Some Dangerous Liaisons

Shaken...Not Stirred

Remus pushed the ancient black tome towards Harry. Harry leaned over to look at the weathered text. He was sitting in the DADA classroom on his way to breakfast.

“There was a clan of werewolf that was able to transform at will. They died out long ago legend says. I have heard that there may be a couple of descendants that are still around. They keep a very low profile though. They were hunted down and killed by wizards because of their ability. There has always been fear and mistrust within the werewolf packs.”

“You think that Nicos is one of the descendents of this clan?” Harry asked. The picture showed a massive human transforming into a werewolf in the daytime. Harry studied the picture intrigued.

“No, I don’t. I think Nicos knows someone who can siphon the ability to transform at will from the clan descendant.”

“Siphoning? What do you mean?”

“It’s dark magic, Harry. I have heard of some that can take the power of others within themselves. Basically, they’re stealing magic and abilities from other magical creatures or humans. It’s a very difficult thing to accomplish though. Someone would have to be a master at dark arts to be able to do something like that. There aren’t many who practice that deep a magic, but with Voldemort’s return, it’s possible that some are going back to those ways. Either way, it’s not good.”

“So what do you think this all means? Is that why I can’t stop hurting?”

“I believe that when Nicos attacked you, he transferred some dark magic that was already in him, into you. You have been poisoned, Harry. But it most likely is a slow thing that is happening. Because the wound was not that deep, it was a mild poison. But you need to see Madam Pomfrey so that she can assess the damage. She may be able to come up with an antidote. If not, then Professor Snape can help. I need to tell Dumbledore, of course.”

“What will happen if there isn’t an antidote? What’s going to happen to me?”

“I don’t know Harry, but honestly it won’t be any good whatever happens. But I don’t want to scare you. I don’t have all the information. Have you had anything weird happen to you, since the attack?”

Harry thought about his ability to use wandless magic. He hadn’t known how that power came to him. He wasn’t sure if he wanted it to go away. Now Remus was telling him it may have came to him through dark magic? This new power may help him with his fight against Voldemort. He needed every advantage he could get.

He looked at Remus.

“No, nothing strange has happened.” He didn’t even blink.

“Well, then that hopefully will be a good thing and no real damage has been done. But you need to see Madam Pomfrey, today. I want to be there when you go.”

Harry nodded. He was looking at the book.

“Where did you get this book from? Can I keep it for awhile?”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “Interested in dark arts, huh?”

Harry ran his fingers over the cover of the book. “I’m interested in defeating Voldemort.”

“Hmmm…know thy enemy. I got this from the restricted section. I will give you permission to do research there, if you think it will help.”

“Remus, I need as much help as I can get. Perhaps by learning more about what Voldemort is and what kinds of magic he may possess, maybe I can find a way to defeat him.”

“Harry, even if you learned every spell in that book, you are not evil. You would have to have the cruelty, the disposition to do that type of magic. Remember when you tried to hex Bellatrix? It didn’t work that well because it’s not in your heart to be cruel or malicious. You have to mean those spells in order for them to work; the dark energy has to be there.”

Harry looked away and sighed. “Nice guys don’t win, do they?” He gave a sad smile.

Remus came close and pulled him up. He clapped him on the shoulder.

“Having a good heart and the ability to care and love others is not a weakness. It is your greatest asset. That is your power, just like it was Lily’s. Her love saved you from a curse of death. There is no greater power than love. Always remember that, Harry.”

Harry picked up the book. “I’ll let you know when I go to Madam Pomfrey. I have class soon.” Remus nodded.

“Today, Harry. Or I’ll go straight to Snape and tell on you.” He grinned wildly.

HPDM

Madam Pomfrey fussed over Harry like a mother hen with her chicks. She was muttering under her breath, angry that he hadn’t told her the truth the first time he came wanting a potion.

“A werewolf?? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner, Mr. Potter?” She bustled about, waving her wand and consulting her diagnostic charts. Harry sat on the bed and waited patiently. Remus snickered in the background. He was just glad the Healer wasn’t angry with him.

“Now Mr. Potter, have you been experiencing any symptoms? Headaches, dizziness or anything like that?”

