Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Rise of the Dark Angel	By : isabel88 Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 61368 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 12
Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling does, as such, I am NOT making any money off of this....

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Title: Rise of the Dark Angel

Author: Izzyb09

Beta Reader/Co-Author: Tonks-is-cool.

Chapter: 13: Making An Entrance Part Two: Surprises at School

Settings: AU after OOTP: It's canon up to the beginning of the battle at the DOM when they are in the veil room, after that, it's AU and mine...and T-i-C’s.

Pairings: HP/DM; LV/SS; LM/RL; NL (CL)/LL; RL/BL

Warnings: This story will contain mentions of Violence, Child Abuse, Adult Language, Alcohol Use, Slash/Het Sexual situations and Death. Please discontinue reading if such scenes or themes are offensive to you.

Disclaimer: I own nothing…if I did, Ginny would have died in the CoS, Dumbledore would have choked on his lemon drops and Harry would have stood up for himself against Molly and Dumbledore.

Disclaimer 2: this story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Disclaimer 3: InuYasha, Sesshomaru and Kilala belong to Rumiko Takahashi; I am making no money from them and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Simply put: I do NOT own them.

"Talking"

'Thinking'

|Hedwig’s mental speak|

<Harry’s mental speak>

|Sesshomaru's mental speak|

Letter or commentary/introduction and flashback

{Parssseltongue}

~…~ indicates scene change

A/N: really sorry for the long wait. A couple of weeks ago, I was told my grandma was in the hospital; then I was told she was able to leave, but now, a week ago, I was told she was back in the hospital. So, Real Life( RL) has been a bitch to me for these last few weeks. It takes a while to the chapters out because of the details and just how much of canon we want to tweak, but we do get them out. For everyone that is still interested in this story, enjoy this chapter.

O.P.D.: Friday 3^rdJune, ’11.

Last time on RDA;

...Voldemort apparated away while Harry and Draco summoned and mounted their brooms once more, before the two young wizards took off into the sky. They didn’t want to disclose the secret that Hedwig, a white phoenix, had bonded to Harry to all these werewolves, so the boys planned to fly until they were about a mile away, before Hedwig would meet them and flash them back to Potter Manor. There, they would spend the rest of the night relaxing and relishing in the success of their mission.

True to his words, Harry and Draco had spent the night relaxing. The next day, the morning of August twenty-ninth dawned quietly; the sunlight flittered through windows, slowly waking the occupants of Potter Manor.

Harry was the first to wake up, being how he was always a light sleeper, and instead of moving, he turned his head slightly to look down at the blond laying on his chest. The past few months seemed surreal at times, but he was beyond thankful that they had happened. He had everything he could hope for and more; he was finally free to be his true self, he was no longer required to be a pawn of Dumbledore, he had his friends—his true friends—and now, now, he had the one person he’d always wanted by his side.

Brushing a lock of hair from Draco’s face, Harry smiled softly; he still couldn’t believe he had him. He had known that the blond had liked him, but he hadn’t been too sure of the depth of his feelings, but now he knew; Draco loved him as much as he loved Draco.

As if sensing his musings, Draco stirred; he shifted around for a few seconds before he slowly opened his eyes and when he saw Harry looking down at him, he smiled.

“Morning,” Draco greeted sleepily.

“Hey,” Harry smiled.

“What time is it?” Draco rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he shifted against Harry.

Casting a quick Tempus, Harry looked at Draco. “Just a bit after seven.”

“Oh,” Draco said before he snuggled back into Harry. “Then I’m going back to sleep.”

“Draco,” Harry laughed, “you have to get up. And you know how long you take to get ready.”

“I know,” Draco grumbled as he sat up, allowing Harry to do the same. “Perfection can’t be rushed Harry.”

“Yeah yeah,” Harry grinned before casting a temporary breath freshening charm on the both of them before pulling Draco to straddle his lap. “Now, for my proper good morning.”

“Finally,” Draco smacked his lips, his mouth tingling at the minty flavour of the charm before he smiled at Harry.

Harry chuckled before drawing the blond closer, claiming his lips in a kiss; his tongue teased along Draco’s bottom lip, imploring the blond to open, and when he did, his own tongue darted inside, mapping out the contours of the blond’s mouth.

Draco reached up to wrap his arms around Harry’s neck, as he shifted closer without even breaking the kiss. His movement made him aware of the quickly hardening situation beneath him and he smiled into the kiss as he rocked forcefully on his boyfriend’s lap.

Harry moaned when he felt the stimulation against his groin and his own hips rocked back against Draco’s; his cock was hardening as desire and lust moved hotly through his veins like lava. One of his hands drifted up to tangle in Draco’s hair while the other drifted over the blond’s body, settling on his arse and squeezing it rhythmically, silently encouraging the movement.

The kiss became more passionate as the heat rose between the two. Draco tore his lips from Harry’s, breathing harshly. He moaned and tilted his head when he felt Harry’s lips against his throat; his hips bucked and a louder moan escaped him when Harry sucked on the spot where his neck met his collar bone, it was one of his pleasure zones. He could feel his boxers dampen as pre-cum dripped from his member and he rocked faster against Harry.

“You taste so good,” Harry groaned against Draco’s neck, his hand moving from Draco’s arse to his hips as he pushed them down while pushing his own up. {Want you ssso bad...}

“FUCK!” the expletive burst from Draco’s mouth as he frotted against Harry. He really loved hearing his boyfriend speaking that language; it was the most erotic thing he ever heard.

Harry growled as he flipped them over, settling between Draco’s legs as they went around his waist. He ducked his head to kiss Draco, pouring all his love and desire into it before drawing away. Nipping at Draco’s neck, he made his way down Draco’s body, licking and nibbling the slightly salty skin; he stopped at his nipples, sucking at each before gently biting them only to repeat the motion over drawing the most erotic cries from the blond.

“Merlin...Harry!” Draco felt himself fast sinking into an abyss of pleasure; his body felt like an instrument, one that Harry played perfectly. His hands moved to grab on to his lover’s shoulders, tightening reflexively with each swipe of Harry’s tongue across his nipples.

Harry grinned against Draco’s skin as he moved downwards, his tongue tracing a hot path on the blond’s stomach; when he got to Draco’s bellybutton, he circled his tongue in and around, causing his lover to gasp as his muscles moved reflexively. He continued until he got to the top of the boxers and he paused, looking up into Draco’s lust darkened eyes asking silently for permission to continue.

When he felt Harry’s hands on his boxers, Draco felt anticipation rise in him; finally, it was going to happen. He had been going insane with lust and want and need ever since that day in Harry’s bedroom at Privet Drive, and they were finally succumbing to it. He felt Harry pause and he looked down, knowing his grey eyes would be dark from the pleasure. Seeing the question there, he didn’t even hesitate to nod.

Smiling briefly, Harry turned his attention back to the boxers and slowly pulled them down, kissing Draco’s body every time flesh was exposed. Soon enough, the boxers were gone, and Draco was left lying in the nude. Harry’s emerald eyes—which had been slightly darker—darkened even further, until they resembled two black pools of pure, unadulterated desire as he took in the mouth-watering sight of his love; hair tousled from his sleep and their activities, his grey eyes almost black with pleasure, his breaths coming in pants as his chest heaved, cock hardened, the tip purple from the extent of the blond’s desire...to Harry, Draco was the embodiment of perfection.

{Ssso beautiful} Harry hissed, grinning darkly when he saw the blond shiver and arch his back in lust. “I want to suck your cock Drake.”

Draco moaned as he twisted in the sheets.

“Can I?” Harry gave a swift lick down the length of the cock and back. “Please?”

“Do it,” Draco’s eyes opened into slits as he looked at his lover.

Harry’s grin was feral. “I’m going to make you cum so hard.”

“Please...please,” Harry’s words only served to fuel the already out of control yearning burning through Draco; he didn’t care that he was pleading and that Malfoys didn’t plead. This was his boyfriend, the one he loved, the one he trusted.

Harry bent down and kissed Draco’s knee, slowly making his way to the prize that lay between the blond’s legs surrounded by a bed of moonlit-coloured curls. He placed both hands on the blond’s thighs and he licked a slow trail from the base of the weeping organ to the top where he dipped his tongue into the slit, tasting the pre-cum that had gathered there. He ran his tongue around and under the mushroomed head, going back to dip into the slit, before moving downwards placing open-mouth kisses as he went.

He’d never done this before, but he was determined that Draco would enjoy it. He traced a vein, licking around the length as he shifted to suck at the sacs located beneath; his tongue teased the perineum and he grinned when Draco near shot off the bed at the sensation; his hands moved from their position to hold Draco’s hips steady.

Draco writhed on the bed in pleasure as his hand fisted in the sheets; his whole body felt overloaded...he could die from the pure pleasure he was experiencing. His body became slick with sweat, dampening the sheets below him as he moved. His hand untangled from the spread and he grabbed onto Harry’s head, tangling his hands in the raven coloured locks. They tightened and his eyes flew open when he felt Harry’s tongue on that spot between his arse and his cock.

“Harry!” the name came out on a strangled gasp.

Harry moved back to the cock; he loved tasting it and his mouth watered at the thought of taking it in his mouth. He sucked, licked, kissed and nipped his way over the length, driving his boyfriend up the wall as his ecstasy increased until the blond couldn’t handle it anymore.

“Harry,” Draco looked down at his lover, his eyes cloudy from his desire. The teasing from the brunet was sensory overload as the anticipation of feeling the glorious mouth on his cock was becoming too much for him; he had to feel that wet heat around his cock. “If you don’t suck me now, you will regret—FUCKING MERLIN’S BALLS!” the words exploded from him as his cock was suddenly enveloped in a hot, wet heat.

Harry wrapped a hand around the base of Draco’s cock; one to stop the blond from cumming too soon and two, to anchor himself. His head bobbed slightly as he took in more of glorious length. Draco wasn’t the only one feeling pleasure; the feel of the silky smooth, yet hardened cock in his mouth was beyond anything he ever felt. The taste exploded on his tongue; it was slightly strange—nothing like anything he’d ever tasted—but somehow it still tasted of Draco, so he moaned in appreciation and lust.

He was a bit too enthusiastic and he felt the blond’s cock hit the back of his throat and his gag reflex kicked in, so he pulled back a bit before he hollowed his cheeks and sucked hard, pulling a scream of pleasure from Draco as the blond shot upwards.

Draco had been reduced to state of incoherent babbling. Everything felt too much yet he didn’t want it to stop. Harry’s mouth on his cock was beyond his wildest dreams; he could feel his balls tightening up as his orgasm started building. He tried pushing at the brunet’s head, but he didn’t stop or slow down, if anything he increased his sucking and Draco fell back on the bed, giving himself up to the rising orgasm.

Moving his other hand up, Harry fondled Draco’s balls, kneading them as he sucked his cock. He felt Draco pushing at his head, trying to tell him he was close, but he didn’t stop; he wanted the blond to cum in his mouth...he wanted to taste him. Bringing the hand that was around the blond’s cock into play, he moved it up and down, pumping him in time to his sucks. Pressing his thumb lightly against the perineum, he gave a particularly hard suck on the head before he pulled back.

“Look at me Draco,” he commanded, his voice slightly hoarse from his oral stimulation and his lust for the blond.

Hearing the raw need in Harry’s voice, Draco couldn’t help but to obey; he looked down into the lust filled eyes of his boyfriend and he moaned wantonly.

When he had the blond’s attention, Harry placed his mouth directly above the head of his cock. {Cum for me my Dragon; give me your esssenccce} he dropped his mouth on the cock and sucked harshly as his hand made a corkscrew motion at the base; the Parseltongue and the movements were enough to send Draco over.

“HARRY!” Draco’s back arched dangerously, his hands tightened in Harry’s hair, his mouth open in a scream as he exploded in Harry’s waiting mouth, cumming harder than he ever had.

At the first taste of the blond’s cum, Harry noted it was salty with a slight bitter taste and something else that seemed uniquely Draco, but he was determined to have all of his lover, so he worked his throat to allow the cum to slide down his throat as he swallowed. He sucked the slowly deflating cock softly, milking it of the last drop. When he was done, he pulled off with a soft pop and grinned at the sight of a satisfied Draco. His own cock ached fiercely with the need to bury himself in the blond, but—and with a lot of control—he ignored it.

Draco panted as he relaxed onto the bed; his body thrumming with satisfaction. He looked down at Harry and smiled weakly at the sight of his lover grinning with a few drops of cum on his chin.

“Come here,” the blond commanded softly and he reached out his hands to pull Harry up

Harry moved up Draco’s body—peppering kisses as he went—kissing him softly on his lips before resting his forehead against Draco’s. “Are you ok?”

“Never better,” Draco grinned and kissed him again; he tasted himself and wrinkled his nose slightly, but he didn’t comment on it nor did he hesitate to place another kiss on the brunet’s lips. He shifted and let out a gasp when he felt his boyfriend’s still rock hard member teasing his entrance and that’s when he realized, Harry hadn’t cum. His cock twitched and slowly hardened as his eyes started clouding over with lust once more. “Harry.” He reached between them and grabbed the brunet’s cock, pulling a tortured groan from him.

“Draco,” Harry panted out as the blond started pumping him; his hips started bucking, fucking the blond’s hand.

“I want you,” Draco whispered as he pressed his lip against the brunet’s.

“Are you sure?” Harry looked into his eyes; as much as he wanted him, he didn’t want to force him...he wanted to be absolutely sure it was what the blond wanted.

Reaching out to grab his wand from the bedside table, Draco pointed it towards his lower half, performing the Cleansing Charm—wincing slightly at the feel—before Summoning a jar of lube.

“I’m sure,” Draco smiled as he put his wand back on the table.

“I love you,” Harry, overcome with love, kissed Draco. “I’ve never done this before.”

“I know,” Draco touched his cheek. “Just follow what I say.”

“Ok,” Harry nodded. “What do I do?”

“Dip your fingers in the lube,” Draco instructed. “You’re going to start with one finger first, then two; with the two, you’ll do a scissoring motion to loosen me up.”

“I think I got it,” Harry said as he dipped his fingers in the lube; it was slightly cold, but he didn’t mind. He trailed one finger up Draco’s legs before settling against his entrance. Looking back up at the blond, he once again asked for permission.

“Do it,” Draco panted out, the anticipation killing him.

Harry lightly circled the entrance with his finger, teasing his lover before slowly slipping past the ring of muscle. He near bit his tongue at the heat that surrounded his finger; he got up to his first knuckle before he started thrusting slowly, making a circle each time the finger went in. On the third go ‘round, he brushed against a tiny nubbin inside Draco’s body and it caused the blond to let out the loudest moan as he arched his back in pleasure.

