Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Giving A Chance	By : Leania07 Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 17354 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make money from this fic.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
A/N:Another chapter, yay. Thanks to all who have reviewed so far and I hope I'm keeping this story interesting.
Chapter 3: A Shift in Allegiance
A few more weeks went by and Harry even spoke a few nights with Professor Snape about the group of Slytherins. He told Harry to be ready for them to approach and keep his open mind, especially with Draco and Pansy, as those two had parents deep in Voldemort’s ranks. He agreed to do so and had taken to occasionally walking by himself in order to seem more approachable. As he was doing right now, scanning through his book, when he was passing by the girl’s bathroom he heard a noise. Normally he would brush it off, as most girls went running to the bathroom over hurt feelings, but this sounded male. Even more troubling was that it was Myrtle’s bathroom and he knew only himself and his two friends that would enter in, though Ron would try all he could to not go. Harry ensured no one was around before slipping in the door; what he saw inside made his heart clench but gave him hope.
Draco once more was ashamed, here he was in tears again; another failed attempt at fixing that blasted cabinet, another report, another bit of torture for his mother. His head whipped up hearing a noise and his eyes widen at seeing the gaze of Harry Potter over his shoulder.
“Expelliarmus!” Harry was quick to grab the wand Draco was reaching for, though he did not point either at the blonde as he turned around.
“What are you going to do Potter, hex me? Tie me up and let all of Gryffindor see how far I have fallen?” Shut up, Draco! His mind screamed at him; he was supposed to try and become friendly with Potter, not antagonize him.
“What’s going on, Malfoy? What’s causing you to be less than impeccable?” He carefully stepped forward, keeping both wands in his back pocket and his hands empty.
“Why do you care, Potter, I thought you’d be excited to see me fall?” Draco wanted to just spill all, truly he did, but he was battling his pride, what was left, and falling back on old habits.
“I know things aren’t always as they appear, and so are people. Something happened over the summer that has given you a lot of stress and despair. If there is something I can do to help, I’d like to try.” Harry watched as Draco lowered his head, his shoulder’s shaking; he sprinted forward and caught Draco as the young man slid to his knees. He held him as Draco quietly sobbed and reached into his pocket for the Galleon Hermione gave him. He whispered to it, before pocketing it again; he rubbed Draco’s back as his sobs quieted.
“Talk to me, Draco, I can’t do anything to help if I don’t know what’s wrong.” Though taller than him, Harry managed to get Draco shifted to rest against his shoulder, giving him time to get his thoughts in order.
“After my father failed in the Ministry, the Dark Lord became furious with my family. As punishment I was given a task that, each time I fail to complete, my mother is tormented. I failed again today and must report it, if I don’t then both of them will be tormented, with Mother being under the tender mercies of aunt Bella. I don’t want to keep failing, but neither do I wish to succeed.” He took a deep breath, “There’s something else, another part of my punishment.” He waits until Harry is looking then rolls up his sleeve, revealing the Dark Mark.
Harry took in a breath; he knew Draco didn’t want the mark, no matter his attitude when they were younger, and the admission that this was part of the punishment spoke volumes.
“Potter…”
“Call me Harry, especially if we’re to work together.” He smiles at the shocked look on the blonde’s face.
“Harry, I want help, but I don’t know how to achieve that without putting my family at further risk. Father admits it was a mistake to follow him, but it was pushed on him by his father; he had hoped to get Mother and me out of the country before I was old enough to be marked. Normally one isn’t marked until they graduate, so as to not arise the suspicion of the teachers and students.”
“However this is your punishment, and if you managed to survive, you would forever be marked and any potential future you would want will be tarnished.” He nods his understanding and Draco felt a bit relieved that Harry wasn’t cursing him or shunning him, and seemed to want to help. He heard the door and looked over, his stomach dropping upon seeing her.
Hermione rushed to the second floor girl’s bathroom, wondering what Harry got into; she wasn’t expecting him to be sitting with Malfoy. Seeing the tear tracks on Malfoy’s face, however, twisted her heart and she came over quickly.
“What happened?” She pulled out a cloth and dampened it, wiping away the tears and redness from Draco’s face. Draco felt a mix of pleasure and shame; a woman shouldn’t see him cry, but then again he trusted the two of them not to say anything.
“Draco’s been put in a horrible predicament that, no matter what he does, will be either painful for him or his family. Right now the biggest concern is his mother, who is being held under Bellatrix’s watchful eye. His father knows what to expect, though he seems to be regretting things now.” Harry holds out Draco’s left arm, though he tries to hide it.
