Harry Potter and the Six Founders

Chapter 8 - To be a Slytherin

Salazar's Retreat

After Snape left, Draco stayed where he was for a long time. His mind was in total turmoil and, outside of telling himself that he should be getting a grip on his situation, he couldn't see what to do. The only time he had been treated so brutally had been by his father, and that had only happened at home, where he could at least find solace in the comfort provided by House Elves or his mother.

Here he was alone, expected to care for himself for the first time ever.

Looking up he noticed that night was coming, and he also felt the first pangs of hunger. A quick search of the backpack produced some food but most of it was raw and needed to be cooked. Draco had never prepared a meal in his life, and he only had an imprecise theorical knowledge of it. He supposed it would be somewhat like potion making, but where would he find the recipes?

Then there was the matter of finding a place to sleep. The temperature was going down fast in the thin mountain air.

He managed to scrap some nourishment from his supplies and carried the rest into the ruins of the house. He organized a crude nest, wrapped himself in some blankets and decided that things could wait until morning. Exhausted by the nervous tension of his confrontation with Snape, he quickly fell asleep.

Sometime in the night, he was woken by a shrilling sound. Trembling with terror he listened carefully to identify it, but it didn't come again. He was very cold and damp and couldn't get back to sleep. The rest of the night passed by in fits of dozing and insomnia.

When the sun finally rose, he was more miserable than ever. Half of his body was sore. He felt dirty and tired. It took him some time to realize that if he wanted warmth, he would have to build a fire. That was easy enough to do with his wand. At least he remembered some basic utility spells. He wasn't going to worry about underage magic. If the Ministry objected he would be more than happy to be hauled in and returned home.

With several logs burning he felt better. He rummaged into the pack and found a tin pot and some bottled water. With this he managed to make some tea. The dosage was wrong, the brew was too weak, but with some honey and in the state he was, it was close to the most delicious drink he ever had. He felt alive once again. Porridge was beyond his competence but he had some bread and he could toast it in the flames.

This is first breakfast I cooked for myself and none ever tasted better.

He looked around him. If I'm going to live here for some time I'd better explore the area. Standing up, he stretched to relieve the kinks in his muscles. Damn Snape. He could at least have provided me with a minimum of comforts. Even muggle camping gear would have been nice.

Muggles.

His godfather had said, and implied, a lot of things about muggles the previous day. As he began to explore his new domain, Draco reviewed their conversation. There had been some very unpleasant revelations. About his father, the Dark Lord... and muggles.

He was intelligent enough to understand the implications. Muggles were a source of magical power, maybe as much as wizards. They just couldn't activate or control it. Other things being equal, muggle born wizards were just as powerful as pure bloods. The Dark Lord was still one of the most formidable wizards, and he was a mudblood. Hermione Granger had no wizard ancestry, and she had helped undo one of the most powerful curse ever devised.

And yet he couldn't discount the power associated with old wizard families. It was not just a matter of wealth. There were too many stories about the importance of those traditions, how they could be used for protection. They rarely fought against each others because of this. Even Hogwarts was protected by old magic.

Hogwarts.

Hogwarts, Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Maybe it was still prejudice but he knew that the two other founders were less important. They had been followers and the leaders had been those two wizards.

What an extraordinary time it must have been, he thought.

He remembered the choice he had made before Snape. To be a powerful Slytherin wizard. He knew he was gifted, he learned spells faster than most other students, but in truth he didn't really work at it.

I could be even better.

He had looked at the circle of stones but there was nothing special there. These places were usually important but only on special dates. He followed a vague trail which ran on the side of the plateau. It led to a rocky area and after a moment he could hear the sound of running water. A few paces later, he saw the mountain stream.

At least I won't die of thirst.

Plain water was not what he had been accustomed to drink but he had no choice. He tasted it and to his surprise he found it delicious. Draco Malfoy had never tasted fresh water from anything other that a decanter.

Too bad it's not closer to the ruins.

He sighed. He knew that he would have to work hard just to scratch a living from this place. And Snape wanted him to study as well.

Not what I expected at all.

He came back to the house and started exploring the remains. One room still had part of a roof left, as well as a working chimney. He could arrange it as a primitive dwelling, if he could move some the debris away.

He almost did it by hand when he realized there was a better way.

"Wingardium Leviosa." The rocks raised themselves. "Mobilis." In a few minutes the work was done and he even managed to set up a large broken slab as a kind of table.

That done, he went through the content of his belongings.

There was a number of books on advanced magical theory, and even one on house keeping spells. Draco eyed it in distaste but he had to admit it would probably be the most useful object for him in the next few days. There were also some rough clothes and a crumbled leather hat.

That hat looks familiar. He took it out and recognized it suddenly. It's the Sorting Hat!

Draco was amazed. He knew the Hat always stayed in Dumbledore's office. Snape must have borrowed it. He was impressed.

What am I going to do with it?

"Talk to me of course!" answered the Hat, as it suddenly sprung to life.

Draco jumped at least a foot in the air.

"Wha... What?" he said.

"Good morning Draco. Nice little setup you have here. Crude but nice."

The Hat turned right and left to examine his surroundings. Draco was fascinated.

"I seem to recognize this place," it said. "Ah yes, now I remember. I used to live here."

"You lived here, with Salazar Slytherin?"