“No, not really. Just this dull ache in my chest.” He refrained from mentioning his magical bursts. He felt guilty for lying to her and Remus, but he didn’t want the power to stop. Hopefully, he would be able to do even more things.

She raised a skeptical eye. “You haven’t had any problems at all? No magical outbursts, strange feelings? Have you been taking anything else for the pain?”

Harry hesitated. He also wasn’t sure if he should mention that he had been taking the pills from Fadien. He had a bad feeling that Madam Pomfrey would probably hex him into next week if she knew he was taking a strange medication. He suddenly realized that the pills were probably a concoction of Fadien’s, just like his drinks. However, they seemed to be working, better than the potion she had given him.

“Ummmm…Hermione made me a healing potion, but that’s been about it.” He tried to sound convincing.

“Oh, I didn’t know Miss Granger had taken her Healing exams. When did she become a Healer? I must go and compare notes with her”, Madam Pomfrey said dryly. Remus openly guffawed at this. Harry lowered his eyes in embarrassment.

She consulted her hovering parchment. “Well, your blood levels show a concentration of an unknown substance. It may be the residue of the dark magic from the wound. I will have to do further research.” She looked at Remus. “Professor Lupin, it may be wise to consult with Professor Snape on this as well.”

“Who am I to save this time, Madam Pomfrey? Is everyone so incompetent? Not speaking of you, my dear Healer, but the rest of your company…” An all too familiar oily voice had infiltrated their midst.

All three turned to see Professor Snape oozing towards them. His icy black eyes raked over the group in disdain, keeping his nastiest sneer for Harry and Remus. Harry’s eyes widened when he saw who was at Snape’s side. A malevolent looking Malfoy was glaring daggers at him.

“Ahhh, Professor Snape, we were just talking about you. We wanted to consult with you regarding Mr. Potter.” Madam Pomfrey said, eyeing Malfoy quickly for any visible injury. “Is Mr. Malfoy requiring my assistance?”

Snape looked at Malfoy with an exasperated expression. “Let him tell you his reason for his visit.” Malfoy eyed Harry suspiciously, and then looked at Madam Pomfrey. “I hurt my arm; can you look at it for me please? In private, please?” He stared pointedly at Harry and Remus.

“Of course, Mr. Malfoy, over here please.” She pointed towards a bed in the far corner. She returned her attention to Snape and Lupin. “Professor Snape, will you kindly look over Mr. Potter’s chart and tell me if you know what the unknown substance is? Professor Lupin can fill you in on the rest until I return.” Without waiting for his response, she walked towards Malfoy.

Remus looked at Snape’s expression with amusement. Snape turned to the werewolf and rolled his eyes. He glanced at the parchment still hanging over the bed. His eyes flowed over the document, and then narrowed. He set his gaze on Harry.

“You were attacked by a werewolf with a false transformation?” He looked questioningly at Remus. “You have been in constant pain since August? There is an unknown substance in your system?” He looked harder at Harry. “But you have no symptoms other than the pain?” Harry nodded, worry showing in his face.

Snape’s eyes narrowed further. “Who is this werewolf? Surely he can’t be of the clan?”

Remus shrugged. “I doubt it, but he must know someone who can do the magic. It was not a full moon on the night in question, of that I am certain”.

“I will have to look further into this. I can’t believe that there are no other symptoms.” He looked hard at Harry again. Harry knew that Snape would try to read his thoughts. He rushed to put his barriers up, but Snape had not intruded.

“Tell Poppy I will speak to her later on this, when I have more information.” He strode out of the infirmary without another word.

Remus and Harry gaped at one another. Snape had not even bothered to insult either one of them after his initial snipe. Harry immediately knew he was going to die. Hell had just frozen over, if Snape hadn’t taken an opportunity to humiliate him or Remus. This must be a lot more serious than either of them knew.

Remus gently smiled at Harry. “Don’t look so worried Harry. Everything will be ok. You have the best working on this. I have to go now. Keep me informed of what is going on.” He left the room.

Harry sighed deeply. Maybe he should have told them the truth of his power. He was sure that Snape would find out soon enough anyway. He made a mental note to never be alone with the man.