Hermione looks and frowns, running a hand across the Mark. “I thought Snake face wouldn’t mark them while in school.”
“It’s part of his and his father’s punishment; since he couldn’t retrieve the orb that night Draco was forced to take the mark early. Subsequently, Draco’s been given a task that he doesn’t want to complete, but each failure causes his mother’s torment.”
Hermione nods and brushes the hair from Draco’s face, “You should talk with your friend Harry; he might give us some idea how to help.” She shushes Draco and pulls him in her arms, her heart stuttering at having him so close, but she focuses on soothing him. “Harry’s friend won’t go spreading things; we’re bound by an oath to each other to keep things quiet.”
“Yes and I’ll ask you to take that oath another day, perhaps when I find a way to secure your mother’s safety and give you one less thing on your mind. OUCH!” He winces at Hermione’s smack to his arm.
“Not that he means it as he would only help if you give the oath, or that helping to get your mother to safety was a condition.” Hermione was pleased to see Harry look properly chastised.
“No, I didn’t mean it like that; I just meant we’d talk more about that oath once we see to your mother’s safety. In no way are you required to give the oath, it’s still just a choice. We’ll help find a way to get your mother out, regardless.”
Draco gives them a smile, feeling quite content to stay in Hermione’s arms just a bit longer.
“Go speak to your friend, Harry, I’ll keep Draco company; will you return?” Harry nods as he stands, handing Draco’s wand back to him before he leaves.
He rushes down to the dungeons, knowing Snape will do all he can to help Draco. During their many sessions, they also spent time talking about themselves. Harry found out that Snape was Draco’s godfather and he took his responsibilities seriously; he also found out that Lucius was a good man, though found himself stuck being a Death Eater and did what he thought was best for his family. Though following that Snake Faced bastard was not the path to follow, he understood that Lucius was stuck, his wife had little options, and as such Draco wasn’t planned on fairing much better until they could get him out of the country.
Harry remembered the night they spoke of it, and how Snape’s eyes shone with pain at having Draco follow that path. He could only imagine the hurt he must be feeling that Draco was forced to get the mark. He knocked on the door to Snape’s office, thankful it was just lunch time.
“Enter.” Severus wasn’t pleased at having his moment of peace disrupted, but knew he was expected to aid the students until curfew. He was shocked but somewhat pleased when Potter came through the door, closing it and brushing his hand over the knob that activated the privacy wards.
“Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?” Severus had managed to drop his animosity towards the young man-he couldn’t call him a boy with the amount of maturity he showed-and learned a lot in those sessions they had.
“Professor Snape, I found Draco Malfoy in the second floor girl’s bathroom, quite upset. I know he has the mark,” just as he thought, a flash of pain went through those obsidian eyes and it shocked him how much it hurt to see pain there, “and I know he has a mission that he must do. Each failure brings torture to his mother, but he is reluctant to succeed. I don’t know what that mission is yet, and I wanted to talk to you first. I would like to find a way to get his mother to safety, but I’m not quite sure how.”
Severus indicates for Harry to take a seat and he thinks over everything for a moment. Draco could surely benefit from Potter’s aid, and he would feel more comfortable if Draco was safely away from the Dark Lord’s grasp, but would take what he could.
“Mr. Potter surely you are aware that the late Black made you his Heir?” Severus stomped down the reaction he got when seeing pain in those green orbs, hating having to mention something that reminded Harry of his loss. No, he had no care for the man, but separating his feelings from it, he could understand the pain of loss. He would feel such pain should he loose Draco and could’ve done something to stop it. Oh he knew Potter was not to blame, and told the young man that often enough, but Potter believed it was his fault.
“I heard that mentioned once, but I haven’t heard much else about it. Why, will that help in some way?”
Severus frowned and wondered just what else Potter wasn’t aware of; if he didn’t know what being an Heir meant, what about his role as the sole Potter Heir?
“Mr. Potter, has anyone brought you to hear your parent’s will reading before?”
Harry wasn’t sure where Professor Snape was going with this, he thought they were going to discuss helping Draco. “No, I was under the impression that was done after they were buried, and why I was left with my aunt and uncle.”
Severus took a deep breath and resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Mr. Potter, I feel we need to get you to Gringotts and investigate why it wasn’t done. Not only should you have been told, but you should’ve been there to hear a reading of it, even if it was already taken care of, because you are the Heir to the Potter line. You should already be able to claim the title of Lord Potter, since you are legally an adult by Ministry standards, as you are the sole male Heir of your line and sixteen, and if Black named you Heir, you may be able to claim that title as well.”