"As Salazar," corrected the Hat.

It somehow managed to frown at the boy, something rather difficult for an object with no face.

"Don't tell me you don't remember my songs?"

Draco swallowed and his mind was racing. He hadn't paid much attention to the Sorting Hat's little show at the beginning of each year, except to consider the new recruits for his House. There was something about it containing part of the personalities of the four Founders.

"Er... You mean he's inside you with the others?"

"Evidently you didn't consider them very important," it reproached. "I thought every student understood that I am a composite of the memories of those wizards who build Hogwarts, and that this enables me to select how the students should be placed."

The Hat deformed into something which could pass for a dejected grimace.

"Yes I remember you Draco. That first time you weren't much more than the nasty little boy of Lucius Malfoy."

Draco didn't know how to react to this. Why did Snape bring that ridiculous thing here? Too late he remembered that the Hat could read minds.

A flash of light jetted from it and struck him in the chest. He was thrown across the room, his head crashed against the wall and his vision blurred.

"May I suggest a little more respect when you think about me?" asked the Hat in a pleasant voice.

Merlin! I didn't know it could do that.

A Slytherin knew how to adapt to spectacular and dangerous powers.

"Please accept my apologies." He shook his head and stood up. "I've been a little unsettled lately."

"And you never had manners worth a damn. Arrogance is a perversion of courage, did you know that?"

He shrugged.

"I wasn't exactly brought up in humility."

The Hat considered him critically.

"To answer your unvoiced question, the Headmaster told professor Snape to allow me to adjust your education."

Draco was ready to reply that he didn't fell the need to be specifically educated, but he didn't dare think that anymore.

Actually he felt lost and even a little desperate. All that kept him from crying out in frustration was the remnants of the pride he clung to. He was being dealt too many blows, and he knew he was close to losing it completely.

He just nodded.

The Hat cracked a wide grin.

"It will be better if you put me on. Please do so."

Gingerly he took the Hat and placed it on his head. It fell over his eyes and he found himself in a very large space. He could look around and move inside it, like in a pensieve.

He couldn't see any walls but there were several vertical shelves filled with books like some kind of gigantic library. He moved toward the nearest partition and examined the books. Some were new, others old, most were thin while a few where quite thick. There didn't seem to be any logic on their storage. On the cover of each one of them, the only thing he could see was a name, a number and a familiar symbol. He quickly recognized the seal of Slytherin on one book. Comprehension dawned on him and he took out another. That one displayed Hufflepuff's, with some subtle changes, and the numbers could be dates in some sort of calendar.

This could well be the register of all the students of Hogwarts.

He tried to read a book at random but the writing was undecipherable. He replaced it and moved around. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a lighted area and walked toward it. It came from a larger open space. In the middle of it here was a round table with four chairs around it. In the chairs were two wizards and two witches, dressed in magnificent robes and talking together.

Draco realized in fascination that these were the four Founders. He looked at them and felt the tremendous power emanating from their personalities. They turned toward him. His eyes lingered on the one who was evidently Salazar Slytherin.

"Madams, Sirs..." he began automatically.

"Hello Draco," said Salazar pleasantly, acknowledging his presence.

Draco saw that Hufflepuff was looking at him in distaste, Ravenclaw seemed aloof and disdainful while Gryffindor had the grin of a warrior sizing up an adversary. He tried to ignore the hostility they projected. Salazar glanced at his companions and chuckled. He exchanged a look with Gryffindor who nodded. He turned his attention back to the boy.

"Some of us do not like you very much," he continued. "And some are wondering what you are made of."

The three other wizards disappeared.

"Their opinion is not very important for the moment. I will decide what to do with you."

He chuckled again. It was not an unpleasant sound but there was still something disquieting in it, a hint of cold steel beneath the politeness.

Draco found his voice.

"And what do you think, sir?" He tried not to show how important the answer would be to him. He didn't realize that, like the Hat, Salazar could read his mind at will.

The Founder's face became an inflexible mask. What little warmth had been in voice disappeared.

"I agree with Severus that you showed great potential." Draco held his breath. "But that you've wasted a great deal of it. And maybe it is too late to achieve what you could have been."

The sentence was delivered like the thrust of a blade. At those terrible words Draco felt his heart stop. His eyes misted over and he stumbled back.

"No..." he said in a voice which betrayed a rising panic. I didn't do anything! What can he mean by that?

"You doubt this? Let me show you what you did with your inheritance."

He felt an irresistible mental force invade his mind, and before he could react, he was assaulted by a succession of images. Key events in his young life, brilliant successes, painful failures and other decisions he made, or not. Each time the relentless voice of Salazar passed a terrible judgment.

That was not bad... You could have done better that time... This mistake was disgraceful...

For what seemed like hours, his life passed before him. Not only was it incredibly humiliating, but each negative opinion was physically painful, like a drench of icy water. When it was over Draco was lying prostrate and sobbing on the stone floor. His father had used the Cruciatus on him once, this was even worse.

Salazar was standing motionless. There wasn't a trace of pity in his voice.

"You will note that I do not refer to good or evil, justice or fairness. What counts is to have one's talent bear fruit, or let it go to waste."

"Please..." Draco said tearfully.

Salazar remained impassive.

