The Snake's Clan

Chapter 3: Duel

Thursday, September 3rd

Harry sank onto a workbench, exhausted. He had spend a large part of the night searching for a way to escape Malfoy's spell and finally found only one solution: fire. The main problem with this is that he would need a lock of his charmer's hair, and he had a feeling that obtaining some of Malfoy's hair was going to be a little more challenging than getting some of Crabbe or Goyle's as he had in his second year . Harry had considered asking Hermione and Ron about it, but seeing them happily kissing over breakfast - they had been a couple for almost two years now- had definitely convinced him it was a bad idea, surely they deserved to be happy for a change instead of worrying about him?

All in all he'd had a very trying morning - he'd had to deal with Professor Sprout's most vicious man-eating plants, thanks to Snape, who had 'conveniently' requested some of their venom the day Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had Herbology.

And there he was, collapsed on his table, wondering where his favorite professor could possibly be... and hoping his two best friends would stop kissing long enough to remember their DADA lesson.

Waiting for them, he turned his head towards the other side of the classroom, where a silver-blonde was disappearing behind a book. Harry wondered when Malfoy had started taking so much pleasure and attention in reading. It just wasn't like him... 'Maybe it is like him... it's not as if I really knew him. Maybe he likes books. I wonder what kind of...'

He felt a hand on his shoulder, disturbing his thoughts, "Harry, are you okay? You seem... on the moon."

"Hermione... I'm fine, I swear," he answered.

Fortunately, Professor Lupin's entrance interrupted their conversation, something Harry was very grateful for. His too short sleeves and smile gave him the air of a very kind person, which he was, yet slightly dozy, which he certainly wasn't. "Good afternoon everyone. I hope you all had wonderful holidays, and are ready for your last year as Hogwarts students!"

There were smiles and a few nods to answer his enthusiasm. "To begin with, you'll duel one against one. It'll allow me to see some of what you learned during the previous years, and particularly to decide on the coursework groups to be formed next week. But I'm warning you I insist on calm and fair play or it's back to the books! Understood?"

The class erupted into cheers. "Good. I leave you the choice of your partner. Each group will duel for two minutes."

All the students quickly moved towards a partner. Harry was going to ask Ron but noticed he was still holding Hermione's hand. He scanned the classroom, only to see pairs of students, when his eyes fell upon a lonely figure who was already watching him. They both stood up.

"Alone, Potter?"

"Yes."

"Settled?" inquired Lupin

Harry nodded. They made their way to the cleared space next to Lupin's desk, and stood facing each other. "Scared, Potter?" Draco drawled.

"You wish!"

Malfoy smirked "Back into second year."

"More than you think."

Draco raised his eyebrows but didn't ask what Harry meant. "Begin whenever you're ready," called Professor Lupin. The boys bowed then circled, watching one another unblinkingly. 'He's waiting for me to make the first move. He must think I'm going to cast a common spell, but I'll be the one to surprise you this time, Malfoy!' "Serpensortia!"

A gray snake shot out of his wand, facing Draco.

"Yes Harry! Make him eat the git!" shouted Ron, but Harry didn't hear. He was searching for a trace of fear, or embarrassment on his opponent's face, a sign that would prove that he was the one in charge. When Draco finally lowered his wand, Harry grinned and hissed «Attack!»

The Gryffindors' shouts were growing in volume, encouraging their hero.

The snake slithered toward Malfoy, and entwined his left leg. Draco didn't move a muscle, never taking his eyes off Harry. The snake, on the other hand, slid across his chest, and swung his head around, to rest on Malfoy's shoulder. 'Why doesn't he attack him? Oh... Oh Merlin, he's so sexy like this, with the snake coiled around him. I wonder how it would look on his bare skin...' Harry unconsciously licked his upper lip. Malfoy smirked mischievously, "Potter, Potter... You really thought a snake would attack me?"

"You speak Parseltongue?" Harry asked, bewildered.

"No, but snakes know better than to attack me. See, even a snake can recognize the smart and handsome one."

Harry intended to grind his teeth, but couldn't help smiling. He raised his wand again when Professor Lupin stepped between them.

"I think that will be enough. Another pair!"

They both went back to their seats, disappointed at the interruption of what was promising to be a very interesting duel. Meanwhile, Professor Lupin waved his wand, and the snake disappeared with a puff of black smoke.

