Harry Potter and the Time Potion

Harry Potter and The Time Potion

By: Jessica Belding

Chapter 1- Neville Longbottom Strikes Again

"Today we will be making Energy Elixirs," said Snape as the class sat down. Harry sighed- he doubted today would be better than last week. He looked at Ron, who was sitting next to him, sucking his Sugar Quill. Hermione, as usual, was the only one actually listening to Snape. Honestly, she thought all teachers were saints. When will she learn? thought Harry. He only hoped that Snape wouldn't take away all the points he had earned from beating Slytherin at Quidditch. It was a very faint hope, however.

"I'm going to put you into groups of 3," continued the Potions Master. "Let's see... Potter, you go with Malfoy and... Longbottom." Harry groaned. His eyes drifted to Malfoy, who looked vicious. But he put on his totally fake angelic smile as Snape looked at him. When he looked away, Malfoy punched his fists in the air. He dragged his bag over to Harry's cauldron. Harry moved over to make a space for Neville in the middle. There's no way I'm sitting next to that creep, he thought.

Harry looked longingly at Hermione and Ron, who were together with Seamus. Ron shot him a look of sympathy.

Neville seated himself between Harry and Malfoy. Class began as usual: Snape wrote the ingredients on the blackboard and Harry and Malfoy threw deadly glares at one another every five seconds. Everything was perfectly normal until it came to putting the final ingredient- wormwood- in. Harry was kicking Malfoy under the table and Malfoy was busy pinching his leg, so Neville picked up the two-pound container to put a pinch in. This was a big mistake.

Harry was about to curse Malfoy when he heard Neville whisper under his breath, "Oh no." "Neville, what happened?" Harry said. Neville picked up the wormwood container and showed it to him.

It was empty.

"Longbottom!" Malfoy cried. "What in bloody hell have you done?" But before Neville could answer, the cauldron started shaking violently. Neville ducked under the table.

"It's gonna blow!" cried Dean. Sure enough, it exploded. Harry and Malfoy were covered with the thick green liquid. As Ron and Hermione were running towards them, they disappeared.

When they reappeared, they were in a large crowd of people. "What did Longbottom do? Where are we?" Malfoy whispered urgently.

"We're on Platform 9 ¾, you git," snapped Harry. "It's obvious, isn't it? Listen Malfoy, I don't know what happened any better than you do, but if we're going to get back, we have to work together. Truce?"

"Truce."

At that moment a red-haired girl walked up to them. "Who are you? Are you new?" she said.

"No, we're not new, we're 5^th years," said Malfoy. "And I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy."

"Fifth years? You must be transfers. Who's your friend, Draco?"

"I'm Harry, who are you?" Harry said, wiping his glasses.

"Harry. That's a nice name. I'm Lily- Lily Evans."

Harry stared at her. "You're- you're who?" he said distractedly.

"Lily Evans. What's the matter?" Harry gawked at her. Malfoy grabbed him. "Excuse us," he said.

"What do you think you're doing?" Malfoy snapped.

"It's my mum!"

"No duh, Potter. How did we get here?"

"Must have been a Time Potion..."

"What should we do?"

"What are you two whispering about?" said Lily. "What's your surname anyway, Harry?"

"Er- Finnigan," Harry lied.

"Harry Finnigan. I like that."

"Lily, who are you talking to?" said a voice. Two boys came up to them.

"Oh, Padfoot, Prongs, these are transfers, Draco Malfoy and Harry Finnigan. Draco, Harry, meet James Potter and Sirius Black."

Sirius held out a hand. "Nice to meet you," he said. Harry took his hand, still staring at the three of them.

"James, where's Remus and Peter?" Lily asked.

"Over there. Moony, Wormtail!" James called over his shoulder. Two more boys appeared, one tall and blond & the other short and chubby.

"Guys, this is Harry Finnigan and Draco Malfoy. They're 5^th years too. Harry, Draco, meet Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew."

Harry and Malfoy looked at each other, jaws dropped. Then Harry held his hand out to his past (or was it future?) teacher. "Hello Pro- I mean, Remus," he said.