Draco bit back the urge to tell his boyfriend to hurry; he knew Harry wouldn’t do that unless he was absolutely sure he wouldn’t hurt him and it would as it had been a few years since he had been in this position. His body thrummed with desire and he moaned when he felt Harry’s finger breach him and start thrusting. At the first touch to his prostate, Draco couldn’t help the loud moan that escaped him and he arched his back in pure pleasure, sending the finger just a little deeper.

“Damnit...Harry...d-do that...again,” Draco panted out.

Harry grinned and pulled the finger out before pushing back in with two. He made sure he touched the blond’s pleasure button as he started scissoring; he moaned when Draco started fucking himself on his fingers. It was the hottest thing he ever saw. He added another finger and increased his pace.

“Such a greedy whore for my fingers,” Harry rasped out, his voice filled with need. “So fucking hot...Merlin I need you.”

“Then take me,” Draco twisted in the sheets as he forced the words out. “Please Harry...j-just fuck me...”

“Draco,” Harry groaned out the name as he pulled his fingers from the blond’s arse. He dipped his fingers in the lube and coated his cock, hissing in pleasure at the cool sensation on his heated cock. He held his erection in one hand and lined it up to the blond’s entrance. He rubbed the tip around the hole, reducing the blond to babbling from his teasing.

“Stop fucking teasing,” Draco growled as he tried—unsuccessfully—to impale himself on Harry’s cock; all he managed to do was to tease himself further and strengthen his arousal. “Ohhh...you’re such a bastard...”

While he had been teasing Draco, it backfired on him as Harry found his control slipping away from him; the need to be inside the wanton blond was becoming too much. He moved forward slowly, pushing against the hole of his lover until the head of his cock slipped in.

“Holy fucking hell!” the words tore from Harry’s throat as he felt the muscles clamp down on his arousal and tight, hot heat of Draco’s arse surround his cock. He stopped, his neck arching back, the tendons standing out as he used all his willpower not to snap his hips forward in a brutal claiming.

Draco tried to move, but felt Harry’s hands tighten on his hips. “Wh-wh—

“Don’t,” Harry growled out as he squeezed his eyes shut; the slight movement that Draco had made had brought him close to the edge. “Don’t move. I want...(swallows)...I want this to last...”

Carefully, Harry eased his aching cock further into the hot cavern of his lover until his balls rested against Draco’s arse. He braced his arms on either side of the blond’s head, panting through gritted teeth as he tried to control his body’s urge to slam repeatedly into his blond lover.

“So fucking tight...so hot...” Harry groaned.

Draco’s hands flew to Harry’s hips as his neck arched back; he had never felt so full in his life. Harry was so thick and was touching him in all the right places. And he needed him to move. Donning a wicked smirk, he spread his legs and gave a tiny thrust; his reward was strangled groan, so he did it again.

“Fuck Draaaco,” Harry’s eyes rolled into his head from the intense pleasure. “Stop moving.”

“No,” Draco shook his head and this time, he arched his back, sending Harry’s cock deeper. It brushed against his sweet spot and a cry escaped him. “Move Haa...rry...I-I need you to move...”

Harry pulled back until the tip of his cock was just inside before slamming back in. “Is this what you want?”

“FUCK YES!” Draco shouted. “Fuck me baby...fuck me good.”

“Oh Sweet Merlin,” Harry moaned as he increased his pace, slamming in and out of the blond; one particular thrust sent his cock directly into Draco’s prostate, causing him to arch his back as he held on to Harry’s biceps.

“Oh yeah...faster...oh Merlin...harder,” Draco panted out. “Fuck me harder...”

Harry growled as he moved to his knees, holding the blond’s hips; his pace became brutal as he fucked Draco; sweat rolled off their bodies, glistening in the light but neither cared.

“So fucking wanton,” Harry growled as he slammed into his lover. “So greedy for my cock...aren’t you?”

“Y-yes,” Draco babbled, his head tossing side to side in ecstasy. “Give it to me...”

“Fuck you’re hot,” Harry’s breathing was ragged. “So good...feel so good around my cock.”

Harry bent down, claiming Draco’s lips in a harsh kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Draco whispered back before he groaned at a hard thrust.

Harry’s hand slipped between their bodies to wrap around the blond’s cock and Draco’s eyes flew open at the sensation. He gripped the base of the blond’s cock before he started pumping in time to his thrusts.

Draco slammed back against Harry’s hips, fucking himself as he fucked Harry’s hand. Pleasure was coming at him from every angle and his senses were becoming overwhelmed. His breathing hitched as his balls grew taught as he felt a coiling sensation as his orgasm started to rise. He had never felt so much pleasure in his life and was drowning in ecstasy.

“I-I’m g-gonna c-cum,” Draco managed out before he kissed Harry again. Wanting the brunet to fall with him, he got an idea; when Harry pulled out, he tightened his muscles around him, delighting in the tortured sound that came from his lover. He did it again even as his hands drifted around to grip his boyfriend’s arse, anchoring himself as he slammed back to meet Harry’s thrusts.

Harry could feel his own orgasm approach and he increased his pace; when he felt Draco clench his muscles and the already tight channel become tighter, he couldn’t help the sound that escaped. He felt Draco’s hands on his arse and his neck flew back with a moan.

“Oh Merlin,” Harry panted out. “Cum with me Drake...” he moved his lips to the blond’s ear and hissed. {You’re ssso fucking hot...jussst a hot little whore for my cock...cum for me my Dragon...I want to feel you sssqueezing my cock asss you let go...}

Draco of course had no idea what his boyfriend was saying, but he didn’t care; the moment the hissing started, he was gone. His back arched, his eyes flew open and his arse clenched painfully around Harry’s cock as his orgasm exploded from him with a howl of...

“HARRY!” his cum burst out, covering Harry’s hands, their chests and a bit hit his chin.

Feeling the internal muscles clamp down, Harry gave in to his orgasm as it ripped through him, coating the inner walls of the blond’s arse as he came with a growl of...

“Draco!” He gave a few more thrusts as his cock was milked before he collapsed on top of his boyfriend.

Both boys were breathing heavily, before Harry turned to look at the blond.

“You ok?” he asked.

“Ask me again when I can think,” Draco chuckled weakly. He shifted, only to gasp when Harry’s cock nudged his over-sensitized prostate.

Hearing the gasp, Harry rose up off the blond and slowly pulled out, much to Draco’s disappointment. He collapsed on his back—Draco immediately rolled into him—and he wrapped his arms around the blond after casting a Cleansing Charm on the two of them.

“That was...better than everything I hoped,” Harry said after a few minutes.

“We’re not going to do the sappy thing are we?” Draco teased.

“Shut up,” Harry laughed as he lightly pinched the blond on his arm. “Fine then; you’re the best I’ve ever had.”

“Of course I—wait a minute,” Draco looked at his boyfriend. “I’m the only one you ever had.”

“Hmmm,” was the noncommittal answer from Harry, his eyes dancing with happiness.

“I am the only one, right?” Draco leaned up to look at his boyfriend better.

Harry paused; his eyes locked onto Draco’s arm as he lightly ran his fingers up and down.

“Harry!” Draco glared at him. “Tell me; am I the only one you’ve ever been with?” Draco knew he was being irrational, after all he had been with Henri, but the thought of someone having the brunet; it sent icy rage and jealousy through him.

Harry looked away, biting his lip to stifle his smile; it was just too much fun riling his boyfriend up.

Draco moved to straddle his boyfriend, his arms crossing across his chest as he glared down at him. He bent down and grabbed on to Harry’s shoulders and started shaking him. “Tell me now who else have you been with? Who has touched you?”

“Why?” Harry looked up at him.

“So that I can find, kidnap and torture before I kill them, of course,” Draco said all this in the way one would describe the day.

“Draco,” Harry dropped his gaze so the blond wouldn’t see the amusement in them. “They’re not magical, so you can’t do anything to them.”

“I...do...not...care,” Draco growled. He was about to say something else when he finally got a look at Harry’s eyes and what he saw made his eyes widened. “You complete and utter bastard!” he smacked him against his chest.

“Ow!” Harry yelped through a laugh. “What’d you do that for?”

“You had me going,” Draco accused as he smacked Harry again. “I can’t believe I believed you.” He pouted. “You’re mean.”

Harry laughed and tugged on Draco’s arm, allowing the blond to fall down. He tucked a lock of hair back behind his ear as he cupped his cheek before kissing him. “There was no one else; there never was and there never will be. You’re it for me Drake.”

“Good,” Draco grinned as he kissed Harry again. “Because if you ever cheat on me, I will make you beg for death and I would torture your lover days on end before finally killing them only to bring them back and start the process all over again.”

“You’re gorgeous when you talk about torturing someone,” Harry grinned as he ran his hand through Draco’s hair. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Draco smiled before he shifted off of Harry and the bed and make his way to the bathroom. “Now come on; despite that Cleaning Charm, I would like a shower. You’re washing my back.”

“Yes sir,” Harry grinned as he moved to follow the commanding blond.

~...~

When the two got to the kitchen an hour later, it was to find that the house’s occupants were there.

Remus turned to look at them, sniffing the air before grinning wolfishly.

“Shut up,” Harry muttered as he sat down at the table, pulling Draco into the seat next to him.

“I didn’t say anything cub,” Remus chuckled.

“I can practically hear you thinking it,” Harry responded, smiling when Minky set a plate of eggs, waffles, crumpets and juice in front of him and one for Draco.

“What’s going?” Fred teased as he looked over at the two. “Did something happen?”

“Yeah,” George joined in. “Why is Draco over there, looking like the cat that got the cream?”

“None of your business,” the blond responded before turning his attention to his breakfast and starting in; he hid a smirk as he knew George’s remark was right. He had gotten the cream and then some.

“We can be thankful they know of Silencing Charms,” Snape drawled, a teasing tone to his voice, “as I am sure we would have been more than aware of what they were up to.”

“We already are,” Cory added, smirking at his two friends.

“Like any of you are in any position to talk,” Harry grumbled, causing the others to laugh.

“What are you doing here anyways?” Draco directed his question to Snape. “I thought you’d already be at the school getting ready for classes on the first.”

Severus glared at him before he answered. “I thought it prudent to at least have breakfast before I have to suffer the sight of those insufferable people that are my co-workers.”

Everyone laughed and that was the scene Pansy and Blaise walked into.

“Hi everyone,” Pansy greeted and she sat next to Draco. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Blaise nodded as he bypassed Draco to sit in the empty space next to Cory. He hadn’t forgot how Harry had reacted that day in Diagon Alley and he wasn’t about to remind him of it, no matter if they were now friends.

“What are you guys doing here?” Cory asked as he looked at the two.

“We were able to persuade our parents to allow us to come here so that we could go to the Platform with you,” Pansy said as she started in on the plate Tanna had placed in front of her.

“Of course,” Blaise added, “the fact that the Dark Lord had warned them helped. He told them that we were now working with Harry and should anything happen that threatens that, they would be severely punished.”

“Of course,” Remus grinned.

“Good morning,” Bellatrix said as she, Rodolphus and Rabastan walked into the kitchen.

“Morning,” the group replied.

“Are you going to joining us on the Platform in a few days?” Pansy asked.

“I wish we could,” Bellatrix shook her head; she would like nothing else but to be there on the first to see her son off, but that just wasn’t possible.

“But we are easily recognizable,” Rodolphus continued. “It would create a panic that our Lord does not need.”

“Yes it would,” Luna spoke up, “but, this is a moment that you have yet to experience and you should embrace it.” She looked down at her plate. “Hedwig does work miracles and I suppose if you should choose to be like Pansy and I, things would work out.”

Harry smiled and chuckled at the blonde.

“Excellent suggestion Luna,” Snape nodded. He saw the confused looks on Blaise and Pansy’s faces and clarified. “It was through the help of Hedwig that the LeStranges were able to not only regain their memories, but also some of the damage that their stay in Azkaban had warranted. A few simple spells should take care of the rest.”

“Bella is easy recognizable by her wild black hair,” Harry said, “All she has to do is wear it like Pansy and Luna wear theirs; down and straight. Just cast a spell to slightly change your appearance and no one would recognize you, making it so that you can join Cory at the Platform to see him off as you should’ve all these years.”

The LeStranges all looked at each before looking back to Harry and Luna.

“That’s a really good idea,” Rabastan smiled at the blonde before looking at his brother and sister-in-law. “We can do it Sunday morning before we leave for the platform.”

Rodolphus and Bellatrix nodded in agreement.

Remus looked at the teens. “So, what are you guys going to do for the rest of the day?”

“Well,” Harry looked at the others. “I figured I’d spend the next couple of days just relaxing and getting ready for school—if our Lord doesn’t require us for anything that is.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Pansy smiled.

“Not us,” Fred exchanged a grin with George. “We have to go and open the store.”

“Speaking of which,” George stood up. “We should go.”

“Alright,” Fred nodded and moved to where his twin was standing. “We’ll see you guy later.”

The two left the kitchen and the others turned to each other.

“What about you three?” Cory looked at his uncle and parents.

“Spend the day with you guys until Our Lord calls us for a mission,” Rodolphus answered.

“Sounds good to me,” Pansy grinned before she got up from her seat. “Let’s go.”

“Remy?” Harry looked at his godfather.

“I believe Lucius is busy,” Remus smiled. “So, I have no problem spending my free time with my cub.”

“Then I shall make my way to the school,” Severus spoke. “I bid farewell to the summer days as my time will once again be filled with attempting to instruct mindless dunderheads something useful.”

“You know you love them,” Draco teased before he hurried out of the kitchen when he saw the tick in his godfather’s jaw.

Severus watched Draco leave before turning to Harry. “You have my condolences.”

Everyone laughed before they followed after the blond while Severus made his way to the Floo.

~...~

The morning of September first came quickly. As always, Harry woke earlier than the others.

Looking down at the blond still asleep on his chest, he smiled and pressed a kiss to his head before he carefully moved Draco’s body off of him. He laughed softly when he saw that Draco had cuddled into his pillow, and then he made his way to the bathroom.

Back in the bedroom, Draco, who had shifted in his sleep, woke up when he realized he couldn’t feel the body heat or the body of his boyfriend. Sitting up in the bed, he heard the shower going and grinned. Flipping back the covers, the blond got up from the bed and headed towards the bathroom, not even caring about his naked form. He pushed the door open, smiling wider when he saw Harry’s form behind the glass door.

He quickly went through his routine before he turned back to stare at his boyfriend. His boyfriend—even now sometimes, he still couldn’t believe that Harry was actually his. He would admit that a part of him had always hoped the brunet would notice him and would want to be with him. Even when he was with Henri, he thought about Harry.

