Some Dangerous Liaisons

A/N: Hey, Hey, Hey! I'm baaaaaaaackkkkkk...

Yes people, you thought you had gotten rid of me, but I am back. I just felt the love and contempt for "The Ties That Bind", and so I felt compelled to torture you all further with my fucked up drama...as several reviewers pointed out to me.

LMAO.

A couple of points of clarification though...cuz some folks are just "confuzzled" by some things.

#1. Draco, Ginny and the gold eyes. Draco polyjuiced himself as Ginny, using her hair from the invisibilty cloak when she had stolen it. So yes, he was Ginny when he arrived, but morphed into Draco. When he left, he became Ginny again, but is now being affected by the demon presence, as is Harry. Hence the golden eyes. When he looked at his reflection in the window, he saw Ginny's face but with gold eyes. He realized that the demon is now part of him as well. The voice he spoke in was that of the demon's at the end of that chapter. Hope that clears that up.

#2. Draco's new and renewed hatred of Mudbloods and Werewolves. He has always hated them both. That's not a shock. He now views them as the ones who have taken Harry away from him first by death (Justin-Mudblood) and then the werewolf who poisoned Harry and started this whole mess. His now siding with Voldemort is the culmination of his anger and grief. He's not rationally thinking and he's got a demon hanging around his gut. So for the reveiwers who found his "changing" odd, it's not a change at all. He simply grasped at his deep rooted prejudice and made it personal.

Hope you enjoy! Because just as I was saving this, my flash drive decided to be an ass and not save my final version and wiped it from it's banks. I spent 10 mins looking for this document. I was about to say fuck it...I wasn't typing this all over. But I love you guys way too much and the force of my love brought my chapter back.

So as proof you love me back, hit that snazzy little review button at the bottom.

Kisses!


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Law...but no Fucking Order

Hermione hurried through the bowels of the Ministry, hoping that she hadn't missed anything. It hadn't been easy getting away from school, what with helping with the hexed students and repairing the damage that the House battle had caused. A lot of the work was beyond her scope to fix. The Ministry had sent over engineering experts to try and fix some of the wards, but it hadn't been going very well. It had been a week, and still no one could quite figure out what Harry had done to the school.

No one even knew what was going on with Harry. The only word had been that he was in St. Mungo's. Hermione had sobbed in relief when she had found out Harry was still alive. She hadn't been allowed to see him, but was assured by McGonagall that he was in good hands. Hermione wasn't sure she believed the old witch.

After everything that had happened, she wasn't sure of anything anymore

She sighed when she saw the small crowd gathered outside the Wizengamot room. She scanned the crowd quickly and caught a glimpse of Tonks.

She rushed up to the brown-haired Auror. "Tonks? Have I missed anything?"

Tonks looked at her and gave her a kind smile. "No, Hermione. We're starting shortly. Molly, Arthur and the family are all ready inside. You'll join them?"

Hermione hesitated. She still hadn't spoke to Ron in several weeks and her fall-out with Ginny still rankled. Hermione wasn't sure if she could forgive her former friend for contributing to Harry's addiction and allowing the one person who may be able to help him escape.

"No. I don't think I will be. But I'm here to support them as best I can."

Tonks gave her a strange look, but didn't say anything else. She was looking over Hermione's head at someone behind her.

Hermione turned and saw Remus. He gave them both a smile and walked over to them.

Tonks smiled weakly. "Hello, Remus. You best be getting inside. It's about to start."

Remus nodded and he glanced at Hermione. "Join me, Hermione?"

Hermione nodded gratefully and followed the man inside the chambers.

They entered the dark and foreboding chamber and Hermione was able to quickly make out the red hair of the Weasley family. Molly sat stiff and upright, her eyes darting back and forth, obviously looking for some sign of Ginny. Percy stood on the opposite side of the courtroom, not looking in his family's direction, even though Arthur stood not ten feet away from him, speaking quietly to some Ministry official. Ron sat slumped against the back of his chair, while the twins glared at several witches and wizards who were undoubtedly giving condolences to Molly. Bill and Charlie sat by their mother's side, not speaking.

Sitting in the very next pew, was a dark haired man and woman. Hermione instantly recognized the woman as Pansy's mother. Pansy was the exact replica of the woman. Missus Parkinson sat with her head high, even though several people were giving her cruel smirks and whispers were rising all around her. Mister Parkinson looked dazed and the few Ministry officials that nodded at him, seemed embarrassed to even be talking to him.

A rapping at the front had Hermione whipping her head around and she saw Minister Scrimgeour signaling for quiet and attention.

Percy hurried to his side and handed him some parchments. The lion-faced minister looked over the parchments and then spoke gruffly,

"Bring them in."

Two sets of Aurors entered the room from the left, bringing Ginny and Pansy. Both girls looked small and frail in their drab gray robes, but at least they weren't dressed in the Azkaban prison uniform.

Tonks was walking beside Ginny, and the Auror stared stone-faced ahead as she ushered Ginny to the chair that sat facing the Wizengamot. The chair's magical restraints unraveled themselves and curled around Ginny's arms and legs. Ginny didn't even budge but Pansy squirmed irritably against them. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears.

A low murmuring rushed through the crowd, but Scrimgeour started speaking.

"Let us begin, then. Miss Ginerva Weasley and Miss Pansy Parkinson, both of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry you have both been charged with using Unforgiveables. Do you have solicitors present?"

Arthur stepped forward and said, "Yes, Minister. I am here for the defense of Miss Weasley."

There was another wave of murmuring, so loud that the Minister had to tap his wand and glare at the assembled.