Draco's mind was dissolving in despair. He had been judged and found wanting. He was lost. What could he do? Who would help him?

I never wanted help from anyone and now I have nothing left.

His pride had been his last possession. What good was it to him? He would discard it. Nothing mattered anymore after this last failure.

But some part of him didn't want to give up. One last resolve filled his mind, the promise he'd made to Snape.

He looked up to the wizard, opened his heart and called out.

"Please sir, I beg of you to help me."

Salazar's face remained unreadable.

"What to you want me to help you for?"

Draco wanted only one thing. He wanted to be called a brother, or a son, by that man.

"Help me be a Slytherin."

The wizard's eyes seemed to glow somewhat.

"How flattering. Nothing more?"

"Nothing would matter more."

"And you would follow my teachings?"

"I will do anything you ask."

"And you think that you are capable of it?"

Draco held his gaze. He didn't dare hope.

"I will do my best and accept your judgment."

Salazar smiled at last and went toward the boy. He gestured for him to stand up.

"Good. It has been a long time since I was a teacher. I will be glad to be one again. We'll see I can make a proper wizard out of you."

Draco was trembling with relief. He felt reborn and immensely comforted. He looked up to his new mentor and wowed to apply himself without restriction. He would learn and prosper to be the finest Slytherin ever seen in living memory.

The next days were filled with a whirlwind of lessons, exercises and discussions. Draco learned more about the origin of Hogwarts and of the traditions of his House. As time passed he began to loath his father and his entourage, and conversely, to admire his godfather even more.

"It is a difficult road we walk, us Slytherins," said Salazar in one of their discussions. "Much of what we are is hidden and misunderstood by others, and since we deal the most with what they call the Dark Arts, it is also very easy for us to succumb to it. This is what happened to Tom Riddle, and to your father."

"I was wondering what you thought about Riddle and Voldemort, Master."

Salazar's face was grim.

"Yes, and of the fact that he is a descendant of mine." He sighed. "Beyond the obvious, biological heredity is not as important as I once thought. But you must remember that I am not the true original Slytherin, only a memory and an abstraction."

Draco said nothing. What he saw was the embodiment of wizardry perfection. It was more real to him than the original could ever be.

"I do not see myself in Voldemort," continued Salazar. "He has crossed the line between the ancient traditions, which I still support, and the pure evil of selfish power. What he really wants is to be immortal and all powerful. He can only fail, and the means he uses are despicable."

Well there's no ambiguity on that.

He was allowed to come up for air a couple of hours every day. He also learned how to organize his camping and prepare his food.

He waited several days before broaching with Salazar the most difficult subject he needed to resolve.

"I suppose you are aware of much of what happens at school, Master," he asked.

"Not all certainly, but a lot nevertheless. You are wondering what I think of your friend Harry Potter?"

Draco grimaced.

"We're not exactly friends. But yes I would like your advice on how to deal with him."

"Do I really need to spell it out?" The question was accompanied by a raised eyebrow.

"I know we should join up but will he accept? How will his friends react? And what about the rest of the students? The Slytherin and the others." Draco lowered his eyes. "Much trust has been lost, and I know that some of it has been my fault."

Salazar shrugged.

"You've seen how it's done with professor Snape. Sincerity is very powerful magic but you have to be convinced yourself."

"I know. I think I understand what you did with Godric Gryffindor, but will I find the same spirit in Harry?"

"You will. He is a true disciple of his House. Both of you have changed much in recent times. It will help to think of it as a rebirth, a new begining. Things will be more difficult with the others but they will follow the leaders."

Draco nodded.

"And I will have to lead the Slytherins." That will not be impossible.

"You should now have a better understand of what moves us."

"A priceless knowledge Master."

"The students will be easy. You will have more trouble with the adults. I count on you to help keep alive our traditions. And correct the prejudices."

"What about my father? My family?"

"That is always going to be your personal decision."

Draco sighed.

"Yes Master."

"I have taught you all I needed to. You will continue with others now."

Draco felt a deep sadness at that thought, but he had known it would be coming. He straightened up.

"Master..."

They looked at each other and there was a rare show of affection on the wizard's face. He too had enjoyed the time they had spent together.

"... I will remember what you taught me and I will profit from it."

A apprentice from another House would have thanked his master, but it wasn't the Slytherin way. The best thing Draco could do was to prove himself worthy of what he had received.

"We may meet again," answered Salazar. "In the meanwhile you have my blessings."

He gestured and Draco found himself in the ruins of the old House, holding the Hat in his hands.

With Severus Snape looking at him.

Draco placed the Hat gently on his makeshift table and greeted his godfather cordially. Severus detected the subtle changes in the boy's manner. The assurance was still there, it was even stronger, but stripped of the previous arrogance.

Draco offered him some tea and as he described the events of the past days, he saw the awe in the older man's eyes. Snape hadn't really understood why the Dumbledore had suggested that he leave the Hat with the boy. It was a powerful relic certainly, and one who sometimes offered spontaneous comments during discussions, but he would never have imagined what his godson was describing.

Did he really meet with the avatar of Slytherin? Who else could have changed him so? How fascinating. I will have to discuss this with the Headmaster.

"I find you much more balanced than when I left. That is good. Did you come to term with your situation?"

Draco's face was serious.

"Intellectually yes. I know what to do. I still can't tell how I will to react toward Potter."