Speaking of Harry, slight movement from the shower drew his attention and his eyes focused on his boyfriend’s body. His gaze travelled from head to toe in a slow perusal of his body; from his face to his chest to the cock nestled between his legs in the bed of dark hair. His mouth watered and he licked his lips as he continued staring.

“Are you going to continue ogling me or are you going to join me?” Harry’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“What?” Draco shook his head and looked up into Harry’s face. He saw amusement, but behind that, he saw the lust dancing through the green eyes. His gaze dropped back down to Harry’s groin and his breathing became slightly shallow when he saw Harry hardening under his scrutiny.

“Come here,” Harry said huskily.

Draco moved towards the shower, pulling back the door and stepping inside. The moment he did so, Harry pulled him into a kiss.

“Good morning,” Harry whispered against Draco’s lips.

“Good morning to you too,” Draco smiled back before he pressed his lips against Harry’s again. His arms went around Harry’s neck while Harry’s went around his waist, pulling him closer; their bodies touched and both boys groaned at the feel of their hardened length against each other.

Draco ran his tongue across Harry’s lips asking for access and when Harry’s mouth opened, he immediately mapped his boyfriend’s mouth. The kiss became more intense and heat rose between them as Harry’s hands travelled down Draco’s back, cupping his ass and pulling the blond even closer.

Draco pulled away from the brunet’s mouth and pressed kisses along his neck, moving up to his ear. He sucked on the earlobe—pulling a heavy moan from Harry—before pressing his lips near the ear and whispered, “There’s something I’ve wanted to do since I saw you that day at Privet Drive.”

“What’s that?” Harry managed to strangle out.

Draco said nothing as he pulled away from Harry’s embrace and slowly fell to the ground until he was on his knees. He was eye level to Harry’s cock and he couldn’t help but to lick his lips.

He reached out and grabbed the base before leaning forward and blowing slightly on the head.

“Oh sweet Merlin,” Harry’s head fell back against the shower wall when he felt Draco’s breath. “Draco.” The blond’s name came out on a moan.

Draco extended his tongue and flicked it at the tip, tasting the drop of pre-cum that was there. The taste exploded on his tongue, and he smacked his lips as he cocked his head to the side; it was slightly salty, with a sweetness that reminded him of treacle tart—something Harry loved to eat. The taste was all Harry.

His tongue darted out again, licking around the head and he moaned at the taste. He had to have more. Looking up at his boyfriend, he felt exceedingly powerful when he saw the desperate lust on Harry’s face; it was empowering to know that he and he alone had that type of control over him.

“Look at me,” the blond commanded.

Harry felt like he had died and was currently in heaven, or maybe hell, he didn’t care. He felt so overloaded with pleasure. Draco’s tongue on his erection had anticipation building in him as he knew that his cock would soon be in that hot mouth and he couldn’t wait. He clenched his fists to stop himself from ending things too soon. Through a haze of lust, he heard Draco’s command and obeyed.

Sure he had his boyfriend’s attention, he grinned before he ducked his head forward, engulfing half of Harry’s length in his mouth in one swoop. The taste exploded in his mouth and that coupled with the strangled scream that broke free from Harry’s mouth made him groan wantonly. He could feel his own cock leaking and reached a hand beneath him to grasp his length, tugging slightly from base to head.

Harry’s hand flew to Draco’s head and tightened slightly in his hair when he felt Draco suck him in. He had never felt a pleasure like that before; burying his cock in the blond’s arse was a feeling he more than loved, but having his cock sucked blew his mind.

“D-D-Draco...f-f-fuck,” Harry panted out as his head flew back against the wall.

Draco hollowed his cheeks and started sucking; he pulled off until just the head remained his mouth. He ran his tongue around and under the head, before tonguing the slit, lapping at the pre-cum that dripped steadily. He moaned as he started bobbing his head, going half way before coming back up. His hand moved as he did and he tugged and fucked his own fist in time to his movements over Harry’s cock.

Draco moaned again when he felt Harry’s hands tighten in his hair and the vibrations caused Harry to shake slightly and toss his head from side to side. He pulled off with a pop and kissed, licked and nipped his way around the brunet’s cock before he took him back into his mouth again. Getting an idea, he grinned—as much as he could—around his boyfriend’s girth. He allowed the hardened flesh further into his mouth, stopping just a little further down than before.

Moving his hand from around the base, he trailed his fingertips down to Harry’s balls, fondling them, alternating between gentle and slightly rough. He heard his boyfriend whimper and her smirked inwardly as he slowly lifted his head, letting his teeth gently scrape against Harry’s cock as he did so. The primal scream that came from Harry had him moaning in satisfaction and he tugged on his own length even faster.

Harry’s mind was a puddle of lust formed, desire-filled goo; he couldn’t think of anything but the feel of Draco’s mouth on his cock. His head lolled forward and his eyes, already clouded over, went positively hazy at the pure eroticism that he saw; Draco’s lips around his cock and ecstasy etched onto his face. He whimpered when he felt the hand on his balls and screamed when he felt the teeth. It was dangerous and that made it even hotter. His hips started thrusting and he couldn’t stop. He could feel his orgasm building inside him; his balls tightened and the coil of pleasure tightened even further. His breath came in pants and he threw his head back as his hips moved faster, fucking Draco’s mouth.

Draco could feel the tension coiling inside of Harry; he could feel the balls in his hands as they grew tight and he knew it would be over soon. When Harry started thrusting his hips, he moaned around the length and tightened his fist slightly around his own as he increased his pace. The movement of his boyfriend’s hips sped up and he quickly pulled off, taking in a few breaths of air before he dove back on, doubling his efforts. What his mouth couldn’t get, he brought his hand from where he was fondling Harry and grabbed the cock, fisting it in time with his own movements.

Soon enough, both boys were groaning as their release crashed through them like freight trains. Harry’s head hit the wall with a ‘thump’ as a guttural scream left his lips, Draco’s suction milking his cock and Draco moaned long and loud at the stream of cum down his throat and that pushed him over the edge. He spurted over the tiled floor and wall.

Panting, Harry reached down and pulled the blond up, claiming his mouth in a dominating and pleasure-filled kiss, not caring that he could taste himself. He pulled back after a few seconds.

“I...ever...see...Henri...again,” Harry said between pants, “I...will...kill him.” He kissed the blond once more. “Fuck Draco...that was amazing.”

“Good,” Draco’s voice was slightly hoarse, but he was grinning widely, grey eyes sparkling in delight. He kissed Harry. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Harry chuckled before he picked up the body wash. “Come here. Let me wash you.”

The two boys finished their shower in good time, their bodies relaxed and spent. While Draco was in the bathroom fixing his hair, Harry was in the bedroom getting dressed.

<Hedwig>

The phoenix flashed into the room. She landed on Harry’s shoulder and rubbed her head against his cheek.

<Good morning beautiful>

|Morning; is everything ok?|

<Yes. I just need you to take something to the twins for me> Harry walked over to the dresser and grabbed the notebook and biro that was laying there. He scribbled a note on it and then walked over to his trunk and opened it, pulling out a couple of vials that was filled with the Polyjuice potion. He ripped a page from the book and transfigured it into a small and unbreakable sack and carefully placed the vials inside before tying the note to the top and placing the tied string inside Hedwig’s beak. <Give this to Fred or George, but make sure they are alone when you give it to them. They’ll know what it’s for. Remember, you cannot be seen>

Hedwig trilled indignantly and cuffed Harry’s ear with her wing. |I am not an invalid. I understand the importance of discretion.|

“Sorry girl,” Harry grinned and the phoenix trilled once more before flashing out. Seconds later, Draco walked into the bedroom.

“You ready?” Harry asked.

“Just about,” Draco nodded.

~...~

By ten-thirty, everyone was in the kitchen finishing off their breakfast.

“Ready for school?” Remus asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“More than ready,” Luna smiled. “This school year will be our most interesting yet.”

“I agree,” Pansy grinned at the girl.

“Alright, I’m done,” Blaise stated as he stood up from his seat.

“Same here,” Draco nodded as he too stood up. The other teens followed.

“Time to go join the masses,” Harry laughed.

“Not without us,” Rodolphus said as he, Bellatrix and Rabastan walked into the kitchen.

“Morning,” the teens greeted the three adults.

“Morning,” Rodolphus nodded his greeting. “Where are the twins?”

“They’re at the store,” Draco answered. “Are you guys going to go with Luna’s idea?”

“Of course we are,” Rabastan grinned as he looked at Bellatrix and Rodolphus before he pulled out his wand. He waved it over himself, muttering under his breath. When he was done, Remus conjured a mirror for him. He smiled when he saw his reflection; he hadn’t changed much except that, his brown eyes had changed to a dark blue and his hair changed from dark brown to a dirty blond.

Bellatrix and Rodolphus had done the same and when they were done, the teens couldn’t help but gasp at their looks; especially Bella’s. Rodolphus’ light brown eyes had turned blue like his brother, but his were sky blue and his hair had changed from short and dark-brown, to shoulder-length and black. Bella’s hair was no longer black and curly, but was now reddish blonde and hung straight, reaching lower-back, her dark brown eyes turned light blue; all in all, she was even more attractive.

“Nice,” Blaise grinned as he looked at the three.

Bellatrix squealed, her eyes dancing in delight as she hugged her son. “Now, finally, I can be at the Platform and watch you off. And if those witches try to do anything, I can hex their arses. Maybe use a few Crucios.”

“Mum,” Cory shook his head as the others laughed. “You can’t go around casting Crucio on everyone that tries anything.”

“Why not?” Bellatrix demanded.

“Because,” Harry laughed, “it would make things a bit difficult for our Lord if terror occurs without him knowing and you know, everyone is supposed to be hidden and quiet, like the sneaky viper, readying itself to strike at the right moment.”

“Fine,” Bellatrix looked away before looking back and grinning; her eyes shining with a maniacal light, thought she wasn’t thinking murderous thoughts. “At least I still get to see my son get on the train.”

“Alright,” Luna smiled and stood up, the others following.

“Are we going to Floo or Apparate?” Blaise asked. Both he and Pansy had their school supplies with them; they had shrunk them and put them in their pockets.

“Apparate,” Harry answered. “I don’t want to use Hedwig as yet and I really hate to travel by Floo powder. Bellatrix can take Luna and Cory, Drake and I can go with Rabastan, and you two can be taken by Rodolphus.”

“Draco,” Pansy turned to her blond friend. “Your father is usually the one to take you to the Platform. Why isn’t he taking you now?”

“It’s a surprise,” Draco grinned. “Don’t worry though, you’ll find out why soon.”

“Alright,” Pansy nodded and moved to stand next to Rodolphus.

“I’ll go over to see if Lucius has left as yet,” Remus smiled before giving Harry a hug and squeezing Draco’s shoulder before heading to the Floo.

“Let’s go,” Draco said. He mentally called for his familiar, smiling when the pup appeared in the room in a ball of light. Yasha yipped as Draco lifted him in his arms.

<Hedwig, we’re leaving. Did everything go as planned with the twins?> Harry spoke to the phoenix using their mental connection.

|Yes they did. Both boys said they will speak with you at a later time|

<Ok. What are you going to do today?> Harry asked.

|Ok little one, I’m going to go flying for a bit before heading to Malfoy Manor. I’ll be at the school after I know you arrived|

<Ok. See you then>

Harry broke the connection before calling Sesshomaru, as Cory and Luna called for their animals as well and soon enough the teens were ready to go.

~...~

Hermione, Ron and Ginny, along with Molly and Arthur, were already at the Platform. Despite the usual yearly lateness, they had managed to be there at ten-fifteen; it was now ten thirty-five and they had spent the last ten minutes scanning the platform for any sign of Harry.

“Does anyone see him?” Hermione asked as she glanced around.

“No,” Ginny was frustrated. “He never showed up at our house all summer but come on, he should be here.”

“He’ll probably be late,” Ron scowled, “just so he can draw attention to himself.”

“Now Ron,” Molly chastised her son. “Do not be like that; you know how his family treats him.”

“Whatever,” Ron looked away. “So he has a few troubles at home, he should just get over it.”

“Merlin’s beard! Look, over there!” the shock in Ginny’s voice drew their attention.

“What is it?” Arthur asked.

“It’s Malfoy,” Ginny gestured to where the blond was standing. “And he’s with the two teens from Diagon Alley and Luna, Parkinson and Zabini.”

“But who’s that with them?” Hermione asked as she took in the sight of the three adults with the six teens.

“Their parents probably,” Ron shrugged.

“We should go,” Ginny said, “I mean, I haven’t seen Harry as yet and if he was here already, then he’s probably on the train and avoiding us.”

“Ginny’s right,” Molly nodded before she hugged them. “Remember, look for him and find out if and what the twins told him.”

“We will,” Hermione’s eyes were bright with determination. They grabbed their trunks and turned away from the couple, heading to the train. They passed by Draco and the others and Hermione had to squeeze Ron’s arm to stop him from attacking when Cory made a derogatory remark towards her.

~...~

When they appeared on the Platform, they immediately drew stares from the others that were there. Students and parents were staring at the group; some with fear, some with awe, some with shock and some with appreciation.

“It’s nice to see they recognize greatness,” Draco said smugly.

“Behave Drake,” Harry nudged his boyfriend with a smile.

“Oh so many witches and wizards,” Bellatrix smiled as her hand twitched at her side.

“Calm yourself Bella,” Rabastan grinned at his sister-in-law knowing what was going through her mind.

“Mum please,” Cory grinned. “Uncle Ras is right, calm down.”

“Oh alright,” Bellatrix sighed. “You boys spoil all of my fun.”

“Don’t worry,” Harry leaned over to kiss her cheek making the witch squeal in delight. “I’m sure they’ll be plenty of witches and wizards for you to torture in the future.”

“We should go,” Luna smiled as she looked around the Platform, noticing the majority of the students boarding.

“Stay safe,” Rodolphus nodded to the teens. “Remember to keep your heads up.”

“Hex anyone that bothers you,” Rabastan grinned, “just don’t get caught.”

“We won’t,” Draco smiled, “we’re all Slytherins and if there is one thing we know, it’s discretion.”

The group laughed before saying goodbye to the three adults and headed for the train. As they walked, the students cleared a path for them, not wanting to anger the Prince of Slytherin and his companions; of course, the fact that Harry had a slight glare on his face helped them to move.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny passed them and Cory couldn’t help but to say something.

“I see the Mudblood was able to find her way out of the gutter trash,” Cory grinned maliciously.

The five teens laughed at his words and their laughter doubled when they saw the hurt in Hermione’s eyes as well as the way she held back Ron.