Madam Pomfrey walked up to him. “You may go, Mr. Potter. Please let me know if there are any changes.” She handed him a vial of blue potion. “Let me know if this helps.” She walked to her office. Harry slid off the bed, noticing Malfoy was also leaving. What was the chance that both of them would be in the infirmary at the same time? What god had he pissed off?

Draco had been shocked to see Potter in the infirmary. Earlier that day he went to his god father, to see if there was a spell on him. He had not disclosed what the supposed spell was doing, but just wanted the man’s opinion. To his dismay, Snape told him that there wasn’t any spell or curse on him.

“Are you sure, Severus? I mean, something weird is going on. I can’t believe that I’m not under something. Maybe the Imperius?”

Severus snorted, “Draco, who would put you under that? And why? Only Death Eaters use that and most of them are in Azkaban. The Dark Lord wouldn’t waste his time with putting you under the Imperius.”

“Well, what about here, at school? Maybe one of the Gryffindors, playing a joke?” His eyes were full of hope.

Severus curled his lip. “A Gryffindor? Using the Imperius? For heaven’s sakes, Draco! None of that lot has the brains or courage to do it. Miss Granger, possibly, but she would never do it. Mr. Weasley definitely doesn’t have it. Mr. Potter…well, he is insolent enough to do it, but not the brains. Mr. Longbottom? You are not under the Imperius.”

Draco sighed irritably. “Well, I want to talk to Madam Pomfrey. I haven’t been sleeping very well. Can she give me a sleeping draught?”

“I’ll go with you; I need to speak with her regarding some herbs.”

Seeing Potter had messed with his sense of stability. After his “test” the other day, he had been desperate to believe that Potter was right. Maybe it was the drinking that had caused the sexual escapades. He had stayed up all night trying to convince himself that it was true. He knew that it wasn’t though.

When Harry had kissed him in the dungeons, he was no way near drunk. He had been as sober as Dumbledore. He had felt every sensation, and he knew he wanted more. He had been positive that Potter had felt something also, but had dismissed it. Draco had been so aroused that he had ran back to his room to masturbate, his mind full of the ebony hair and jade eyes.

Now here he was, standing in front of him. Draco was furious. Why did Potter have to share his air? He decided he was just going to ignore the git.

Harry was having his own trouble dealing with the blonde bombshell. He had spent the last evening fantasizing about Malfoy’s lips on him and the exquisite sex they had. He had hardly registered the fact that it was his first time sleeping with a man. When it hit him full force, he became distraught. Why had his first time been with someone he hated so bitterly? He would never be able to have an open conversation with Malfoy about it. He wouldn’t even be able to talk to his friends about it. Ron and Hermione would never understand this.

Now here they both stood, neither wanting to put his back to the other by leaving first. A long awkward tension fell over the room. Harry was still sitting on the bed, fiddling with his shoes, while Draco was brushing non-existent dirt from his robes. Both were entirely aware of the other’s movements. Harry willed himself to get up and not run from the room. He wanted as much distance as he could get between him and the Slytherin prince.

He walked briskly, but not so much to earn him more attention from Malfoy. He had walked about five steps when he heard Malfoy get up from his place. Harry’s heartbeat picked up speed. What was he so nervous about? This was ridiculous.

He reached the corridor and began heading for dinner. He could still hear Malfoy behind him. The Slytherin was deathly quiet. This unnerved Harry even more. It wasn’t like Malfoy to not have a snide remark. However, things were very different between them now. He chanced a glance behind him. Malfoy was several paces behind him, staring directly at the back of his head. He seemed surprised that he was now looking at the front. Harry saw his face flush and the blonde looked away quickly. Harry smirked. He had caught him off guard.

Draco was mortified that Potter had seen him looking. He had been absorbed in his own thoughts. He wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation at the moment, so he had stayed quiet. He figured that would upset the Gryffindor more than his insults. It had backfired though. He had been mesmerized by the slow sexy strut that Potter had claimed as his own. His black locks were waving seductively at him. Draco’s mind had been on that. The next thing he knew, he was looking in the boy’s face. Draco saw the sexy smile start across his lips. Those lips that just yesterday he had been kissing. He felt himself burn red with embarrassment and he tore his eyes away from the scene. Damn Potter!

