Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

Chapter 7

The Lion's Woes and the Dragon's Tale

True to his word, Neville came to the Gryffindor Quidditch practice on Tuesday night. Harry spotted him from the air as he was circling the pitch. Neville moved up the stands towards Hermione and Harry flew over.

"Hello, Hermione," said Neville.

Hermione looked up, dropped her book and jumped to her feet. "Oh Neville," she cried as she threw her arms around him. "How are you? Harry said he'd gone to see you. I wish I could've gone too."

Neville just smiled at her.

Harry hovered over to them and noticed a tall, hooded figure take a seat in the stands a couple of rows behind them.

"Hi, Neville," said Harry.

Neville sat down with a cheerful greeting.

Harry bent his knee and put his foot on the broomstick in front of him, resting his arms on his knee. He hovered in perfect balance as he spoke with Neville.

Sean pulled to a stop next to him, looking amazed at Harry's position on the broom.

"I wish I had balance like that," said Sean.

Harry sighed and dropped his leg over the side. "Is Stan ready?"

"Yes, sir," said Sean. "When ever you are."

"Ok," said Harry. "I'm coming." Sean zoomed away. "Sean is a very good seeker," Harry told Neville. "He can spot the snitch quickly, but he has a broom control problem. He tries to out do himself."

"You're a tough act to follow, Harry," said Neville seriously. "You wanted to prove yourself too."

Harry smirked.

"Give him time," said Hermione.

Harry nodded and took off. He stayed with Sean as they circled the stadium. Harry spotted the snitch and had to fight his instinct to dart after it. A moment later, Sean saw it and turned sharply left and followed.

"Watch the bludger," called Harry.

Sean ducked it and managed to stay with the snitch. When the snitch dove, so did the boy.

Great! Harry dove after them. They were speeding toward the ground.

"Keep your center," Harry shouted.

Sean reached out toward the golden ball but Harry knew he'd never get it before they hit the ground.

"Pull up, Sean!" shouted Harry.

But he didn't. To Harry's horror, Sean jumped up onto his broomstick.

It's too soon. He's not ready.

Sean pulled up on the handle. The broom leveled then angled up, brushing the back on the ground. Sean tumbled backward off the broom.

"SEAN!" yelled Harry.

Jumping onto his own stick, Harry pulled out of the dive and let go. Once he was beside Sean, he pressed his back foot down and the broom stopped. Harry jumped off and dropped to his knees beside the boy.

"Sean, can you hear me?" said Harry, looking him over. He didn't see any blood.

"I'm all right, Professor," said Sean, sounding irritated. "I pulled up too far, but at least I pulled up."

Harry helped him to his feet. "True enough, but you scared the hell out of me."

"No doubt you mad a spectacular landing, racing to my aid."

It sounded like a grumble. Harry sighed.

"I have no idea," said Harry. "I was too worried about you. Next time do as you're told."

The rest of the practice was uneventful and Harry bid goodbye to the team. Neville and Hermione had left earlier as the practice had gone on later than usual.

He strolled back to the castle, enjoying the crisp fall air.

"Keep walking," a hoarse muffled voice commanded as a wand point was jabbed in his back.

A glance over his shoulder showed the hooded man from stands looming behind him. Harry continued toward the castle.

"Did you know that I can apparate on Hogwarts grounds?" said Harry lightly.

"I know."

"And that I could disarm you in an instant," Harry added.

"I know."

Puzzled, Harry asked, "What do you want?"

"Talk."

The voice was totally alien to him, but that was easy enough to do with magic. He entered the castle and started up the stairs, moving toward his rooms.

"Do I know you?"

"Yes," said the man.

Curious. "Do I like you?" said Harry.

"Sometimes."

Now, Harry was more than curious. He led the stranger to his classroom. They both entered and the man closed the door behind them, still holding his wand on Harry.

"Who's that?" said Voldemort from his chair.

"I don't know," said Harry.

"You don't?" said Voldemort. "Why is he holding a wand on you? Is he an idiot?"

Harry laughed softly.

"Make him leave," said the man in a whisper near Harry's ear.

"He wants you to leave," said Harry.

"Does he?" said Voldemort. "I think not. Unless you want to be alone with him?"

"I'm curious," said Harry.

"And what will you give me?"

"Voldemort, the contract doesn't say I have to let you plaque me every minute of the day."

"Harry, my son. I'm hurt."

Harry nearly growled, nearly pulling out his hair. "Please, Voldemort," said Harry with frustration. "I'm asking."

Voldemort chuckled. "All right, Harry."

Voldemort vanished, and Harry moved across the classroom rubbing his face.

