Brave New World

Chapter Six



Thursday evenings in the Gryffindor common room had become an unacknowledged study session for most of the fifth and sixth year students, this one no exception as the couches and tables were crowded with books and parchment. When Harry came down from his quick shower and change of clothes he had forgotten this fact as all eyes turned in his direction, inquiring as why he hadn’t joined them and didn’t appear to be either.



“What on earth are you wearing?”



Ron looking harangued by Hermione, who was pointing out information in their Transfiguration text, jumped on his distraction happily to escape his girlfriend’s attention. His words were unasked in Neville and Ginny’s gazes who were also sitting at the table with them. Rather than head to the portrait, he changed directions to the table in front of the fireplace. Better to satisfy their questions now, than allow Hermione to build up steam.



He had wanted to be comfortable for the night, seeing as for the first time he didn’t have homework to finish. He thought he would run over to the library for an hour or so and do a little research before continuing his next chapter of reading of the Curious Half-Blood. Rather than put on some of Dudley’s old things, he had grabbed a pair of black sweats and a dark burgundy long sleeved tee. This one was strangely a favorite. Leo had tagged the front with an animated image of a Hungarian horntail similar to the one from the first task. It was his idea of a joke, as the dragon would occasionally be found curled up on his shoulder with its head resting on his bicep. If only the dragon he had faced in the Tournament had been so docile.



The t-shirt was a bit tighter than he was accustomed to but then most of his second hand clothes were too large or stretched out of shape.



“Just some things Leo purchased for me.” He ran a hand through his shaggy hair, grimacing at the dampness that still remained. When it dried, it would probably look as if he had received a bad shock. “No big deal.”



“Never seen you in anything like that before.”



“Those are the type of clothing muggles usually wear when they’re exercising Ron. Is that where you’re headed?” Hermione had started keeping account of his comings and goings. He appreciated the concern but it was wearing on him more than he might like, considering the secrets he was keeping from them.



“Exercising? Is that why you’re getting up so early in the morning Harry?”



He couldn’t really blame Neville for asking, he probably thought Ron and Hermione were already privy to this information. “Yes, I’ve been going for a run at six.” He answered carefully, knowing what was coming next and unable to avoid it.



“What are you talking about? I thought you said you were sleeping fine. Why would you be out running so early if you’re sleeping okay?” The curtness of Hermione’s voice was only overshadowed by her resolve to get answers.



“I am sleeping fine. I told you. I told you it was part of my class ‘Mione.”



“No, you said the spells were part of your class. You said nothing about exercising.” She showed no signs of relenting until she was satisfied. “And why is your Professor purchasing clothes for you Harry?”



“I didn’t know he was getting them. He just said that with all the work we would be doing together, that I needed proper attire, that’s all. And the exercising is no big deal. Leo said I needed to build up my endurance and running in the mornings would help with that.”



“Just who is this Leo character anyway?” Ron decided to voice his own concerns, “He the reason you were doing a Malfoy imitation this morning?”



“What on earth are you talking about?” Ginny looked askance at the Malfoy mention.



“He was all dressed up for class, you know. Not like Harry at all.”



This was the last thing he wanted to get into. “His name is Leopold Shacklbolt.” He raised a brow at them, knowing they would recognize Kingsley’s family name from the Order and in the mean time deflect Ron’s attention from the other subject.”



“Doesn’t explain the clothes,” Ron muttered, fidgeting in his seat and Harry saw with abrupt clarity the direction of his friend’s thoughts.



“You’re making big deal out of nothing.”



“So is Professor Shacklebolt the only one helping you Harry?”



Ginny’s question was probably the worst she could have asked. What to do? Avoid answering, rousing Hermione further or tell his best friend that one of her favorite teachers was instructing in him in her favorite subjects? Why couldn’t he have made it out of the common room without garnering attention?



“No, Dumbledore asked Professor Vector-” he didn’t even get the opportunity to finish the thought.



