Spell Master

Author: Babychan

email: baby_chan1778@yahoo.com or babychan1778@yahoo.com

Title: Spell Master

Rating: R but it will become NC17 later

Series: Yes. Chapter 6/?

Parings: H/D S/N/L N/B

Summary: The wizarding world is going to find out that Harry Potter is not the only one with awesome powers. Its a Pro-Slytherin and Pro-Draco fic. This is slash fiction. This is also the re-edited version.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all its characters do NOT belong to me :( (pout) I’m just writing for the fun of it. I get no money for it whatsoever.

A.N.: Please be gentle with your reviews. This is my first fanfic.

Spell Master

The Slytherin Court were the last ones to walk into the Great Hall. It wasn’t for dramatic reasons. Although the whole Hall did seem to become quite with their entrance. They were late because Draco was hurt in the attack on the train. His ribs were either bruised or broken and the flaxen-haired boy refused to walk along with the other excited students, for he knew that if he was bumped or jostled, he wouldn’t hesitate to hex someone for aggravating his injuries. However, he didn’t tell his friends this or that he was injured. He just pretended that he was fine and allowed them to enjoy the fear their fashionably late presence created.

When Draco walked past the Ravenclaw table, Pansy scowled at some of the pureblood girls who were oogling the blond Adonis. She vaguely remembered them being at his birthday party last week; however, she vividly remembered the frumpy, brown-haired witch from her 4th year. For some hellish reason, Draco cheated on her with that girl. So as an unspoken warning, Pansy quickly walked over to Draco and interlaced her fingers with his.

Because the young prince had had six years to get used to Pansy’s possessive clinginess, he knew that to avoid a public scene, it was better to passively allow her to walk hand in hand with him than to push her away. The two teens had an on-again/off-again relationship since they were eleven. And since Iman wouldn’t leave her husband for him this summer, Draco decided to give Pansy another chance.

The two broke up at least 4 times every year. Pansy believed it was because Draco didn’t seem to have the words fidelity and monogamy in his vocabulary, for he *always* cheated on her and often.

However, Draco blamed his infidelity on *her* and her use of beauty charms. The blond-haired girl had changed a lot since they were eleven. She was no longer that little pudgy girl that attracted him so much. She now had a slender, hourglass figure that most girls would kill for. Well most Slytherin girls, anyway. Her hair was like spun gold. She had flawless skin and a beautiful face. All in all, Pansy was beautiful. Almost perfectly so. And that just didn’t attract Draco. He was a Veela, and he grew up in a Veela palace, *surrounded* by other Veela who looked almost exactly alike. Blond and flawlessly beautiful. It was almost like they were cloned or something. And that flawless beauty might impress normal wizards and witches, but Draco wasn’t normal. He was Veela, and the last thing he wanted to date was a Veela look-alike because he found those types of looks *very* boring. However, it wasn’t that the boy had an ugly fetish, he just wasn’t attracted to perfection.

Draco surmised that was probably the same reason his mother and father are so infatuated with Snape. Unfortunately, his girlfriend didn’t know this about him. Instead, she equated his infidelity with her not being pretty enough. She forgot that when they were younger, he was riveted the imperfections that she no longer had. She forgot how he used to rest his head on her inner thigh and worship the tiny stretch marks with the seductive tenderness, of his mouth and hands. She didn’t notice that the people Draco usually cheated on her with weren’t exactly the most beautiful people in the school and that he could easily do much better.

“It looks the same?”

Draco left his thoughts and glanced to his right. “What does?”

Gregory pointed wildly. “The Hall. You can’t even tell there was a fire.”

“Ahhh the power of magic...” Draco drawled sarcastically as he inconspicuously observed the Hall for any changes. “What wonders it can do.”

When the prince walked past the Gryffindor table, he saw Potter sitting in between the mudblood and the weasel. It seemed that the boy’s tantrum, on the train, brought him back into the good favor of his friends.

“Arseholes.” Draco mentally grumbled.

He could tell by the way Ron looked at him that he was wondering what the Slytherin was going to do to Harry. Draco smirked maliciously. What petty creatures, the Gryffindors were.

When the young Malfoy reached his own table, he gently took his seat in between Gregory and Pansy. Millicent sat on the other side of his girlfriend, and Vincent sat on the other side of Greg. The five then waited for Blaise to reluctantly leave Neville at the Gryffindor table.

“He’s making a spectacle of himself!” Pansy sneered as she looked at her raven-haired friend.

Millicent nodded and hissed in agreement. “For crying out loud! He should have just brought his fucking cherub over here! They way he is acting is making our *whole* House look bad!”