Snape eyed the boy severely.

"You will know that when you see him. But you will need a very good reason to convince me you two can't work together."

Draco nodded.

"Fair enough, sir."

"Let's see what you've learned, and I have some ideas for the next few days."

Snape led Draco through several drills. His purpose was to give him the same practical knowledge that Harry had dispensed to the DA students, and to educate him in the rudiments of Occlumency, Legimency and Dark magic, with an emphasis on identification and counter curse. He also provided Apparition training for good measure. He made a mental note to ask Dumbledore for a dispensation as soon as possible.

He also insisted that the boy spend a minimum amount of time in physical exercises to build up his strength and endurance. Few wizards did, which gave those who took the trouble all the more of an advantage.

Draco accepted the intensive training without a word. It was much worse than what he'd had to do for his OWLs, but his motivation was total. Not only did he fulfill his promise to Salazar and to his godfather, but he understood clearly the advantages of such an exclusive tutoring. It led toward the one thing he craved most: power. And the more powerful he felt, the easiest it was for him to consider confronting Potter.

Toward the end of August, Snape declared that he would be leaving him. He was curiously reticent but he didn't offer any explanation.

"You won't be coming back?"

"No. You know enough to be able to Apparate home but I would prefer that you stay here as long as possible. You will only need a few days to prepare for school."

He stood up and looked around with an unusual sad expression on his face.

"I am very satisfied by what we did together Draco," he said in a wistful voice.

"So am I sir." Why is he like this? It's almost as if he was never coming back.

Draco suddenly had a dark foreboding. If Snape was being summoned by Voldemort, and didn't have the Mark anymore, he would be branded a traitor.

"Sir, you're not..." He couldn't say it.

Snape frowned in annoyance.

"What?" he snapped. "Express yourself clearly Draco!"

Draco swallowed.

"You're not being summoned by the Dark Lord, sir?"

Snape looked back in astonishment. He was only going back to Hogwarts for that ludicrous remedial potion class he had promised to Dumbledore. He certainly didn't look forward to it but it didn't bear comparison to a meeting with Voldemort.

Do I look so terrified?

Actually it would be his first occasion to have Potter back in his class and he didn't know how he would react. He was getting ready to berate the boy when he realized that both of them shared the same reticence, which made it even more annoying.

This is ridiculous.

So ridiculous that there was no question of him discussing this with anybody. He straightened up and considered Draco severely.

"Certainly not. He can't summon me anymore and I don't have the slightest intention of confronting him without good reason." Despite himself he was touched by the relief he saw in the boy's eyes.

"I simply have another task before me. Not very pleasant but simple to do and without any risk." He shrugged and waved his hand negligently. "A routine chore."

Draco was sure that whatever it was, it wasn't routine, but the man plainly didn't want to talk about it so that was that.

"Forgive me sir. A stupid consideration." He straightened up. "I will follow your advice and I look forward to seeing you again at school."

Snape nodded curtly and Disapparated.

Draco's curiosity was undiminished and he knew that his godfather had been on the point of explaining himself before he'd changed his mind. He tried to imagine what kind of project could make him act in such a manner, but he failed. Finally he shrugged and went back to his studies.

Hogwarts,

The students were assembled in the main courtyard. A good part of the DA was there as well as some Hufflepuffs and two Slytherins who were keeping to themselves. All were edgy, even Harry, who had otherwise started the day in an excellent mood. The repetitive negative comments by Ron and some others had finally managed to undermine his moral. This was the day they would confront professor Snape in circumstances which couldn't possibly please him.

During the previous week they had organized several revision sessions at Grimauld Place for all volunteers. Harry remembered Snape's last words to him and he was determined to show a good figure. Remus, Tonks and Hermione had put together a very complete program and they were confident that they now possessed the Outstanding OWL level of expertise the professor asked of his NEWT students.

But Snape was not just any professor and they knew it. Granted that he had changed but Harry and Ron were the only ones who knew of the actual circumstances, and they would never discuss it. All of them remembered what kind of a teacher he could be, and they dreaded what was coming.

Harry made a point of greeting the two Slytherins, Theodore Nott and another boy he didn't know. If anything they were even more terrified than the rest of them, which was understandable. By their very presence they were a black taint on the reputation of their House, and Snape was certainly not going to be happy with them.

They stayed mute but he still got a nod for his efforts.

Not exactly the soul of the party these two.

He didn't lose hope and remembered the words of encouragement Hermione gave him, along with a warm hug, before he left. As the hour approached he rejoined his group.

"All right, let's go. Everybody remembers what we agreed to: mutual respect, no provocation... and no panic." He cracked a smile. "I guarantee that we stand an excellent chance of surviving this, so chin up!"

A couple of forced chuckles answered him. They got together and moved inside.

In his classroom Severus Snape was putting the final touch to his preparations. He would have faced a dozen Death Eaters rather than to admit it, but he was just as nervous as before his first class as a teacher, more than fifteen years ago. He remembered that at the time Dumbledore had come down to encourage him, and even offered him some candy. He had almost expected the Headmaster to do it again.

Thanks Merlin he didn't.

He'd have been mortified, even if he still didn't know how he would react in front of... Harry.

Potter. In class he's nothing but Mister Potter.

