Gilded Soul

Draco trailed off from skimming the article and read it aloud for Hermione.

Only speculation has been reported for most of the obstacles hidden within the Maze of the Gilded Soul. Just the first obstacle of the maze is documented for certain, having been passed by the only known person to have found and entered the maze.

Clifford Munds entered the maze only two years after its creation by Albus Dumbledore in 1962. He was later hospitalized and died of self inflicted wounds speculated to have originated from the first Trial.

Little is known about the maze or the supposed treasure to be found at the end, but what is known sounds ominous. Inside the maze are several obstacles with the exact number unknown. In addition to the obstacles there are three trials, each more difficult then the last.

The first obstacle, believed to be the only obstacle before the first trial, consists of choosing a potion out of several options, the correct choice being the rare Dasypodis potion, which will allow the drinker to move further into the maze. It was said that Munds stayed in rabbit form for two weeks before a family member found him and contacted Albus Dumbledore for a cure.


“The Maze of the Gilded Soul, that sounds so familiar to me.” Hermione mused.

Draco tapped the page annoyed. “More importantly, you were right, we should have gone to Dumbledore.”

Hermione grinned. “Yes, that’s true. Should we go now then?”

Draco nodded and the two took off toward the Headmaster’s office.

--

Draco sat next to Hermione and across from the Headmaster, who was staring at the two with interest. “If you don’t mind my saying so, this seems like a rather unlikely pairing.”

Draco looked at Hermione then back to Dumbledore and shrugged. “It’s a new development.”

The elderly man chuckled. “So what brings you two by my office today?”

Draco produced Harry from his robes and set him carefully on Dumbledore’s desk. The Headmaster watched curiously as the bunny looked around and hopped once toward him. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Oh, wait.” Draco muttered, fishing into his pockets, he produced a small pair of round glasses, which he placed upon the bunny’s face.

“Oh dear.” Dumbledore sighed. “Is this truly Mr. Potter?”

Draco and Hermione nodded in unison.

Dumbledore’s brow furrowed and the twinkle departed from his bright blue eyes. “This is most unfortunate. How did this happen?”

Hermione and Draco looked at one another and both silently shrugged.

“I see.” The Headmaster replied, glaring at first Draco, then Hermione. “What would you say if I told you I could not cure him unless I know how this happened?”

The pair exchanged another look, but this time Hermione spoke. “We think he may have taken the Dasypodis potion.”

The Headmaster narrowed his eyes. “And what makes you think that?”

“Because he’s been in the Maze of the Gilded Soul.” She replied.

Dumbledore’s eyes went wide as he chortled. “That’s impossible my dear. That maze has been locked up and hidden away since Voldemort’s defeat sixteen years ago.”

“We’ve been dreaming about it for over a month now.” Draco responded, looking at Hermione, who’s face showed the shock of him admitting the dreams.

Dumbledore tapped his fingers together in thought. “So you have been in the maze as well. You and Harry together?” Draco nodded, and Dumbledore continued, “Are you certain that it’s the Maze of the Gilded Soul?”

Draco shrugged. “We found an article written about it in a book, which is how we discovered that you would be able to cure Harry.”

“Did you examine the potion?” He asked, and Draco nodded. “Tell me about it.”

“It was purple and smelled like carrots.” Draco replied.

“Hmm.” Dumbledore mumbled as he got up and paced about his office, muttering things such as, “Curious,” and “Very interesting indeed,” until Hermione interrupted his musings.

“Professor, what about Harry. Can you fix him?”

“Hm? Oh, yes. Finite Cuniculus Efficio” He declared, pointing his wand at the bunny on his desk.

At once the bunny grew in size and began to lose its fur and transform in shape, until the figure of Harry sat naked and awkward on top of Dumbledore’s scrolls and paperwork.

Draco blushed and turned his head immediately, noticing Hermione had done the same. “Er, Professor…” Draco muttered.