“Professor Vector? My Arithmancy instructor? You’re not even taking NEWT Arithmancy, Harry, why would you need her help?”



“We haven’t been working together much, just talking about magic and how it relates to numerology and ancient runes. Look, I need to get to library before curfew. Septima,”



“Septima!”



He really needed to learn when to keep his mouth shut. “Professor Vector wants me to look up some information for when we meet again on Monday.”



“Maybe I can help,” Hermione went to stand, Ron glowered and Ginny’s expression was anything but friendly but Harry waved her off.



“No, I’m fine. We’re not going over things that she normally teaches in class.” He fought the urge to grimace when Hermione’s eyes brightened like fairy lights. ‘Shut up while you’re ahead, Potter,’ the frustrated voice in his head growled. “I’ll see you guys later.”



He wasn’t ashamed to say that he didn’t stop his race through the castle until he arrived at his destination. The morning runs were beginning to come to fruition as he was barely out of breath when he yanked open the door. Madam Pince glared in his direction and he looked down at the ground in apology. Having the library Matron angry with you wasn’t the brightest idea if he wanted her assistance.



“Good evening Madam Pince,” he greeted with a small incline of his head like he remembered reading in the book Tracey had given him. The action seemed to take most of her ire away, as she offered him a similar salutation. “I was hoping you might be able to help me?”



“Professor Vector came by earlier this afternoon and informed me you might be coming by this evening. You’ll find these titles near the ancient magic section in the first row of the Restricted Section.” She handed him a small slip of parchment with five titles written down. “You are to collect these books only and bring them to the front when you’re ready to check them out. Only these five,” she emphasized with a glare. “If I discover you’ve been anywhere else, your library privileges will be suspended until the end of term, are we clear Mr. Potter?”



“Yes ma’am.” He wondered why she hadn’t just brought the books to the front desk but set the thought aside. Here was the opportunity to glance at some of the other titles in the ancient magic section. He was quite certain Madam Pince knew he would be doing so, she had only told him not to allow him to be found doing it.



He didn’t push his luck, given most of the topics in the books he had pulled from the shelves, he barely understood anyway. They were investigating mind magic, including Occlumency and Legilimency which brought back bad memories, and ancient elemental rituals that used Celtic and Norse runes. He didn’t know how that pertained to him, or even how it could possibly help him defeat Voldemort but she was the Professor and she had promised to explain after he had done some reading on the subjects on his own.



FSFSFS



“That’s quite a ritual you’re reading there. It involves a level of mental acumen not many wizards ever attain.”



Startled, Harry\'s eyes jerked from the confusing words in front of him only to widen at the dark ones filled with mild amusement. Having Blaise Zabini looking down at him caught him off guard as he had been so captured by what he was reading. It was unsettling to think the Slytherin might have been standing there for some time observing him while Harry was oblivious.



Before this year, he never noticed Blaise. Now, it seemed the boy was always at the edge of his perception. They shared Potions, Charms and Transfiguration together, though he was usually with either Daphne or Tracey. He knew from Hermione that he was also taking NEWT Arithmancy and Ancient Runes.



And what had passed between them this morning, exactly? One moment he had been entering the Hall for breakfast and the next he was staring at Blaise feeling vulnerable and exposed for a reason he had yet to uncover. Maybe Blaise was on his mind so much today because he had started the morning with Nefertiti. But that didn’t explain why Blaise’s small gesture of approval had meant so much to him at the time. Daphne and Tracey had certainly offered their own measure of support, so what made Blaise’s small almost unnoticeable smile so important?



“And how would you know that?” His voice was scratchy from his prolonged silence. “I suppose you’re going to tell me you have attained such mental acumen?”



“No. I do however consider Ancient Runes my specialty and plan to attain my Mastery in the field after graduating Hogwarts.”



“Doesn’t account for reading over my shoulder.”



“I couldn’t help myself.”



The words were delivered so deadpan, Harry couldn’t help but laugh. “I thought Slytherins were more cunning than that? Caught spying by a Gryffindor? What will the others say?”