The rest of the class was uneventful. The students cast spells at one another during the remaining time, and Neville dutifully sent his opponent to the infirmary, having once again performed the wrong spell. The classroom quickly emptied when the bell rang. Harry had stayed behind because he knew Lupin would have some news about Sirius. He was about to go ask him when Malfoy moved toward the teacher's desk.

"Excuse-me professor."

Remus Lupin lifted his eyes from the schedule he was studying.

"Can I help you, Draco?"

"Yes... I think. I'd like to do some extra work in this class, just to add to your lessons. But Madam Pince informed me that all the relevant books were in the Restricted Section. I need your signature on a permission slip."

Lupin was about to answer that he was delighted Draco was so interested, and would gladly sign it, when Ron cut him short, "Daddy's Dark Art books not *satisfying* you Malfoy?"

Draco turned on him, furious. "Don't you dare insult my father!"

The hatred in his voice was mirrored on Ron's face. The enmity between Draco and Harry was infamous, but it was nothing compared to the loathing Malfoys and Weasleys felt for each other. Arthur Weasley had, in the past two years, accumulated evidence against the Malfoy family, and had even obtained permission from the ministry for Aurors to search Malfoy Manor. Lucius Malfoy, on the other hand, was always attempting to deprive Arthur of his position at the ministry.

At Hogwarts, the effects of the war between the two fathers had been felt among the students, highlighted by Draco and Ron's constant duels. They didn't care about wands and had often battled with their bare hands, during classes or meals, in the corridors or on the Quidditch pitch. More often than not, Ron had had the advantage, thanks to height, but Malfoy did a good job of defending himself (especially when his bodyguards, Crabbe and Goyle, where around). But one day, after the Winter Holidays, a bloody combat put a close to definitive stop to their duels. They had then kept on their little fights, but their hatred was so profound none of them could express what they really felt, nor satisfy their desire of revenge. These altercations had become mere children arguments and the hate slowly frozen in their heart.

Lupin coughed to attract their attention. "I don't like to take points from good students like the two of you, so please remain calm. Draco, here is a pass for the Restricted Section. I trust you won't consult books than aren't on the list you gave me.»

"Of course, profess..."

He stopped abruptly, feelng a cold metallic object against his neck. He frowned when hearing a cutting noise, then saw Lupin gasp. Draco turned slowly and faced Harry, who was holding a pair of scissors. "What did you just do, Potter?" He asked, shocked.

"Me?... um... I collect locks of hair!", Harry answered, trying desperately to sound convincing.

Draco rolled his eyes, "Yes, of course, everyone collects hair. I at least hope you have the decency not to mix all the hair together, I wouldn't like to have part of me too near someone else's," scowling at Ron. But before the redhead could react, Draco had walked out the door.

- - - - - -

Harry had quite a bit of trouble explaining the hair incident to Ron without telling him about Malfoy's spell, and its effect on Harry. Fortunately, Seamus arrived, and Ron was forced to drop the subject. After spending all of his spare time working on them, Seamus had finally perfected what he called his 'tracers'. The idea had come to him as he was watching a science fiction show on the telly over the holidays. The characters used a little round ball as a spying device. It picked up on sounds, and recorded them. Seamus' tracers operated in much the same way. He had sowed them all over the castle, unnoticed because of their inconspicuous appearance, and were activated during the night. Prompted by a noise, no matter how soft, the tracer followed the person who had made this sound, noting who he was, where he went and when the person had been seen. Seamus was very proud of his invention, and would routinely make up comic explanations for his unsuspecting victims' night-time wanderings.

- - - - - -

In spite of these spies, Harry flirted with the night, defying the stars to reveal his presence. Safely hidden by his invisibility cloak, he slipped out of his dormitory and disappeared into the night. He was heading for the dungeons, or, to be more precise, the small stockroom adjacent to the potions classroom. Hearing footsteps behind him he quickly pressed himself to the wall. When he saw who it was, he had to stop himself from calling out.

'Bill? But Ron says he almost never leaves Gringotts for security reasons! And he was still so depressed during the Summer Holidays because of Charlie's disappearance last year. What could he be doing at Hogwarts?'