They reached the Great Hall without further incident. Harry joined his friends, Draco his. Harry only picked at his food, his appetite gone. He quietly stole glances at the Slytherins. The raucous group gave loud catcalls about the upcoming game that weekend. His fellow teammates were responding in kind. Harry noticed that Malfoy was not joining in on the fun. Silver were fixed on green, and vice versa.

------

That night in his room, Harry flipped through the pages of the tome. The book had no name and the pages were ancient and worn. Several of the spells and incantations were in a language he didn’t know. Harry could still feel their power, their whispered intentions. His fingers grazed over the pictures showing battle scenes, bloody wizards, sacrifices and other devilish acts. There were sections on curses, immortality, zombies, vampires and even bringing someone back from the dead. Harry’s eyes twinkled with interest. Dumbledore had told him that no one could be brought back. But here was a book that said it may be possible. What if he could see Sirius again? Or bring Cedric back for his father? His parents??

Harry sat up straight. He had been a fool! He had blindly believed Dumbledore without even trying to find out the information himself. He had talked to his parents the night that Cedric died. It was their ghosts or essence, but they were there. Hadn’t Voldemort been dead and somehow been brought back? Voldemort had powers that Harry could never hope to learn. But he had passed on some of his power to Harry. Voldemort was the greatest Dark Wizard ever.

Harry’s face went white. He had some of Voldemort’s power! He had never bothered to figure out what those powers were. Aside from being a Parselmouth and the strange telepathic bond they had, Harry didn’t know what else. What if this new wandless magic was power that Voldemort had transferred to him?

Harry wondered if Voldemort’s dark powers and abilities had also transferred. He couldn’t believe that he had never bothered to find out what things he could do. He decided he wanted to learn everything that he could. He turned to the first page that he could readily decipher and began to read. Since he was alone, no one saw his green eyes slowly fade to black, his blood pulsating with poison.

HPDM

Draco watched the events unfolding before him with rapt attention. He was sitting at a table in Hogsmeade, drinking with Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott. It was the night before the big game and they needed to have a little fun. They had been practicing non-stop all week. Draco was determined to beat Potter in this game. This was their last chance to beat the Gryffindors. Potter had caught the snitch in every game since he became Seeker first year. His only failure was their 3rd year loss to Hufflepuff, a major upset. Draco had enjoyed that loss very much, despite the fact that the Dementors had interfered with the game. He knew that Potter would have caught the snitch but for that face. Draco was going to catch that snitch, even if it killed him to do so.

The Slytherins were enjoying their evening when the drama began to unfold. The Irish Gryffindor, Finnegan, had entered the place with the mudblood. They had ordered some food and were sitting at a table, talking quietly. Draco raised an eyebrow. This was interesting. Clearly, Granger and the Weasel hadn’t got back together. The two were not overly intimate, but they weren’t strangers either. Draco watched as she laughed, pushing her hair back from her face. Finnegan grinned like a loon. Draco snorted, how crass.

Crabbe and Goyle were nudging each other. They had noticed the Gryffindors as well. Finnegan glanced over at them and rolled his eyes. Granger then turned in her seat and watched them as well. She made a face and turned back. Draco and company laughed. They ordered another round. Before the drinks arrived, the Weasel himself entered the pub. Nott practically broke Draco’s ribs elbowing him. They all grinned, ready to watch the fireworks.

“Oh this is going to be good,” Nott sneered. “The Weasel finding his friend with his girl is too good. We should sell tickets to this.” He turned up his newly arrived drink.

Goyle guffawed. “Oh man, look at his face. It’s the same color as his hair.” Crabbe slapped Goyle on the back, holding his side in laughter.

They watched as Weasley marched over to the table. Some words were exchanged. Finnegan stood up, anger burning across his freckled face. Granger grabbed his arm, pulling him down. She turned furious eyes to her ex-boyfriend. She gave a short retort. Draco could distinctly make out the word “Pansy” and “slut”. The Weasel slunk away like a kicked dog. He walked over to another table and sat down, his face red.

Draco shifted in his seat. He hoped it was not the end of the show. He was not disappointed, and even found himself a performer in the production. A few moments after the Weasel sat, Potter joined the boy at the table. He was accompanied by Longbottom and their Slytherin classmate Millicent. Nott frowned at this sight.