“I don’t think I will ever get used to this.” Greg scowled disconcertedly and looked away. Watching mold grow, on the stone floor, was better than watching Blaise act all lovey dovey in public.

Draco had to agree with his friends. Blaise and Neville were being ridiculous. The two were acting like they were about to separate for the summer, not just sit at separate tables.

“When did he become so dependent on the Longbottom?” Vincent asked in a low unsure baritone. He hated not being able to remember, *anything*!!

“I think it was when he realized that he was in love.” Millicent answered a little dreamy despite herself.

Draco’s top lip curled slightly, in disgust, as he mentally gagged. “Love?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Greg chuckled, but the obvious disgust was written all over his shocked face. “Love? Blaise? With the cherub? Are you sure?!”

“Yes, she’s sure!” Pansy snapped. “Almost being killed by a dementor house elf can do that to you!” She gave Draco’s hand a gentle squeeze, in a secret message. “It can make you realize something that has been there all along.”

Crystal gray eyes snapped wide open and the blond looked warily at his long-time girlfriend. What in the Hell was Pansy hinting at? Didn’t she realize that relationships weren’t about *love*, there were about *sex*.

Up at the Head Table, Snape quietly took his seat on the left side of the Headmaster’s seat. All the while, he observed the happenings of the Hall and didn’t allow his ebony gaze to linger on anyone for too long. Instead, he kept his gaze neutral and secretly vigilant.

Draco had his attention toward the 3 dozen or more first years, at the door, until his peripheral caught the subtle wave of black. He turned his attention toward his favorite professor, and for the briefest of seconds, eyes of crystal and eyes of onyx locked and engaged in an unspoken conversation, before the older man directed his gaze elsewhere.

What was the message?

It was “be good, Draconis.”

Draco mentally pouted as he shifted his gaze toward the empty Headmaster seat and groaned in a bored fashion. “I wish they would get on with it already!”

From a distance Harry Potter had his eyes trained on the platinum-haired Slytherin. His eyes narrowed when he caught the subtle, non-verbal, communication between the boy and the Potions Master. The seeker figured it was some sort of praise.

“Harry?”

The boy in question turned to the voice . “Um... Sorry, Hermione, did you say something? I didn’t hear you... I was busy thinking about... something.”

“I was just telling you to ignore Malfoy.” She repeated and gave him a warm smile. “It will only make things worse for you in the long run.” The young witch was glad to have her friend back. In her heart, she had forgiven Harry last year but because of Ron, who was her boyfriend, she chose to keep her favor to her self.

“I know.” Harry agreed solemnly. “It’s just that he makes soooo ...” The boy growled and choked thin air because he couldn’t think of a scathing enough comment. “And he doesn’t even care!”

“Of course he doesn’t care!” Ron bit out bitterly. “He’s Draco Fucking Malfoy. He owns the whole fucking world. So why would he care about the peasants?”

“Ron!” The brushy, brown-haired girl chided. “What have I said to you about your language! There are children in hearing distance!” She pointed at the second years who were not too far away.

“Sorry.” The crimson-haired boy mumbled but glared at Malfoy and the Slytherin Court for good measure. “I’m so glad that you kicked his arse, Harry! It’s about time someone did it!”

The raven-haired boy bit his bottom lip, then admitted. “I don‘t think I did.”

“Of course you did!” Ron said as he clapped the boy on the back. “Stop being so modest. Lindsay told Juile, who told Mickey that you beat the shite out of him. And in front of his Housemates too!!” The red-head smiled brightly. “You’re probably the most feared guy in the whole school!”

“Or the most pitied.” Hermione cut in.

“What are you talking about?” Ron asked loudly. “Harry got the better of that evil git and everyone saw it!”

“No, what they saw was Harry savagely attack Malfoy and the git get up as if nothing happened!” The girl corrected. “I’m sorry, Harry. I mean... I’m as glad as anyone that you let Malfoy have it...But it’s just that...” She struggled for the right words. “I mean HOW in Merlin’s name did you even get* close* enough to him! Even without wands!” She said quickly to cut off Ron’s explanation “We all know that he can use wandless magic. We saw him do it, when professor Geta attacked him! So...”

“It must be a ploy of some sort.” Harry finished. “I know Hermione....And You’re right.... He even said....that it was a test for Lupin.”

Then to speak of the devil, or werewolf so to speak, Harry noticed Lupin taking a seat at the Head Table. Surprisingly enough, he took a seat next to Snape. Remus then smiled and said something to the Potions Master, but Snape only brought up his hand and inspected his manicured nails as he made it obvious that he was ignoring the DADA professor. A snicker from the Slytherin table made Harry turn his gaze away from the happenings of the Head Table and toward Malfoy. The raven-haired seeker glowered. The pleased smirk that graced the boy’s lips told Harry that the Slytherin noticed what happened between Snape and Lupin.