"This is highly irregular, Mister Weasley. You are aware that defending a family member is both illogical and highly inappropriate. And seeing that the accused is your daughter-"

"Which makes what I'm doing even more appropriate. I am her father."

"Exactly. Arthur...I would advise you to not take this on. You are not a solicitor." Scrimgeour said, not unkindly.

Arthur looked at Ginny and smiled tenderly at her. "I have to help any way that I can."

Ginny looked sad for a moment, but then smiled at her father. "Dad, it's okay. You don't have to do this. I admit what I've done. I did cast the curse. I cast it against Draco Malfoy."

A collective gasp swept around the room and Scrimgeour shouted for immediate silence.

"Miss Weasley, you do understand that any admittance of guilt will be held against you?"

Ginny nodded firmly, but Molly rose from her seat and cried out, "Ginny! No, don't say anything else!"

Ginny looked at her mother and shook her head. "No, Mum. I'm not going to lie or hide. Malfoy was a danger to Harry. I was only trying to help him."

At this Pansy turned and glared at her. "Draco wasn't going to hurt Potter! You know that as well as I do! You only cast that curse so that you'd have Potter all to yourself! Don't bother to lie now, Weasley!"

The pitch of conversation in the courtroom was deafening. Scrimgeour banged his gavel again, but the noise continued unabated.

Ginny huffed, but Pansy went ahead. "You came to me with this whole thing about Draco and Potter! You hatched this plan to break them up, you bought the drugs and you tried to kill my fiancée! You deserved that curse, Weasley!!"

Missus Parkinson stood up then. "Pansy!"

Several Aurors headed towards the mothers, who were both trying to get out of the pews.

Scrimgeour, whose face was purpling now, roared, "I will have order!! This instant!"

Ginny's face was flushed, but she laughed at Pansy. "My only regret is that I didn't kill that piece of shit! But now he's in more trouble than I am, isn't he? Killing Justin like that!"

Pansy twisted in her bonds. "Like Potter isn't!! He killed Theodore Nott!! And Blaise Zabini!!!"

There was suddenly a deafening silence in the courtroom.

Everyone was staring at the two of them.

"What did you say, Miss Parkinson?" Scrimgeour said, his face paling. He looked at Ginny. "And you, Miss Weasley."

Ginny glanced at Pansy, who suddenly was looking down at her hands.

Neither girl responded.

A voice shouted from the stands. "It was Potter who ruined my Blaise??"

Hermione turned her head and stared at the speaker. A beautiful witch wearing ridiculously expensive robes and jewelry was standing up. An elder balding wizard who looked like a Muggle butler tried to grab her hand.

"Demonia, nooo!" He hissed, but the woman was already standing.

"Potter has maimed my Blaise! Why isn't he here?? Where's his trial?" She shouted, her voice booming across the room.

Zabini's mother, Hermione realized. She swallowed hard as she thought of Harry ripping through Blaise's chest and the gurgled choking of the young man.

"He's the wizarding world's Golden Boy! But he's almost killed my son! And he killed Hazel Nott's son! She's too depressed to even get out of bed! But no one is arresting him!"

The rumble of the courtroom grew loud again. Scrimgeour was hastily talking to several wizards sitting around him.

"There's no proof of what happened at that school!" Someone else shouted.

"And what of Finch-Fletchley! Where's Draco Malfoy!! You know that Malfoy spawn had something to do with that boy getting killed!"

"Potter is being protected by Dumbledore and the Ministry!! He needs to speak on what he knows!"

Remus was standing up now and was trying to catch Arthur's eye. Arthur was gaping open-mouthed around the courtroom and more people began shouting out horrible things about various Ministry conspiracies.

Scrimgeour began shouting again for silence. Demonia had pushed her way down the pews and was now on the floor, shouting at the Minister to arrest Potter. Several Aurors had now rushed forward to restrain her, which sent Violet Parkinson out of her seat to try and help her.

"Get your hands off of her! She speaks the truth! Ask those kids what happened! My daughter says Potter killed Theo and Blaise!" She pushed the nearest Auror, who happened to be Kingsley Shacklebolt. The man turned on her and grabbed her arms, pushing her back.

Another woman, who looked a lot like Vincent Crabbe, shouted, "Look at that! Aurors man-handling the mother of a victim!"

Kingsley glared at the woman, while Violet Parkinson writhed under his grasp. "Let me go! I'm going to sue the Ministry! And Hogwarts!! Allowing students to run amuck and kill each other! Where was Dumbledore during all of this! Why didn't he stop this from happening!"

Scrimgeour shouted at the Aurors to remove everyone from the courtroom, immediately.

Hermione felt Remus grab her hand and pull her to her feet. "Come on," he said hurriedly.

Hermione fell in behind Remus as he drug her from the courtroom, amidst the jostling crowd. She caught a glimpse of Ginny and Pansy, who were being escorted away through a door away from the crowd. Molly was trying to hold onto her hand, while Charlie was rubbing her shoulders.

Once out into the hallway, Remus turned to look at her. "Hermione, I know I don't have to tell you that this is very bad. We've been hoping to avoid this as long as possible."

"Can they really arrest him? He's sick though. Won't that make a difference?"

"Yes they can. I don't know Scrimgeour well enough to make a judgment call. Fudge would've arrested Harry a long time ago. Just to make it look like he was doing something. But with Voldemort on the loose, how would it look to arrest Harry now? But anything can happen now."

Hermione looked worried. "When can I see him, Professor Lupin? I won't stay long and I won't upset him, I promise."

Remus touched her arm. "Maybe we can go today."

Hermione's eyes brightened. "Really? Oh thank you, Professor! I've been so worried."

Remus nodded solemnly. "I know you have, but Dumbledore thought it best to wait until the Healers could do something for him."