“Oh yes, so sorry, Harry. I seemed to have forgotten that little side effect.” He chuckled carrying over a robe for Harry to wrap himself in.

Harry stood on shaky legs and moved to stand behind the other two as the Headmaster took his seat again. Draco looked up at him and grinned. “You made a cute bunny.”

Harry laughed and blushed, looking from him to Hermione. “Thanks for getting me back to normal. That was… odd.”

Dumbledore cleared his throat and the trio all turned to give him their attention. “I want to make something clear. The maze is not a game, it very dangerous. I cannot stop you from returning, as it seems you may have some role to play here that has not been made clear to me yet. However, I do not condone it, and wish you to be very careful.” Dumbledore looked directly at Harry, “More careful then imbibing a potion of unknown origin. Is that understood?”

Draco and Harry both nodded in unison.

The Headmaster continued to looked wary, but dismissed them all and set back to pacing his office.

--

Draco walked silently through the corridors toward his next class. Harry had rushed off to his room to get proper clothing, and Hermione left to go to Arithmancy. It had been a very strange morning, but turned out okay. Harry was back to normal, and they had even found out a little more about this maze he and Harry continuously dreamed about, which intrigued Hermione to no end. No doubt she should be back in the library after class doing more research.

At least the whole ordeal with Pansy hadn’t caused too much trouble. He didn’t even want to think about what would have happened if Snape had walked in a few minutes earlier. He probably would have confiscated Harry and never given him back. The thought of Pansy reminded him of the letter she had given him that morning. He dug into his robe pocket and pulled it out.

My Darling Draco,

Your recent plan has come to the attention of the Dark Lord, and he has bid me to tell you to proceed. He is curious to find out what the Potter boy and his friends are hiding, and he gives you permission to do whatever is needed to infiltrate their plans. It has also come to our attention that you have already succeeded in getting the youngest Weasley boy expelled, and the Dark Lord commends you.

Our Master has learned that Potter stays at Hogwarts over the holidays, and he wishes you to stay as well. I am sorry we will not spend this Christmas Holiday together, but we all must do what is needed of us.

My thoughts are with you always.

Love,

Narsissa Malfoy

Draco read over the letter several times before shoving it back into his pocket. Thrilled that his plan had worked, and that he had succeeded in being allowed to remain at Hogwarts, he had a new spring in his step as he entered the Divination classroom.

--

Harry came into the classroom shortly after Draco and took a seat beside him. Any other time Draco would have been worried about causing too much attention, but after reading the letter from his mother, he knew that it wouldn’t matter now. Even if rumors got back to Voldemort that Draco was acting chummy with Harry, it would just be assumed that he was following orders. Draco’s life had just become considerably less complicated, unless of course, you took into account the maze of doom, and his burgeoning homosexuality. In which case his life was still terribly complicated.

“So, how does it feel to not be a bunny?” Draco whispered.

Harry grinned. “I feel taller.”

“Do you remember anything?” Draco asked nervously. He wasn’t sure what he would think if Harry had been able to remember his actions as bunny keeper. Even now he felt a twinge of embarrassment for the way he constantly petted and protected the animal shaped Harry.

Harry’s smile faltered as Trelawney entered the room looking distant and maybe even slightly intoxicated. “Today we will be learning the ancient art of Tarot.” She addressed to the class. She levitated around several thick leather bound books throughout the room. “Inside these books you will find a deck of Tarot cards and an interpretation handbook. I want you to each try a reading of your partner. I will be around to check your progress.”

Draco grabbed the floating book and turned to Harry slightly fearful. He was fairly sure that Harry had no talent in Divination, but he didn’t want any of his secrets revealed just yet, and certainly not in the middle of class.

Harry took the book and began shuffling through the cards. “Do you want to do me first?”

Draco’s mouth dropped open momentarily until he understood the actual meaning behind his question. “Erm, sure.”

