your hands on."

Hermione was flustered. "Uh, I really don't think that's it's any of my business."
He held out his hand. "Come here. I promise, it won't bite."

"I don't want to." She said stubbornly, glaring at him. "And I'm going to tell
Du

Snape shook his head. Perhaps this evening had taken a toll on the poor thing's
mental faculties. Well, all the more reason to share this with her. "Revealez!" Under
Hermione's feet, the ground shifted until it became smooth and then sandy. It
eventually flooded the entire room with four inches of sand. The furniture had
disappeared along with the flooring and ceiling. Above their heads was a tranquil blue
sky. Boulder-size polished stones were set in small groupings throughout the room by
wicker rakes. . .a life-size Zen Garden.

"Ohhhhh. . .you wanted to show me your sand box." She felt light headed.
"Well, that makes more sense."

"Zen Garden." He corrected. "Didn't I say so?" He asked, still staring at her
with that curious expression. "I thought you might be able se ise it to gather your
thoughts and quiet your nerves sometime."

She started to laugh. Large hiccoughing belly-laughs as she bent over and held
her sides. "I thought. . .I thought. . .I thought. . .you wanted me. . .to" She broke off.

"You are a very strange young woman." He had no idea what she was talking
about.

She wiped the tears of laughter that had fallen from her eyes. "I could say the
same for you, but not the young and female part. Obviously." She grinned. "Thank
you so much for showing this to me. I'd love to use it."

"Anytime you wish." He promised. "I think it's best that you be getting to bed.
You've had a long night."

"I know, thanks, Professor-"

"Please call me Severus," He hesitated briefly. "Hermione. When we're alone, of
course." Then, he smirked showing a row of white teeth. "After all, the Dark
Wizarding World thinks we're sleeping together. Being formal once more would be
senseless."

"Alright, Severus." She smiled at him.

"I thought you would be much more upset than you are."

"Are you kidding? I'm alive!" Then, she sighed. "And you know, this being in
peril thing happens all the time. I'm used to it by now."

"Yes, quite." He stared at her, deadpan. " Good night, then."

"Good night Pr-" She stopped herself. "Severus." She turned and started to
leave.

"What? No good night kiss?" His face was enigmatic.

Hermione nearly trippeer aer a stone.