He never lets up with you, does he?

Harry spun around to face the cloaked man with disbelief. He hadn't heard that voice in his head in years.

"Draco?" said Harry softly, daring to hope.

Pale hands reached up, one still gripping the wand and pushed back the hood.

"Hi, Harry."

Harry could only stare at him, studying the familiar features of the boy who had been his arch rival only to become one of the only people he could talk to about Voldemort and the effect he had had on Harry's emotions. Draco had aged well, filling out to resemble his father alarmingly.

Now with Voldemort tormenting him again, there wasn't another person alive Harry was more grateful to see. Draco stared back at him, surveying Harry with his own inscrutable inspection as if just waiting to see Harry's reaction.

With all the pent up emotions and volatile thoughts caused by Voldemort, Harry didn't know whether to grab him in a hug or yell the bloody roof down on him. He decided to do both.

"Where the bloody hell have you been?" demanded Harry, crushing him once before he moved away to pace. "Do you have any idea of the crap I've been through the past couple of weeks? What happened to 'I'll be there?' Was it too much to-"

Are you through?

Harry looked back at Draco, who stood in the same spot, arms crossed, brows raised.

Harry opened his mouth then closed it again.

"I missed you too, Harry," said Draco with a smirk.

Harry ran both hands through his hair. "Sorry," he muttered as he fell into his chair at his desk.

Draco stepped further into the room.

"You should have called me."

Harry met his gaze. "I didn't know I could," said Harry. "How did you? Why didn't you call me?"

Draco sighed and took off his over cloak, throwing it over one of the student's desk as he moved to Harry's desk. "I didn't know the 'gift' was working again until last week," said Draco. He pushed up the sleeve of his robe, exposing his left forearm. Rubbing the Dark Mark lightly, he met Harry's gaze. "The Mark started getting darker around the end of July," said Draco. "I didn't know what to think of it. It was beyond reason and logic to consider Voldemort might be back. When I didn't hear anything from you, I assumed it was some sort of fluke."

"I hadn't heard from you in years, Draco," said Harry. "It was like you dropped off the face of the earth."

"I had to put my life into some kind of order," said Draco. "You and Dumbledore cleared me but there was a lot more to resuming my life - a life - then simply picking up where I left off."

"I know," said Harry. "It must have been hard. You could have asked for help. I would have-"

"I know you would have," said Draco. "But you had your own problems."

"They seem sort of lame now," said Harry cynically. He magicked a chair beside his desk which Draco sat down in, then he summoned two glasses and a bottle.

"But I came as soon as started hearing some bizarre random thoughts."

"Oh?" said Harry, looking up. He handed Draco a glass he had just filled. "What did you hear?"

"Oh you know," said Draco. "The standard pathetic Gryffindor comments. And since I know I don't think like a moron, I knew it had to be you."

Harry smirked at him. "Typical Slytherin attitude, that," said Harry. "But why didn't you call?"

"Use your brain, Potter," said Draco. "I knew Voldemort had to be involved. I didn't know what kind of position you were in. I wasn't going to jeopardize your situation until I knew what was going on. You should have contacted me right away."

"I told you," said Harry. "I didn't know I could."

"Oh?" said Draco. "Forgotten how to use an owl, have we? I know damned well your owl could've found me, even where I was. And they expect you to be a teacher?" Draco eyed Harry's clothes. "Even if you do dress the part."

"Hey, I was playing Quidditch," said Harry defensively. "What do you expect me to wear on the pitch?"

Draco waved it off with a smile. "So, it's true. The most powerful wizard in the world is teaching."

Harry shrugged. "That's what I've decided to do. I'm pretty good too, I'm told."

"Of course," Draco said with a snort. "Harry Potter excels in everything."

Harry snorted then. "I know one Potions Master who would take very loud exception to that remark."

"I know that one," said Draco, helping himself to the bottle and refilling his glass. "Speaking of Snape, I'm surprised I didn't hear from him about the Mark."

Harry frowned. "Severus didn't mention it to me either. Maybe he figured it was a fluke too."

"Maybe, but he's here," Draco reasoned. "When he discovered it was a ghost..."

"Well yes," said Harry. "But in the beginning, Voldemort didn't let anyone see or hear him but me. No one believed me. Everyone thought I had finally snapped, which of coarse amused Voldemort to no end."

"Sounds like him."

"I expect I will end up crazy one of these days," said Harry. "So where have you been?"

"Well, I went as far as you can go education wise," said Draco. "I have several offers, mostly big business but right after school, I did some field research. I've a degree in archeology, but I'm more like an archaist."

Harry blinked at this. "Really?"