A commotion broke out at the door and they both turned to look. Aurors were still wrestling with Demonia, her companion and several other witches and wizards. By the looks of them, they were parents of some of the Slytherins.

Remus started towards the door when he saw Molly and Arthur attempted to squeeze out. Demonia had turned and shouted at Molly.

"Your daughter tried to kill Narcissa's son! And you call us Death Eaters!"

Arthur glared and Molly gaped incredulously at her. "Don't you talk about my Ginny! She was Crucio'd by that other girl! She suffered too!"

A hand reached out and slapped Molly's face. The twins roared in anger and surged forward and the rowdy crowd jostled and pushed. Hermione saw Remus grab one of the twins, while Arthur tugged on Molly to pull her away from the woman who had slapped her. Ron was holding Fred, who was snarling at some wizard, who was pointing at them angrily.

Tonks and Shacklebolt were trying to herd everyone out of the courtroom. Dawlish was being shoved by an elderly wizard who could barely stand upright.

"Young whippersnapper! Take your hands from me!"

Percy Weasley appeared in the doorway, shouting that he had the authority to authorize arrests of everyone. This earned him glares from everyone, but sent some of the crowd moving away from the doors and down the corridor.

Hermione looked around for Remus, not wanting to lose sight of him in the midst of all the commotion. She finally saw him, standing with Arthur, who was trying to console Molly. Missus Weasley was on the verge of tears; whether from anger or grief it was hard to tell.

A ginger-haired twin stormed by, followed by another. Hermione watched as Fred and George stomped down the corridor. Charlie and Bill strode behind them; their faces marred by worry lines. Bill nodded at Hermione and kept walking.

A shadow loomed in her field of vision and she turned to find herself looking into Ron's fierce blue eyes.

"Hermione," he said tentatively. "I didn't know you were coming."

Hermione's cheeks flared pink. "I...just wanted to be supportive, that's all. You Mum and Dad have been really great to me."

Ron stiffened and then said, "I guess you're saying that no one else in my family has."

Hermione frowned. "Not lately, no."

Ron shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry, okay!"

Hermione stared at him. "Sorry for what, Ron? Ignoring me all year, calling me names, telling lies about me and Harry?"

Ron's face darkened. "I never told any lies about you! You did shag that git, Seamus!"

Hermione shook her head. "You never talked to me about it, Ron! You just assumed it was true! And then you said all those things about Harry! And you knew he was sick, Ron!"

Ron hung his head, his teeth worried over his bottom lip. He looked up at Hermione and she saw his blue eyes look bright.

"Ron?"

She reached out to touch his shoulder and he flinched. He swallowed hard and said softly, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I was angry...and...and hurt that we...You didn't want me anymore and everything just went bonkers. I was mad at Harry for hurting my sister! You didn't see everything that she went through! But I didn't know how sick he was! I didn't know how sick she was! Harry was always so strong and he could handle anything...I didn't know!"

Ron quickly brought his hand up and brushed his face. Hermione realized that Ron was crying.

He took a gulp of air. "Now, Mum's a basket case again, just like when Percy left the family! Ginny might go to Azkaban! And she's talking like a crazy person, Hermione! She says she doesn't care what happens to her, that she wants to die if she can't have Harry! And Harry! What's happened to him, Hermione? I feel like the worst person in the world for not being there for him. He needed me and I...turned my back on him...again."

Ron looked miserable and Hermione felt her anger towards him evaporate like mist. She took his hand.

"Harry still needs us, Ron. You can still be there for him. Professor Lupin still needs help with finding a cure and how to find the female werewolf that can help us. He even said that Snape is even helping."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "Snape is helping? Now I really feel like a monster."

"Don't, okay? We both have let Harry down, but we can be there now. Lupin was just telling me that he was going to let me see Harry today."

A hopeful look came across Ron's face. "I'd...like to go with you, Hermione."

She smiled slowly. "I'd like that. And so would Harry."


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Remus walked down the corridor of St. Mungo's with Ron and Hermione trailing after him at a fast pace.

Things hadn't gone well at the Ministry at all. Arthur had told them that the Wizengamot was going to rule in a closed session. No one was allowed in after the debacle of the morning. They would know by day's end what Ginny and Pansy's fate would be.

As the trio neared the ward, several reporters surged forward, blocking their way into the wing. Rita Skeeter leading them.

"Aren't you, Remus Lupin? The werewolf Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts? Weren't you escaped convict and murderer Sirius Black's best friend? Aren't you now Harry Potter's godfather? Were you a witness to his ripping out the heart of one Blaise Zabini and breaking the neck of Theodore Nott?"

Remus snarled at her and the rest of the reporters pushed forward eagerly. "Is that your werewolf side coming out, Professor Lupin?" One reporter asked quickly.

"NO," he retorted. "That's my pissed side coming out. Excuse us, please." He tried to push passed them, but they crowded around, shoving quills in his face.

"Isn't that one of the Weasleys?" Another reporter shouted out and several turned to stare at Ron, whose face turned bright red.

"Your sister is going to Azkaban! How do you feel, Mister Weasley?"

"Your family is known in pureblood circles as blood traitors. Was this revenge against one of the most pureblood families out there, the Malfoys?"

"Did Ginny really kill Malfoy and this "escape" of his is really just a ruse to cover up his murder?"

"Are you here to visit your accomplice, Harry Potter?"

Ron's eyes blazed in anger and he shouted, "SHUT UP! None of that is true! She didn't kill anybody!"

"But Harry did?"

Hermione grabbed Ron's arm. "Ron! Don't say another word! Come on!" She pulled him away, just as several healers came down the corridor.