“You have such a lovely way with words,” Luna smiled before kissing her boyfriend on his cheek.

“Let’s go guys,” Harry chuckled and they continued on to the train. Within minutes, they had boarded the train, and they headed down the corridor looking for an empty compartment. They found one and entered it, with Cory discreetly using his wand to lock and ward it.

“Our entrance into the school will be as memorable as our summer has been,” Luna said once the teens sat down.

She, Cory and Blaise sat on one side, while Draco, Harry and Pansy sat on the other.

“So what did you guys have in mind?” Cory asked.

“It has to be something that will let everyone know of our changed situations,” Draco said, “but it has to have a touch of Slytherin and Gryffindor combined; something cunning and bold.”

Immediately the teens started throwing out ideas on how they could accomplish that.

Luna became quiet after awhile. Resting her head on Cory’s shoulder, she smiled as she looked out the window. She didn’t worry because she knew that her brother would come up with a plan. Her gaze shifted from the window to her friends before they rested on Harry.

She knew that he had an idea and it was one that would be as cunning and sneaky as any Slytherin and yet bold enough to be called Gryffindor...exactly what they were going for.

Harry, feeling her gaze, looked up and they locked eyes. She smiled, and he followed moments later.

“You have an idea,” Luna told him, effectively drawing a stop in conversation from the other four.

“You do?” Pansy turned to look at him.

“Yes I do,” Harry nodded, the smile still on his face.

“What is it?” Draco asked.

“Well,” Harry started and he outlined his plan to them. When he was done, Luna and Cory were smiling, Draco was smirking and Pansy and Blaise were looking at him in wonder.

“Tell me again why you weren’t placed in Slytherin?” Pansy raised an eyebrow.

“So, I take it’s a good plan?” Harry asked.

“It’s damn near brilliant is what it is,” Draco leaned up to kiss him. “My boyfriend is a genius.”

“It’s good seeing you like this Dray,” Pansy smiled at her childhood friend. “It’s good to see you so relaxed and carefree and happy...truly happy.”

“Thanks Pansy,” Draco smiled. “And I am happy; quite possibly the happiest I’ve ever been.”

“We all are,” Luna said. She looked out the window and saw Ron and Hermione walking past, which prompted her to giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Blaise asked.

“The Confundus Charmthat Cory placed on the door is working wonders,” Luna laughed. “Ronald and Granger have passed by this compartment three times already, each time turning back looking lost and confused. I must say, it’s a look I like on Granger’s usually know-it-all and bossy face.”

“Well don’t worry,” Harry laughed along with the others. “It’s a look we’ll see a lot of this school year.”

“That is true,” Pansy conceded with a smile.

Harry looked to the door once again before a slow smile started to build on his face.

“I love it,” Luna giggled.

“What?” Draco asked when he saw it and to Luna’s words.

“I have another idea,” Harry grinned, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “Hedwig.”

The phoenix flashed into the compartment, settling herself on Harry’s lap, mindful of Sesshomaru.

“She’s so beautiful,” Pansy cooed as she stretched out to rub Hedwig’s breast.

Hedwig preened under the attention and trilled softly, relaxing everyone even more. She turned her head to Harry and trilled once more.

|What is it?|

“I need you to take your owl form for me please,” Harry told her. “There’s something I want to do.”

Hedwig trilled. |Something to do with the traitors?|

“Yes,” Harry nodded as he rubbed her head. “So, will you let me?”

Hedwig cocked her head to the side before trilling once more. |Of course; you know I’d do anything to get back at them for how they treated you. Besides, I have the feeling the aftermath is going to be very fun|

“It will be,” Harry laughed before he brought out his wand and gently tapped it on her head. Soon enough, where the phoenix once was, a white owl was now in its place.

Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small packet, tapping it with his wand, he removed the shrinking charm.

“What is that?” Blaise asked.

“It’s a muggle note book,” Draco answered. “They use it to write in.”

Opening the note book, he clicked the biro and started writing. At each stroke of the biro across the page, Blaise and Pansy stared in fascination as the other three explained just how the ballpoint pen worked.

When Harry was done, he tore the paper from the book and folded before handing it to Hedwig.

“Find the traitors and give this to Granger,” Harry told her.

Nipping his finger affectionately, Hedwig took the paper before flying through the window.

“What was the note about?” Cory asked as he watched the white bird fly around for a few minutes as she disappeared from view.

Harry grinned. “Oh, nothing much...just messing with Granger.” He opened his eyes wide and made his voice quiver as he continued. “I’m just saying how I am so sorry for everything and that she was right and everything was my fault and how I wouldn’t blame them at all.” He laughed.

“What’s the purpose of that?” Blaise asked

“Granger,” Harry started. “As much as she betrayed me and wants nothing to do with me, she will feel ashamed of her behaviour. She will have regrets for how she’s treating me right now. It will eat at her despite the fact that she is on their side.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you have a very devious mind?” Pansy smiled.

“Yes,” Harry laughed.

“This year is going to be the best,” Blaise smiled.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Luna said.

~...~

Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked up and down the train, searching through the compartments for Harry. The ones that they were able to search, no one had seen him. They didn’t realize they had passed his compartment three times, due to the Charm that was on it. After patrolling once more, they made their way back to their compartment.

“He’s not here,” Hermione sighed as she sat down. “How is he not here? How did he miss the train?”

“Maybe he didn’t miss it and is just hiding,” Ron scowled as he sat next to Hermione.

“Don’t you think we would’ve found him?” Ginny crossed her arms and looked at her brother.

“I just do—Hedwig?” Hermione sat up and looked out the window. She had spotted what she thought was the white owl, but she wasn’t sure. She leaned closer to the glass, and sure enough, she saw the bird again. “Hedwig!”

She opened the window, Ron and Ginny, looking out behind, and watched as the owl came through to land on the seat away from them.

“It is you,” Hermione said when she looked at the owl. “Where’s Harry?”

Hedwig cocked her head to the side to look at the girl. She was angry at the trio in front of her, Hermione especially, for their actions against her master.

Hermione looked at Hedwig, squirming slightly the longer she stared at the bird; for some reason, it felt as if Hedwig was giving her a disapproving, disappointing and angry look. She always knew the owl was smarter than most owls, but still...

“Look,” Ginny pointed at Hedwig. “She’s got a note. I bet it’s from Harry.” She reached out for it, only to squeak in surprise when Hedwig jumped away from her. “What the hell?”

“Le’me try,” Ron said and he too reached out his hand only for the same thing to happen. “Ruddy bird, keep still and give us the bloody note.”

“I’ll do it,” Hermione sighed, but before she could reach out for it, Hedwig flew up and dropped the note onto her lap before flying out the window.

“Well that was rude,” Ginny scowled briefly in the direction where Hedwig went before she turned to Hermione. “Well, open it...see what it says.”

“Hold on,” Hermione huffed as she opened the note.

Hermione,

I just wanted to say you were right; I should’ve listened to you. I didn’t and now Sirius is gone. Everything is my fault. I am so sorry for everything you have been through over the years just by being my friend. I don’t blame you for blaming me or for hating me, ‘cause I blame myself.

I’m sorry you no longer feel like being my friend. People do die around me and I don’t want you to die. I should’ve known someone like me doesn’t deserve friends. Even though I’m no longer your friend, I’ll always see you as mine. Thanks for everything Hermione, and I am truly sorry.

Your former friend,

Harry J. Potter

P.S. I’m not on the train, though I know you won’t be looking for me. And when we see each other at school, I’ll make sure to stay out of your way.

Hermione’s heart clenched as she read the words of her former friend; once again, she found herself regretting her actions.

“Well,” Ron grinned, “this works out really good.”

“What do you mean?” Ginny asked.

“Potter’s blaming himself for everything,” Ron smiled. “So, it makes things easier for us. When we tell him we didn’t mean it, he’ll be so happy, he’ll forgive us.”

“You’re right,” Ginny smiled before sighing. “I can’t wait until we get to school. I can really play up the sympathetic girl. Hmmm, I wonder how I’m going to get him.”

“You will Gin,” Ron nodded, “don’t worry.”

Hermione paid no attention to the siblings; her mind was still caught on Harry’s words. Was making a name for herself in the Wizarding World worth sacrificing the one person who was on all accounts her very first friend? If it wasn’t for Harry, she never would’ve become friends with Ron or any of the other Weasleys. She would’ve spent her seven years at Hogwarts friendless and alone if it wasn’t for Harry. And how does she repay him? By betraying him...why?

Hermione sighed as her gaze drifted down to the letter lying on her lap. She tuned out Ron and Ginny’s talk as her mind wandered once again. ‘Am I really doing the right thing? Harry did everything for me, so why am I doing this? I just want to make a name for myself; to show the Wizarding World that me, a Muggleborn, was just as good—if not better—as them. I want people to see that I belong here, that I have as much right to be here as any other Wizarding folk.’

Hermione shook her head, not wanting to think too much on everything she was doing. She became aware of the silence and looked up to see Ron and Ginny both staring at her; looking into their eyes, she saw the concern in Ron’s eyes and in Ginny’s she saw the rising suspicions behind the concern and she knew, she had to stop thinking her previous train of thoughts. She had come too far to back out now.

“You ok?” Ron asked.

“I’m fine,” Hermione smiled before sighing. “I’m just wondering why he waited until now to send a letter. He could’ve done that all summer.”

“Who knows?” Ron shrugged.

“At least you have more an opening to get him to forgive you,” Ginny grinned, “though it shouldn’t be too hard.”

Ron laughed and Hermione joined him, studiously ignoring the voice in the back of her mind that whispered how she was once a lonely little girl with no friends and it was the boy she was betraying now that changed all that.

~...~

Back with Harry and the others, Hedwig flew back into the cabin before landing on Harry’s lap. She shook her self off, her magic easily removing the charm, allowing her to be back in her phoenix form.

“Thank you girl,” Harry smiled at her.

|You never have to thank me| Hedwig trilled.

|How did she react?| Sesshomaru asked through his mental connection to Hedwig.

|Perfect| Hedwig trilled before showing the images to the pup and Harry as well.

“So?” Draco raised an eyebrow as he looked from Harry to his familiars.

“Granger reacted as I predicted she would,” Harry smiled and leaned back against the seat.

“Excellent,” Cory nodded.

“Things are progressing quite well,” Luna chuckled lightly.

“Yes they are,” Pansy nodded.

Hedwig trilled. |I’m going to go back to the house|

“Alright,” Harry nodded before he rubbed her breast in an affectionate manner. “I’ll see you later.”

Hedwig trilled once more before she disappeared in a flash of fire.

“I still can’t believe you can speak to phoenixes,” Blaise commented.

“There’re a lot of things I can do that you won’t believe,” Harry smirked.

“I can attest to that,” Draco’s smile was smug.

“We are not speaking bedroom talents Dragon,” Luna giggled.

“Oh,” Pansy’s eyes glazed over as she thought of Harry and Draco naked.

“Hey!” Draco mock glared at her. “Stop imagining my boyfriend naked.”

“Oh I’m not,” Pansy waved his words away before she grinned saucily. “I’m imagining the both of you.”

“Pervert,” Blaise smiled.

“Like you’re one to talk honey,” Pansy smacked him on his shoulder.

“You love me still,” Blaise grabbed her hand and kissed it.

“Why, I don’t know,” Pansy shook her head before laughing.

The others laughed and the rest of the ride was filled with their chatter as they spoke about the upcoming year.

~...~

When the train pulled to a stop, the six teens stayed in the compartment and watched as everyone left. Sure that everyone were gone, they got up and walked down the corridor to the exit.

“This is going to be awesome,” Blaise grinned, excitement shining in his dark eyes. “Everyone’s expressions will be priceless.”

“I agree,” Pansy laughed as she looped her arm through Blaise’s.

They got off the train and headed towards the carriage. Blaise and Pansy walked directly to the door and got in, while Draco, Harry, Luna and Cory all stopped to look and pet the Thestral.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Luna asked.

“Yes,” Draco nodded. “I can’t believe I didn’t know they were there. This is the first time I’ve ever seen one.”

“Only someone who has seen death can see them,” Cory explained softly as he reached out to gently rub the Thestral’s head. “I can see them because I saw Sirius die back in May; Luna could always see them as she saw her mother die...”

“I see them because of Cedric and Sirius dying right in front of me,” Harry added. “And you see them Drake, because you saw Umbitch die.”

“I always knew her death would be beneficial,” Draco remarked and the others laughed.

“Are you guys coming in or what?” Pansy stuck her head out the door, brows puzzling when she saw Cory touching the air.

“We’re coming,” Harry nodded and the four moved into the carriage.

Nothing much was said as the teens relaxed into their seats. Before they knew it, the carriage had come to a stop. They stepped out, nodding to the teacher that was stationed there, before they made their way up to the castle. When they entered, Harry, Draco, Cory and Luna nodded to the two Slytherins before disappearing from sight.

Blaise and Pansy walked into the Great Hall, heading for their seats at the Slytherin table. They had just sat down and had turned to speak to Theodore Nott when they stopped and their eyes widened slightly in surprise. Two men were walking towards the staff table from the small side door at the back—one which the professors often used.

“Son of a bitch,” Blaise breathed as he looked at the staff table. “That’s the surprise?”

“I can’t believe this,” Pansy narrowed her eyes.

Sitting at the staff table right next to a surprisingly younger and healthier looking—to students other than Blaise and Pansy—Severus Snape was none other than Lucius Malfoy.

The rest of the Slytherins slowly noticed where the attention of the two were and all turned to face the table. Slowly, an excited buzz rose from the Slytherins as they took in the sight of Lucius.

Blaise and Pansy looked at each other and grinned. The school year just got even more interesting.

~...~

“Bloody hell!” Ron’s eyes opened wide as he stopped abruptly on his way to his seat at Gryffindor table.

“Ron?” Hermione touched his arm in concern. “What is it?”

“Hermione,” Ron kept his gaze forward. “Tell me Lucius Malfoy isn’t just sitting down at the staff table.”

Hermione, along with Ginny and the other Gryffindors, turned to where Ron was looking and when they saw the Malfoy Patriarch, their mouths dropped open as sounds of horror and disbelief escaped them.

“Oh my God,” Dean Thomas exclaimed as he dropped into his seat, his eyes still on Lucius. “What the bloody hell is Dumbledore playing at?”

“I don’t think he had much of a choice,” Hermione finally broke out of her shocked stupor to answer Dean.

“Why do you say that?” Seamus Finnegan asked.

“His expression says that he’s displeased with Mr. Malfoy’s presence,” Hermione explained as she sat down. “So my guess is, against Dumbledore’s wishes, the Ministry appointed Mr. Malfoy.”