Harry looks at him a bit dazed and confused for a moment, “Sir, what will that allow me to do, exactly?”
Severus took a breath and released it slowly; apparently Potter knew nothing about his titles and that he blamed solely on Dumbledore. “Mr. Potter, if you were able to claim the title as Lord Black, as I suspect you can, you will then be able to oversee the care, comfort, and safety of any member of the Black family, as long as they carry the Black bloodline. Even if they no longer carry the Black name because of marriage, you can summon any one of them, or all of them, to one of the Black homes. No one can refuse to allow a Black that has been summoned to return to where they are summoned to, as is true for all Purebloods. This also includes any children.” Severus looks at Potter pointedly, “Narcissa Malfoy nee Black could not be kept anywhere when summoned by Lord Black.”
Harry takes a moment to think through everything Snape said, then, eyes wide, nods. “She would be able to stay, asking refuge from her ancestral line, and could not be forced to leave or be found if the current Lord wishes it.” His heart does a flip when he sees pride in those onyx eyes and the up-turn of a smile at the corners of that stoic mouth. He pushes down the urge to grin like a loon, and smiles normally, “Do you think it would be possible to accompany me to Gringotts, Sir? I think I need to pay the goblins a visit.”
“Very well, Mr. Potter, since I have to restock some of my personal supplies; be ready by 9 tomorrow. Oh, and Mr. Potter, you may want to let Minerva know that we are going and give a convincing reason as to why Dumbledore wouldn’t be the one orchestrating this. He’ll inquire with her, you know.” At his nod, Severus shooed the young man off, a feeling of peace settling within him; soon Narcissa will be safe and that will help Draco. He went back to his research, wanting to find a way to break the Dark Mark now more than ever, something Draco could be in need of soon.
Harry had felt the coin vibrate in his pocket and now, outside of Snape’s office and in an alcove, he takes it out.
‘H: In RoR: M’
So Hermione moved to the Room of Requirement; they didn’t have much time left before afternoon classes start, so taking out his map he travels the quickest path to get to the seventh floor. When he gets there he stops; Ron was standing there waiting.
“Harry, is there something going on?” He tried to keep the hurt out of his voice; they had agreed to work as a team yet if he didn’t look at the coin, he wouldn’t know something was going on.
“Yes, Ron; though we don’t know exactly what yet.” Harry pulls him off to the side and erects a privacy ward, “This came up sudden and, well, Hermione and I just reacted to the situation. You have to remember to keep your head, Ron; we don’t want to have to take drastic measures. He has yet to swear the oath, so we haven’t been able to talk much, but I’m hoping he will agree. We could really use his help.”
Ron nods, though not liking that he may have been left out until later, understands that his new outlook was still, well, new to his friends. He could even admit to having trouble, sometimes, keeping his temper in check.
They both walk over to the door and Harry lets them in. Ron walks in, his gaze landing on the blonde sitting on the couch beside Hermione, and knew instantly why they were reluctant to include him. He bites his cheek and just nods in greeting, before sitting in the chair the room provided for him. No words are said until Harry joins them.
“Alright, I’m going to give a brief rundown to Ron, which I’m glad to see he’s kept his head so well. Ron, Draco is stuck in a position he’s been trying to avoid and wasn’t expected to have to deal with until after graduation.”
“He’s Marked already?” Ron was wide-eyed, which was mirrored by Draco.
“How did you know that with as vague as Po…Harry spoke?” Draco looked between them and felt Hermione take his hand and squeeze. He had to admit the normal hot headed Gryffindor was keeping calm so far.
“Unfortunately, yes; it was punishment for Lucius Malfoy’s failure in the Department of Mysteries. You know as well as I that it’s going to be a lifelong punishment for Draco; apparently they were discussing him and his mother leaving the country to avoid this, but it happened sooner than they expected.”
“Apparently; what are we going to do?” Ron suspected it was a spontaneous decision by Snake-face or Harry would’ve known about it sooner.
Harry looks at Draco, “I talked over some things with my friend, and came up with an idea after asking a few things. Ron, remember how your aunt Muriel said she would make Ginny live with her to learn how to be a proper Lady.”
“Yeah, and no one can refuse it, as Aunt Muriel holds the title of Lady Prewett because of late Uncle William, who put that stipulation in his will. Aunt Muriel will pass on the title to whomever she deems worthy of the title Lord or Lady Prewett. Just as great-Grandfather Percival Weasley holds the title Lord Weasley. He’s in no rush to pass it down, as he doesn’t believe any of us are ready for the title. Why do you ask, Harry, you never showed much interest in how the titles worked before.”