“What is she doing with those stupid Gryffindors? Is she actually touching Longbottom?” He cringed at the sight. He looked at his friends for some information.

Goyle rolled his eyes. “Yeah, she has been seeing Longbottom all this week. Right touchy about it. At least he’s a pureblood. It gets her out of my hair.” Goyle shuddered. Millicent had been hounding him for a few years. Crabbe laughed.

“I don’t know if I like that. I mean, she’s Slytherin. She should be with one of us.” Nott insisted.

“Well then you date her, go and declare your love for her.” Goyle said, rolling his eyes in puppy dog love. “Sweep her off her feet.”

“Who could pick her up?” Crabbe asked. All three laughed loudly at that thought. Draco just looked at his friends, shaking his head. He turned back to the Gryffindors.

Longbottom and Millicent had walked to their own table. They had eyes only for each other. Secretly, Draco was happy for them. Millicent had been lonely for years, the brunt of many jokes. No boy in Slytherin would even get close to her. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were distrustful of any Slytherin girls. Longbottom apparently suffered the same lonely fate. It would only seem natural that the two would get together. And Longbottom was pureblood. It would certainly satisfy her parents.

Draco watched Potter sitting at the table with the Weasel. Boy Wonder had been quiet all week. Draco had hardly seen him, except in class. He hadn’t even been to the hall for meals, at least not when he was there. He wondered if Potter had been avoiding him. In a way, that pleased him. It meant that Potter was still thinking about him. Heaven knows he had been thinking about him all week. He was going crazy.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Dean Thomas and Blaise. That pretty much silenced both groups. Draco had choked on his drink. Finnegan’s eyes had popped from his head. Nott, Crabbe and Goyle were all mute, staring slack jawed at their friend. Even the Weasel had taken time to stop glaring at Finnegan to frown at this new travesty. All heads turned as the teens made their way to yet another empty table.

Nott slammed down his mug.

“Ok, that’s it! I’ve had it. What is going on around here? Why is Blaise with that bloke?” He shot a look at Draco. “Draco, what’s wrong with Zabini?”

Draco eyed Nott warily. “How should I know? I barely see him anymore. He doesn’t even talk to me.” Draco hadn’t lied about this. He was as shocked as they were to see him with Thomas.

“Well, then someone needs to find out what is going on with our House! I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Not one, but two Slytherins sitting here with Gryffindors, openly!!! And Thomas is not even pure!” He stood up angrily, bumping the wooden table. He looked hard at Crabbe and Goyle. “Coming?” It was not a question.

Both enforcers stood also, fists clenched. Draco watched this with apprehension. As soon as they had stood up, it had caught the attention of all the Gryffindors in the room. And it wasn’t just 7th years in the place either. They were outnumbered by at least five. Draco wasn’t sure of the odds, but his only concern was a green-eyed wizard who was now keenly watching them. Draco sighed. He had to support his House, even though he was actually happy to see Blaise with Thomas. That meant that he was no longer going after Potter.

He stood up and walked with his housemates over to Zabini’s table. Blaise raised cautious eyes to his friends. He didn’t look very surprised though. Neither did Thomas.

“So Blaise,” Nott was saying. “We’ve been wondering where you have been lately. I pray this is not the answer to the question.” He gave Thomas an unpleasant look. Thomas gave a withering glare to the other boy. Blaise smiled pleasantly.

“To answer your question, I have been making new friends. It’s time to venture out some. So yes, he has been one of the reasons I have been missing.” He smiled at the Gryffindor. The other Slytherins recoiled in disgust.

“A Gryffindor? You’re a Slytherin, Blaise! He’s not even pureblood! Why would you want to be his friend?” Nott asked in disbelief.

Blaise smiled mischievously. “He has “other” talents that are not found in Slytherin. Don’t worry, I will always be a Slytherin. These new friends of mine aren’t going to change our friendship. I am so touched that you care.”

Nott frowned at this. Crabbe and Goyle both looked confused. They all looked at Draco, who was wishing he was somewhere else.

“Draco? Aren’t you even upset about this? Say something,” Nott hissed to him. Blaise turned amused eyes to him as well. He was curious to know what his friend was going to say about all of this. Draco looked distracted.

“I’m sure Blaise will explain this later. This is not the place to have this discussion.” He hoped that would appease the masses.