An elderly healer in blue robes looked outraged. "You reporters are going to have to leave! We will not have you harassing patients or their visitors!! Get out!"

Rita pressed forward into his face. "Is it true that St. Mungo's staff is hording Harry Potter here? Hiding his misdeeds behind some made-up illness? Is it true that he sent several medi-witches to the hospital wing themselves??"

"Well, I never-" he gasped out. "Completely untrue!"

Hermione managed to pull Ron away from the distracted reporters. Remus was busy shoving a reporter out of the way, ignoring the loud calls of "reporter brutality by werewolves."

Ron growled again at another reporter who tried to grab his cloak, but Hermione had pulled her wand and cast a Shield Charm, preventing the man from touching Ron. The bolted into the ward and Ron shot a Stinging Hex at Rita, who was still shouting at the head healer. Remus had fought his way to the door behind them and slammed it shut.

"Are you two okay?" Remus asked, taking great heaving breaths.

They both nodded and Ron sputtered out angrily, "What the devil was that? Can they just flock here like that?"

"They are not allowed in the actual wards. But outside them is just as disruptive. Hopefully the staff will have them removed."

"I hope they haven't been able to get in here to see Harry. I know he'd be very upset." Hermione said hotly.

Remus walked the length of the ward, being mindful of the patients who were craning their heads around trying to see what all the fuss was about.

A young apprentice healer met them at the door of the private room.

"Mister Potter is taking a walk with Healer McElroy. We allow him to get some sunshine once a day."

Ron hissed and Hermione said tersely, "Is this a prison? Why is he only allowed out once a day?"

The apprentice looked flustered for a moment. "Are you family?" She asked suspiciously.

"Yeah!" Ron said, puffing out his chest. "We have a right to see him!"

Remus chuckled softly. "It's okay, you two. I am Harry's acting godfather. Is he in the yard?"

The apprentice nodded, but glared at Ron and Hermione who weren't that much younger than she was.

The girl waved her wand and another door appeared near the one they were standing by. Remus pushed it open and directed Ron and Hermione through it.

It opened into a large courtyard filled with benches, trees and flowers. Sunlight gleamed brightly and birds chirped in the trees.

There were several patients that sat amongst the benches, talking with friends, family or healers.

Ron pointed. "There he is." A smile lit his face upon seeing his best friend.

Hermione's eyes glowed with happiness and she started forward, but Remus put out his hand.

They both turned to look at him, wariness in their eyes.

"Harry is...well...just don't expect a lot. I should've told you sooner. He's pretty drugged right now, but he's able to talk. He may not recognize you at first, but just be patient, okay?"

Hermione put her hand to her mouth and tears filled her eyes. "Oh, Professor!"

Ron swallowed, but took Hermione's hand. "At least he's alive, Hermione. It could be a lot worse."

The trio headed across the grass to the small bench. Healer McElroy, a tall balding wizard with a beard, stood nearby, talking to another healer. The second healer was scribbling notes down on paper.

Harry sat on the bench, his hands and feet cuffed with leather bonds that were emitting some sort of magical buzz. His green eyes were staring off into the sunlight, watching a bird chirp on a branch.

Remus walked up to him and nodded at Healer McElroy, who walked over to join them.

"Remus, glad to see you came. Harry is having a pretty good day."

"I brought his friends. They have been wanting to see him."

The healer nodded. "It's good for him to see friends. Gives him some pleasant thoughts."

Remus continued talking to the healer while Hermione approached Harry cautiously.

"Harry? It's Hermione. And Ron is here with me."

Ron stepped into Harry's view, his heart hammering in his chest. He'd been a total prat to his friend and now Harry was sitting like a zombie in St. Mungo's.

"Hey Harry," Ron said quietly.

Harry's eyes never left the tree.

Hermione gave Ron an anxious look. He licked his lips nervously and shrugged his shoulders.

Hermione moved to Harry's side and sat down next to him.

"Harry, can you hear me? How are you feeling?"

Harry continued to stare at the tree.

Hermione sighed and looked at Ron again. Ron reached out and touched Harry's shoulder.

"Look, Harry. You're my best mate! I screwed up royally this year with you! I'm sorry for that, Harry. I should've known that you weren't yourself and that Malfoy wasn't himself either."

Hermione let out a gasp. "Harry?"

Harry was slowly turning his head towards her. Hermione waited anxiously. "Hermione?"

Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Yes, Harry! It's me!" She grabbed him into a bear hug, crushing his head against her chest.

Harry's hand slowly came up and touched Hermione's hair. "Hermione."

Ron was biting his lip and Hermione waved him around to her side. He walked around to her and she pulled away from him.

"Harry? It's Ron." He kneeled down in front of him and took his hand.

Harry blinked slowly and his voice came out a drawl. "Ronnnnn."

Ron fought back tears and he nodded frantically. "Yes, Harry. It's me, Ron."

A slow smile tugged at the corners of Harry's mouth. "Hermione and Ron." He raised his other hand and touched Ron's hair.

Hermione burst into tears and Ron finally let his fall. He lowered his head and silent tears fell to the ground at Harry's feet. His shoulders shook and Hermione clung to Harry, sobbing onto his shoulder, while she embraced him.

Harry sat quietly, while his friends sobbed on him. His mind registered that they were there, but it was like being in a fog, and he was desperately searching to find his way out.

Remus walked up to them and handed Hermione some tissue to wipe her face.

"Harry? It's Remus."

Harry slowly turned to look at him. "Remussss."

Hermione discreetly passed tissue to Ron, who hurriedly wiped his face. He stood up and asked, "Why is he like that? Is it the illness?"