Curiosity piqued, Harry decided he would follow his friend's brother, and was led to the Slytherin wing -if it can be called that- of the dungeons. His anxiety was growing with every step. "My my... what a handsome man we've got here!"

Harry edged closer to see who Bill was talking to. A stab of jealousy mingled with surprise flashed through him. Draco...

"Yes, I know. Who can resist after all? But we have business to take care of, remember?"

"Of course. Here is the map, with access codes and doors. The rest is up to you, but I..."

The creaking of an opening door cut his sentence short, and Atus Cast entered the room, apparently not at all surprised by Bill's presence, nor of his student's. To Harry's amazement, Atus gave Bill an all-encompassing hug, grinning from ear to ear.

"Do you have the map?" he asked.

"I already gave it to Draco. When will you put your plan into action?"

"Draco?"

"A month from now..." sighed the blond, "You should go, McGonagall is probably making her nightly rounds."

"Okay. See you soon... Atus."

Dumbfounded, Harry watched them go as they had come, wondering what was this map, what Bill Weasley of all people could plot with a Malfoy, and what he, Harry Potter, had to do with any plan of Malfoy's.

- - - - - - -

Still bewildered, Harry trudged back up to the common room. He had filched his bundle of magical herbs, added Malfoy's hair and thrown the bundle into the fire. According to the Gryffindor's studies, Draco, if he had bewitched him, would be scorched by the fire until he ended his enchantment over Harry.

But the following day Draco didn't have even a scratch.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Chapter 4: Reflection

Here's a sigh to those who love me,

And a smile to those who hate;

And whatever sky's above me,

Here's a heart for every fate.

(Byron)

Two weeks had passed, and Harry's suspicions about Draco had mingled with something else.

Faced with the reality of his failed attempt at proving Draco's bewitching him, Harry had spend days observing his arch-enemy. He had discovered a Draco that differed from the one he knew all too well: a strangely humane, affectionate and warm-hearted Draco. When the dark-haired student had failed to cut some roots of belladonna in compliance with Snape's strict standards, Draco had gently taken Harry's hand in his, and had slowly showed him the correct way.

A short time ago, Harry could have shouted out his hatred of potions class and its master for all to hear. Now, however, he was the only student to look forward to this lesson, with the exception of Hermione of course.

These short hours, in addition with the Curses and Maledictions class allowed him to be near Draco, to study the blond, and the strange reactions the closeness of their bodies had on Harry. Harry's heart glowed and he felt... simply happy. They had become closer the Gryffindor would never have imagine, and even in public they managed to string two polite words together. Harry, at Draco's suggestion, had joined a group of Slytherins that Draco was tutoring and had made rapid progress.

Harry had surprised himself by discovering a seething jealousy of Blaise Zabini. The young man never left Draco's side. Together, they spoke Latin, discussing things Harry couldn't understand. He also didn't comprehend why Zabini was so overprotective of Draco. Malfoy had nothing to be kept safe from.

This is how he discovered he felt alone when the blond was absent. He missed the piercing and intent yet strangely kind and gentle gaze of the Slytherin over him; the way Draco seemed to know all that happened around them; and, above everything else, the presence of his warm being and strong aura near him.

Harry's attraction to Malfoy grew stronger and stronger, often Harry dreamt of white, wandering hands exploring his body. Still suspicious, he'd spent nights searching for contra-spells in the Restricted Section, but found none. The only thing he'd found that had the power of creating such symptoms was a Love Potion and the test he'd practice over himself had revealed a negative result. This was real attraction, not an induced one, but a passionate and earnest feeling that grew in his heart

It somehow happened that Harry missed the good, or rather bad old Draco, the cruel and manipulative one; because 'that one' would notice the way Harry looked at him, and wouldn't hesitate to take him, without loving him, only for the pleasure of seeing Harry kneel and beg at his feet. Harry knew he wouldn't mind doing so, however shameful it was, for he simply would give anything and everything to obtain an ounce more attention from the beautiful blond.

Ron and Hermione had announced their engagement. They had decided to marry soon after finished their seventh year. Harry studied his roommates: Ron and Hermione were kissing in a corner, Dean had disappeared with Lavender, Neville and Ginny were cheerfully conversing on the couch, and Seamus was taking photos for the Hogwarts Herald. Amidst all this happy activity Harry felt strangely alone. He picked up his clock and silently left the Gryffindor tower.