It didn’t.

“Fuck that! Blaise, what is going on?” Nott looked over at the Millicent. “And why the hell are you with Longbottom? Have you no shame?” Millicent blushed crimson. Longbottom looked angry.

“Shut up!” The boy yelled. He was burning in anger. “Leave her alone”. All eyes turned to Longbottom in shock. They had never heard him yell in anger before.

“What’s this? Longbottom finally got some balls?” Crabbe said. “I see it took a Slytherin to help him to do that!” He gestured rudely at him. Longbottom stood up, his eyes blazing. He marched over to Crabbe and got in his face. The thick boy blinked stupidly. He had never imagined he would be face to face with Longbottom ready to fight. It was unheard of.

“You Slytherin piece of crap! I’m tired of you and all your stupid friends! You aren’t going to push me around any more!”

It all happened so fast. Neville pistoned his arms out and shoved Crabbe with a huge push. The heavy boy stumbled and fell back, hitting the table next to him. He smacked into a 6th year Ravenclaw girl, who was knocked out of her seat. She fell hard to the floor with a thud. Her 7th year boyfriend jumped up, eyes resting on the fat Slytherin. His fist shot out and connected with the staggering boy’s ear. He yelled out in pain.

Goyle had come to life. He punched Neville in the face, smashing against his cheek. Neville roared and he swung back at Goyle, catching his lip. The teens slammed together, jostling. Nott pulled his wand, ready to send a jinx to Neville’s back. Dean stood up, throwing his drink at the Slytherin. The mug cracked the boy in the head. He turned murderous eyes to Dean, golden liquid running down his hair. He pointed the wand at Dean, who jumped out of the way. Nott was hit in the back by Seamus, who had run up into the fray. The boy went sprawling, knocking into Crabbe and the fighting Ravenclaw. All three went down in a heap.

Draco turned to Seamus. The Gryffindor had a wild look in his eye. He completely ignored Draco and went straight for Zabini. Blaise was on his feet, trying to move out of the way of Goyle and Longbottom. He didn’t see Seamus coming. The smaller man tackled Blaise and they fell hard over the chairs. Seamus had pinned him down and was wailing punches on him. Blaise grabbed Seamus’ side and pinched him hard. He grunted in pain, giving Blaise enough time to push the boy off of him.

Seamus rolled under a table. Blaise sat up quickly, keeping his eye on his attacker. He pulled himself up using the chair. Seamus reached out and grabbed his leg, trying to jerk him off balance. Blaise kicked him hard in the chest, with his free foot. The next instant he saw a flash of red in his face.

“Dirty Slytherin git!” A voice yelled in his face. Ron’s fist had slammed into his gut. Blaise bent over wheezing. Ron parried for another blow, when another fist hit him squarely in the jaw. He turned in time to see blonde hair. Draco reached out and grabbed Ron’s shirt, pulling him away from Blaise. Ron snarled at Draco and grabbed his arm. The blonde winced, snatching his arm away and shoved Ron. The red head fell back, but quickly recovered. He ran full force into Draco, lowering his shoulder. The blonde let out a loud umph and knocked straight into Harry, who had been trying to help Neville.

Goyle had got the upper hand on him. Neville was now in a chokehold and was rapidly turning blue. Harry had raced over and hit the big Slytherin in the back with his fist. Goyle grunted, but didn’t release his grip. When Draco fell into him, both teens had also hit the floor. Draco had landed on top of him, but his back was facing Harry.

Draco struggled to get up, just as Ron appeared over the two. His face was contorted with rage and he hadn’t even noticed Harry underneath him. Ron hit Draco full in the face, knocking him back into Harry’s head. Harry cried out when Draco’s skull connected with his nose. He heard a loud crack and blood gushed. Harry felt an energy course through him. He wasn’t sure what it was until…

“Oh shit!!” Harry blasted Draco off of him with one thought.

He popped up almost as if he had been goosed. He fell hard against Ron and they both rolled to the floor. Harry sat up and looked at them. His face was dripping blood from where Draco had fell on him. He gave them an odd smile. Ron and Draco stared at Harry with identical expressions of fear. Both had felt some power erupt from him, but had no idea of what was going on. Harry stood gracefully, almost as if he had practiced the move for a long time. He slowly looked around at the melee still going on.