Harry smiled and handed the cards over to his partner. After skimming over the first chapter of the book, Harry started to tell Draco about what he was reading. “So, it seems there are a few different ways to lay out the card formation, and each one gives a different kind of prediction. Most of them say I need to ask a question first.”

“What’s your question?” he asked.

Harry laughed, “Oh no, you don’t get off that easy. I’m not supposed to tell you the question, that way your reading is unbiased.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “Fine, what formation should we use then?”

Harry flipped back and forth between two pages then finally said, “How about the past, present and future spread? It’s only three cards.”

Draco shrugged. “Sounds fine to me. How does it work?”

Harry took his hands, which were holding the cards, and spread them out to form a fan. Neither boy could see the direction or face of the card. “Now I pick three and hand them to you, and you place them face down in a row.”

Draco took each of Harry’s selections and laid them each on the table and then put the deck to the side. “Now what?”

“Turn them over starting with the card to your left.” Harry replied, still looking at the page with the directions. Draco obeyed and Harry continued, “The first card symbolizes my past. Which card is it?”

“Nine of Pentacles, but its upside down.” Draco replied. “What does it mean?”

“That card reversed means feelings of insecurity; withdrawing from the world.” Harry seemed to mull it over and eventually just nodded. “Okay, what’s the second card?”

“Ace of Swords.”

Harry looked through the book until he arrived at the description page for that card. “This one means the strong beginnings of something; going after something new with gusto. That’s the present card, so that’s what’s going on right now.”

Draco just looked confused. “Does any of this mean anything to you?”

Harry smiled. “Maybe it will come together in the end. What’s the last card?”

“The Two of Cups” Draco said as he looked at the two decorative golden cups stacked one on top of the other on the face of the card.

“That one means A union of two people; the formation of a new relationship between friends or lovers.” Harry muttered shyly.

“So did it answer your question?” Draco asked curiously?

Harry’s cheeks turned to a light shade of pink. “I think so.” He handed the book over to Draco and reshuffled the deck, holding it out for Draco to choose. “Okay, your turn.”

Draco sighed and chose three cards, holding his question firmly in his mind. Can Harry and I be together? He handed his cards over one by one and watched as Harry flipped the first over. He turned to the description of the first card. “Four of Cups, this card represents dissatisfaction with the status quo; the questioner wants something more in life, but doesn't quite know what it is.”

“Sounds like that might be true.” Harry replied observantly.

Draco nodded and moved onto the next card. “Nine of Wands Represents being cautious about something; knowing when to be careful.”

“What are you being cautious about?” Harry inquired.

“None of your business” Draco responded with a fake haughty demeanor, causing Harry to smirk. “Okay, onto my future.” Draco turned over the final card. “What?” Draco looked confused at the card before him.

“The fool!” Harry said laughing lightly. “But it’s reversed, so what does that mean?”

“It means I’m brilliant.” Draco responded, but flipped to that page in the book regardless. He was silent while reading the passage and remained silent afterward.

“Well!” Harry prodded, nudging Draco slightly under the table. “What is it?”

“The Fool reversed can mean cautiousness; could also mean taking a chance that didn't or will not work out for you” Draco said, his voice empty of all emotion.

“Oh” Harry said, sounding equally despondent.

Draco quickly put the cards back in the deck, no longer wishing to look at them. I was being naive. A few months ago I never would have let myself worry about something so stupid. Draco barely even noticed the professor dismissing them until he felt Harry’s hand, warm and firm on his arm.

“Are you okay? Don’t pay any attention to this stuff.” Harry said, gesturing towards the cards on the table.

Draco placed a carefully blank mask over his features. “What? No I’m fine.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “I know that look.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Potter.”

Harry sighed. “So were back to Potter again, huh? In the maze it was Harry.”

“I don’t recall having ever called you Harry. Why is it so important?” trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

Harry just shook his head in disgust. “Just forget it, Malfoy.” He got up and left the classroom, leaving Draco behind to stare after him.

--