“That’s because I wasn’t aware I had any titles, Ron.” Harry nods at the gasp from Draco and the pale, wide-eyed look from Ron. “I was also informed that I was named Heir to the Black title, which I also wasn’t told about.” He turned to face Draco and could see the blonde already connected the dots, “I plan on going tomorrow to claim both titles. That will allow me to get your mother out of harm’s way, Draco. However I’m going to need your help to understand everything I need to know about holding the title to two Lordships, and perhaps educating me on proper fashion.”
Draco nods, “I’d also like to take that oath, Harry. I know you helping my mother isn’t dependent upon that, nor is it a requirement after the fact, but I want to help bring that bastard down. I wasn’t even given the option to refuse the Mark, even if it would’ve meant my death, instead it was forced upon me. I don’t know how much use I can be, but I’d like to try.”
Harry nods and after a silent communication between the other two, stands. “Draco, once you take this oath you will be unable to reveal names, give details, or any type of information by any method, including Vertiserum and Legilimency, or by your own volition. Speaking about any of the information will only be allowed between those who have taken the oath; we have already discovered if there is an unknown eavesdropper the oath still will not let us speak of these things. If you agree to this, I shall bind you to the oath.”
Draco stands, “I agree and accept these terms, Harry.” He repeats the oath and is bound in a gold light that covers his ears, mouth, and top of his head, arms, heart, and his solar plexus. It seeps into his skin and Draco feels as the tendrils of magic settle around his.
“I’m glad we could do this now; we’ll have to meet here after supper as lunch break is ending soon and we have to get back to classes.” Hermione stands and each male nods in agreement before leaving the room.
The rest of the afternoon goes as normal, winning and losing house points, trying to avoid detentions and random ingredients in their cauldrons, until finally it was time for supper. Draco sat with his normal group, and thought of the best way to word his inquiry that wouldn’t go against the oath, but wouldn’t get them sneaking after him. He nods to Astoria who, with the help of her sister on the other side, erect a small privacy bubble. Many of the other Slytherins have gotten used to this, and as it didn’t obscure their vision, just the sound, they ignored it though still tried to read lips.
“I’ve made some interesting progress, Blaise; seems there are those willing to talk and help. If any of you would be amendable to the notion, I will ask if each of you can be spoken to. Only if you are completely sure; this is a set path with no option for deviation or back tracking. If you have any doubts, then I suggest you say so and I will pass that along as well.”
“Can you not even mention who, or must we arrange a meeting through you?” Pansy, like the others kept her head angled down, knowing there were many Slytherins that were expert lip readers. Theodore Nott was one such person, and no one, not even Draco, knew where his intentions lie.
“I cannot, nor can I give you more information than that. It is unnerving, I understand, but know that I have already agreed to the terms stated.” Even knowing the oath would help keep things secret, he still held tight to his shields. He saw Nott looking their direction and glanced just to the side of those brown eyes; it irritated Draco that no one was sure about what Nott knew or where he stood.
“I would like you to speak to them for me, Draco.” Pansy took a bite of her salad as she waited for Draco’s attention. She swallowed and smiled in that sickly sweet manner, putting on the act of her usual, flirtatious self.
“Of course, Pans.” He looks at the others, getting subtle nods from each.
“Draco, ask whomever will speak to Astoria to keep an open mind and that there is more to keep secret.” Draco and the others were aware that Astoria sometimes had good intuition, but even they weren’t told how she came upon those, ‘guesses’.
Draco nods, glad each of his closest friends were willing to speak to the others. Now he just had to find a way to arrange a meeting between them all.
They spoke some more about classes and such, taking the ward down as they talked. Daphne was aware of Nott’s gaze as he watched each one, and wondered, if not for the first time, what he was planning.
Hermione watched as Draco talked with his friends, the bit of lip reading she caught made her certain more Slytherins may be joining their group. “Harry, we may have more company soon.”
Harry and Ron stopped talking about the new Seeker of the Cannons, the debate on if he could help them win or not always heated, and both looked at Hermione.
“He spoke with them?” Hermione nods and Harry continues, “Did it seem like any were reluctant or wanted more information?”
“He said he couldn’t give more information at the beginning, but it seems like all in their little group were amendable. I imagine he’ll want to ask in the meeting, whom shall we have meet with who?”