"Yes, you know, ancient artifacts and-"

"I know what it means," said Harry with irritation.

Draco grinned maddeningly. "Anyway, this writer for the Quibbler reported that a team of scientists had unearthed some magical relics at an Aztec dig," said Draco. "So the paper hired me to confirm if any of it really was magical."

"So you went."

"Damn right I did," said Draco. "Of course some Ministry people were there as well - can't have magical artifacts falling into Muggle hands can we?"

"Find anything?"

"Oh, the site was genuine - a real historical ruin - beautiful artwork, a lot of phoenix imagery (they were rather obsessed), but nothing magical - from our world," said Draco and he added a laugh. "The ministry chit was disappointed though."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it seems that they've been looking for some amulet for centuries and they thought they had a lead." He paused for a drink.

"Sounds exciting," said Harry, not being able to keep from feeling jealous.

Draco shrugged. "Anyway, I did such a thorough job that this investigation firm hired me to check out a site in the Amazon jungle. That was interesting as well, but the climate was a bit - er - moist."

Harry had to laugh then.

"What?" said Draco.

"I'm having trouble picturing Draco Malfoy, 'Mr. Fashion Sense,' digging in the dirt and wading through the sweltering jungle."

"I'll have you know," said Draco indignantly. "I am not afraid to get dirty. I just prefer not to. Besides, it isn't as if I had to do any of the actual retrieving of the pieces. I merely had to inspect them."

"So basically, you've been a freelance treasure hunter."

Draco gagged, horrified. "Harry, how undignified!" He ruined it with the Malfoy smirk. "The term is artifact authenticator. Pure research, highly professional."

"Yeah, right," said Harry with a laugh. "The wizarding world's version of Indiana Jones."

Draco blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

Harry had to grin at his confusion. "Never mind," said Harry. "It suits you though and it explains why you haven't been the epitome of correspondence."

"Yes, well." Draco had the grace to look embarrassed. "What little time I had to write, I usually reserved for my mother. And judging by what I'd read about you, you were too busy-"

"Too busy?" said Harry incredulously. "I would've given anything to have heard from you." Harry almost bit his tongue at the smug look Draco sent him. Arrogant bastard.

Draco chuckled.

"So now, what will you do?" said Harry.

"Well, I still have some of those offers," said Draco. "And I have a long standing invitation to sit on the Board of Governors for the School."

"Oh?"

"That I may take now," said Draco.

"Wouldn't be the Board of Governors without a Malfoy on it," said Harry. Draco frowned but nodded. "Are they still harassing you about your father?"

"Not as much anymore," said Draco. "And they lifted the restriction on our vault."

"Well that's good," said Harry. "I take it, you haven't heard from him." Draco shook his head. "Well don't fault him for that. He's protecting you."

"I know," said Draco, his voice taking on a bitter edge. "I just miss him."

"I'm sure he misses you too," said Harry refilling their glasses. I know he does.

"This is good stuff," said Draco, then his gaze snapped up. "What was that?"

"What was what?" said Harry.

"I heard that, Harry," said Draco jumping to his feet. "You know where he is, don't you?"

"Shhh," Harry nearly shouted. And you call me a moron.

"You are a moron." Where is he?

Draco, if you were me, and you wanted to disappear, what would you do?

Harry felt Draco's thoughts tumble around in his head until...

I'd change my name and move to Bulgaria.

Harry nodded.

You sent my father to Bulgaria? Draco's thought was incredulous.

I have a rather nice estate there.

Draco fell into his chair laughing. He looked up abruptly. Don't tell me he's using the name Jack Taylor?

No. I am Jack Taylor. He is just the caretaker of the property.

"I don't believe it," said Draco, shaking his head.

"No one goes there except me and Ging," said Harry. "Of course now that I know that you are still among the living, you'll be invited to visit us there."

Draco started laughing again, obviously relieved and delighted. When he recovered, he ventured, "So how is Ginny? How is she coping with Voldemort?"

"Angrily, most of the time," said Harry. "When she complains, I tell her to go shopping - with his money."

That set Draco off laughing again. "Now that's funny," said Draco. "So you still got the Slytherin fortune?" Harry nodded. "Now the richest wizard in the world too and still you've chosen to teach. Pathetic."

"I know," said Harry. "But the kids are great, and I get to play Quidditch again."

"Should have gone pro."

"I've had enough spotlight, Draco. You know that."

"True, but at least you'd have more time with your family," said Draco. "Must be difficult with you here."

"Don't forget, I can apparate back and forth," said Harry. "It isn't a hardship. I see her every couple of weeks."

"Lucky."

"What about you? Found anyone yet?"