“What do you mean...Test?” Hermione asked.

“Huh?” The raven-haired boy asked as he once again turned his gaze away from the Slytherin table.

“You said that Malfoy was testing Lupin?” Hermione asked worriedly. “What do you mean?”

“He was probably setting him up so he could have him fired.” Ron growled. “God I hate him! I wish someone would do us all a favor and just kill him!”

“Ronald!” Hermione screeched and glanced up at Zabini, who was too wrapped up in Neville to hear what was said. Thankfully.

“What?!” The red-haired boy asked indignantly. “It’s not like I’m the only one who feels that way! Everyone does! Even Sirius felt that Malfoy deserved to die! Didn‘t he Harry?” He nudged the boy with his elbow.

Harry paled.

As so did Hermione.

But Ron didn’t notice. The red-haired boy continued his speech. “He even wrote it in his letters because he understood our plight. Remember? He said that if he ever came across Malfoy or Snape ....that he’d do us all a favor and--”

“Ronald. Author. Weasley!” Hermione stood up and yelled. She could take no more of this. The truth of it went against everything she believed to be Gryffindor virtue.

At Granger’s outburst everyone in the Hall got quite and turned their attention to the Gryffindor table.

In a choked whisper, Harry spoke. “Sirius wasn’t serious...He was just joking...” It was obvious that he was trying to convince himself just as much as he was trying to convince them. Hot tears started to stream out of the boy’s emerald eyes as he choked out. “He wouldn’t ...He couldn’t...”

“And why not, *Potter*?” Zabini sneered. “Oh that’s right....Because he’s was a fucking *Gryffindor!* And everyone *knows* that Gryffindors can do no wrong.” The raven-haired Slytherin rolled his eyes and gave his boyfriend one last kiss before he walked away. Even though no one could tell, he had been listening to their conversation the whole time. It was a Slytherin habit to always listen to conversations around you, because you never knew when it would save your life.

When Harry’s tears started to overwhelm him, he fled away from the table and out of the Great Hall.

“Harry, wait!” Hermione stood up to follow her friend, but Ron grabbed her arm, pulled her back down and assured.

“Don’t worry about him. He’ll be alright!” Then started talking to Seamus beside him.