“As what?” Seamus asked.

“What subject is currently without a teacher?” Hermione asked.

“DADA,” Ginny said with wide eyes. “Merlin, are you saying Lucius Malfoy is our new DADA professor?”

“It looks that way,” Hermione nodded. Whispers travelled down the Gryffindor table as Hermione’s suspicions were passed along.

“I bet Malfoy’s loving this,” Ron scowled. “The bloody git.”

“He’s not there,” Seamus pointed out and gestured towards the Slytherin table, where sure enough, they didn’t spot Draco anywhere.

“Uhm, Hermione,” Ron tapped said girl on her shoulder, “do you know who those two blokes are?”

Hermione turned her head to face Ron. “Hmm? Who?”

“Look there,” Ron pointed out, “on the other side of Flitwick and Hagrid, the two new faces. Who’s that?”

“No idea,” Hermione shook her head slightly before her features pulled together in a frown. “But, it seems Professor Burbage is missing.”

“Burbage?” Ron turned confused eyes to her, as did a few other students.

“Professor Burbage,” Hermione explained patiently. She had taken Muggle Studies back in her third year only, but she remembered the teacher and that she was a friendly, middle-aged witch. “She teaches Muggle Studies. So, maybe one of them is the new Muggle Studies teacher.”

The others nodded thoughtfully before they looked back towards the Staff table.

“Has anyone seen Neville?” Dean asked as he looked up and down their table.

Choruses of no echoed down the table.

“Yeah,” Seamus nodded. “And where’s Harry?”

“He said he’ll be here,” Ginny answered. “Probably had some trouble with his relatives again.”

“So, does anyone know who that man is next to Malfoy?” Dean asked. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was related to Snape.”

The others turned to look at the man and they drew the same conclusions as Dean. The man next to Lucius had the same black hair as Snape except that unlike Snape, his hair looked full and had a slight curl at the end of it; his nose was smaller and didn’t have the bump that Snape’s did. His features seemed softer than Snape’s and his eyes, though the same dark colour as Snape’s, held amusement.

“I didn’t know Snape had family,” Ginny remarked.

“You guys,” Hermione’s eyes widened and her voice was anxious. “I think that is Snape.”

“What?” Ginny, Ron, Dean and Seamus all looked at her before looking back at Snape.

“Are you mental?” Ron gaped. “That can’t be Snape.”

“Sorry mate,” Seamus said. “I think it is too.”

Ron was going to say something else but was stopped when the doors to the Great Hall opened and the first years walked in.

“Merlin, were we that small?” Ron questioned as he looked over the students.

“Yes.” Hermione, Seamus and Dean all answered with amused grins.

The sorting started, and they clapped whenever Gryffindor gained a student as the others Houses did when the same happened. Soon enough, the sorting was over and the friends became quiet when Dumbledore stood up and made his speech before introducing the staff. As Hermione had anticipated, one of the new professors was the Muggle Studies teacher and the other had replaced Professor Binns for History of Magic; this caused a murmur of approval and polite scatter of applause across the hall as most students believed that a teacher who was alive, had to at least be a slight improvement over a dead one. When Dumbledore got to Snape, their mouths dropped open when he confirmed Hermione’s suspicions.

“No bloody way!” Ron exclaimed. “That can’t be Snape!”

“What do you think happened to him?” Ginny asked as she looked over their potions master.

“I don’t know,” Hermione answered, much to the shock of the others. When she noticed their looks, she scowled. “Don’t look so shocked.”

“You guys were right,” Dean injected before they could respond to Hermione’s answer. “Mr. Malfoy is the new DADA professor, Dumbledore just announced it.”

“Damnit,” Ron scowled. “Bloody Malfoy’s going to be even more of a git that he usually is.”

“Whatever,” Ginny looked around, her brows furrowed. “Where is Harry? He should’ve been here by now?”

“Don’t worry,” Hermione patted her hand. “He’ll show.”

The words were barely out of her mouth when the doors to the Great Hall opened once more; everyone turned to the entrance and mouths dropped open in shock when they saw who it was.

Walking into the hall was Luna, but she wasn’t the Luna that most people recognized; this Luna didn’t have the same platinum blonde hair as she normally did, but was sporting a dirty blonde look. What drew people’s eyes was the tall, dark haired, green-eyed gorgeous guy walking with his arm around her shoulders.

Both male and female students stared at the two with lust and appreciation in their eyes and all the female and some males glared at Luna with jealousy.

“That’s him!” Ginny hissed.

“Who?” Seamus asked as his eyes travelled over the dark haired boy’s body. “Merlin, I’d love to tangle with him.”

“We ran into them in Diagon Alley,” Hermione explained as she glared at the two. “Luna pretty much ignored us, but he and his friends insulted us.”

“Such fickle sheep they are,” they heard Luna say.

“Of course,” the dark-haired laughed and the females sighed at the sound. “Only you Luna could say something like that.”

Gasps echoed throughout the room, especially from the Ravenclaw table, as most of the students recognized the name.

“I swear,” Seamus said as he watched the two walk down the Gryffindor table. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that bloke was Harry.”

“I thought so too,” Hermione nodded even as her eyes narrowed as she looked over the teen once more. “But, I dismissed that thought. That guy is nothing like Harry is.”

“Hermione’s right,” Dean nodded as he looked at the teen again. “That guy has a confidence that Harry never had.”

“You know me,” They heard Luna reply as she giggled.

“Of course I do,” the teen grinned and whimpers echoed around the hall. “You’re my best girl Luna.”

“And he’s freaking gorgeous,” Seamus exclaimed. “I mean, not that Harry wasn’t hot, ‘cause he was, but this guy is beyond that.”

Before anyone could respond to that, their attention was once again drawn to the entrance where two other teens walked through and gasps of shock and appreciation echoed from the students once more.

“Oi!” Everyone watched as another dark-haired teen walked over to the duo, followed by a very familiar blond.

“Is that Malfoy?” Lavender Brown whispered. “Merlin, did he get hotter. And who’s that guy with him?”

“Hands off my girl Potter,” the dark-haired teen said. Mouths dropped open when they the teen say the name.

“That is Harry!” Dean whispered harshly.

“I don’t believe it,” Hermione shook her head and narrowed her eyes at the four; Ron and Ginny did as well. They remembered Diagon Alley and the way the teens, Harry especially, had treated them.

~...~

“How far are they?” Cory asked as he leaned against a wall, Luna tucked into his side.

“They’re going through the sorting,” Draco answered from his position in Harry’s arms.

“This is going to be amazing,” Harry grinned. “The looks on their faces will be so delicious.”

“I agree,” Cory laughed. “How do you think Blaise and Pansy reacted to your surprise?”

“They were suitably shocked,” Luna answered with a smile. “But they are Slytherins after all. However, the reactions of the traitorous trio were and will be even more satisfying.”

“Good,” Harry laughed.

“It’s time,” Draco said. “The Old Fool just finished his speech and the introductions of the teachers.”

“Alright,” Harry nodded. “Let’s do this.”

He shifted and moved away from Draco as Luna did the same with Cory.

“Ready for this Luna girl?” Harry asked as they walked towards each other, coming to a stop in front of the doors.

“Since you came up with the idea,” Luna grinned.

Harry laughed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders as hers went around his waist and her head rested on his shoulders. Focusing on the doors, he used his magic to push them open. The moment he stepped through, he ignored everyone’s gaze and looked down at Luna.

Luna lifted her head off his shoulder and smiled at him. “Such fickle sheep they are.”

“Of course,” Harry laughed, drawing sighs from the male and female population. “Only you Luna could say something like that.”

The name of the female Ravenclaw drew gasps from others present. Some, almost all, students hadn’t recognized the blonde, despite the fact that she had shared classes with some of them for the past five years.

Up at the head table, Lucius and Severus exchanged looks and hid their smiles from everyone else.

Harry and Luna walked towards the Gryffindor table, talking softly to each other, yet aware of the whispers that flowed through the hall.

“You know me,” Luna giggled.

“Of course I do,” Harry grinned and he laughed inwardly at the whimpers that echoed throughout the hall. “You’re my best girl Luna.”

“Oi!” a voice sounded from behind them and the duo turned back to the entrance as did everyone else, only to see Draco and Cory walk in. Their appearance drew gasps of shock and appreciation from the other students.

“Hands off my girl Potter,” Cory grinned as he reached the two.

At his words, mouths had fallen open in shock and whispers started again as everyone finally recognized the dark haired, gorgeous, green-eyed teen.

“What can I say Neville,” Harry grinned, enjoying the disbelief that echoed, especially coming from the Gryffindor Table. “I love blonds.”

“I thought your name was Cory,” Draco drawled as he came to a stop in front of Harry and Luna. “Luna, I’d appreciate it if you removed yourself from the vicinity of my boyfriend.”

“Whatever Drake,” Luna laughed as she moved from under Harry’s arm and into Cory’s.

“Thank you,” Draco sneered, though his eyes danced with laughter, as he took her place before placing a gently yet possessive kiss on Harry’s lips.

“I keep telling Harry here that my name is no longer Neville Longbottom but Cory LeStrange,” Cory nodded, delighting in the shocked silence that followed his words. “But, he doesn’t listen it seems.”

“I do listen,” Harry protested.

“Mr. Potter, Ms. Lovegood and Mr...LeStrange, was it?” Snape’s voice sounded behind them and the quartet turned to face him.

“Hello Professor Snape,” Harry smiled at the man as did Luna and Cory. He rolled his eyes when he caught sight of the horrified looks on the faces of the Gryffindor students. ‘Really, they should learn to keep their emotions to themselves...I wonder how far we can go before one of them faints from shock?’

“As I recall Mr. Potter,” Snape narrowed his eyes at his students and though his voice was filled with contempt, it was also filled with glee at what was happening, though you wouldn’t be able to tell unless you knew him; fortunately, Harry, Luna, Cory and Draco did. “It is required for all students to be punctual and suitably dressed in their uniforms and robes during the opening feast. Regardless of the fact that you are the Golden boy of Gryffindor and our dear Headmaster, you are not exempt from the rules. Neither of you are. Detention, tomorrow night at seven.”

“Severus,” Dumbledore’s voice sounded down the hall. “To be fair, young Mr. Malfoy must serve the detention as well.”

Snape stood still, his eyes moving from one student to another before turning to glare at Dumbledore before resting back on the four. “Very well then; Mr. Malfoy, you are to join your fellow students. Do not be late. I suggest you proceed to your seats”

The four nodded; Luna gave Cory a quick kiss on his cheek before heading over to the Ravenclaw table while Draco did the same to Harry before heading to the Slytherin, taking his place between Blaise and Pansy. Harry and Cory smiled before moving to their own seats; however, instead of taking their regular spots, they sat down at the end of the table next to three of the first years.

“Would Corvus LeStrange come up here please?”

Everyone turned to look from the Sorting hat to the students around the hall, most gazes resting on where Cory and Harry were sitting. Whispers ran rampant up and down along three of the four house tables amidst looks of shock and confusion.

“Go on,” Harry grinned at his friend.

Cory grinned in return and got up, ignoring the looks from the others, and headed towards the front of the hall where the hat was. As he passed where Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the others were sitting, he took note of the looks of shock, disbelief and horror on their faces and smirked.

“Put me on your head young man,”the hat commanded.

Cory did as he was told and sat on the stool facing everyone.

“Hmmm,” the hat started. “Well, well Mr. LeStrange, what a pleasant surprise. I see you are no longer willing to go by the name Neville Longbottom.”

“No,” Cory shook his head. “Neville Longbottom is no longer my name.”

“Good,” the hat nodded. “Interesting; you are your mother’s son yet, you are your own person. You have the cunning of Slytherin, the bravery of Gryffindor and the loyalty of Hufflepuff. You would do great in all three.”

“I’d like to stay in Gryffindor please,” Cory thought politely. Despite now knowing the truth about his heritage, he was raised as Neville Longbottom, which meant, the manners that the Lady Longbottom had instilled in him were still there.

“Very well then,” the hat nodded. “Best be...Gryffindor!”

Cory grinned and removed the hat from his head, replacing it on the stool and headed back to where Harry was laughing and cheering. He jogged quickly to his friend’s seat.

“Anyone ever tell you, you suffer from insanity?” Cory asked as he retook his seat.

Harry looked at Cory and deadpanned. “I don’t suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it (*).”

Cory stared at Harry for a split second before he broke down laughing; a few students that heard Harry’s comment laughed as well.

Seconds later, Harry joined in as well before his gaze shifted to the Slytherin table and his laughter slowly died down. He saw the students looking from Draco to him curiously and knew that that’s Luna was talking about. The Prince will have to address his subjects.

The rest of the feast passed without incidents, well, if you looked passed everyone staring at Draco, Harry, Cory and Luna, and it was time for the students to head to their dormitories. When Cory and Harry got up, they headed straight to Luna.

“Hey,” Harry smiled when they got close. “Anyone give you trouble?”

“Hi,” Luna smiled at her brother. “And no.”

“Good,” Cory nodded before he and Harry turned to the Ravenclaws.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Harry started; his voice went cold and his eyes hardened. “Luna is like my sister. If anyone messes with her, they mess with me. And trust me,” he smirked and it was so malicious, that a few students whimpered. “Messing with me is not something you would want.”

“Luna is off-limits,” Cory picked up. “She’s no longer the subject of your pranks. You’re supposed to be Ravenclaws, the smartest house in the school, and with the way you’ve treated her over the years, you’re no better than bullies. Touch her, hurt her, and you’re going to have problems with us.”

“Is that understood?” Harry asked.

Too afraid to answer, the Ravens could only nod.

“Good,” Harry nodded before he turned to Luna and his eyes softened as he smiled at her. “Be good Luna girl and hex anyone that dares to mess with you after that warning.”

“I will,” Luna giggled. “Though I think you’re warning pretty much dissuaded anyone from even thinking of attempting anything.”

“We’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow,” Cory said before he gave her a quick kiss. Nodding once more to the Ravenclaws, he and Harry made their way back to their own House mates and out the hall. As they left, they spotted Draco and they nodded to him.

~...~

“So,” Lucius turned slightly to Snape as he kept his eyes on his son and his friend. “This is their plan?”

“A very effective one,” Snape nodded, his onyx eyes shining with amusement and pride as he listened to Draco, Cory, Luna and Harry. He registered the shock and disbelief from the Gryffindor students when Harry called Cory Neville, and he couldn’t help but to grin slightly. ‘The boy is too much of a Slytherin for his own good.’

If either one of them had bothered to look at Dumbledore, they would’ve seen the way his face paled when he heard Cory’s name.