Draco shook his head. "No I'm still a free agent and enjoying it thank you very much." He drained his glass. "So, it'd be cool with you if I accepted a position on the board?"

Harry blinked with surprise. "Why are you asking me?"

"Well our past is a little shaky," said Draco. "You know it. The Ministry doesn't want to upset you."

"Upset me?" said Harry and he laughed - had to. "Draco, the Minister of Magic knows that the only thing that upsets me is his only daughter being mad at me. Everything else I can take."

Draco grinned. "And you have."

"Take it, Draco. You'll be good there. I know it."

"Thanks," said Draco with a grin. He grabbed the bottle again and topped off their glasses.

Harry picked up his glass and stared into, suddenly nervous. Draco just got there, he couldn't leave yet.

"What?" said Draco with that knowing smirk.

"You, er, wouldn't have to start right away, would you?" said Harry.

"Why?" said Draco.

Harry returned his gaze to the liquid in his glass and shrugged. "No reason."

Draco snorted. "Damned pathetic Gryffindor moron." Harry looked up. "Are you going to pretend after that little explosion before that you don't want me here?"

Harry shook his head. "Damned arrogant Slytherin bastard."

"Exactly," said Draco. "I know you hate it, but you need me right now. And it just so happens that a position on the Board of Governors does not require a large amount of time."

Draco paused to swirl the scotch around in his glass. Then he took a sip.

"So," prompted Harry. Bastard, tell me.

Draco chuckled. "So, now here I am, back in the country, with all this spare time on my hands," Draco met Harry's gaze, "and permission from the headmaster of this very school to assist a one Professor Jacob Billings in instructing the fine art of fencing."

Harry's jaw dropped open and he stood up.

"Provided, of course, that I help inspire some new enrollment."

Speechless, Harry continued to stare, but he felt a sort of lightening in his chest as Draco continued.

"This, of course, would require me to convince one stubborn, modest, Gryffindor Natural to put on a show," said Draco, contemplating his glass as if Harry wasn't standing over him, gawking. "I, knowing said Natural personally, am confident that I can get him to pick up his sword."

Draco put down his glass then and stood up. "This, however, is impossible," said Draco as he looked over at Harry. "Because, this particular fencer never retrieved the sword which he left in my care." He pulled open his robe, revealing a four foot sheath with an elaborate silver hilt strapped around his hips.

Harry's eyes moved over the sword, stopping at the intricate web of around the hilt.

"You must be pretty rusty, by now, Harry," said Draco.

Harry ignored the comment. "Is he all right?" said Harry softly.

Draco frowned and shook his head. "I don't know," said Draco. "He went dormant after they found you in the Chamber of Secrets."

Harry looked up. "He did?" said Harry. "How do you know?"

"Well for starters Sennie hasn't come out of the sword since I've had it," said Draco as he unstrapped the sword belt. He grasped the hilt and looked up at Harry with raised brows.

If Sennie, the snake entrapped within the hilt of Harry's sword, was awake, then the hilt would have tightened around the hand of anyone holding it, unless it was Harry, until the bearer let go.

Draco held the sword out. Harry took a hold of the sheath with his left hand, just under the hilt and looked down at the cage around the grip. He glanced at Draco and bit his lip.

"Go on, Harry," said Draco.

Harry sighed and lifted his right hand to the hilt.

No sooner did Harry's hand close around the grip when the web erupted with an almost blinding coruscation of white light. A thin, three and a half foot snake emerged like a shot and coiled quickly up Harry's arm, around his neck, down the other arm and back.

"Master, master. Oh it IS you. Oh, master, where have you been?"

Sennie finally stopped, wrapped around Harry's upper right arm, his head held up so he could look at Harry's face. His tongue forked out repeatedly.

Draco was laughing at the snake's enthusiasm but Harry ignored him.

"Hello, Sennie. I missed you too."

Harry looked at Draco and smiled, a true smile. "Thanks, Draco."

Draco shrugged as he returned to his seat and his drink. "It isn't like he was any problem," said Draco.

"I guess not," said Harry cheerfully as he sat back down as well. Sennie coiled up and down his arm until he found a comfortable spot around his upper arm with his head on Harry's shoulder.

"So, now, what do you say?" said Draco.

"About what?"

"You'll help me establish room and board here at Hogwarts?"

Draco's innocent question didn't fly with Harry because his eyes were so full of humor he was nearly tearing.

Even the thought of 'putting on a show' for the school couldn't detract from Harry's relief that Draco was staying for a while. "You know I will," said Harry.

"Say it, Harry."

Harry looked down at his snake and stroked him gently. "I want you to stay."