Hermione didn’t agree, but she let it go, for now, and stayed by her boyfriend’s side. However, she told herself that she and Harry were going to have a heart to heart when they got to the tower.

~~~~

Around the same time that Harry fled the Great Hall, Blaise finally decided to mope his way toward the Slytherin table. Through the entire *short* journey to his own table, the raven-haired Slytherin kept glancing back at his cherub. He visibly looked like it was killing him to be separated from his love.

Draco snorted and decided that if *that* was love, then he could do without it. He shimmied his hand out of Pansy’s death grip and whispered in her ear that they needed to talk, later. He was going to break-up with her –for good this time– and live out the rest of his school year as a bachelor, though not single. Of course.

When Blaise took his seat beside Vincent, Draco leaned forward and glared at the boy.

“Don’t ever fucking disgrace us like that again!” He warned.

Blaise looked away from his best friend and rolled his eyes. He didn’t expect Draco to understand how it felt to be in love. The boy was a player with a capital “P” When he was sure that he wasn’t under Draco’s scrutiny, he shifted his gaze toward the Gryffindor table and toward his beloved.

“You see, and I had some juicy gossip to share, but since you spoke to me with *that* attitude..” The long-haired boy tsked and chimed malevolently. “It’s going to cost ya!”

Dumbledore chose that moment to walk in.

“Well, if it’s why pansy Potter left crying...” Draco drawled boredly.

“Hey!” Pansy interrupted indignantly as she turned away from the conversation she was having with Tracy and Millicent and toward her boyfriend. “I told you before, don’t use my name like that, Draco!”

“And I told you before that I don’t give a flying fuck!” Draco spat out with just as much indignation, then turned his attention back to Blaise. “And that goes for whatever you have on *pansy* Potter too.”

“Mmmm.. .A flying fuck you say?” Pansy purred in Draco’s ear, completely changing the subject. “Sounds interesting... If you can pull it off.” She shrugged her thin eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh I assure you, I can pull it off.” Draco looked libidinously at his girlfriend and smirked triumphantly. He decided that he could wait until the morrow to break-up with her. Tonight, he was going to try a new sexual position.

“Are you sure you don’t care?” Blaise chimed, bringing the prince’s attention back to him. “It’s grade A dirt.”

Dumbledore chose that moment to start the ceremony.

Draco turned his attention to the first years and didn’t answer Zabini’s question. It appeared that he was ignoring his friend, but in actuality, he ended up spending most of the sorting hat ceremony in a mental debate on whether or not it was worth it to give into Blaise’s demand.

“Oh bugger it!” Draco huffed.

Blaise smiled a million galleon smile, stood up, then happy squished himself between Draco and Greg. “I knew you would see it my way!”

Malfoy scowled. He never could resist a good piece of gossip, and he cursed himself for that weakness. “Just spill it! I don’t have all bloody night!”

“The terms first.” Zabini bit out in a no-nonsense type tone.

The blond grit out in an even shaper tone and glared at the boy beside him. “What do you want?”

“I want Neville to be able to room with me this--”

“No.”

Brilliant blue eyes widened in dismay. “But...” .

“He’s a Gryffindor.” Draco cut in sharply.

“But...” Blaise pouted. “You allowed it last year.”

“That was last year.” The blond drawled as he returned his attention to the ceremony.

“But the same shite is still going!”

“Not my problem.” Draco notified uncompassionately.

Blaise looked over at his boyfriend who sat alone, in the far corner of the long table. It seemed that even the new first years were wise to the fact that Neville was an outcast, in his own House. The long-haired boy also noticed some of the nasty looks that were occasionally being given to his love. He knew what once Neville was in Gryffindor tower he was going to be harassed, and that was unacceptable. Therefore, he knew what he was going to have to do.

Zabini looked at his pale, friend’s side profile and let out a deep breath. “Please, Draco.... I’ll owe you one.”

“Oh...It’s going to cost you more than one, but I’ll be kind and take it only one favor at a time.”

Malfoy smirked wickedly. He just got something for nothing. The truth of this matter was that Draco was going to allow Neville to room with Blaise anyway. Too bad Zabini didn’t know that. And that was why the blond Slytherin loved bargaining; it always ended up in his favor.

“Now, what was it you were going to tell me?”

Right when his best friend was about to begin with his tale, Draco raised his hand to shut the boy up. The Slytherin caught anticipation in the movements of Lupin, McGonagall, and Dumbledore for the sorting of the last student. The same student his mother made him befriend.

“Odin Zeni!”

The young eleven year old timidly walked up the steps toward the sorting hat. He looked terrified and sick. His pale skin seemed to accentuate his amber eyes. Like Neville he had mousy brown hair, but unlike the Gryffindor, he was very slim.

“5 galleon that he’s sorted into Hufflepuff!” Millicent wagered to Tracy Davis. She had already won 50 galleons from the girl. Tracey was the worst gambler in Slytherin but unfortunately, never could refuse a bet.

“You’re on!” The girl smirked. “Did you hear what his last name was? Zeni!” She laughed. “It mean’s good faith! He’s going into Gryffindor!”

Draco gave an askance glance at the red-haired girl then looked back at the boy on the stool. The sorting hat was taking quite a bit of time making up its mind. The Slytherin smirked, for he knew why.

“I’ll bet 100 galleon that he’s sorted into Slytherin.”

Everyone in hearing distance looked at Draco like he was crazy. Then Tracy cried out

“You’re on!”

No one else was dumb enough to take the bait. They all knew that Draco never made a bet unless he had inside information about the outcome.

It took three long minutes before the hat cried out

“SLYTHERIN!!!!”

Lupin’s eyes rolled back in his head. He was hoping that the boy would be sorted into any other House than that. Though McGonagall looked disappointed, Dumbledore nodded in approval.

Odin quickly took off the sorting hat and smiled brightly at Draco and yelled for everyone to hear. “See!! I told ya I was good enough to be a snake!!”