Harry smiles, already having an idea in his head. “I think you should meet with Daphne, Hermione; I remember you once gave her some pointers during Arithmancy and she wasn’t very disagreeable. I’ll speak with Blaise, he’s been mostly neutral in everything so there shouldn’t be any animosity to get over. I’ll ask Neville to speak with Astoria, they’ve had a few occasions to talk before over Herbology that left Neville a bit red faced; which means Ron will speak with Pansy.”
Hermione suppresses her smirk, then her laugh at how red Ron turned.
“You want me to speak with Pa…Parkinson?” Inside, Ron felt he was going to turn into a gibbering mess; hold on.
“How?” He looks between his two friends, each has that sparkle in their eyes and a smirk on their faces.
“Ron we knew you must’ve fancied one of them, since your attitude changed so drastically. It wasn’t until you were ‘covertly’ watching her that we knew for sure who it was. Don’t worry, we haven’t told anyone. Just stay calm, stick to making sure she understands what the oath entails, and if she has any doubts, help her understand or tell her she’ll be bound by a lesser oath to never reveal who she spoke to, nor who she suspects to be part of the group. If she still doesn’t agree, we may need to get the Professor to alter the situation, but I doubt we’ll need to go that route.” Hermione smiles at her friend, who lets out a sigh.
“Was I that obvious?”
Harry pats his arm, “No, mate, we were looking and we know you better than most. Speaking of knowing someone, Hermione I’m going to need you to speak with Ginny. She’s been poking around, I’m sure she knows something is going on. I’m also sure she’ll want to be included and it may help get information on those younger years that may be facing some similar situations.”
Hermione nods, thinking tonight would be the perfect time. The other girls were planning a ‘gossip group’ in the dorm until bedtime, which Hermione elected to be excluded from, and she would drag Ginny off to their normal corner.
“Ron, go ahead and grab Neville, we’ll need to include him since he’ll be discussing things with Astoria; I’ll need to speak with the Professor, he may wish to keep his identity secret or may wish to be included. I would hate to make an assumption on his part, especially after all the progress I’ve made.”
Hermione smiles and Ron just shakes his head, though he’s smiling too. “Only you could get along with that git, but if he’s going to be helping us, I’m glad he won’t be as nasty as he could be. No,” he shakes his head before Harry can speak, “I don’t expect him to be nice or even pleasant, but I know he won’t be a nightmare on purpose outside of school time.”
Harry nods and the bell rings signaling the end of dinner. Hermione left to get the room ready, Ron left with Neville, to speak in private, and Harry quickly made his way to the dungeon. He knew Snape left just before dinner was over and hoped he could get to the man before he was bothered by other students.
Severus was curious to see Harry for a second time that day, especially when the young man has done his best to not get any detentions.
“Mr. Potter, twice in one day you voluntarily come to my office.” He waved his wand and locked and warded the door, “What brings you back?”
“Draco took the oath, even after I explained we would help get his mother out and his agreeing to the oath had no basis on that. He said he still wanted to help, where getting the Mark wasn’t his choice, taking this oath is. It seems he also spoke with some of his friends, and if Hermione is as good at lip reading we expect, we may have a few more Slytherins joining our group. I wanted to know if you wanted us to tell about your involvement or keep it secret.”
Severus couldn’t help the small upturn of his mouth, the young man knew him quite well already it seemed, and refreshingly didn’t make assumptions like Albus did. “I am glad you came to ask instead of just plowing along. I shall wait until you know for certain who will be joining, who hesitates, and who refuses. Once you know, we shall schedule a meeting in that Room of yours, and I will reveal myself to them. Right now, I do not even want Draco to know.”
“May I ask why, sir? I am aware he is your godson, but I can’t see why you wouldn’t want him to know he can come to you, right now, if he needs to.”
Severus closes his eyes a moment, “Because, Mr. Potter, I want him to continue making choices for himself without knowing he can fall back on me for help. I want him to begin standing on his own feet, with only the assurance that he has friends who can help, but not offer any sway in his favor. I want him to know he will have to think beyond making one choice, and what each choice will provide, remove, or hinder in his life.”
“In other words, you want Draco to become a self-assured young man, without the cocky attitude of someone hiding behind a powerful name.” Harry enjoyed the fact Snape spoke to him without the sneer, and explained things. It helped that Harry told him how little he knew, not from skirting his duties, but from plain lack of information. Harry had told him a little of his home life, or rather, told how when he got to his Aunt and Uncle’s home, his trunk and wand was locked away until he was to leave their house again. Snape had been outraged, but for once it wasn’t directed at Harry; no he was angry that Harry’s guardians were preventing him from achieving his potential and the cause of him turning in sub-quality work.