Remus shook his head. "No, it's the drugs and the potions he's on. And Healer McElroy was explaining how these bands are working. They are neutralizing his magic, but it keeps him pretty incoherent most of the time. Without the drugs, he'd be pretty unstable. You saw the kind of magic he displayed at Hogwarts. It would be powerful, out of his control and extremely dangerous."

"But that's so unfair! How long will he be like this?"

Remus sighed. "Unless we find a cure, for the rest of his life."

Ron frowned and Hermione let out a little moan. She looked at Harry. "We have to do something! We can't let him stay this way."

Remus nodded and then beckoned them away from Harry. His head turned slowly, following their movements, his eyes shining and glazed, a little smile playing at his lips.

Remus lowered his voice and said, "It may be better that Harry stay this way, at least for now. You saw what happened at the trial today. If Scrimgeour decides he wants to investigate deeper and Harry goes to court, he may be sent to Azkaban."

"In his condition??" Ron snapped, incredulous. "It's not his fault!"

"We know that, but most people don't even know what Harry has. If he goes to Azkaban, he definitely won't get the care that he needs. So just pray that things stay under wraps for right now. Dumbledore was afraid that things may get out of hand, especially with Blaise and Theo's families, wanting revenge."

"What about Malfoy??" Ron asked, hotly. "My sister is on trial for trying to kill that git, but he's free to run around after killing Justin?"

Remus rubbed his temples. "It's complicated, Ron. There's still a lot that had been going on. Draco is under the influence of the same demon that Harry is."

Hermione's mouth fell open and Ron uttered an expletive. "Malfoy's possessed by a demon??" Hermione whispered.

"This is just fucking great!" Ron yelled. "Malfoy is already mean enough, now he's a demon too? My sister should've killed him!"

Hermione looked horrified and Remus rolled his eyes. "Ron, enough. This was no more Draco's fault, then Harry's. And no, your sister shouldn't have killed him. That would mean she would never leave Azkaban."

Ron looked properly chagrined as he thought about what he had said. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But Malfoy is still a git and he did kill Justin. So what's going to happen to him?"

Remus shrugged. "I don't know, Ron. This has all been a huge mess!"

Hermione asked, "We'll help you do whatever it is that you need. Anything to help Harry and Malfoy."

Ron looked at Hermione as if she had just suggested they all snog Dementors.

"Malfoy? You want to help Malfoy?"

Hermione crossed her arms. "Ron, you have to accept the fact that Harry loved Malfoy. And that they were in a relationship. I talked to Malfoy and I saw how concerned he was and how hard he worked to save Harry at the ritual. You have to get over your prejudice of Malfoy."

Ron pursed his lips and then retorted, "Malfoy never got over his prejudice against me! So why should I?"

"Ron-"

"Draco."

All three turned quickly to find that Harry was now struggling to his feet, his eyes fixed on them. He staggered towards them, swaying as he put one foot in front of the other.

"Harry?" Remus said as he headed towards him. The healers broke off to gape at him. Healer McElroy strode determinedly towards them, his brow furrowed.

"Draco...Dark Mark...help Draco."

Remus blinked. How did Harry know Draco had the Mark?

"Harry, shhhhh..." Remus said, as McElroy advanced. He gripped Harry's arm tightly.

"Mister Potter, are you ready to return to your room? I'm delighted to see you up on your own."

Harry stared hard at Remus, his mouth working to speak again. "Draco...please."

Remus nodded quickly. "Yes, I'll help Harry. Okay?"

Harry grabbed Remus's hand. "Tell...love..."

Hermione gave a small whimper again and Ron stared at Harry.

"Yes, Harry, I'll tell him when I see him."

Harry quirked a smile again, his eyes closing.

Hermione touched his arm and she said, "We'll help both of you, Harry. We promise. We'll get you out of here and find you a cure."

Harry nodded and then opened his eyes. Remus let out a low groan and Hermione stepped back.

Ron said, "Oh shit!"

Harry's eyes had changed color again. Gold was mixing in with the green and his look was becoming more feral.

McElroy paled considerably. "It's time for you to leave now." He pulled his wand and shot sparks in the air.

The group moved back and Harry grinned at them. Several healers surged through the door that lead back inside of the ward.

"Mister Potter will be needing some assistance. It's time for him to return to his room."

Two healers pulled their wands and pointed them at Harry. Harry cocked his head a moment and then said, "Is that the best that you can do?"

It was a complete difference from the fragile, incoherent Harry of a few moments before.

Ron and Hermione were stunned at the drastic change in mannerisms.

McElroy said calmly, "Mister Potter, please don't make us have to stun you again. We don't think that's in your best interest to continue to be stunned so often. The host body can only take so much wear and tear. We have your potions ready. Please take them and keep this pleasant."

Harry regarded McElroy for a moment. "You know what I am capable of doing in this body, Healer."

"You are not a complete entity, as you already know. Your power and control over Mister Potter is limited. We will be cooperative with you as long as you do not harm Harry."

Harry's hand flew out and seized McElroy by the neck. He leaned over and licked his face and McElroy shuddered in revulsion. Remus stepped forward, but McElroy raised his hand.

"What if I just harm you, Healer? Is that being cooperative?"

McElroy struggled to speak, all the while keeping his hand up to keep the healers from stunning Harry.

"You are obviously much stronger than I. It wouldn't really matter what I think."

This answer seemed to appease Harry, because he let go of the healer's throat. He snapped his eyes to look at Remus, Ron and Hermione who were staring back at him in horrified fascination.

And then four wands shot stunning spells and Harry twisted and fell to the ground with a thud.

Hermione winced and Ron clenched his fists. Remus regarded McElroy with an icy look.

"Was that necessary? He wasn't hurting anyone!"

McElroy gave Remus a pointed look. "Please don't interfere with our treatment, Remus. I know what I'm doing."