The coolness of the night was barely helping him clear his head. It seemed as though a small box was tightening around his heart, pressing it deeper and deeper into his chest. Harry leaned against a wall, breathing with difficulty, choking on the sobs stuck in his throat.

"Harry?"

The Gryffindor frowned. This voice, it couldn't be... He turned to face the one that just spoke and felt his heart pounding. The fact that the blond Slytherin was accompanied by his constant companion didn't bother him and he could only see blue-gray eyes looking at him with concern. A year ago, worry would have seemed out of place in Malfoy's eyes, but Harry was now getting used to this strangely kind gleam. Draco murmured to Zabini to go ahead, which the Slytherin did very reluctantly, and then came nearer the Gryffindor.

"Would you like to go for a walk?"

He was offering his arm. Thanking him silently for his support, Harry nodded his assent and grasped it frailly. They were sitting peacefully in the rose garden, watching the moon and stars. Neither of them had said a word while they walked, and, when they stopped, Draco had taken Harry in his arms, enfolding him in a motherly embrace. Resting, Draco against the wall and Harry against Draco, the dark-haired boy felt more full of existence than he ever had. His whole world was contained in the gentleness of Draco's arms, the softness of his chest, the tenderness in his eyes. This life was Harry's dream, a secret dream he was afraid to reveal to the cruel world. Yet Harry thought he was wrong to feel this way, because he plagued by misfortune. His entire life, he had put the people he loved in danger, simply by being near them. Ginny's bewitching by Tom Riddle, the twelve years his godfather spent languishing in Azkaban, Cedric's death, and all the ones that had followed. So many things that wouldn't have been if he hadn't been alive, so many things that he could have spared them from.

"Draco?" he whispered.

"Yes, Harry?"

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

"Am I nice?"

"Yes...Very."

"Then let's say that... this summer, I discovered things about our world that changed my vision of my fellow students... and myself "

"What do you mean?"

Draco sighed, and then smiled tenderly at Harry; "Life is hard and pitiless for all of us. If we work separately, we'll die separately; it's as simple as that."

"But... I thought Slytherins..."

"You thought Slytherins were protected from the reality of this world now that the Dark Lord has risen again, don't you?"

Harry looked guilty at the ground. It never occurred to him that the Slytherins of all could be sad or afraid of their future.

"Yes. Apparently I was deadly wrong... I'm sorry..."

"Don't be. You've no reason."

"I do. I should have paid more attention to them instead of letting the Gryffindors hurt them; they seemed all so alone at Hogwarts last year. And... I'm sorry I didn't protect you too..."

"Shhh... That's okay. I deserved it."

"No. I... I don't know what really happened to Charlie, and I don't ask you to acknowledge me, but Dumbledore trusted you so I... I trust you too. Last year I couldn't have said, but now, I'm sure you didn't help to get him killed."

"Are you sure? Are you sure I wouldn't have killed him if my life depended of it?"

"Would you?"

Harry watched him in the eyes, slightly afraid of the answer he was going to hear.

"Yes."

Harry's breath stopped in his throw as the blond continued.

"But my life wasn't in danger, neither this of someone I want to protect. Harry, I..."

Draco took carefully Harry's head in his hands, so that their noses were touching and their eyes lost into one another.

"Remind this, Harry, it's important. What you see or hear isn't always the reality, what you think or deduct may be false, only the time will prove itself to you."

"I don't understand..."

"I know and it's normal. But one day you'll do, because time is all we have. And, by the way, you already protect the Gryffindors and it's a lot, so don't bother about Slytherins, I can handle them alone."

"But..."

"Shhh. No buts, Harry. Look at you, you look like a little boy, brave, I agree, but alone, afraid and very tired. I'm going to take you back to the Gryffindor's tower where you'll sleep a dreamless and restful night. I promise nothing will happen when you're profoundly asleep, and Merlin knows you need it."

As he had said, Draco accompanied him back to the tower. The Gryffindors hadn't noticed Harry's disappearance, and didn't heed his return. He went up to his room, and, for the first time in months, slept peacefully.

When he awoke, Harry's interest in Draco had turned from suspicion to lust to love.

* * * * * * * * *