Things had been much easier when he hated his guts and simply had to prod him along. Now he genuinely liked the boy but it only made him feel even more the need to prepare him for the task ahead. Severus Snape still didn't imagine any alternative to pushing him as hard as he could go, without breaking him.

This is getting too complicated.

He heard sounds in the corridor. Several hurried steps which stopped at his door, then somebody knocked. He glanced at his watch.

At least they're on time.

"Enter," he said.

The door opened and the class took their seats. Harry was the first to come inside. Contrary to his usual behavior, he didn't go for one the back row seats but marched toward the center of the room. For a terrifying moment, Severus feared that he would flash his insufferable smile, or offer to shake his hand, or even hug him, or...

Harry took his seat in the second row, the Weasley boy at his side.

"Good day professor Snape," he called out clearly. The other students murmured a greeting.

Snape was too relieved to do anything but answer automatically.

"Thank you, and good day to you."

He struggled inwardly to recover a proper teaching attitude. It helped when his gaze fell on the two Slytherins who lowered their heads in shame. He sighed inwardly and cursed Dumbledore to have imposed this on him.

"You are here to redeem your failings for the OWL exam," he continued silkily. "This is not a training course but a verification of your true... competencies. A second chance if you like."

Harry didn't say anything but he reflected that Snape had certainly not lost any of his mordant wit.

"Since you should have had ample time to prepare, I will accordingly grade your answers more rigorously than the official system." His icy gaze ranged over them. Neville swallowed convulsively.

"The practical organization will be as follows. You will be staying in your usual quarters. Meals will be taken in the great hall. Sessions will take place in this room, at eight A.M sharp, until five P.M with a one hour break for lunch and five minutes breaks every two hours. This will go on for three days. After each session, I will decide who deserves to go on... and who doesn't. Those of you who manage to stay on to the end will be admitted to my sixth year class."

Ron threw a worried look at Harry who didn't bat an eye.

"If there are any questions I will be happy to answer them," added Snape, in a tone which implied that only someone especially stupid could possibly have something to ask about so clear a program.

Nobody said a word.

The first part of the morning was devoted to theorical questions on the official program.

"Mister Thomas what are the properties of hellebore?"

"There are several, sir. It's a poison but it is also used in an anxiety reducing potion named the Draught of Peace."

"And with what else Mister Potter?"

"Powered moonstone sir. This has to be finely grinded and kept in a non metallic container."

Snape interrogated them all, one after another. He appeared satisfied with the first series of answers because the questions gradually became more and more difficult.

When they left for lunch, everybody made sure that they were a long way from the classroom before they started to discuss the morning's events. Everyone agreed that it went rather well but the imposed rhythm was brutal and nobody relished the idea of spending three full days at it.

"We'll need another month of vacation after that," sighed Ron. "And to top it off we have to stay here at night."

Neville exchanged an amused glance with Harry. That last didn't bother him much. Normally he spent his summer with his grandmother and outside of a few outings, it had been rather boring.

"It can't always be home sweet home, hey Harry?"

Harry grimaced. Ron would be thinking of Luna and he knew he'd miss Hermione fiercely. The others had been ribbing them mercilessly and they didn't look to be letting up.

They shared a common table for meals. The two Slytherin didn't participate in their banter but they were a lot noticeably more relaxed than in the morning.

"What did you think of it Nott?" asked Dean. "You looked even more frightened than us."

Nott tensed for an instant, and then he showed a disgusted face.

"I think he's going to work us to death this year."

In response, the other Slytherin and Ron sighted loudly at the same time, which made the rest of the table burst into laughter.

The afternoon was devoted to brewing various potions. The first one was a general antidote, not very complex but quite delicate to prepare. When they entered the classroom they saw that on everyone of their desk, a little cage had been placed, with a live rat inside.

"Nothing but a little drama to spice things up," announced Snape with a cruel smile. "Your task will be to prepare the antidote for a poison which I will administer to these animals. The measure of your test will be starkly simple. If your rat survives, you go on, if it doesn't you go out."

Harry and Ron looked at each other. Ron shrugged, ever since Wormtail he had no particular liking for rats.

They started to work silently. Harry was casting frequent looks at Neville who seemed to have fallen back to his former clumsiness. Snape didn't give them any specific directions but, from time to time, he would throw some remark. For once these were not insulting, sometimes helpful, but always sarcastic.

"Mister Longbottom I urge you to relax. If it helps, I can assure you that there is no way in which the ingredients you are handling can blow up in your face, although that will not always be the case."

Harry saw Neville tense when he was addressed, but the neutral tone of Snape's comments was a welcome surprise. He did relax, and even showed a fleeting smile.

At the prescribed time the professor made the round of the tables, and for each rat he mixed a dose of potion with a small amount of poisoned food. Each student was anxiously looking at his animal.

The liquid was supposed to be almost transparent with glints of silver. Neville's was somewhat cloudy and his rat squealed once and was evidently distressed. He held his breath and sweated visibly, but after a minute the rat was still alive. Snape cleared his throat noisily and moved on to the next student.

That evening one of the Hufflepuffs was eliminated and two Gryffondors, including Neville, knew that they were in trouble. By common agreement an emergency revision session was organized to cover the subjects which were likely to come up the next day.