Seamus was still holding onto Blaise, but Dean was trying to pull him off. These three all clicked together as full body binds wrapped themselves around them. They fell to the floor hard. His eyes swept to the Goyle and Neville. They too found themselves bound and falling to the floor. Crabbe, Nott and the Ravenclaw had been joined by another and the four had practically destroyed the bar. Their limps snapped shut and all ended their ruckus. His gaze fell on Hermione and Millicent, who had their wands out pointing at each. Hermione recovered quickly, lowering it. She saw Harry’s handiwork. She looked at him in awe.

The pub’s owner began yelling, demanding payment and justice for his bar’s destruction. Several tough looking local wizards began sizing them up. Ron and Draco jumped to their feet. They watched the new wizards suspiciously. Harry released the body binds. Everyone began moving about slowly, trying to figure out what was going on. Who had hexed them?

“We need to be going, now,” Harry said.

Ron nodded and Draco looked at Harry curiously. He didn’t wait around though. He walked over to his friends and pulled them up. Ron went to grab Seamus, Neville and Dean. Hermione walked around and fixed as many things as possible, righting tables and chairs, repairing broken glasses and plates. Millicent helped her with the repairs. The Ravenclaws apologized to several customers. The owner looked slightly mollified. He threatened to ban them from the place, hollering that he recognized “another Weasley” and “Lucius’s kid” and “we all know who the one with the scar is”. The group left in a hurry.

Once outside, everyone assessed the damage. Harry’s nose was broken, Seamus had cracked ribs, Ron had a chipped tooth and Neville’s mouth had been busted wide open.

Crabbe had a black eye, Draco had a big knot on his forehead, and Goyle had a broken hand. Dean had several bruises on his face and Nott’s eye was swollen shut. Blaise had dislocated his shoulder. The Ravenclaws were similarly mangled. Hermione and Millicent had ripped clothes and disheveled hair. No one was in the mood to continue the “discussion”. Groaning, they all slowly walked back to the castle. They had a Quidditch game tomorrow! Ron and Hermione wanted to ask Harry about the power he had displayed, but he didn’t want to talk about it. Draco looked ready to ask as well, but he stayed away from him.

Madam Pomfrey hadn’t expected to see fourteen teenagers enter her infirmary. And definitely not in the state they were in. She glared at the group, who all were unnaturally quiet. She hadn’t bothered to ask what had happened. It was pretty evident the way the Gryffindors and Slytherins showed up bloody and beaten the night before a big match, all smelling of alcohol? She already knew the answer.

She was surprised to see the Ravenclaws, who normally don’t get involved with the rivalry. She knew the two ringleaders very well. Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy had been frequent visitors of her clinic. Actually, so had most of the others. She smiled at Mr. Weasley. She had spent a lot of time tending to the hexed victims of his twin brothers. She missed Fred and George in her own way. She had gotten a lot of practice dealing with these two.

She gave healing potions to Harry, Goyle, Blaise and Seamus. She placed healing compresses on Nott and Crabbes’ eyes, Neville’s lip and Draco’s head. She healed the Ravenclaws, patched up the girls and sent Dean on his way. All the boys were worried about whether they could play in the game the next day. At least it was in the late afternoon. That would give them time to heal.

It was midnight when Madam Pomfrey told Draco he could go. His head would be fine in the morning. He got up, looking around the ward. Everyone else had already gone, except for Potter. He was standing by the door talking to the Healer. She looked serious and worried, pointing at a floating parchment chart. It was probably the one from the earlier in the week, Draco thought. The one that sent his godfather scurrying out the door like a frightened mouse. Potter nodded and left, looking annoyed. Draco hurried to catch up to him.

“Hey Potter! What the hell was that tonight? When did you learn wandless magic?” He had to admit he was impressed.

Potter didn’t slow down, only glanced at him. “It was nothing.” He walked faster down the corridor, Draco almost running to keep up.

“Potter! Slow down! I just want to know.” He grabbed his arm to slow him down. He jerked back his hand in surprise. Potter had turned to face him, his eyes were glowing a weird shade of…red? The next moment they were green again. Draco shrunk back a little in fear. What was going on with him?