“That’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one!” Ron snickered to Seamus who was sitting beside him. Over the past two years. Ron, Dean and Seamus became really good friends.

The Slytherin addressed gave a cocky wink and a royal nod to the happy first year, then turned his attention back to Tracy. “It will be wise to have my money ready by the morning.”

“That goes double for me.” Millicent warned.

Tracy slumped down and rested her elbows on her knees then cupped her face, in her hands, in dismay. That meant she was going to be broke until she got her next biweekly allowance. Oh the pains of being rich.

“You would think she‘d learn.” Pansy sighed and rolled her eyes.

When the little boy ran off the stage and jovially squished himself between Pansy and Draco everyone looked between Malfoy and Zeni. Bad faith and good, in daunted horror.

What type of unholy alliance was this?

While the school feared the relationship Odin had with Draco, the Slytherin’s, at the table, all wanted to get in good with the first year. To be allied with him, meant being allied with Draco. Well, sort of. But even a little alliance with a Malfoy was better than nothing.

Blue eyes were widened in pure unadulterated annoyance. “Excuse me! But the first years sit at *that* end of the table!” Pansy whipped her thumb in the direction she was speaking of. “Who in the hell do you think you are sitting with the 7th years!” Not only the 7th years but the Slytherin Court.

The little boy in question looked from an amused Draco and to a very angry Pansy and ... growled and barred his teeth. He didn’t like this girl, not one bit.

When Pansy eyes widened even more, Malfoy chuckled at his girlfriend’s fury. She wasn’t intimidated in the least, and the little boy was lucky she didn’t have her wand, because “little good faith” was cruising for a bruising hex. Knowing this, Draco placed a soothing hand on the boy’s shoulder and whispered in his ear that it was very important to make alliances with the house members of *his* year. The little boy gave the older Slytherin a trusting gaze before he begrudgingly got up and moped toward the first year part of the table.

Snape raised a curious brow at the whole scene. If Draco befriended Odin and convinced the boy, who should very well be in Hufflepuff, into desiring Slytherin so much that he convinced the sorting hat, then there must have been a reason. A reason he was determined to find out.

“Snape!” Called an urgent whisper.

The Potions Master turned his head in the direction of the Headmaster, who was now informing everyone of the Prefects in each House and purposely ignored the person calling him.

“Snape!” Called the frustrated voice again.

Ignored... again.

A tug on the sleeve.

Ignored.

“Severus!” An angry whisper, accompanied with a tug on raven locks.

“Bloody hell!!” Came a furious growl, because having one’s hair ripped out from the roots could not be ignored. Snape turned toward the man and gave him a murderous glare. “What the in the seven hells do you want, Lupin?”

Dumbledore coughed to cover up a chuckle. He had been watching the former students, now professors, since Odin was sorted into Slytherin.

“What is Draco up too?” Remus asked seriously.

Severus rolled his eyes and drawled superiorly. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

The Gryffindor sighed. “This is serious, Severus”.

“Lupin.” Ebony eyes narrowed dangerously.

The way the Potions Master interrupted, said his name, and glared at him, the werewolf knew it was a warning. The Slytherins had a rule. You don’t use the first name unless given permission. Lupin knew that he no longer had permission. It was something he lost, indefinitely, four years ago.

The man sighed sadly and began again, in a very low whisper. “Why did Malfoy make Zeni desire Slytherin. I thought he hated werewolves?”

“Not that it is any of your business but *Mr. Malfoy* doesn’t hate werewolves. He hates *you.*”

“Much to your charging.” Remus added mentally but didn’t dare say out loud. He knew he wasn’t completely faultless. He made Severus lose the Order of Merlin and become a laughing stock when he allowed Sirius to escape.

“And as for your other question.” Snape said haughtily. “I don’t see how its any of your business.”

Translated: Professor Snape had no idea what Draco was up to.

A louder voiced Headmaster interrupted their conversation.

“Now we have come to what you’ve all been waiting to know.” Dumbledore announced happily. “I’m sure all of you have been wondering who is going to be this years Head Boy and Head Girl!”

Hermione sat up a little straighter and smiled brightly. The other Gryffindors looked toward her favorably and hopefully. Because of their ruddy behavior last year, they had the least amount of Prefects. Even less than Slytherin.

The Slytherins looked toward the old man and narrowed their eyes. They all knew that Draco earned the status but honestly believed that Gryffindor prejudice was going to deny them their just dues again, just like last year. However, this year, they were all ready to be a participant in the hell that was going to break loose.

All the teachers glared at Slytherin, for they knew what they were thinking. This was why none of the students were allowed to bring their wands to the dinner. They weren’t sure who started the fire but they weren’t taking any chances this year. With this in mind, all the professors, including Snape, put a subtle yet tighter grip on *their* wands. They were reading themselves to stop any uprising.

“So without further adieu.” Albus smiled at Hermione. “Miss Granger please stand up. I want everyone to see who will be this years Head Girl.”

Sheepishly, but proudly, the intelligent girl stood up and waved at everyone.

The Gryffindor table went wild! All the other Houses clapped happily. Well, all but Slytherin, who didn’t clap at all.

Dumbledore then turned his attention toward the glowering Slytherins. He smiled warmly and reassuringly to them. “And our Head Boy.” He gestured toward Draco. “Mr. Malfoy, would you please stand up. I want everyone to see who you are.”

“As if there is anyone in the Hall who doesn’t know who you are.” Blaise whispered to his best friend.

Draco smirked and cockily stood up.

It was the Slytherins turn to shout for joy. And shout they did! They truly weren’t expecting for Dumbledore to be fair. Many of the pureblood Ravenclaw were just as excited as the Slytherins. The rest of the Houses clapped warily, and besides Neville, the Gryffindor’s didn’t clap at all. Actually, they felt affronted that Malfoy got such a revered position.