Lucius watched as Snape stood up and made his way to the teens. He heard him assign detention and held back a smirk. They had been trying to figure out a situation in which to give Harry detention in order for them to go to the Chamber of Secrets and this had been the perfect time.

‘Severus cannot give Draco detention as that would be too suspicious,’ he turned to look at Dumbledore. ‘Old Fool, where is that sense of right and wrong? Prevent Severus from allowing Draco to escape untouched.’

As if he had heard his thoughts, Lucius watched as Dumbledore stood up and made his speech about including Draco. He held back his smirk and as he watched Snape walk back towards the table, he could see his friend doing the same.

“A brilliant plan,” Lucius murmured to Snape when he reclaimed his seat. “It is too bad that boy was never placed in Slytherin in the first place, he would have been even more remarkable than he was now.”

“I for one am glad he had kept his true persona hidden and allowed himself to be placed in Gryffindor,” Snape replied back. “If Harry had revealed who he truly was and allowed the hat to place him with the Snakes, I do not think the school would have survived and we might not have accomplished the things we have or the things we will.”

“An astute point you make,” Lucius said after a moment of silence. His gaze drifted back over the students and he listened as the Sorting Hat called Cory up. When it shouted out ‘Gryffindor’, he shook his head. He had an idea of what the teens were planning and he was curious to see how it would turn out.

Moving his gaze across the hall, he saw the way the Slytherins were looking at his son and a barely there frown found its way onto his face.

“Do not worry,” Snape said to him. “Draco will handle things.”

“And how are you so sure?” Lucius asked. “I have no doubt as to the hold my son has, but it is quite unbelievable to assume the older Slytherins will be so cooperative or gentle.”

“Trust your son Lucius,” Snape replied. They became quiet once more as they enjoyed the rest of the feast. Both men relished in the looks the students still threw them and they knew that the school year would be even more interesting, especially for Lucius considering the plans that his master had.

“Come,” Snape said as he stood up. He watched the students leave the hall. “You will see your son in his element and you will observe that your fears regarding the older Snakes are unfounded.”

~...~

Draco said nothing as he left the Great Hall and headed to the dungeons. Pansy and Blaise walked beside him on either side with the rest of the Slytherins behind them. The first years, though they had heard the Headmaster instruct them to follow their prefects, had seen the way the Slytherins had waited for the blond to move before they did and had done accordingly.

The other Snakes were curious as to their Prince’s sudden attachment to the Golden Boy, but knew they had to wait until they were behind closed doors to voice any questions. They hadn’t heard of anything from their parents, so naturally, they wondered what to do, but they would wait until they got an explanation from Draco.

When they got to the entrance, Draco muttered the password and went inside, heading directly to the chair sitting near the fireplace. Immediately, Crabbe and Goyle took up standing positions behind the chair while Blaise and Pansy sat on the arms.

Draco walked over to the chair and sat down, Pansy and Blaise adjusting themselves so he’d be more comfortable. He looked out over the common room, noticing that all the Slytherins had taken up spots facing him with the first years sitting on the carpeted floor in the front. Slipping into his Malfoy training, he wiped all emotions from his face, leaving his eyes and his expression blank.

When the last Slytherin had entered the room, the door closing behind them, Draco’s eyes roamed over the students before settling on the first years.

“All first years please stand.” Though his voice was soft, it was still easily heard throughout the room and the steely command in it made them took note and had the first years rising to their feet. “New students stand as well.”

One new student stood in the crowd; though they were a bit apprehensive and slightly terrified, they did not let it show. It was a point in their favour.

“My name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. Welcome to Slytherin House. I can tell you’re terrified and a bit apprehensive as to what I am going to say,” Draco started. At their startled looks, he smirked briefly. “It is not recognizable to the others, but they are not me; I have spent my life being taught to hide my emotions and to read others. I must congratulate you however on a job well done of hiding it; now onto important matters.

“We here in Slytherin have a set of rules that we follow. You might balk at them, but keep in mind they are for your own good. Rule one, you are never to leave this common room on your own; if you’re going to go somewhere, travel in packs of three or more. The reason for this is that, lone Slytherins are targets for the other houses. While the other houses may get along with each other, they do not associate as much with us. The worst of the lot is Gryffindor; the rivalry between our house and theirs is legendary and not to be taken lightly.

“Next rule; your loyalty is to your house. Any disagreements with fellow Snakes are to be kept within the Slytherin common room only. When you leave here, you will present a united front; you will not give the other houses any chance to hold power over you. If they knew of any rift between us, they would capitalize on it.

“Slytherins pride themselves on their appearance, their behaviourand the ability to keep their emotions in check—except when we’re playing Quidditch, then you can express however you want, but it must still be done in a way that doesn’t bring shame to our house.” Draco paused and looked at the students. “Do you understand what I’m telling you so far?”

“Yes sir.” They replied respectfully and politely.

“Good,” Draco nodded. “Now, if you were to ever seek revenge on another student, you are not to get caught, you are not be seen seeking your revenge and you are to make sure that there is nothing that would implicate you and if need be, deflect the blame onto someone else.”

He stopped and looked at the first years and smirked—they smiled back tentatively—before continuing. “When it comes to your academics, you are to perform your best. While we may not be as smart as Ravenclaw, we are not stupid either. You will hear of a student, Hermione Granger, and you will ignore her. She is referred to as the brightest witch of our generation, but the truth of the matter is, Granger is book smart; she can recite any information from any book that she has read, but that is as far as everything goes. Now, I know it may shock some of you older students to hear me speak so amicably about her being as she is a Mudblood, but I believe in knowing your enemy.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” the transfer student, a female, spoke up.

“Go ahead,” Draco nodded, though his eyes had narrowed slightly.

“What does Mudblood mean?” the girl asked.

“What is your name?” Draco asked her.

“Gabriella Garibaldi,” the girl answered.

“A Mudblood is a derogatory term that is used to describe a Muggle-born witch, or wizard,” Draco answered. “A Muggle-born is someone whose parents are not magical. Slytherin is composed mostly of pure-blood students, and occasionally, we do get half-bloods.”

“So, we do not associate with them?” Gabriella asked.

“No, we do not,” Draco answered. “This school has a few, but Granger is by far the worst of it. She believes herself to be better than us pure-bloods and tries to change things which she has no true knowledge about.” He was referring to the elves and her trying to start S.P.E.W. and the other Slytherins chuckled as they knew.

“I take it from your question,” Draco continued. “You weren’t raised in the ways of a British pure-blood?”

“No,” Gabriella shook her head. “Make no mistake, I am a pure-blood. I was born in Italy and I lived there until I was five, which is when my mother decided to send me to America to be raised by family. I went to a Wizarding school as well as a Muggle one and I was completely outraged at it. At both schools, I had to deal with females that believed they were above everyone else, that they were better than me, and one of them just happened to be a teacher’s pet. She was a genius, but she liked rubbing it into other’s faces.” Gabriella’s eyes narrowed in hatred as she remembered her former classmate. “I’ve had to stop myself from hexing her into oblivion more often than not. As a kid, the excuse of accidental magic was perfect for any revenge I did, but as I got older, I couldn’t use that excuse anymore.”

“Gabriella,” Draco smiled. “You are going to fit in just fine with us. I take it you’ll have no problem removing Granger from her self-made pedestal?”

“None whatsoever,” Gabriella grinned.

“Good,” Draco nodded. “School curfew is at ten; however, Slytherins are to be in their common room from nine-thirty. Lights out is at eleven. For younger students, first to third year, this rule is adjusted to one hour earlier, so do try to be in the common room at nine, alright? As I said before, students from the other houses rarely associate with us, however, there are now three exceptions, Cory LeStrange and Harry Potter of Gryffindor and Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw. Those three students will be there for you for whatever reason you may have; they are your allies.”

His statement was the opening the Slytherins needed.

“What exactly is going between you and the Golden Boy?” a sixth year, Alexander MacDougal, questioned.

Draco’s smile was smug as he looked at Alexander, but he said nothing and turned his attention back to the first years. “As for the professors, as much as they try not to be, they are biased against our house. Professors like McGonagall and Flitwick are very fair, but when it comes down to it, they will be more for their own house members than they are for us. Our Head of House Severus Snape, the Potions Master, and now Professor Malfoy, the new Defenceteacher, are the only professors that are truly on our side. If you are in trouble, go to either one. They will help as they are former Slytherins themselves, which brings me to another rule; once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin!

“You might hear discouraging things about both, but pay them no mind. They are only looking out for us; yes, Professor Snape is mean to the other houses, but he has to be. For the longest time, he was the only one that truly looked out for us. When it comes to the Headmaster, do not ever go to him for anything. As much as he claims to want unity within the school, he doesn’t. He is very biased against Slytherins; if you can, avoid ever having to be alone with the Headmaster for a private talk. If such a situation is unavoidable and you find yourself having close contact with him, try to avoid looking directly into his eyes; he is a very skilled Legilimens and is not above using his talent on unsuspecting students.”

His words caused worried murmurs amongst the new students. Some first-years looked confused; obviously they didn’t know the expression. Draco ignored this however as he was sure that someone would explain to the young snakes later and point them towards a beginner’s book on Mind Arts on the bookshelf of the common room.

Instead, he repeated his instructions. “I cannot stress this enough, do not ever go to the man for help. Always go first to one of our prefects for help; they wear badges similar to this one (he motioned to the prefect badge pinned to his robe) or to Professors Snape and Malfoy or an older Slytherin student.”

Draco shifted in his seat as he looked at the students. “Remember everything that was said tonight and take it to heart. Now, Professor Snape is going to stop by to speak with you, I suggest you go to your dormitories and go through your books—reread the first chapter. If there is one thing our Head of House cannot stand, it is an unprepared student and he will not tolerate it from his Slytherins.”

The first years heard the dismissal and glanced at each other before looking around to find their dormitories. Without saying anything, two older students got up and led them to where they were supposed to go.

Gabriella sat down, but she held a troubled look on her face and Draco noticed it.

“What is it Gabriella?” he asked.

“Oh,” Gabriella looked at him before shifting her eyes. “It’s nothing...it’s just, I didn’t get a chance to purchase all my school supplies, so I was just thinking about what I was going to do for classes tomorrow.”

“You’ll be a sixth year, won’t you?” Draco’s brows furrowed as he looked at her and then, he remembered Luna’s words.

“Yeah,” Gabriella nodded.

“See me later tonight,” Draco said.

“Ok,” Gabriella nodded, though she was wondering why he would want to see her.

“So Draco,” Alexander called out. “You never answered my question; what is going on between you and Potter?”

“What do you mean?” Draco smirked.

“Dray,” Pansy chuckled and playfully slapped her friend’s arm. “Stop being mean and tell them what they’re all dying to know.”

“Fine, fine,” Draco tapped her on her side. “You ruin all my fun. You want to know what is going on between me and Harry; it’s simple, we’re together.”

“What?” the word echoed out of everyone’s mouth.

“But,” Alexander looked at the blond. “You’re rivals.”

“We were rivals,” Draco clarified. “We met up at the beginning of summer and we talked without the influence of everything else and decided that we had more in common than we thought.”

“You’re dating the Gryffindor Golden Boy,” Millicent Bullstrode said. “He’s Dumbledore’s little puppet.”

“Harry isn’t as golden as everyone believes him to be,” Draco said before he narrowed his eyes at Millicent. “And he is no more a puppet of the Old Fool than I am.”

“What about your father?” Theodore Nott asked. “How does he feel about your dating Potter?”

“My father is pleased with my choice in partner,” Draco answered smugly. “Like I said Nott, Harry isn’t as golden as you think.”

“He’s right,” Blaise spoke up. “We met with Harry when we were in Diagon Alley buying our supplies and even we were surprised at just how less golden the supposed Golden Boy was.”

“Potter is more like us,” Pansy smirked, “than anyone thought.”

And with those cryptic words, most of the Slytherin students got the idea of what the trio was telling them.

“I don’t believe this!” Dominic Montague, a fifth year, spoke out harshly. “How could you date Harry Potter? He is Dumbledore’s Golden Boy and the sworn enemy of our Lord! You’re betraying our Lord and our cause! You’re nothing but a traitor!”

Draco’s grey eyes darkened dangerously. Though the room was warm from the fireplace, the sudden chill that emanated from Draco had students shivering and thankful they were not the ones on the receiving end of his anger. Looking into Draco’s eyes, the students shivered at the frigid look in them; it was like being outside in the middle of winter during an ice storm in Antarctica. Draco stood from his seat and the students that were around Dominic, and in the path, moved away.

A growl sounded through the room and students jumped out of the way with screams when they saw the reason; standing waist high, a pure white dog with blood red eyes and blue pupils stood next to Draco.

Yasha, who had disappeared into Draco’s room after they had gotten to Hogwarts had felt his master’s anger and had responded to it.

Draco came to a stop mere feet from Dominic, as did Yasha, and the picture the two presented was enough to have Dominic stepping back and regretting to have spoken his thoughts so freely.

“You would dare,” Draco’s voice, though soft, was filled with rage and malice, “to question me? You would dare to accuse me of betrayal when you know nothing! You would dare to accuse me of being a traitor?! I owe you no explanation and I would suggest that before you even thinkto throw accusations my way, that you be sure of what it is exactly you are saying! Do I make myself clear?!”

~...~

As they stayed hidden in the shadows near the secret entrance, both Snape and the elder Malfoy watched on as Draco spoke to the first years and the transfer student.

Lucius looked at his son in pride. The way Draco spoke, the way his very presence commanded the room, he was every bit the Malfoy as Lucius expected.

“I never realized the influence Draco had over the house,” Lucius murmured to his friend.

“From his first year here,” Snape looked briefly at him, “other students, older ones included, have looked towards him. It may have started out due to your position in the Dark Lord’s ranks, but Draco came into his own. They look to him for guidance.”

“It is quite the relief to see that Draco is recognized as the Prince as I was,” Lucius said. “His control near rivals mine.”

“And with Draco’s subsequent attachment to Harry,” Snape mused. “That control will only get stronger.”

“How so?” Lucius asked, casting a quick glance at his friend before looking back at the happening in the common room.

Before Snape could answer, they listened as Draco spoke to Gabriella and Lucius’ pride in his son grew.

“From what I have gathered from both Ms. Parkinson and Mr. Zabini,” Snape continued on when Draco had finished speaking to the girl, “the students of Slytherin have long suspected something off about Harry. They knew somehow that he wasn’t as golden as he portrayed himself to be. I dare suspect the only reason they had not approached Harry was because on all accounts, Draco hated him.”

“But now that they will learn that it is not so,” Lucius said with awareness, “there’s nothing to stop them.”

“Exactly,” Snape nodded. His attention was drawn back to the room when he heard one of the younger years accuse Draco of betrayal.