Once more Severus was pleased at how intuitive Harry was, he wasn’t used to explaining his reasoning’s before and always thought he did a horrible job, yet Harry was able to understand. “Oh, one other thing, Mr. Potter. I’m doing some personal research, but I do not want you to mention this to any of the others, yet; I’m looking to see if there is a way to break the Mark, remove it, or at the very least, transfer it. I mention it to you because the spell was done in Parseltongue, and I may need you to watch one of the initiations to translate it for me.”
Harry could see the barely concealed hope in the man’s eyes; Snape never spoke much about why he got the Mark, but Harry could see how much the man regretted it. He had a new reason to want to find a way now; Draco defecting from the Darkness.
“Of course sir, whenever you’re ready we’ll plan one of our ‘lesson’ nights for that. Would you like me to return later to discuss how the meeting went?”
“No Mr. Potter, we can discuss that tomorrow on our way to the gates. I will be apparating us, instead of Flooing, so we will need to be outside the wards.” Severus nods and waves him out, though waits until Harry gets near the door.
“Mr. Potter, I do appreciate your thoughtfulness in checking with me first.” He watches Harry long enough to see the widened eyes and a…blush? How interesting…he focuses back on the essays, dismissing Harry from the room.
Harry wasn’t expecting any form of thanks from Snape, so when he said he appreciated his thoughtfulness, Harry couldn’t help the warmth he got. He quickly left the room, schooling his face to look more like he had just been reprimanded and any lingering redness of his cheeks could be mistaken for anger. He made his way up to the Room of Requirement and entered, glad to see the others already there.
“Harry glad to see you made it.” Hermione wondered what his blush was about, for she wasn’t fooled by that sour face. She knew he had feelings for their Professor and while she would normally argue that it was against school policy, she had looked it up already and found that, when a student is of age in the wizarding world, they could be with whomever they choose. Student/teacher relationships weren’t looked down upon, as long as the student was withdrawn from the teacher’s classes and took exams by a Ministry approved tester. She was sure the two, if they ever got together, wouldn’t let it be known nor would the Professor ever allow favoritism like that, as it would blow his cover.
“Thanks, ‘Mione. Shall we get started then?” Each nods in return and Harry motions for Draco to start.
“I gather everyone in this room has taken the oath,” Harry nods and he continues, “so let me explain a few things. First, over the summer I was forced to take the Dark Mark due to my father’s failure in the Department of Mysteries. That, along with a long exposure to the Cruciatus curse, was part of my father’s punishment. I was given a task to complete, and I have until the end of the year to complete it. Each failed attempt my mother is tortured, and should I refuse or fail at the end of the year, Mother will be given over to aunt Bella’s…care. I don’t want to complete the task, nor do I want my mother to suffer or die. Harry found me in the middle of a…a…”
“A breakdown; don’t give me that look Draco, we all can understand how such pressure would cause that in anyone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Harry soothes the glare he receives from Draco.
“Fine, a breakdown. He offered to find a way to get my mother to safety, and I decided to pick a side. This Mark wasn’t my choice, I would’ve preferred to have left the country before getting it, as Mother and Father had discussed. However it was forced upon me, and as such I decided to do what I must; Harry while we never got along in school before, mostly due to my behavior in the past, I know you are the best option I have in getting away from that nightmare. I can’t leave, for this Mark allows him to track me down, but I can be part of those meetings and pass along information. That is my decision.”
Harry nods, “What is your mission, Draco, what is it he wants you to do?”
Draco hangs his head, hoping they wouldn’t ask, fearing what their reaction would be, all things aside. “I’m to repair the Vanishing Cabinet that’s in this Room, or rather the Room of Lost Things; the companion Cabinet is in a shop in Knockturn Alley. Once fixed, the Death Eaters will be able to enter Hogwarts through the Cabinet, by passing the wards and security measures.” He felt his hand squeezed and looks at Hermione, her eyes understanding. He looks around the room at each, gauging their reactions.
Neville seemed appalled, and catches Draco’s gaze. “So if you manage to fix it, they can swarm into the school, but as long as it’s not repaired, your mother is tortured.” Draco nods and blinks as Neville seems to become enraged. “Of course they would do something low like that.”
“We can’t let either of those things happen.” Draco whipped his head around to stare at Ron; he didn’t expect the youngest Weasley male to be this accepting.