He nodded at the other healers, who levitated Harry up and into the ward.

Remus followed behind them, with Hermione and Ron complaining loudly behind him.

The healers disappeared with Harry into the private room and firmly closed the door in their faces.

"Is that how Harry is without the drugs? Does that happen a lot?" Hermione asked.

"It comes and goes. I've seen it happen twice since he's been here and he was awake. They don't let him stay alert for very long, though."

They walked to the doors of the ward and peeked out. The reporters were gone.

Remus turned to them. "I can't express to you how important it is that I learn how to call the Vargulfs. This may be our only shot at curing Harry."

Ron set his face in a determined glare. "Harry is not going to stay in here. I'll break him out of here if I have to."

Hermione nodded, a strange glint in her eye.

"I'm going back to Hogwarts now, are you both coming?" Remus asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, my pass was only for today." She looked at Ron.

Ron shook his head. "I'm going home. Dad said they are going to hand the verdict down later tonight." He looked worried.

Hermione gave him a hug. "I hope that things will go well for you and your family. Maybe we can talk some more when you get back to school."

"Thanks, Hermione. See you later." The tall red-head headed down the corridor, leaving Hermione and Remus alone.

Remus shook his head sadly. "Ginny needs treatment, not Azkaban. No one understands that though. Let's go."

They reached the apparation point and apparated to Hogswarts.


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Draco stared at his reflection in the mirror in his paltry room at the Death Eater strong-hold. It was cold in the country house, but Draco felt like he was burning up, his skin fevered, but icy cold at his own touch.

A feeling that was all too familiar.

His restless sleep had been clouded with dreams of gruesome deaths and rivers of blood.

The two weeks he had spent holed up with Death Eaters and Voldemort was quickly becoming an exercise in fruitless patience. The slightest thing irritated him and a longing for something that he couldn't quite put his finger on was slowly driving him to a level of anxiety he didn't think he would survive.

"Draco!" It was Bella.

Draco hissed at the intrusion and glared at his aunt, who had barged into his room without knocking...again.

"What is it, Bellatrix.?"

Bella snarled at the familiar name that Draco used. "I am your aunt, Draco. You will address me as such."

Draco turned grayish gold eyes towards her and grinned as she took a step back from the door.

"You think you're Voldemort..." Bella's gasp tickled him immensely. "That a title means anything..."

Bella marched into the room and shoved her wand into Draco's face. "You will show respect! He is our Master!"

"He's no master of mine," Draco said, glancing down at the wand, "and in the future," he grabbed the wand and Bella's hair in one smooth movment, twisting her around until she was facing the door again, "stay the fuck out of my way."

He shoved her hard, so hard that she cracked her hip against the small wooden table by the door. Her wand hit the floor and rolled out of the room into the hallway.

Bella spun towards Draco, her gaunt face pulled into a grimace so severe that her skin seemed to peel away from her skull.

"You forget your place, nephew! Blood or no, it still runs! The Dark Lord commands me...you mean nothing!" She flicked her wrist and her wand flew to her hand, obviously summoned by non-verbal magic.

"CRUCI-"

"Bellatrix!"

Bella whirled in mid-curse and glared. Severus stood there, his wand casually drawn, pointing at her.

"Snape," she scowled, "always slithering in the dark like a rat. You and Wormtail..."

Severus stepped into the room, his obsidian eyes raking over her flesh with undisguised disgust, and pointed the wand at her again. "I wouldn't finish that little thought of yours...or that curse against the Dark Lord's favorite."

Bella clenched her fists tightly and shoved her face up into Severus'. "That day will come when our Master will see you for what you really are."

She spit at his feet and stormed out of the room, not even giving Draco a second glance.

Severus turned to Draco, who was standing with his back to Severus, looking out of the window at the setting sun.

Severus tossed the copy of the Daily Prophet evening edition onto the bed.

"It might interest you to know that your fiancée got six months in Azkaban. And so did your would-be murderer."

Draco turned and Severus' heart quickened at the sight of the brilliant reddish-gold sun catching the gold of Draco's eyes.

"It doesn't."

"Doesn't what?"

"Doesn't interest me."

Severus nodded. "Well, maybe this will. There was a near riot at the trial. Demonia and other Slytherin parents are calling for Potter's blood. They want an accounting for what happened to Blaise and Theodore."

Draco's eyes narrowed and the longing that he had been unable to pinpoint shrank to a boil inside his gut.

Harry.

The name was whispered inside his veins, up his spine and through the hollowness of his soul.

Without turning around, he said softly, "I can feel him. I can feel him through our connection. His thoughts, his moods...I can taste him."

Severus kept his expression neutral, but the alarm was ringing loudly in his head.

"Oh?"

Draco turned then, a slow smile crossing his lips. He licked them, his pink tongue pulsating against the middle of his top lip. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

"I can smell him, Severus. Hear him...he's calling to me, Severus."

"He...or it?"

"It doesn't matter which. But every day it gets stronger. I can hear things...like...something's whispering to me. It wants me to go to him."

"Draco, you're lucky no one saw you when you did your little romp to St. Mungo's. I told you that you wouldn't be able to free him. And it's going to be worse now that people are clamoring for his blood, as well as yours."

Draco waved a dismissive hand at that. "Harry can get through those wards. Those stupid healers are drugging him. Keeping him stupid. They have some kind of magical bindings on him that are neutralizing his magic."

Severus arched an eyebrow in surprise. "How do you know that?" The healers had attempted that bit of restraint only yesterday.

"I told you. I can feel him and hear his thoughts."

"Can he hear yours?"

"We're connected, Severus. Yes, he can hear me. He's so alone there. He slurs most of the time with his thoughts," he said, darkly.