At the end of the second day they barely had the strength to drop down in the common room chairs and groan. The nervous tension had been exhausting but everyone was still in the race.

The third and last day was composed exclusively of practical exercises. By lunch one of the Slytherin had been eliminated and the pressure on the rest of the class was at its maximum level. At one point Harry suffered a memory lapse and hesitated between two ingredients. A mistake would certainly have catastrophic consequences and for the life of him, he couldn't remember which one to use. He raised his head in distress and saw Snape moving impassibly between the tables. As the potion master bent down to examine the work of another student, Harry suddenly felt the image of a root forming in his mind. Immediately he lowered his eyes and took the asphodel root.

I don't believe it. He helped me!

Harry finished his work while trying hard not to smile. Maybe the Occlumency exercises hadn't been such a waste of time after all.

At the end of the day Snape announced the final results.

"I will spare you the fastidious reading of your grades. You will get them by Owl post in the next days. All that you need to know, even if I confess to being surprised, is that you have all passed."

Dean couldn't stop himself from cheering, followed by several more students. Snape grimaced and rolled his eyes.

"Mister Thomas, since you are evidently suffering from an excess of energy, I leave you the privilege of cleaning up this room, along with your more vocal comrades. As for the rest of you, we will meet in September and until them I hope that you will profit from the rest of your vacations. Goodbye."

"Goodbye professor," they answered excitedly while Snape left the classroom in a swirl of robes.

Salazar's Retreat

Toward the end of August Draco went back home. He spent his last night in meditation next to the old tomb, retracing the events of the last weeks and the words of his master, especially those concerning his relations with Godric Gryffindor. Often his eyes would linger toward the symbol of their friendship.

If they could do it then it's possible.

In truth he was certain to be able to put his differences aside with Potter. Cooperation was attainable and necessary, but anything more was probably superfluous.

Severus can talk all he wants. For him there was the Mark, for Salazar and Godric there was the Unicorn. It takes an extraordinary event to bring together such different persons.

He didn't realize how far they had already come.

In the morning he returned to Malfoy Manor. He rejoiced at seeing his sister again and wowed to help her grow in the new proper Slytherin way he had rediscovered. His meeting with his mother was more subdued. She saw the changes in him, but didn't comment on them.

As he moved around the house, he couldn't escape feelings of repulsion at some of the things which where in it. Objects which he had not understood, or even noticed, before. Over the years, his father, like his ancestors, had gathered many relics, some were truly potent and fascinating, but others simply reeked of dark evil.

He couldn't afford to make any comment. They had agreed with Snape that he would have to keep his new attitude a secret from his father's associates as long as possible. So he just gritted his teeth and carried his few belongings to his room.

In here however, some things will have to go. And I'll have to check Silena's room as well.

As he was reordering his possessions, his sister's voice interrupted him.

"Why are you throwing out all these things?" she said.

He shrugged it off.

"I'd rather use the space for something else. I'll just put this somewhere else."

She accepted the explanation.

"You look very fit after that vacation of yours. Did you have fun?"

He smiled affectionately.

"Yes, and I met some very interesting peoples." He thought about it. "Maybe one day, when you're older, I'll take you there."

"That'll be nice."

He looked at her. She was still a sweet child, but he could detect the first signs of the poisonous influence of their family and entourage. He could easily imagine how she could become a cold disdainful woman, and it sickened him.

"Come here Silena," he beaconed.

She obeyed, trusting. He gathered her in his arms.

"I have something important to tell you," he whispered.

"Yes?" she replied in the same voice.

"You're growing up and I'll be back to school soon, but I want you to know that I will always be able to help you if you need it. If you have troubles or questions about things that you fear, or don't understand. You can always ask me, and you should. Do you hear that?"

"Well yes. Thank you," she said dubiously.

"You can trust me to keep any secrets. Okay?"

"Okay," she nodded seriously.

She doesn't understand and that's actually a good thing. But maybe some time in the future she will remember and I may be able to help her.

She ran off to her room and he turned back to unpacking.

The next day, he went to Diagon Alley to buy the year's school's supplies. He was looking at some books when he recognized the coarse slur of Vincent Crabbe's voice.

"Hey! What do you know? It's the little Weasley redhead!" he jeered.

"Don't you know it's dangerous for your kind to go alone in the big bad world?" added Goyle, never far from his friend.

Draco saw them trying to corner Ginny Weasley who was glaring at them.

"You two had better get out of my way unless you've developed at taste for slug crawling," she hissed.

"Aw, but where are your friends to protect you?" pointed out Crabbe.

"And anyway you're not allowed to do magic. And we do have a slight advantage in physical matters," added Goyle.

They roared in raucous laughter and Goyle reached out an arm toward the young girl.

Draco didn't even stop to think. He crossed over to them and seized Goyle's arm, twisted it and pulled hard. The bigger boy let out a yell of pain and fell to his knees.

"What do you apes think you're doing?" he growled.

The two of them looked at him in surprise. Draco had always condoned their bullying, when he hadn't goaded them on. And the Weasleys had always been fair game.

"But Draco..." started Crabbe.

"Don't say anything," ordered Draco a cold voice. "Get out both of you and don't ever try that again."

"But..."

"GET OUT!"

Draco expressed all his pent up rage and frustration and the two boys blanched. Even Ginny was frightened. She had never seen someone so menacing.