"What was that?" said Draco.

Harry looked up, glaring. "Bastard," said Harry. "You know I need you to stay."

Draco chuckled. "Sorry. You know what a kick I get out of it."

"Yeah, I know," grumbled Harry. "Slytherin tactics."

Draco refilled their glasses again. He eyed the bottle. "Summon another bottle of this stuff and I think I'll be ready to renew my acquaintance with the master," said Draco. "How do you get him to come back?"

Harry summoned another bottle from his private office. "I just call him," said Harry.

"You can still call him?" said Draco.

"Er, yeah," said Harry.

Draco studied his expression. Harry looked away.

"Hmm. I don't like the look of this," said Draco. He sat up abruptly. "Wait a minute - the contract? You mentioned a contract."

Harry sighed. "Listen, Draco. There's a lot going on."

"Obviously," said Draco. "Just spit it out."

"First of all," said Harry. "You were right."

"About what?"

"About everything," said Harry. "You nailed it. The magical bond, that I got to him, as well, that he cared - and that it would be his downfall."

"I have a feeling I'm not going to like this."

Harry shook his head. "In the Chamber of Secrets, Voldemort conceded."

"Oh, boy," said Draco, rubbing his face with his hands.

Obviously Draco knew what that meant. Why the hell didn't anyone ever tell him these little things?

"He wanted you to live," muttered Draco.

Harry nodded. "And me, being the pathetic Gryffindor moron-"

"Didn't know he could do that."

"Right," said Harry.

"And you were convinced you had to die." Draco shook his head. "Yeah, I get it." He looked up sharply. "So what are the ramifications? Aside from him being your personal ghost."

Harry stared into his glass. "We're still connected."

"Yeah, I get that," said Draco. "You can call him and he probably always knows where you are. So-"

"Draco," said Harry, meeting the gray gaze. "He can touch me."

Draco snorted. "Don't be ridiculous. Ghosts can't-"

"Draco, he can touch me."

Draco stood up. "No. You're kidding. Tell me you're kidding."

"He's touched my scar twice since school started."

Draco just stared. Harry wished he could find some satisfaction in actually rendering the Slytherin speechless but couldn't. And the silence didn't last.

Draco exploded. A sight to see. For all his fine education, he could still swear like a chimney sweep. Harry was impressed when he switched languages several times. But since Harry wasn't exactly sure who was being condemned through the tirade, he remained quiet.

Finally, Draco took a breath and speared Harry with a calculating look.

"So how do you control him?" said Draco.

"When Hermione discovered he couldn't be in the same room as a phoenix, I started keeping Rowan with me all the time," said Harry. "But that only pissed him off. He threatened to go to my house and annoy Ginger unless we could come to an agreement."

"Hence the contract," said Draco.

Harry nodded. "Since we can still shake on it, it's legal."

Draco fell back into his chair and downed the remainder of his glass. "So how is it?" said Draco. "I mean the relationship?"

"At first it was strained," said Harry. "A lot like during our 5^th year when he was first trying to manipulate me and prove his control over me."

"And now?"

"Now we seem to be slipping more into how it was 7^th year."

"You asked, and he left," said Draco.

Harry nodded.

"What about the students?"

"They cope," said Harry. "He can't hurt anyone but me, and he can only come to my younger classes if I ask him to. He considers himself a teaching aid."

"Oh?"

"He doesn't let me omit little facts that might embarrass me, and most of my students know he rarely lies."

"So he throws your modesty out the window," said Draco, not quite repressing his grin.

"Basically," said Harry. "You know how he likes to gloat."

Draco nodded. "So, what else should I know?"

"He can't touch me in front of any students, except the ones who were present when we negotiated the contract."

"Gryffindors, I expect," said Draco, his smirk back in place.

Harry nodded. "And he can't touch my scar without 'just provocation,' but I can contest if I can prove it isn't 'just' and call Rowan."

Draco shook his head. "This is ugly."

"Yeah, well, my life is a nightmare," muttered Harry. "Some things never change."

Draco refilled both their glasses. "Ok. Call him."

Harry took a quick gulp of his drink and paced away from the desk.

Voldemort.

Pain exploded in his head, and Harry hit his knees. Voldemort had materialized behind Harry, inside the flinch zone.

"Oh dear," said Voldemort. "Harry, did I sneak up on you?"

Harry turned, sitting on the floor. "Funny, Voldemort." He gestured at Draco who had stood up by Harry's desk across the room.

"Hello, my lord," said Draco.

Voldemort turned slowly. "Ah, Draco, my boy." He turned back and looked down at Harry with a smile. "I see the reinforcements have arrived."

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