The Head Boy and Head Girl sat down when the Headmaster started introducing the professors.

“I can’t believe this!” Ron whispered angrily to everyone in hearing distance.

“Tell me about it. Malfoy as Head Boy!” Dean agreed. “He’s probably going to take points away from us just for being Gyffindor!”

“Or because where part muggle!” Seamus added. “This sucks beetle dung!”

“He can’t do that.” Hermione assured coolly.

“Yeah right.” Ron agreed sarcastically and put his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulder. “Well, at least we have Hermione here to replace any points he takes away!”

“I can’t do that either!” The girl snapped and pushed his arm off of her.

“I‘m sure Malfoy will do it for his house!” Ron whined.

“Well I‘m not Malfoy or a Slytherin.” The Hermione said haughtily. “I‘m a Gryffindor and though you guys may have forgotten, that used to mean something, *good.*”

The boys looked away abashed and embarrassed. They knew she was referring to the way they’ve been treating Harry and Neville.

“Now before we eat, there is another matter I want to share with you.” The Headmaster continued.
“As you know, Professor Snape is our schools potions instructor. What many of you may not know is that he is also a very renowned Potions *Master*.”

Ohhs and ahhs erupted throughout the Hall. Draco smirked proudly as he looked at his stepfather. The Gryffindor’s glowered at the unfair and usually biased instructor; even though they were impressed. And through it all, Severus stayed stone faced.

With gentle hand gestures, the Headmaster calmed everyone down. “Now this year, is a very special year for our resident Potions Master, for he will be engaged in heavy research most of this years term.” Albus smiled warmly at the confused faces of the children and continued. “For that reason, we at Hogwarts hired a part time, but very qualified teacher who will teach half of Professor Snape’s classes and relieve him of most of his teaching responsibilities.”

Jaw breaking smiles appeared on every single Gryffindor’s face. All but one that is. Hermione narrowed her eyes as she gazed away from Dumbledore and toward the cocky, blond, Slytherin. Something was amiss. He seemed too pleased that his favorite teacher might be losing his job.

“So without further adieu.... Let me introduce you to your new potions instructor.” Dumbledore gestured to the Slytherin table. “Mister Malfoy would you please stand up again.”

“WHAT?!!” Ron cried out in pure indignation. “There is NO WAY Malfoy is qualified to teach ANYTHING!!

The rest of the Gryffindors grumbled their protest and agreement with Weasley. Hufflepuffs were too afraid to agree out loud. A few Ravenclaw voiced that they thought it was unfair, and Slytherin went wild with joy.

The blond Slytherin didn’t react to the weasels or the other Gryffindor’s comments. He knew that they would react this way. And because *all three* of his parents said that they would reward him greatly if he kept a cool head, a standing Draco Malfoy didn’t comment on the red-heads remarks nor did he scowl or frown. Instead, he acted very mature; even though it was killing him to do so.

Dumbledore was impressed. He expected the young Malfoy to attempt to verbosely put any opposition in their place. So since the Slytherin didn’t react, he took over were Draco did not.

“I assure you, Mr. Weasley that Mister Malfoy is *over* qualified to teach all of you. We thoroughly tested his abilities on the subject.”

“But how is he going to teach?!” The red-head cried out. “He’s a student!” Ron did NOT want Malfoy teaching him.

Albus nodded and addressed the entire Hall. “Well...you see...This summer Mister Malfoy took his NEWTS early and passed all thirteen with flying colors.”

Hermione’s jaw dropped. She knew the boy was smart, but she didn’t know how smart. If she had any reservations about his intelligence she now cast them aside.

A Ravenclaw asked. “So he’s *not* a student?”

“Then why is he allowed to be Head Boy?” A Gryffindor asked.

“Please!” The Headmaster soothed. “Allow me to finish. Even though Mister Malfoy passed his NEWTS he is still a student because he does not have enough credits to gain his wizarding license. So he will teach to earn part of his credits, and he will take electives to gain the rest.” Albus’s blue eyes widened and he clapped his hands together excitedly. “Oh that reminds me.... Everyone is aware that Muggle Studies is now a required course to gain your license, correct?”

“No that is NOT correct!” Someone in Slytherin spat out.

It was common knowledge that *no one* in Slytherin *ever* took that class.

Draco looked affronted. He already had his classes picked out and Muggle Studies was *not* one of them. He glanced at his friends and they looked just as pissed as he was. They were upset not only because they had to take the muggle-loving class; they were upset because as seventh years, they were going to have to drop a class they *wanted* to pick up one they knew they were going to hate just to get their license.

The Headmaster disguised his chuckle as a cough. He knew that the Slytherins were going to be upset by this bit of news. That was why he waited until tonight to tell them about it. He didn’t want to fight with their parents throughout the whole summer. Most Slytherins were purebloods, who only associated with other purebloods, and only cared about purebloods. That’s why Albus felt that it would be good for them to learn about muggles. By Draco’s still-shocked reaction, Severus must have agreed with him, because apparently the Potions Master didn’t tell his son.

Dumbledore groaned.

If the young Malfoy didn’t know before hand about the class that meant he was going to have to deal with the elder Malfoy sometime this week.

Before groans of displeasure could erupt from the many 7th years, from *every* table, who now had to drop a class and add Muggle Studies, Dumbledore started the meal.

“This is so bloody unfair!” Gregory growled when Draco sat back down. “I heard that Muggle Studies is pure lecture!”

Vincent looked at Draco in an unspoken plea for help with the class. In a subtle, secret nod Draco gave it to him.

Draco then turned his attention to Blaise. The raven-haired boy was piling food on his plate as so was everyone else in the Hall. Everyone but him that is. “So what was it you were going to tell me?”