Crabbe and Goyle rushed out while he glared at them. When they were gone, he turned toward her.

"I'm sorry for what those brutes said. I take it you're not hurt?"

Ginny was amazed. Draco was sorry for something? Draco Malfoy? I must be dreaming.

"I'm all right. Thank you for intervening but I could have handled it," she answered defiantly.

He smiled grimly at her. Maybe she could at that. She looks tough and Snape told me about that fight at the Ministry.

"Nevertheless, students should have more manners."

Ginny considered him carefully, noting a number of changes. He was fitter. She could see where muscles had replaced soft flesh, his poise was impressive and his manner was completely different from before.

She smiled politely.

"Please don't take me wrong but I'm a little bit surprised."

He sighed, looked away and then back at her. She'd grown a lot since he'd last seen her. She was very attractive now, and that mop of flaming hair was impressive.

"I suppose you are at that. Well it's a bit complicated, maybe I'll tell you about it sometime." He cleared his throat. "Listen. I was wondering if your friend Potter would be around here today."

He noticed a slight flush when he mentioned Potter's name. Did she still pine after him? In any case she covered it well and it was not his business. What he wanted though was a lead to him. They had to talk before the school started, and now was as good a time as any.

"He'll be here for lunch with the others," she replied. "We're supposed to meet at the Leaky Cauldron in an hour."

She hesitated.

"I have one or two more things to buy and then, if you want, we can go and wait for them afterwards."

He flashed her a winning smile.

"I'll be glad to escort you."

They finished collecting the various things they needed. Draco gallantly carried the heaviest items. When it was done, they walked to the tavern and reserved a table for themselves and the others. He ordered some butterbeer and they made small talk. Ginny still couldn't believe that he could be so pleasant. And he's really very good looking too.

Draco was making a determined effort to be nice, but he was also warming up to the young Gryffindor. They'd both been on the defensive at first, but they managed to keep the conversation on neutral subjects, and away from the past conflicts. He was beginning to actually relax when Harry arrived with Ron, Hermione and Luna.

Draco stood up and they greeted each other awkwardly. Harry frowned but his demeanor was polite enough, as was Luna's. Ron looked ready to lash out and Hermione was looking at him carefully.

Draco noticed the pairings and smiled inwardly, careful to keep his expression neutral.

He ordered more butterbeers and waited until everyone was installed. Harry sat in front of him, between Ginny and Hermione.

Draco took a deep breath and looked straight at Harry.

"I wanted to talk with you Potter."

"I'm listening," answered Harry calmly. "What should we talk about?"

"Our past differences, the coming year and the conditions for a mutual... collaboration."

Hermione and Ron gasped, Harry's face stayed serious, Ginny frowned and Luna smiled.

Draco ignored them and kept his eyes upon Harry. When the other boy nodded he continued.

"I realize that we have a bad history and I don't want to go into details about that."

He gave him a challenging look and turned toward Hermione.

"I will only specifically apologize to you, Granger, for calling you by an impolite term. That will not happen again." Hermione's mouth fell open. He turned back to Harry.

"There have been a number of significant developments in both our lives Potter. We may still disagree on some things, but the time has come when I have to make a choice. I do not care for the Dark Lord's goals or his methods, and I do not want me, or Slytherin House, to follow his path. If you agree we will fight him side by side."

"Bloody Merlin!" exploded Ron.

"He's telling the truth," said Luna in her calm, matter of fact, voice.

Ron looked at her with an astonished expression on his face. She nodded firmly toward him and he sat back in his chair.

"I'm going bonkers."

Harry seemed to consider Luna's remark and take it in.

Interesting. They trust Lovegood to make that kind of evaluation. I didn't know she had that talent. They're certainly a resourceful bunch.

Harry moved toward him and placed his hand, palm up, on the table. He smiled for the first time.

"A long time ago two wizards made their peace and build a new world," he said in a soft voice. "I would have us do the same, Draco. Will you be my friend?"

Draco felt his heart skip a beat. This was more than he'd expected, or hoped for. He couldn't explain it but despite himself he was moved. Harry's smile gave him a glimpse of a world he hadn't expected: friendship and then something more. Severus had warned me, but I guess I really had to see it live to believe it.

He extended his own hand and clasped Harry's. Real emotion showed in his voice.

"I will be your friend and you will be mine... Harry."

Their eyes locked and both felt the importance of the moment. Then Draco laughed, liberating some of his pent up tension.

"What's so funny?" asked Ron, scowling.

"Your face. If you could see it I'm sure you'd crack up too."

The others joined in and even Ron followed a moment later.

They calmed down, but it was plain that it would take some time for all of them to get use to the new relationship. Five years of animosity could not be undone in a few minutes. Draco sensed it as well and he thought it better to leave them alone for now. In any case they would meet again in the train the next day and at school afterwards. He got up and told them he had to be going.

"I'll see you all tomorrow. I expect we'll have a lot to talk about. By the way I'm still a prefect this year." He grimaced. "I know what you're thinking. Please don't say it. Goodbye."

He nodded to Ginny and turned away.

Harry got up as well.

"Wait!" Draco paused for him and they left the tavern together.

"Don't worry about the others," Harry said. "It will be all right. They just need time to adjust to the situation."

Draco nodded.