"Draco, you must stop this now. Do you ever think about what you're doing? The Dark Lord can find out anything he wants to know about Potter. Don't give him any more reason to kill us both."

Draco laughed. "Do you really think I would let the Voldemort kill me? Or Harry?"

His face darkened considerably. "He'll never get the chance."

"Your arrogance is astounding! You really are channeling Potter. This arrogant, destructive attitude doesn't suit you, Draco. It fits much better on Gryffindors."

Draco moved forward without even knowing he'd done so. He stepped close to Severus.

"I'll kill anyone who hurts him. Or anyone who lets anyone hurt him. That includes you."

Severus scowled. "As if I'd ever give you the chance. You're a mere boy. I'm not afraid of you...or your half-demon.

Draco gave him a sexy smile. "Don't be afraid of me. Just be expecting me." His smile disappeared as fast as it came.

Severus' eyes narrowed and he turned away from Draco in disgust. This was a fucking mess.

He felt a tight grip on his arm. He didn't turn.

"I will break him out of that place, with or without your help. For your sake, it would be wise to help me."

Severus jerked his arm away from Draco. "That little demon is giving you false courage, Draco. Lest you forget, I rid your little hero of its parent. Best believe that a mere half child of it is hardly worth a broken sweat."

He sent a nasty glance at Draco, flicking his eyes over him as if he were a bug, then left the room in a swirl of swooshing robes.

Severus could hear Draco's laughter all the way down the corridor.


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Severus stood outside the door that led to Harry's room in the ward. He hadn't been in to see the boy since a fireplace poker had been shoved through his abdomen. He'd gotten his information from Dumbledore and Lupin on Harry's progress, or lack of it.

The healer apprentice that had been on duty had barely glanced at him. Severus' Notice-Me-Not Charm had a lot to do with that.

Severus could feel the wards that were surrounding the room. They were indeed quite strong, but hardly a match for Harry if he was in complete control of his faculties.

Severus ignored the little voice in his head that was telling him that this was a bad idea. That he should leave the worrying about Potter's condition to Albus. That trying to figure out how to rid Draco of the demon without raising the Dark Lord's suspicions or allowing it to reunite with Harry was better left to someone else.

But who else was going to protect that fool godson of his from himself?

Severus entered the room to find Harry staring intently at him. He lay on the bed, his legs and arms strapped down. The bonds allowed him to raise his hands slightly, but not much. A small grin was playing on his face.

"Severus," he whispered throatily, "I didn't think you'd come to see me."

Severus swallowed down the rising panic. He hadn't missed the lusty glint in Harry's eyes, which were now a beautiful golden-green swirl of color.

"Potter," Severus said with a bored tone to his voice, "I don't see how you keep on surviving. You're like a bloody Inferi."

"I miss you too, Severus." Harry said, as he ran his tongue across his bottom lip and stared at Severus.

Severus felt himself growing hot. This was so not a good idea.

The room seemed to be growing hotter as well and Severus felt dizzy for a moment. He shook his head to clear it.

"Potter, this connection that you have with Draco. Sever it now."

Harry grinned. "Jealous? You don't have to be. I can give you what you want."

Whatever Severus had expected Harry to say, that wasn't it.

For a moment his vision clouded and his heart hammered in his chest.

"Potter, you are under the misguided perception that I want something from you."

Harry raised his head and smirked. "You do want something from me. You want my cock. You think that I don't remember that? I know what you've been doing with this...sensual male body."

Harry reached with his hands and pulled up what he could of his pajama shirt.

Severus' eyes were immediately drawn to the smooth plane of skin that the shirt revealed. Severus throat constricted as the stomach rippled with muscle as Harry moved to try and sit up.

"Come here, Severus. You can have what you've been taking. I'm willingly letting you have my cock, this time."

Harry rolled his hips seductively and Severus' breath hitched at the sight of the growing erection that was pushing up from Harry's groin.

"That's right, Severus. Come to me."

Severus' little voice shouted in his ear to not listen to that devil voice tempting him. Remus had said that this wasn't real. This wasn't real. This wasn't real.

But...

Oh God.

He was offering it to him. Willingly.

Severus felt his own erection pushing against his clothing.

Potter's voice floated over to him, washing over him with the fluid of irresistible temptation.

"Do you want me to suck you, Severus? Feel that cock in my mouth, this time. Or do you want mine? You just have to come to me, Severus. Those apprentice healers are terrified of me. They never come in here."

Severus chest was tight along with his trousers. He'd never been faced with anything like this. This mere boy had made him lose his mind. Potter had been his downfall since the moment he had stepped into his potions class all those years ago. James had nothing on his devil of a son.

Without even realizing it, he was moving closer to the bed. His feet seemed to have a mind of their own.

Harry lay back on the bed, his eyes on Severus. "Yes, Severus. That's it."

The heat in the room was stifling and Severus felt like he was swimming in pudding.

He didn't even care.

All he could think about was the warm, thick cock waiting for him.

Waiting for his mouth.

Waiting for his arse.

Oh God.

Severus' hands reached and felt the skin of Harry's taut stomach. Harry's eyes darkened, but the gold seemed more pronounced in them. Severus felt like he was drowning in those eyes.

Severus moved his hand to lower the drawstring waistband of the pajamas. He felt the coldness of Harry's skin and Severus jolted for a moment.

He pulled his hand away quickly.

This wasn't real.

Harry hissed angrily and bucked his hips again. "Pleasseeee."

Severus' trembling hand moved forward again and he pulled the pants down slightly. Harry's cock was pressed tightly in his underwear, clearly defined.

Severus ran his hand over it and Harry sighed. "Take it, Severus. It's yours."