“We may not have gotten along, and our families may be at odds, but no one, and I do mean no one, would think it acceptable to allow someone’s mum to be used as an ultimatum to get something done.”
“You know what ‘ultimatum’ means?” He felt the tug on his arm, reminding him to behave, but either Ron had grown up as much as he seemed or Draco’s face revealed it was more reflex then purposely done, or perhaps Ron just saw right through it.
“As I told ‘Mione, I grew up and learned a few big words.” Ron snickered and stood up, walking over to Draco. He stood a few good inches above the blonde, but Draco didn’t feel intimidated. Ron put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze, “I understand that you have very limited choices, and am glad you will let us help.” He sat back down and smirked, “Besides, who else can I bicker with?”
Draco gives a partial smile and looks to Harry, “It’s settled then; I’m going to claim my titles on Saturday, and with the help of those of you who understand how these things work, I’ll soon understand how to call for your mum to return to one of the Black estates. We’ll find out which one would be the best to use, make sure the necessary wards are in place, and she’ll be allowed to stay there. You can continue to make ‘attempts’ at fixing the Cabinet, failing of course, but knowing that your mother is safe. We’ll figure out what to do before the end of the year.”
“Also,” Draco decides it’s best to get this out of the way, “I have a few friends that may be interested in being part of this group. Obviously I couldn’t out right say anything, but I’ve agreed to speak on their behalf to arrange a meeting.” He raises an eyebrow at the smiles, and giggle from Hermione, though takes small comfort that Neville looks as confused as he does.
“Of course Draco; Neville this is why we asked you to come along tonight. Hermione is a wonderful lip reader, and she told us she suspected you would bring that up. Neville is already familiar with Miss Astoria Greengrass and so can speak with her; Hermione has tutored Miss Daphne Greengrass in the past and so can speak with her. I’ll speak with Mr. Zabini since he’s been mostly neutral throughout everything and so it won’t raise as many eyebrows if anyone sees us talking, which leaves Ron to speak with Miss Pansy Parkinson.” Hermione and Harry grin at the slight redness on Ron’s face.
“Was there anyone else, Draco?” Draco looked at each, though notices the redness of both Ron and Neville’s faces, “No there wasn’t anyone else at the moment. However I feel I must caution you,” He waits until he has their attention again, “Theodore Nott is an avid lip reader as well, very suspicious, yet none of us is able to decipher which side he supports. He never takes part in any of the discussions for or against the Dark Lord, nor does he offer up any opinion. He always says he has nothing to say and goes back to reading. He’s an unknown factor that can cause a big problem if he so chooses.”
They nod, though Harry seems to be deep in thought. “Harry,” Hermione waits until she has his attention, “What did your friend say? Should we reveal all who are part of the group, or introduce them one by one?”
Harry smiles and is glad of her vague question, “One by one; my friend would rather focus on researching things right now, but may wish to be introduced later.”
Draco looks between the two, wondering who this friend is; really it could be anyone, but Draco thinks it has to be someone close to him or one of the other Slytherins. Could they have Nott on their side and he wants to remain an unknown? Possible, as Draco or any of the others suddenly talking to the so far isolated Slytherin would raise suspicions. He nods, letting them know he won’t press.
“So I’ll be letting them know who they’ll be talking to, or will they just come up here at a certain time of day?”
“I believe letting them know will help, but we’ll also arrange a time and day; you know their schedules and can let us know if the time and/or day we choose will work for that person. I’ll be gone for an unknown amount of time tomorrow, so perhaps Sunday I can speak with Blaise.”
Draco nods, “Afternoon, Blaise sleeps in until 9 on Sundays and writes to his mother, sending a letter off between 10 and 11 before getting something to eat. I can ask him to come up here at 1, if that works for you?”
Harry nods, “Works for me. Neville you are usually up early to tend to your plants, what time does the younger Miss Greengrass wake?”
“She prefers to start the day early and is up and ready around 7. Since most students like to sleep in late, she can meet here around 8 if that works for you, Longbottom?”
“Call me Neville, and that sounds fine.”
“She also asks that you keep an open mind; Astoria, I believe would also like to discuss something else, but she has not told me what, just asks that you keep an open mind. She has many secrets that only her sister knows.” He gets a nod from Neville and looks back around.
“I see the older Miss Greengrass in the library around 10, and it’s normally deserted until 3 anyway. I’ll speak with her then; let her know to meet me at the right back corner, by the statue of Madam Cordelia Sawyer. There is a quiet nook that no one knows about, it also has some wards that Madam Pince informed me keep any discussion inside the area from being heard. It was used as a tutoring location at one time.”