“Perhaps that’s all part of my grand plan,” he folded arms across his chest, revealing sinewy muscle running through his bare arms. Bare arms that were free of the Dark mark, Harry was happy to note. He was wearing the dark gray shirt and trousers from dinner this evening. The shirt had two buttons open at the neck, missing the dark emerald tie Blaise had been wearing. The sleeves had also been opened and rolled up to his elbow but the relaxed clothing did nothing to deter from the firm strength emanating from his presence.



“And that plan would be?”



“To get you to allow me to see that book,” he gestured with a slight incline of his head, his handsome face kindled with pleasure at their bantering. “Considering I know it came from the Restricted Section, and I happen to know you need permission to check it out and you’re not in my Ancient Runes class.”



Harry looked around the library noting how much time had passed, a lot more than the hour he had been planning to spend. In fact he had about ten more minutes before Madam Pince would be around to escort him out of the library for closing. “You want to see this book? What will you trade me?”



“Information for information,” Blaise nodded in agreement. “Is that your Slytherin side showing again Harry?” The way his husky baritone purred over the pronunciation of his name sent a shiver of awareness down his spine. This game they were playing had stepped into unfamiliar territory that he wasn’t sure he knew how to participate.



“I-" he broke off, not knowing what to say.



Thankfully Blaise took mercy on him. “What would you like to trade? Your grades in Charms and Transfiguration are probably equal to mine. Your commendation in Defense Against the Dark Arts is the first one issued in twenty years, so you wouldn’t need my help there.”



“How do you know about that?” It was something not even his best friends knew about, as he hadn’t wanted to make a big deal about it.



“Everyone knows Harry; it was in the Daily Prophet. Daphne did warn you, you were a front page staple this summer, remember.”



So his friends already knew and said nothing about it? “You could help me with Potions, I’m pants at that.”



“Daphne would be a better choice, though if you insisted.” Blaise left off the unstated agreement.



“No,” he paused wondering if he was going to take this big of a step out on faith. “No you could help me with Ancient Runes. I’m doing some work for a Professor and could use someone to bounce ideas off of. In return, you get to read the book.”



“Why aren’t you making this arrangement with Granger? I’m sure she would be happy to help, without the quid pro quo.”



Because he didn’t want to deal with her questions. He wasn’t ready to talk with his friends about his private lessons and he could avoid that with Blaise. Because he didn’t want to deal with Ron’s insecurities, as he wondered why he and Hermione were spending so much time together. So many answers could apply to such a simple question. When the most prominent one was the probably the right one.



He wanted a reason to spend time with Blaise without his friends prying eyes and this would give it to him.



Harry had so many secrets this year; his friends would be hurt and furious when they uncovered them. The bad part of the situation was that he really didn’t care. There were lots of things about him and his life weren’t aware of. Sure they had some inclining but no confirmation. His life at the Dursleys. The prophecy. The book Tracey gave him. This would just be one more Harry Potter enigma among the rest.



“Because I’m making it with you.” His voice was clear and when their eyes met again, Blaise blinked once in utter amazement.



“Done. May I,” he gestured to the chair opposite Harry but he shook his head.



“Madam Pince will be ready to close up soon. Why don’t we head downstairs, we can find an old classroom to use until curfew.”



FSFSFS



“So why were you in the library tonight?”



Blaise glanced up at the quiet inquiry still trying to decipher the mystery of the Boy-who-lived. ‘Harry,’ a soft inner voice reprimanded him. The teenager before him wasn’t the Gryffindor hero, he was simply Harry, and Blaise had to wonder how many people actually had a chance to see this side of him.



Instead of a classroom, they had found what looked like an old private office situated halfway between the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, so they wouldn’t have far to travel back to their rooms. Harry cast the Scourgify, to get rid of the layers of dust, while he transfigured the old furniture into two small couches and a heavy oak table so they could sit comfortably. There were candles for light that they used sparingly, not wanting to draw attention to the occupied room.