~~~

At the Gryffindor table, Ron ate his food and glared at new potions teacher.

“Look, it might not be so bad.” Hermione soothed and rubbed his back. “He’s only teaching half the classes and I doubt that Snape would allow him to teach *our* class.”

“What gets me is that Professor Dumbledore said that the git was *over* qualified to teach potions!” Ginny mused. “How? Didn’t you guys take potions with him? Didn’t he do the same work you did? I mean, come on!! He only *barely* got better marks than Hermione in that class, and we all know that it was because Snape favors him. So how is he *over* qualified?”

Granger bit her lip, in thought, while the others said censorious remarks about Malfoy. If Dumbledore hadn’t explained that the Slytherin not only took his NEWTS a year early, but past all thirteen with flying colors, then maybe Hermione would have agreed with Ginny. But as it stands, the muggle born witch doubted that, even with all her knowledge, she could have accomplished that task last summer. She looked at the Slytherin and surmised that maybe there was more to Draco Malfoy than they gave him credit for. And *maybe* he was telling the truth when he claimed that the professors were grading him harder and giving him lower grades than he deserved. However, she was brought out of her thoughts by Ron.

“Why isn’t he eating?!”

“Who?” Seamus asked and turned in his seat and absently looked for the person who wasn’t eating.

“Malfoy.” Ron pointed with his butter knife. “He hasn’t eaten a thing nor has he taken a sip this whole meal!”

Everyone glanced at the Slytherin and at the empty plate in front of him. Panic then flashed in everyone’s eyes.

“He’s probably poisoned the food!” Ron accused and threw his utensils down with a loud clank.

“Don’t be daft, Ron!” Hermione huffed and continued eating. “His friends are eating! He wouldn’t poison them!”

“I wouldn’t be to sure of that, ‘Mione!” Ron countered. “Who knows what goes on in that psycho’s head!”

“Yeah and everyone knows that Slytherins don’t have *friends* they have *allies*!” Seamus laughed.

“And they don’t have *friendships* they have *alliances*!” Dean finished, laughing himself.