"But you don't?"

"I've been thinking about it for some time. I didn't know how it would happen, if it would be you or someone else, but I knew it was a necessity."

Draco thought about it for a moment.

"The Headmaster?" he asked.

Harry nodded.

"I expect he's had a hand in your changes also? Or perhaps Professor Snape?"

Draco nodded in turn.

"Yes. He... explained a lot of things." He cracked a rueful grin. "I've had an interesting month you know. Not so great at first but it was very instructive."

Harry looked at him carefully.

"Something... unusual must have happened to you."

"Yeah it did. Well, we'll talk about it sometime."

"I'll be glad to." He hesitated. "Draco. If you need anything... whatever. Call me and I'll help."

Draco considered it and acknowledged the offer.

"Thanks. I'll remember." He extended his hand and Harry shook it.

As he walked away Harry suddenly called out.

"Draco!"

"Yes?"

"It's going to be all right you know!" He smiled.

Draco smiled back. "I know."

When Harry came back inside his friends were discussing the new development with animation. He sat next to Hermione and proceeded to order lunch. When they'd had a chance to think about it he asked for their opinions.

Luna's was simple and direct.

"He meant what he said. He's really decided to work with us. It's amazing."

Ron was still shaking his head over the fact.

"I'm sure Luna's right but we'll have to wait and see. I don't believe anybody can change that much."

Harry turned to Ginny who recounted the events of the morning. Ron sighed.

"Well at least those two baboons are still the same. In a sense it's reassuring, otherwise I would know I'm in a bad dream."

Luna kissed him in passion.

"Would you get a kiss like that in a bad dream?" she said when he came up for air.

Ron rolled his eyes and ordered another butterbeer. When they'd finished laughing Harry turned to Hermione.

"What about you Mione? He told me he'd seen Snape and had a very special experience. What do you think?"

"I detect the hand of Headmaster Dumbledore," she said carefully. "And I think that what we did with Snape played a significant part, but there must have been something else. It takes a big shock to turn someone around like that."

She shuddered.

"We'll know what eventually. In the meanwhile it's a good thing and we should run with it. I can't wait for school to start."

"Me too," added Ginny in a wishful voice. Harry shot her a glance and made a mental note to talk to her later on.

They finished lunch and resumed shopping. Harry arranged to be alone with the younger girl for a moment.

"How are you doing Ginny?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she looked at him defensively.

He smiled and winked at her.

"Well the last time we talked you were a little tense. You look much more peaceful today."

Ginny smiled back.

"You thing maybe I'm cured of my infatuation with the great Harry Potter?"

He chuckled.

"I don't know how to react to that." He cocked his eye. "Are you?"

Ginny made a play of slowly approaching her hand from his chest, as if she was testing a burning surface.

"Well maybe I am!" she exclaimed.

"And would it have anything to do with a newfound, pale haired, friend of us?"

Ginny looked away.

"I don't know." She frowned. "Okay. He's interesting enough to make me stop thinking of you, and let me tell you that it's been a wretched summer because of that, but I have to think about it."

She turned back toward him.

"What do you think? And please keep Ron out of it!"

Harry chuckled again.

"I can just imagine his face if he gets wind that his little sister is planning to go out with his former arch enemy." He sobered and looked into her eyes. "You can think about it all you want Ginny. All I will say is that I like the new Draco Malfoy. Let's just hope he doesn't change back."

The light in Ginny's eyes brightened, and Harry didn't believe she would need to think a lot about it.

"Will you take care of Ron for me?" she murmured.

He grimaced.

"Yes I will." And I'll ask Luna to help me. The two of us will not be too many for that.

That evening Arthur and Molly found their daughter almost euphoric at times, and distant and pensive at others. They could guess it somehow reflected her sentimental life, but they had long ago abandoned any hope of discussing it with her, and at least it was an improvement over her previous regimen of alternate nerves and despondency.

They'd convinced Ron and Luna to spend their last night at the Burrow, in separate bedrooms to Ron's dismay. Of course of it would only be a theorical setup since he planned to join her as soon as he could - and everybody, with the possible exception of Molly, knew it but no one said anything. Luna's father had also been invited, which made their pairing almost an official item, and Molly found herself fantasying about dressing gowns and chapels.

It was a pleasant evening during which the conversion of Draco was discussed extensively. Ginny managed to hide her feelings by way of super human discipline. Arthur had received advance warning from Dumbledore, but he was impressed nonetheless. Everything seemed to be going extremely well. His experience told him it wouldn't last but this was no reason not to enjoy it.

At Grimauld Place a similarly pleasant dinner à quatre was organized. Hermione had suggested that they made it a little formal so that the girls could dress up differently from the usual jeans and tee-shirts. Everybody had approved.

They had set up a little table in the garden, complete with candle lights - and of course no silverware, but Harry and Hermione had bought a very nice set of polished steel for Remus' sake. Hermione dressed in the same blue robe and hair dress that she'd worn two years ago at the Yule ball and Harry was suitably appreciative.

All in all it was a fitting ending to a memorable summer. They danced one last time around the pool, and their faces were bright with happiness as they retired to their rooms.

For Harry and Hermione it was the last night they would spend together for some time. They rested in each other's arms and talked until the middle of the night.

To be a Slytherin ch8-21