Both men felt the temperature drop in the room and Lucius made a move to step out when he felt Snape’s hand on his arm.

“Do not interfere,” Snape cautioned. “Let Draco handle it.”

Lucius glanced at the potions master, but heeded his words. He turned back and watched and listened as his son tore into the student. When Draco fired off a curse, he couldn’t help the pride that enveloped him and he unconsciously straightened a bit because of it.

“Do not start strutting peacock,” Snape teased.

“Quiet,” Lucius didn’t glance at him.

Snape smirked and moved to step out of the shadows, Lucius behind him.

~...~

Too terrified to say anything, Dominic could only nod. When Draco turned to walk away, he breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that that was it...he was wrong.

“A house is as strong as its prince,” Draco stopped suddenly, his back still towards Dominic. “And I am the prince of this house. You dared to challenge me with your baseless accusations and that shall not go unpunished.”

Before Dominic could properly register the words, he noticed the movement of Draco’s right shoulder and arm, indicating that he summoned his wand into his hand from a hidden wand holster. His instinct screamed at him that an attack was coming. He barely managed to avoid the Blasting Curse that would have sent him flying back and hitting the wall with force; he dropped to the floor and raised a shield, but did not retaliate. Looking up at Draco, he nodded and lowered his wand as a sign of submission.

“Never question me or my actions ever again,” Draco sneered at him.

Dominic nodded again and scrambled quickly to his feet, keeping his eyes on the floor.

“Is there a problem?” Snape asked as he and Lucius stepped into the room.

“No sir,” Draco shook his head, his gaze never leaving Dominic.

Snape looked at Dominic before looking at his students. “Gather the first years.”

A fifth year student went up to the dormitories and seconds later, returned with the first years behind them.

“I trust Mr. Malfoy has explained the rules of Slytherin to you?” Snape inquired.

“Yes sir,” the first years responded.

“Very well then, there is no need for me to reiterate,” Snape said before he narrowed his eyes at them. “The rules apply to the entirety of Slytherin, both old and new students. Should anyone of you show a complete disregard and break them, the consequences shall be dire. Am I understood?”

“Yes sir.” chorused the students once more.

“Over there is our house notice board,” Snape gestured towards one wall of the common room. “There the study groups and the appointments for the year meetings will be posted tomorrow. In a few days, you will also find the Quidditch training schedule and any club activities there and lists of older students who offer their help as tutors. The first and second years all have the same basic classes like Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defence, History and Herbology together. The main class schedules for all years are on the board and here are you individual schedules.”

He waved his wand—without speaking an incantation—and a small stack of schedules and note rose from a side table, divided themselves into individual pieces of parchments and flew towards the astonished first years. Each one of them got a class schedule and a note with a day and time during an afternoon in the next week for an appointment with their Head of House after the official Slytherin first-year meeting tomorrow afternoon.

After that, another couple of different coloured parchment stacks, did the same routine and sailed towards the smirking older years—they had had this little demonstration of their Head of House’s proficient magic already in the past years. The Slytherin first-year students were not gaping like goldfishes or Muggle-borns at the magic, because they all came from wizard families, but they still looked impressed.

Snape addressed the first-years again, but also made eye contact with the lone transfer student. “From third year onwards you can choose several electives like Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination or Muggle Studies, so there are some small differences in the class schedules of the older students. The fifth years study for their O.W.Ls and the seventh years for their N.E.W.Ts, so it’s best if you ask fourth or sixth years for help as they will have more free time than the fifth and seventh years. Of course, you can always turn to the prefects. Do you have any questions so far?”

The students stared at him and each other, quickly averting their eyes. He knew from many years of experience that they would come up with lots of questions later and that the prefects would handle them competently as always. However, he wanted to get to know his new Snakes personally and scan then for any potential problems; he knew it didn’t ease matters with potentially troubled or abused children to pressure them so soon after arriving at Hogwarts.

So, he set up two meetings; first, an informal get-together as a group to establish a basis of contact and trust and later, an individual meeting. Should one of the prefects notice that a student was hurt or have special problems, they would inform him at once so that he could take the appropriate measures.

“Should you need to speak with me,” Snape continued explaining to his new Snakes, “my usual office hours are posted on the board and on my office door, which is located next to the main Potion’s classroom down here in the dungeons.

“Should you need me outside of class time or office house in case of an emergency that the prefects cannot handle,” his tone made it clear that only most dire circumstances would overtax his prefects and that the new students should not bother him with trivial matters, “come to my office and press your wand hand on the door. Should I be somewhere else inside this large castle, the wards on the door will inform me that you seek help. In the evenings or early mornings I’m often in my private lab, as I brew all the potions needed for the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts or experiment on new potions when I am able to. And believe it or not, even I sleep sometimes. In this case, you will have to wait a while. I will come as soon as possible.”

He fixed the students with a stern gaze and received nods and a chorus of “Yes, sir!”, “Alright, sir!” and “Thank you, sir!”

“I shall expect all of you at breakfast tomorrow morning,” Snape continued, “no exceptions. At seven-thirty, a prefect will start a short tour for the first years and any new transfer students from this common room to show you around the main parts of Hogwarts and then, they will lead you to the Great Hall for breakfast. So do get up on time and gather over there at the fireplace before seven twenty-five. Good night.”

With those words, both professors left the common room.

Waiting until they were sure their professors were gone, they students turned back to their prince.

“So Malfoy,” Nicole Vaisey, a seventh year grinned. “How is our newest member? Is he as good as he looks?”

Draco settled back into the chair and grinned at Nicole. “Now, why would I give you any details?”

“Oh come on Draco,” Millicent teased. “Tell us something. I mean, we all know Potter’s hot and with his new looks, the boy is a god amongst men...both of you are...so you have to tell us something.”

“And watching you wonder is so much fun,” Draco laughed and stood up. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Come on Gabriella.”

“Ok,” Gabriella nodded and followed the blond up the stairs.

“Draco!” Nicole, and other girls, shouted out. “Just tell us something!”

Draco laughed and ignored them as he continued on his way.

~...~

As Harry and Cory walked through the halls, they talked softly amongst themselves, ignoring the looks they were receiving from the students in the hallway. As they neared Gryffindor tower, they slowed their walk.

“I bet you anything,” Harry turned to grin at Cory. “Most, if not all, of the students will be waiting in the common room for us.”

“Harry,” Cory laughed. “That’s a sucker’s bet. No way am I taking it.”

“Spoilsport,” Harry laughed.

“Hey Harry,” Cory’s voice was a bit softer as he didn’t want anyone to really hear what he was saying.

“Yeah?” Harry turned slightly to look at him.

“Are you going to forgive Granger?” Cory asked.

“Yes,” Harry didn’t hesitate with an answer. He flicked his wrist and deftly waved his wand around them, casting Muffliato—a nifty speech scrambling spell he had learned from Snape and Voldemort over the summer.

When he saw the confused look in his friend’s eyes, he smiled. “It’s like I said on the train, Granger wants to fit in, she wants to move on up in the Wizarding world and she also has this unhealthy belief in authority, especially the ones she knows. She was manipulated by the Old Fool into betraying me; I think that at first, she may have protested but eventually she gave in. And now, now she’s starting to question her actions. I believe the turning point would be Sirius’ will reading; when he compared her to Pettigrew, I think that’s when she started taking a second look at what she was doing.”

“But she’s still doing it,” Cory pointed out.

“That’s because she still respects the Old Man,” Harry shrugged as they were just feet from the entrance. “Rather stupid really, but what can you expect? He more than likely filled her head with nonsense and I know she was promised the Black Library, but now...Cory, just because I forgive her, doesn’t mean I forgot that she did betray me. All it means is that I don’t want to have to spend any energy on her any more than I have to. Granger will come around; we’ll mess with her a bit, before we tell her some of the things Dumbledore has done.”

“And if she believes?” Cory asked.

“I still think she’s a bossy, know-it-all Mudblood,” Harry grinned, “and though she has a tendency to be really stupid, she is a powerful witch. Not as powerful as you or Luna or me or Drake, but she is powerful.” He paused and said the password to the Fat Lady—after overhearing it from one of the students—before continuing what he was saying. “Who knows? Our Lord might have some use for her.”

The two looked at each other before erupting into laughter.

“You’re funny Harry,” Cory said between laughter as he and Harry walked into the common room.

“I aim to please,” Harry grinned. “But could you imagine it? Her, working for him.”

“Stop,” Cory clutched at his sides and Harry flicked his wand once more, this time, to cancel the spell that had shielded their conversationfrom any eavesdropping pictures or lurking listeners.

Everyone in the common room stopped what they were doing and looked at the two.

“What’d I tell you?” Harry smirked as he looked over the Gryffindor members.

“And that’s why I didn’t take the bet,” Cory grinned.

Hermione stood up from her seat as she walked over to the two boys.

“Yes?” Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

“You’re really Harry?” Hermione asked as she looked into his green eyes.

“Really Hermione,” Harry rolled his eyes before turning to Cory. “Why again do they call her the smartest witch? I mean, she was at the feast. Did she become stupid or deaf during the short amount of time it took to walk from the Great Hall to the dormitory?”

“I have no idea,” Cory snickered.

Everyone gasped at the cruel words that Harry threw to the person who was his best friend.

“Yes I am Harry,” Harry turned back to Hermione.

“But, at Diagon Alley, you called me...” Hermione shook her head as she recalled the hurtful words Harry and Cory had spoken to her. “Why would you say those things to me? I’m your best friend, why would you insult me like that? How could you?”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. “People change; they grow up, they learn things they never thought to and they do what is best for them. But you should know all about people changing.”

Hermione felt her hackles rise. ‘What is he talking about? There’s no way he knows about everything.’

“Traitor,” Ron snarled as he moved to Hermione’s side. “How could you betray us like that?”

“You dare to speak to Harry about betrayal?” Cory glared at Ron. “Or did you forget about a certain will reading?”

Ron, Hermione and Ginny paled at the words but before either one could respond, Seamus stepped up to them.

“Were you really Neville Longbottom?” he asked.

“Yes,” Cory nodded.

“But,” Seamus’ brows drew together in a frown. “I don’t get it, how can you be Cory LeStrange, if you are Neville Longbottom?”

“Simple,” Cory answered. “I didn’t know I was Cory LeStrange. I spent the last sixteen years believing I was Neville Longbottom. It was only this summer I found out the truth; everything was overwhelming so I left my house and went to Harry’s.”

“You spent the summer with Harry?” Ginny was shocked, as were Ron and Hermione.

“Yes,” Cory nodded. “He was the only I trusted not to freak out.”

“Freak out!” Ron said suddenly. “You’re nothing but a Death Eater spawn and you Harry, how could you spend the summer with him with Bellatrix as his mother?!”

The temperature in the common room dropped as Harry’s eyes darkened. His eyes bore into Ron as he answered him. “Who I spend my summer with Ronald, is of no concern of yours.”

“But Harry,” Hermione spoke up, “what about Diagon Alley? All those things you said and the letter you sent with Hedwig...”

“I meant it all and the letter was a lie,” Harry answered. “As far as I was concerned, our friendship is over. After all, that is what you wanted; a school year without being killed or having your life in danger. We are not friends Granger, you made sure of that.”

Hermione stepped back as if slapped while the rest of Gryffindor looked at her, each wondering exactly what the girl had done to warrant those words from her best friend.

Seeing the looks on their faces, Harry decided to explain. “You all know that Sirius Black was my godfather and that he was wrongfully accused of betraying my parents. You know he broke out of prison to clear his name and to protect me and you also know that he died back in May.”

Everyone nodded. The news of Sirius’ death was known throughout the Wizarding World and the Gryffindor students knew how much Harry loved his godfather.

“Right,” Harry continued, “but what you don’t know is that Granger here wrote me a letter telling me that it was my fault my godfather was killed.”

Horrified gasps echoed throughout the room as everyone stared at Hermione in shock; they couldn’t believe the girl would say that to Harry.

“And if that wasn’t enough,” Cory spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention. “Ronald here wrote to Harry; he was basically telling him he couldn’t be his friend anymore because he wasn’t getting any fame from it.”

Ron turned red in anger and embarrassment and without thinking, he drew his wand on Cory. “Shut up!”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you Weasley,” Cory sneered.

“Harry!” Ginny walked up to him. “Why are you doing this? They already apologized for what they said. We’re your friends.”

“Oh shut up Ginerva,” Harry glared at her and Ginny took a step back. “The only reason you’re here is because you fancy yourself in love with me and you want the prestige that comes with being the girlfriend of the Boy-Who-Lived. I can tell you now that that’s never gonna happen.”

“And what? Malfoy is good for you?” Ginny scowled. “You’re not a faggot!”

“How would you know?” Harry smirked at her and it was so reminiscent of Draco’s that she gasped. “And I suppose you think you are? Sorry, I don’t mingle with whores and that’s all you are.”

“Don’t talk about my sister like that!” Ron snapped and turned his wand on Harry.

“You’re the only one here—and probably the whole school—that doesn’t know that hot crotch here has been sleeping her way through Hogwarts since her third year,” Harry grinned and a few Gryffindors snickered at his description of Ginny.

“Expelliarmus!”Ron shouted, causing everyone, except Cory, to gasp.

Harry watched as the spell came close and made no move to stop it or protect himself. He allowed it to hit its mark and he was sent backwards causing everyone, again with the exception of Cory, to gasp, when his body hit the wall.

Ron held a triumphant grin on his face, satisfaction rolling through him at having hit the great Harry Potter. He lost his grin in a second when Harry stood.

Harry moved to his feet, his head was bowed, but the fury was rolling off him in waves and everyone could hear his magic as it crackled in the air. Harry lifted his head, his eyes darkening to a Slytherin green and the pure malice in them caused people to squeak and whimper in fear; they had never seen such a look on Harry’s face before.

Ron was frozen to the spot, his wand still outstretched as he watched his former best friend stalk towards him. Seeing the danger in the green eyes, in that instant, he understood why Harry had always escaped the Dark Lord and why the crazed man wanted him dead.

Still standing in the same spot, Cory grinned and shook his head; he always knew Ron was a fool but even this was beyond stupid. He wondered if Ron realized that Harry had allowed himself to be hit with the spell and with one look at Ron’s face, he knew he didn’t, but looking at Hermione, he could see that she understood exactly that. He watched as Harry walked towards Ron and was more than thankful that he was on Harry’s good side.

“That feeling of satisfaction you had as the spell connected, remember it,” Harry’s voice was soft and calm and that was worse than if he had been yelling as the rage seemed to be even more amplified. “For that will be the first and last time an attack from you will ever touch me. Consider this your warning Weasley, we are no longer friends; you raise your wand against me again and I will not hesitate to retaliate. From this point on, you are as insignificant to me as flying is to Trelawney. Understood?”