She looked over at Malfoy and his Court and sighed out. “It’s the same difference.” She then looked back at her friends “Anyway, why are we talking about them?”

~~~~

At the Slytherin table.

“Why are we talking about them?” Pansy fumed “Gryffindors don’t deserve to take up this much of our attention.”

Blaise glared at the girl. “*We* are not taking about them. Draco and I are. So *you* can eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation.”

Before Pansy could rebuke with a scathing comment, Draco stood up to leave. “Was that all they said?” He asked Zabini.

“Yeah, and then Potty ran off crying!” The raven haired boy laughed.

“And no one went after him?” The blond asked as he arched a brow.

“Nope!” The raven-haired boy beamed, then started eating.

Draco looked over at the Gryffindor table. “Perhaps I was wrong about him gaining favor with them?”

“What was that?” Blaise asked, as he looked up from his plate.

“Nothing that concerns you.” The blond said as he looked down at his friend and smirked. He then turned and left the Great Hall in a gracefully strut.

All the other tables immediately got quite after the Slytherin left through the massive doors. The students looked at the professors for and explanation, but their teachers apprehensive faces clearly showed that they didn’t know the reason for Draco’s departure either. Also, the Gryffindors weren’t the only ones who noticed that Malfoy didn’t eat or drink a thing.

Dumbledore looked to Severus for an explanation, but the man shrugged.

Lupin looked at the Gryffindors and noticed, for the first time, that Harry wasn’t there. “Shite!”

The Headmaster turned to the DADA professor and asked gently. “Do you know what is going on?”

Lupin looked past Snape and toward the Headmaster and reluctantly admitted. “Well, I’m not sure if this has anything to do with Draco leaving ...but on the train...Harry and Draco had ...a little altercation.” He didn’t want to incriminate his nephew more than he had too.

Beetle black eyes narrowed dangerously. “What do you mean *altercation*? What did Potter do to him?”

“What makes you think Harry did anything to Malfoy?! How do you know that Malfoy didn’t start it?!”

Snape sneered.

And Dumbledore cut in. “Please gentlemen, this is not the time or place! Remus please... What happened?”

“Well.” Remus began. “Draco accused me of a horrible crime and then... a fight ensued between the two boys.”

“Correction.” Snape snapped. “Harry attacked him!”

Remus paled as he wondered if someone told the Potions Master what truly happened.

Snape shook his head disappointedly. “And you wonder why Slytherins hate Gryffindors. Your versions of the truth disgust us.” He then turned to the Headmaster. “I know for a fact that Draco didn’t lay one hand on Potter.”

“And how do you know this, Severus?” Albus asked without judgment only curiosity. He wanted to know more about Severus’s and Draco’s relationship.

“Because he is in his 17th year, and today is a very revered day in Draco’s religion of Onoshin.”

“Ahh.. that’s right!” Ablus said, nodding knowingly. “I remember... his father acknowledging this day when he was students here... It is accompanied with fasting, correct?”

“And non violence.” Snape added glowering at Lupin.

The brown-haired man sorta shrunk into himself. How was he supposed to know that he had given Harry an unfair advantage by letting him fight Draco on one of the Slytherin’s holy days. Anyway, who would have thought the Malfoys were religious!

“Albus.” Minerva called as she tugged on the Headmasters sleeve. “The students are leaving.”

Dumbledore looked at the commotion of hundreds of students trying to get out of the Great Hall, in haste. The older man sighed sadly. “It seems that they are afraid there is going to be a repeat of last years fire.”

“I think that we should stop them.” The witch recommended hopefully. “We need to reassure them that they are going to be safe here.”

“You may try if you want, Minerva.” Dumbledore sighed sadly. “However, I doubt it will do any good. Last years banquet is still too fresh in their memories.” Albus turned his attention away from the fleeing students and toward Severus. “Do you know where Mr. Malfoy went?”

“Probably the dungeons.” Snape answered getting up, though he seriously doubted that was were his stepson went. “I’m going to go find him and make sure he’s not *injured.*” He glared one more time at Lupin before he left the Head Table and forced his way through the crowd of frantic students.

The Headmaster then turned his attention to Lupin. “I think you should go and find Harry. I fear that if he meets up with Draco again, holy day or not, there might be repercussions for his earlier actions.

Remus nodded in agreement and quickly left to find his nephew.

Trelawney slipped into Snape’s seat after the two men left.. “Albus”

McGonagall glanced at the Divination teacher and rolled her eyes.

“Yes Sibyll?” The gray haired man smiled.

She whispered. “The Maghs are chanting.”

“I know.” The Headmaster whispered back, but warmly. “I can feel their power.”

She nodded and explained in a serious tone. “They’re forcing the moons to align.”

He nodded knowingly.

“They are forcing his birthright upon him.” She said omnisciently. “I saw this in my crystal ball. He will awaken to his true powers very soon.”

This peaked Dumbledore’s curiosity. “Can you see who it is, Sibyll?” With all his infinite wisdom, he didn’t know who the Child of the Equinox was. He assumed it was Harry. He *hoped* it was Harry.

She pressed her thin lips together and shook her head dejectedly. “His face is still hidden.”

“Then the only thing we can do is wait.” Albus sighed. “Since the Maghs are chanting, then he will be revealed to us soon.”


tbc
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Ok I finally could log onto my reviews after I posted the last chapter ^___^ So let me properly thank those who reviewed!!!

Bienfoy--He had a reason why he did that test for Lupin. ~_^ And the next chapter will be the catalyst to what starts their relationship.
Mylene- Thank you I hope my future chapter won’t let you down
ailstar-Thank you. I ‘m hoping to explain the Slytherin POV.
scythefire- You’re right the Slytherins are the outcast because of their beliefs but you will se that what doesn’t kill them only makes them stronger.
Enid-I assure you that Blaise is hopelessly in love with Neville. And vice versa
Liz-I’m glad you like my Draco. I promise you that I am going to get them together but it will take a few chapters. You see, they hate each other right now.
Little Bunny Fu Fu- thank you for the BOP of approval ^_^


And to everyone else who didn’t review but read my fic, Thank you

oxoxox
babychan