In one quick movement, Severus pulled the underwear down as well and Harry's manhood popped out of its confines. Severus licked his lips in anticipation.

All thought of Remus' words flew right out of his head.

It was real.

This cock, this piece of living flesh, was real.

Right in front of him, waiting to be touched and sucked.

Its owner was allowing it. Wanted it. Begging for it.

Severus leaned over him and slid the cock into his mouth.

Harry let out a pant and Severus bobbed his head down the length, heat pooling in his stomach.

"Ohhh...yes...that sweet mouth..."

Severus groaned and his own cock jumped at the words. He hollowed his jaws and applied more pressure to the engorged penis.

Harry grunted and thrust his cock into Severus mouth. "Yessss...that's it. Take that cock, Severus..."

Severus whimpered and grasped the base of the shaft and stroked it hard, his lips working the plump organ.

Harry threw his head back and moaned, "So close...that's it. Right there, don't stop."

Severus' length throbbed painfully. This was more than he could bear. To hear Harry encourage him, to not have him under spells to touch him...

His cock throbbed again and Severus grunted as his orgasm slammed into him.

For a moment he was helpless and his knees buckled. His rhythm faltered and he pulled away from Harry and gasped, "Ohhh...Harryyyyy."

His hand flew down to his own cock and he hurriedly put his hand in his robes and grasped the pulsing appendage. He jerked it frantically and his cock swelled even larger in his hand and hot cum surged out, splashing his robes and the side of the bed.

Severus had squeezed his eyes shut, marveling in the wonderful feeling of Harry's name rolling across his tongue. The taste and scent of the man was in his mouth and he quickly remembered that he hadn't finished. As the last waves of his orgasm rolled over him, he put his mouth on Harry again and sucked deeply.

Three sucks later and Harry was growling and the man's mouth was full of liquid heat.

The potions master swallowed deeply and ran his hand over Harry's hips, feeling the skin there.

Severus knew he was in deep trouble with this.

Remus' voice hit him full force and he jumped back as if burnt.

Harry was staring at him with mocking eyes and then he gave a throaty laugh, sounding exactly like Draco had, just an hour ago.

"You fancy yourself in love with him, don't you? You love my host. But I'm the one who gives you what you want."

Severus pulled his wand to clean the remnants of his weakness, when the door opened.

Dumbledore stood there.

Severus may as well have told Albus what he had done.

The man didn't miss anything, anyway.

Dumbledore looked at Harry's exposed penis and then looked at Severus flushed face with traces of cum on his lips.

"Severus?"

For the second time in his life, Severus was actually afraid of getting punished by a father figure. His father's face went careening through his mind and his bowels shriveled in terror.

Suddenly it was all too much.

"I'll resign my position immediately, Albus."

If Dumbledore was shocked, he didn't let on.

"Cover him, Severus. We have bigger problems than your uncontrollable desire for Harry's demon."

Severus was rooted to the floor, his heart yammering in his chest. His little voice was shouting that his mentor had just caught him in the most humiliating and highly inappropriate if not illegal position of sucking off one of his students.

"Severus!!" Dumbledore's voice boomed in the small room.

"Albus..."

Dumbledore was not surprised to hear Severus' voice sound like that of a broken little boy.

But he didn't have time to coddle the disturbed man right now.

"COVER HIM, NOW."

Severus jerked and he pulled his wand, nearly dropping it in his haste. He sent a spell to the bed, which pulled the clothes up on his body.

Harry was staring at Dumbledore with a calculating look.

"You won't get him back this time." Harry hissed.

Dumbledore looked at Harry over his moon spectacles. "You won't like what's happening either, my shadowy friend."

The door to the room was pushed open again and Dumbledore turned to look. Severus stood by the bed, almost paralyzed by his own monstrosity.

Minister Scrimgeour stood at the door, followed by Kingsley, Tonks, Dawlish and Hestia. Healer McElroy stood behind them, looking extremely displeased. Kingsley gave Dumbledore a sad look over the minister's shoulder.

"Step aside, Dumbledore," Scrimgeour called, "I only gave you a heads up as a courtesy. If you interfere, you will only make it worse."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and Severus snapped out his coma. "What's going on?"

Scrimgeour gave Severus a look of utter dislike.

"We are here to formally charge Mister Potter with the murder of Theodore Nott and the attempted murder of Blaise Zabini. We have irrefutable evidence that he is the culprit."

Severus gaped at Scrimgeour. "He's in no condition to leave this hospital. You have no way to control him at the Ministry. The wards won't hold him there."

Scrimgeour smirked and Severus wanted to punch the man in his mouth.

"He's not going to the Ministry. We already deliberated about this earlier. Since Mister Potter was not able to attend the hearing, we did it in absentia."

Severus looked at Dumbledore agape. "They can't do that. Did he even receive summons?"

Scrimgeour bristled and Severus swung his wand. Dumbledore reached out to push the wand down. "Be calm, Severus. Don't give the Ministry anything else to muck up."

Scrimgeour glared at Albus and then at Severus. "Don't attempt to tell me what I can and can't do in my own Ministry, Snape." He hissed the name as if it was poison. "Believe me when I say I would love to take you as well. You're not fooling me behind those Hogwarts robes."

Severus hissed again and Scrimgeour nodded at the Aurors. "Enough of this prattle. Do what you came for."

Healer McElroy sputtered in indignation, "This is not a wise move, Minister!

Who will administer the potions? Some inept guard?? He needs to be kept here!"

Severus' head whipped to look at McElroy, then back at Scrimgeour. "Where the hell are you taking him."

Scrimgeour gave a smile. "Mister Potter just earned himself an Azkaban sentence."