They look at Ron who’s turned several shades red, “Um, I can meet Parkinson here in the afternoon if that works for her. It shouldn’t take Neville too long, and since Harry is waiting until Sunday, we can meet here around 2.”
Draco merely raises an eyebrow, curiously wondering why the red head is turning so red, though he has a suspicion.
“I’ll let her know, and pass word along if there is any problem. Can I tell them all at once, or will I need to speak to each individually?”
“You can tell them all at once, as long as you are certain no one else can over hear. If you find you cannot, then you will know someone who hasn’t taken the oath and is not part of the intended recipients, is listening in. Let them know, however, that each person’s meeting will be solo; they also don’t have to agree to the oath, but they won’t be included in any discussions we have.”
Draco nods to Harry, and sits back down, finally feeling comfortable now that some things have been sorted out. He leaves a little before the others, slipping into the Common room with a glance at his normal group of friends before sitting off to one side, near the large glass wall that shows the Black Lake.
“Astoria, Daphne, if you will use the pendant, I have much to discuss.” All of them raise their eyebrows and the two Greengrass sisters nod and twist their matching pendants, a ballerina holding a large flower. They twist where the tutu sits, and a ward encircles them; outside of the ward only 5 outlines can be seen. Those inside the ward relax in a way they can only partially do in their own rooms.
“I’ve been given leave to tell you all who to expect and the times we settled on; based upon what I am familiar with your habits. Tomorrow Astoria will meet with Neville around 8; seventh floor near the tapestry of the trolls in ballerina tutus. It’s called the Room of Requirement. Daphne, Her…Hermione will meet you in the library; she says you’re usually there around 10?” He gets her nod but ignores their look over his stumble, “She says go to the far right corner, near the statue of Madam Cordelia Sawyer, as there is a private nook that has silencing wards that was once used for tutoring. Pansy, Ron will meet you on the seventh floor around 2, giving Astoria and Neville plenty of time before. Blaise, Harry will meet with you on Sunday; he just found out about his titles, as no one has educated him about them before, and will be claiming them tomorrow. He’s also asked for assistance in learning everything he will need to know about his titles, being Lord Potter and Lord Black.”
“Lord Black, Draco are you sure?” Pansy looks at him as he nods and, though they don’t know exactly what happened, they all know his mother is stuck with no way to escape the Dark Lord or her insane sister.
“He could get your mother to safety, should I enquire if he is aware of the duties of Lord Black, Draco?” Blaise knew his friend wouldn’t want any weakness known, but Blaise was sure everyone knew Draco would do anything to ensure his mother’s safety.
“He knows he can do that, but he doesn’t know how,” Draco sighs and decides to tell them his story, the reason why he’s taken these measures; even if they don’t take the oath, which he is sure they will, he knew he could trust them. “I already asked for his help in getting Mother to safety, it’s also how he became aware he is able to claim the title of Lord Black. He spoke with someone, only saying ‘his friend’ who told him he can claim both his titles. He told me he would get Mother out even if I didn’t agree to the oath, that her safety wasn’t balanced upon my choice. I took the oath, because I wanted to make a choice for myself. Harry also said none of you would be required to take the oath, but nothing further will be discussed with you. The oath will help against Legilimency and even Vertiserum, but it also won’t allow us to speak to anyone who has not taken the oath about what was discussed. As I said at lunch, once you decide to take the oath, there is no going back.”
“Well I’ll be willing to take the oath, even if they can’t get me away from my family.” Pansy looks at her friends, “I take it showing up is the way we show our agreement?”
“Yes and no, they’ll still talk things over with you and offer you a choice; showing up doesn’t mean you absolutely will take the oath.” The table is silent a moment, though Draco sees Blaise’s nod and soon after Daphne and Astoria. The group let down the wards and soon part ways, each in his or her own thoughts.
Pansy accompanies Daphne and Astoria to their room, having no desire to be near Millicent right now and her nosy questions.
“So are you going to talk to Granger about how to be a proper lady?” Pansy sat on the bed only to be pushed by Astoria.
“What exactly do you mean by that?” The two sisters glare at Pansy, and Pansy gets the idea they don’t know she’s aware.
“I know Draco fancies her, and though she can be a know-it-all bookworm, I think she’d be great for Draco. I want to know if you’ll be helping Granger know what to expect being a Lady. I’m observant too, you know.”
The two nod and, now knowing Pansy is aware and alright with it, the three girls talk about how to get Granger and Draco together.
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Giving A Chance