Harry raked his eyes over the Slytherin. He watched the blonde draw back from him, his breathing uneasy. His eyes were taking him in with mistrust. Harry smiled seductively at him. He watched Malfoy’s eyes change to confusion. Harry licked his lips slowly, teasing Malfoy with his tongue. The eyes became lustful silver orbs, betraying their owner.

Draco was hypnotized by Potter’s mouth. He longed to feel them on his body. Instantly, he became wary. He shook his head to clear his mind of the blanket of lust that had dropped out of no where. Potter was still standing in front of him, the green eyes locked on him. Draco could feel his pants tightening. Not again!

He saw with horror that Potter was approaching him. For some reason, Draco was terrified. Potter looked like he could easily hurt him, and after what he saw tonight, he knew he could. Potter made a sudden move and Draco felt himself being pushed hard against the cold stone wall. Potter was licking his neck, tasting his skin. Draco let out a ragged moan.

Harry could smell the fear coming out of Malfoy. This was such an odd sensation. But he could also smell the delectable scent that made him want to taste this boy. He could feel his arousal growing large. Malfoy was turning his head, denying him contact with his neck. He pulled back to look at him. Malfoy was trying to reach his lips. Harry smiled and allowed Malfoy the contact he was trying to get. Malfoy kissed him passionately, surprising Harry.

Draco had surprised himself. He realized that he had missed Potter, and it showed up in his kiss. He wanted to go back to his room and shag him, hard. He felt out of control and desperate, and he wanted Potter to feel the same way. He continued kissing his enemy, loving the way his lips felt, his tongue warm and inviting.

I am losing my mind. What has he done to me? He could feel Potter responding to the kiss. Draco wanted all of this man, right here, right now. Gods, is this what love feels like? Love? LOVE?? LOVE??

Harry felt Draco pull away from the embrace. Malfoy looked pale and was obviously shaken. Harry waited for Malfoy to say something. When he didn’t, Harry stepped back from him. Malfoy looked to be on the verge of hyperventilating. Harry’s brow furrowed in concern.

“Malfoy? You ok?” The blonde’s head had dropped and he was holding the wall for support, gasping for air. If Harry didn’t know better, it seemed as if he was having an asthma attack, a muggle illness. He knew that wasn’t the case.

“Malfoy?” Harry touched his shoulder.

Draco almost jumped out of his skin when Potter touched him. His mind was screaming to get out of there, now! His heart was beating so hard, he was sure Potter could see it through his clothes. His body was attempting to shut down in order to process the major denial that was needed as a result of his treacherous heart’s longing. If only he could rip it out of his chest and throw it out the window. His heart had betrayed him, after everything they had been through together! Ok, sure, his heart didn’t get a lot of use, but he paid attention to it sometimes. Was this punishment for keeping it so cold and icy? It was now awake and fully charged, demanding the teen in front of him. It had been whispering it all week, but Draco had made sure to ignore the mantra. He was now going to pay a major penalty.

“I have to go!” Draco almost fell trying to get around Potter.

He couldn’t bear to look at him, as he sprinted down the corridor, not caring how undignified he looked. He ran all the way to the dungeons, racing to his room. He slammed the door, and leaned heavily against it. He shut his eyes, trying to will away all thoughts and feelings.

This can’t be happening! His heart was telling him some horrible lie, some awful joke. Please let it be a joke, please…I’ll get back together with Pansy, I’ll marry her. Just make it stop…make it stop! I’ll leave the Gryffindors alone, I won’t even call the mudblood a mudblood anymore. I’ll call her Hermione or whatever she wants! Please…

Harry watched Malfoy run away. He smirked lazily, heading towards his own room. He heard Malfoy’s heart beating and saw his near panic in trying to deny his feelings. He had been surprised that Malfoy had initiated the kiss. He was so eager and passionate. Harry saw that his own heart was thumping loudly at the memory. He frowned at the odd feelings for his nemesis. Was it possible to hate someone so much that the feeling eventually turns into something else? Hatred and love are passion partners. Both are fueled with extreme emotion.

He eyed his new treasure lying on the table. The book whispered encouragement to him. He needed to go to the restricted section and check out more of the books there. Harry would have everything he wanted. He wondered if Malfoy was on that list.

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