With each flick of his wand, Harry had held most of his attention. Magic writhing and pulsating around them, thick with power and emotion, enough to make his senses swim. Harry had no idea the passion his magic contained or else he wouldn’t be so free in sharing it with others. It gathered around Blaise, building in devastating ripples, before flowing over him, a sensual caress. Questioning, seeking, and full of innocence that told him Harry wasn’t even doing this consciously. Blaise knew Tracey wanted Harry for their Coven, he would make an excellent match to their circle but being sexually attracted to the Lion wasn’t planned at all.



“I was returning books when I saw you and thought I would say hello.”



The physical attraction was there, because Harry was quite beautiful, despite his efforts to conceal it. A dark brow rose in contemplation, as Blaise realized, Harry wasn’t in his usual attire. He didn’t know why it took so long to notice, maybe because he tended to focus on Harry’s voice or the intensity of his verdant eyes that his clothing had ceased to matter. Though whoever had given these items had Blaise’s gratitude.



Harry wasn’t overly tall or very muscular, but he looked hard, lean and sinewy, more than capable of handling himself and the magic he wielded. He especially appreciated the way those fleece pants rode low on Harry’s waist. More importantly, the aura of shyness that surrounded him at times was missing. This is what Harry Potter looked like comfortable with himself and it was an appealing image.



“Thought you would sneak a glimpse of my book you mean,” Harry smirked, reclining back and resting his hands over his belly. “So, about our arrangement. I need someone to help me learn both Celtic and Norse runes. Preferably in the next month. I need to be able to identify, draw and make sense of them and what they’re used for.”



“You don’t ask for much,” he grunted, as what Harry was asking wasn’t easy. On top of all the work for their classes? Well it would be a good review for Ancient Runes anyway. “And in return, you’ll allow me to see the book.”



“I can’t let you take it to Slytherin dorms with you but I can give you complete access to it otherwise.”



“Copying spells don’t work on items from the Restricted Section.” He pointed out. It would take him weeks to hand copy it.



“You don’t need to hold my hand while we’re working. We can meet here; say Tuesdays and Thursdays, around this time. You work on the book and answer any questions I have.”



It was a good deal, especially as he wasn’t going to convince Harry to allow him to take the book into the dungeons. “Add in every other Saturday and Sunday and we have a deal.”



“You want to study on Saturday night?”



“I have no immediate plans in the future, do you?”



“No, not really. Now that Ron and Hermione are together, they tend to spend the evenings together, which is fine. They’re a couple; they should spend that time together.” Harry qualified.



“And what about you?”



“Me?”



“Yes, you. I won’t be interrupting any intimate plans will I?”



“Is that supposed to be a joke or something?” Harry had stiffened in his seat and was now glaring daggers at him.



“Not at all,” he answered, which seemed to appease Harry. “I thought maybe you and the youngest Weasley would be sharing time together now that she is no longer involved with Thomas.” It had hit the Hogwarts gossip on Monday that the Gryffindor couple had split. Rumor had it Thomas was angry that she was spending too much time in the company of a certain Boy-Who-Lived and considering Weasley’s affection for the leader of their pride, no one was surprised.



“Ginny? But Hermione said she was over that crush last year.” It sounded like this information was the last thing Harry wanted to possess. “I don’t,” he paused, looking almost panicked, “I don’t think of Ginny that way. She’s like Hermione, like family. I can’t-”



“And you’re taking this too hard, Harry.” Blaise pointed out with a small smile. “Blame this on me actually. I was curious and could have asked the question better.”



“Curious about me and Ginny? Why?”



Blaise knew Harry wasn’t ready to hear the answer to that question. If he would ever be. It was one thing befriending a Slytherin, offering an exchange of knowledge in truce. Those things were without risk. It was something else entirely to allow Harry Potter to know all the things he contemplating doing to his very seductive mouth.



“Ask me again sometime, perhaps I’ll explain.”