Ron trembled slightly from the feel of Harry’s power and could only nod his head.

“Good,” Harry smiled and it was too dark to be kind and Ron’s trembling increased.

Hermione stepped to Ron and grabbed his arm, pulling him away from Harry and towards one of the chairs in the corner. Everyone moved out of their way before turning back to Harry.

Some of the Gryffindors stared at Harry fearfully, some stared at him in awe, but they all moved out of his way as he walked over to the couch in front of the fireplace to sit, Cory joining him.

Cory noticed that some, if not all, of them were still looking at him weirdly and with a hint of betrayal so he sighed and decided to explain. “Look guys, I understand that some of are confused and probably feeling betrayed about me being Cory LeStrange, but I can’t help it. The truth of the matter is, like I said earlier, I didn’t even know. When I found out at the beginning of summer, I had to talk to someone and Harry was the only one I could think of that wouldn’t judge me about it.”

“But Nev—I mean Cory,” Dean spoke up, “it is a little hard to accept and understand.”

Cory said nothing at first and just looked at them, but inwardly he was smirking. This was the perfect opening. Placing a sorrowful look on his face, he continued. “But how do you think I feel? I spent my whole life believing my parents were Frank and Alice Longbottom; that they were heroes—Aurors—but instead, I find out that my real parents are not those heroes, but are actually two of the most notorious followers of You-Know-Who. It was a huge shock.”

Some people, girls mostly, nodded in sympathy; having to find out that you’re not who you thought you were and that you’re real parents were Death Eaters...they could understand his shock.

“So Harry,” Parvati cleared her throat before continuing. “That scene during the feast, was that real? Are you and Malfoy really together?”

Harry looked at her for a few seconds, causing the girl to wonder if he would answer her. “Yes.”

“But how?” Parvati asked. “Why? I thought you were rivals, that you hated each other?”

“We were rivals,” Harry answered. “But I never hated him. Draco and I met up over the summer and we talked things out. Surprising I know, but without all the pressure that was at school, we realized we never hated each other.”

The Gryffindors looked at each other before looking back at the two boys.

“We’re not asking you guys to go up and befriend Draco or to suddenly trust me,” Cory said, “but, if Harry could see past who my parents are and still be my friend and we could forgive Draco for how he acted in the past and move on from it, then you guys could consider doing the same.”

Some were still eyeing them with distrust, but neither boy cared. What they cared about was the fact that some of the students seemed to be listening to what they said.

“How did you guys get so muscled?” Seamus bounded over to them, eyes moving from each boy to the next. “I mean, you guys got gorgeous, or in Harry’s case, even more so.”

Cory and Harry laughed at the Irish boy’s words and relaxed even further into their seats. Seamus’ question seemed to put the others at ease—though Ron, Ginny and Hermione still casted distrustful looks towards them—and the rest of the night was spent with everyone talking about their summers before they all drifted off to bed.

~...~

The next morning, Harry and Cory walked out of Gryffindor tower talking to each other. As were the case last night, students stopped and whispered as they passed and they knew that what had happened last night in the common room had been kept secret, which naturally meant that the whole school now knew about it.

As they walked down the corridors, Luna joined up with them and they continued on. As they neared the Great Hall, they spotted Draco coming from the direction of the dungeons; he was walking with Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe, Goyle and the rest of the Slytherins. The prefects had already taken the students on the tour and had met up with Draco and the others on their way to the Great Hall.

When the Slytherin group saw them, a smile lit up Draco’s face and he quickened his pace slightly.

“Hey,” Harry smiled as he drew Draco into his arms. “I missed you last night.”

“Me too,” Draco admitted with a smile as he placed a quick kiss on Harry’s lips. “I’ve gotten so used to sleeping next to you that it felt strange sleeping alone.”

“I know the feeling,” Harry grinned before turning to the other Slytherins. “Pansy, Blaise.”

“Morning Harry,” Pansy smiled. “Any chance of seeing you two kiss some more?”

“Pervert,” Luna grinned at the brunette.

“You know it,” Pansy laughed, “besides, you know if you didn’t consider Harry your brother you’d find it hot too.”

“Astute point Ms. Parkinson,” Luna conceded with a smile and a nod of her head before turning to the girl next to Blaise. “I see our Snakes have already started taking good care of you Gabriella, especially the prince himself.”

“How did you know that that was my name?” Gabi questioned as she looked at the blonde girl with suspicion. “If I recall, you arrived at the feast after the sorting was over.”

“Word of advice,” Cory grinned.”Don’t try to think too much on it. It’s just how Luna is.”

“Luna’s a bit clairvoyant,” Pansy grinned.

“Ahh,” Gabi nodded with a smile. “Understood.”

“Italian?” Harry questioned as he shifted his arm to wrap around Draco’s shoulder.

“Yes,” Gabi nodded. She looked over Harry and couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing; she had thought Draco was gorgeous, but his boyfriend was even more so. With his jet black, shoulder length wavy hair, Avada Kedavra green eyes and muscled physique, Harry Potter was the absolute epitome of gorgeousness; with his tanned skin tone, he was like a Greek God come back to life. Alone, each boy was handsome in their own right, but together, they made a very striking picture; they were like night and day with Harry’s dark features—from his hair to his body—and Draco’s light features from his hair also to his body, which although was tanned, it wasn’t as tanned as Harry’s.

“You guys make a breathtaking couple,” Gabi smiled.

“They do, don’t they?” Blaise grinned as he leered at the couple, though he kept his distance, not wanting to provoke Harry.

“Are we going to breakfast or not?” Theo interrupted. “You know how Snape gets.” He walked up and stopped next to Harry. “Theodore Nott.”

“Harry Potter,” Harry held out his hand for a shake. “Please to meet you.”

“Same,” Theo nodded before turning to Luna and Cory.

“Luna Lovegood,” Luna waved with a smile.

“Corvus LeStrange,” Cory grinned, “but you can call me Cory.”

“And now that that’s out of the way,” Harry smiled. “I’m hungry. Let’s go.”

The group turned and headed towards the Great Hall’s entrance and their arrival into the Great Hall drew everyone’s attention, teachers included, and deafening silence followed.

“Slytherin or Gryffindor?” Luna asked.

While the other Slytherins headed to the table, Draco, Harry, Luna, Cory, Blaise, Pansy and Gabi stood where they were. At Luna’s questioned, they noticed that while the Slytherins looked at them impassively, the rest of the students were torn. Especially the Gryffindors; half were looking at them with fear and anger and the other half with nothing. The former telling Harry and Cory that Ron had possibly gotten to them even more.

“Hey Harry, Cory,” Seamus grinned as he got up from his seat and walked over to them. Behind him, Ron scowled darkly, but made no move to say anything.

“Hey Seamus,” Harry greeted.

“You guys sitting with us this morning or with the others?” Seamus asked.

“Let’s not give anyone any heart attacks,” Draco said. “We’ll sit with Slytherin, you guys can go.”

Harry looked at his boyfriend, his head cocked to the side, looking very adorable to many of the girls and some of the boys. “You sure?”

“Very,” Draco nodded before squeezing Harry’s hand reassuringly. “Go.”

“Alright,” Harry smiled at him before heading to the table with Cory and Luna. Some of the Gryffindors moved out of their way, but they didn’t care. Seamus moved from his spot to sit in front of them, and he was followed by Dean—no surprise as the dark-skinned boy was his best friend—Lavender, Parvati and surprisingly Romilda Vane.

Harry was talking with Seamus when he felt the pressure on his mind and he instinctively knew who it was. Knowing what he had to do, he allowed the person entry, making sure to place a false memory—one that was of his summer and doing his outside chores, and of the Dursleys leaving him at home—to the forefront. Keeping with his act, he allowed a grimace to dominate his face as he moved his hand to his forehead to rub it. After a few more seconds, he frowned before he forcefully expelled them, turning just in time to the staff table to see Albus blanch and rock backwards slightly. He glared slightly at the man as he recalled the conversation he had had with Voldemort just after they spoke about his wanting to punish Umbridge.

Across the hall at the Slytherin table, Draco’s eyes narrowed in curiosity when he saw the glare his boyfriend was throwing at the Headmaster and vowed to speak with the dark-haired teen later.

~...~

Up at the staff table, Albus watched the proceedings with narrow eyes, the famous twinkling missing from them. He kept his gaze on the Gryffindor table where Harry was sitting with Cory and the others, his gaze boring into Harry as he usedLegilimency. He saw the memories—not knowing they’re planted—and noticed the way Harry grimaced and frowned before he felt himself being thrown from the boy’s mind, the force of it causing him to blanch and rock backwards.

When he regained his composure, he frowned in contemplation at the slight glare on the teen’s face.

‘What is going on?’ he thought. ‘There is no way he is aware of everything I have done. He is more than likely angry at what those Weasley brats told him about the will reading.’ He gaze shifted from Harry to Cory to the Slytherin table and he frowned. ‘I must speak with him and nip these relationships in the bud. It does not do well for the Saviour to be associated with children of Death Eaters. A few Compulsion Charms and a little guilt trip will work perfectly.’

He turned to his second in command. “Minerva, when you hand out the schedules, inform Harry that he is to see me in my office after classes this afternoon but before dinner.”

“Very well Albus,” Minerva nodded before she turned back to her meal.

~...~

Harry took his eyes off the Headmaster and focused back on his breakfast. He felt eyes on him and turned to look at Cory, who held a concerned look within his eyes. He nodded, to let him know he was alright. Luna-who was sitting between Harry and Cory—was talking to Romilda when she stopped suddenly and turned to look at Harry.

“Luna girl?” Harry looked into his sister’s eyes and took in the sudden gleam of delight that lit them up.

Luna’s gaze drifted to the ceiling before back down to Harry and she smiled a small smile—it was the smile of someone about to delight in destruction—before leaning in close to Harry. “The students are about to get a glimpse into the world of revenge on the Dark side.”

Harry’s brows furrowed in confusion for a split second before they cleared as realization hit him and a predatory grin came across his face. He looked around the Great Hall, taking in the relaxed yet slightly strained—some students were still throwing wary looks in his direction—atmosphere and knew that it was about to change. These students were going to get a wake-up call as the reality of the war was about to hit home, if they had already forgotten about the events in the middle of summer; those Giant and Inferi attacks, the various disappearances and murders, the great Dartford Crossing Bridge collapsing...

On cue, the flapping of wings drew the students’ attention to the owls flying towards them; in their talons, some held packages, while most held the morning post. The post was dropped on the tables in front of the students and they reached for them.

Harry looked around once more and caught Draco’s gaze; he glanced quickly at the paper before glancing back at the blonde, the smile still on his face and he watched as recognition hit Draco and a thin smile made its way across the aristocratic features.

There was a rustling of paper as students opened up the Daily Prophet and soon enough, there was a scream from the Hufflepuff table before others echoed throughout the hall.

“Oh my God!” Hermione’s voice sounded and people turned to her.

“What is it?” another Gryffindor asked.

“Read the paper,” Hermione instructed. People did and shocked and disgusted gasps sounded.

Smiling, Harry picked up his own paper and opened it, grinning at the headline;

Former Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge Murdered!

Is nobody safe anymore?!

Early yesterday morning, when the employees of the Daily Prophet showed up to work, they were greeted by a gruesome and horrifying sight. Sitting upon the steps of the Prophet was the severed head of the former Senior Undersecretary to the former Minister for Magic, Dolores Umbridge—who was abducted in the middle of Diagon Alley on the evening of August twenty-eighth. But what made the gruesome discovery even more horrifying was the message inscribed on Umbridge’s face from one cheek over to the other;

This vile woman was punished because of her crimes against children and werewolves.

And that was not everything. The already shocked employees saw something that, if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, they never would have believed it; reaching down from her hairline, over her forehead down to the bridge of her nose and into her mouth was a terribly familiar and feared black marking; the Dark Mark! It looks like a skull with a snake coming out of its mouth, the snake slithering around the dead Madam Umbridge’s bloody, bitten through lips in a figure 8!

“The state of the mutilated head, smeared with blood and dirt and the frozen, swollen features, speak of a most dreadful, painful death,” said Auror Barnaby Proudfoot, who was the first official to examine the grisly find.

It is no secret that during her time as Undersecretary to former Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge that Umbridge made a few enemies, but still, one cannot help but to wonder what it was exactly the woman had done and who had in turn done this to her. Was this the work of You-Know-Who? Was this done by a Dark side supporter? Or are we dealing with someone else entirely who wants to place the blame elsewhere? When questioned, Minister Scrimgeour had this to say;

“Despite her many faults, former Undersecretary Umbridge was a citizen and if she had indeed done crimes against children, then such crimes should have been reported to the proper authorities. We do not deal with vigilantes. If this is indeed a work of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, then it is added onto his list of crimes against the British Wizarding World. He started a war, but we will finish it.”

The minister had no more to say. If this was truly, You-Know-Who’s work, then Umbridge becomes another casualty on those who have been killed by the Dark side. Further details about the investigation of this capital crime—and first statements of various concerned citizens and Ministry employees, about the possible meaning of the message and reasons for the murder—are on pages 6, 8 and 9.

Harry grinned as he read the paper before he wiped the smile from his face—though his eyes still held a triumphant look—and looked around. The horrified looks on both students and teachers filled him with joy as he had accomplished exactly what he has set out to do. He was pleased to note that most students seemed to be shocked, but that on several faces, there was unmistakable glee at Umbridge’s fate; he even heard some faint whispers about how she deserved it and that they would like to thank whoever had gotten rid of her. His gaze rested on Hermione and he could see the horror and disbelief on her face and he couldn’t help but to shake his head; that’s why the girl couldn’t last a day as a soldier of the Dark side.

Hermione looked up and caught his eyes and he knew she caught the satisfaction in his features and he could almost see the indignation and rant build inside her and he knew she would be after him sometime soon—he couldn’t wait.

A/N 2: and that was chapter twelve. Really sorry it took so long to get it out, but we did. So, now that you’ve read, review so we can know what you thought.

Thanks to all of you for reading and reviewing and loving our story. And remember to go to Tonks-is-Cool profile page (<<http:// www. fanfiction.net/u /1957989/ Tonks_is_cool>>**remove the spaces) where you will find Just Talking, SIOS IV. That details continuation of LV’s and HP’s talk in the Malfoy Gardens and a mission for Harry.

(*)I have no idea who this quote belongs to, but I do love it. If anyone knows who spoke it, please let me know *smiles* lots of hugs and kisses to you guys...
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Rise of the Dark Angel