"Call me Moony," Remus said, taking Harry's hand. "Hello Peter," he said coldly. He gave Wormtail a look of loathing that was usually reserved for Snape. Pettigrew cowered behind Remus, while Sirius drew his wand.

"You watch yourself, Harry," Sirius said, pointing his wand at Harry. "Wormtail here's my friend- he'd die for me."

"Wanna bet?" muttered Harry. Malfoy kicked him.

"Padfoot," said James warningly.

"I don't trust the boy, Prongs!" Padfoot snapped.

"Well, well, well, bickering, are we? Charming," said a new, but very familiar voice. It was Snape.

"You keep out of this, you slimeball. Wait there's something on your head- whoop, that's your hair. Might want to wash it before it becomes a lethal weapon." Harry snapped. Snape gawked at him, then, surprisingly, walked away.

"You know that bastard?" Sirius asked.

"We've met," said Harry vaguely.

"You are in Gryffindor, right?" said Padfoot. "You're not in Slytherin, are you?"

Malfoy opened his mouth to speak, but Harry kicked him. " Yes, we're both in Gryffindor," he said painfully.

"Guys, the train is going to leave any minute!" said Lily.

"Would you like to sit with us?" Moony asked.

"Of course!" said Harry. The Marauders and Lily went to find a compartment.

"Potter, what are you doing?" Malfoy snapped.

"Spending time with my mum and dad!"

"Just tell them what happened so we can get the hell out of here!"

"No! Don't you see, we need their trust!"

"Potter, all you Gryffindors are such lousy plan-makers! Your idea of a good plan is "Everyone on the count of three!"

"So you filthy Slytherins are better?"

"Slytherin may not have the stupidity, but we've got the cunning plans!"

"You've got a brilliant plan? Enlighten me!"

Malfoy sighed. "Whatever, Potter. Just don't act too all knowing. And don't act prejudiced against that Pettigrew either; they'll get suspicious!"

"Shut up Malfoy, if you're trying to come up with any "cunning plans" do it in your head."

"Harry, Draco, we found a compartment!" called Lily. All of them piled into the empty compartment. They talked about Quidditch for a while.

"Draco Malfoy," Sirius mused. "Are you related to Lucius Malfoy?"

"What? I mean no," said Malfoy at a look from Harry. "Never heard of him."

"Talking about me behind my back, Black?" said a voice from the door. "And I thought you could sink no lower..." It was Lucius Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy struggled not to jump up. He looks just like me, he thought.

"Potter, still hanging around with this Mudblood filth?" said Lucius, gesturing at Lily. Sirius, James, and Harry drew their wands. "Is it a duel you want? Fine then. Serpensortia!" he cried, his wand aimed at Lily. A huge snake burst out of it. Sirius backed away and James dropped his wand as Lily screamed. Harry jumped between Lily and the snake.

"You keep away from her!" he screamed, but all he heard was a soft hiss. "Get them," Harry hissed, his finger pointing to the Slytherins. The snake chased the intruders out of the compartment and down the hall.

Everyone looked at Harry. "Po- I mean Finnigan, you shouldn't have done that," Malfoy muttered.

"You're a Parselmouth," said James quietly. "You can talk to snakes."

"That was bloody brilliant!" cried Padfoot.

"Amazing!" squeaked Peter.

"Unbelievable!" roared Remus.

"You saved me!" said Lily, hugging him. "Thank you so much!"

"Harry, can I talk to you in the hall for a moment?" said his father. Harry nodded and followed him out of the compartment.

"You look just like me," James muttered. "Except your eyes. And what's that on your forehead?"

"Oh -uh- I got in a duel," said Harry, flattening his bangs.

James looked at him. "You're lying to me."

Harry sighed. "Yes, I am."

"You can tell me the truth, you know. I've taken a liking to you."

"Why?"

"Well, Lily's my girlfriend, and you saved her. I mean, you barely know her."

"Already?"

"Already what?"

"You're already boyfriend and- oh, right. Never mind."

"Anyway, you don't have to tell me. I just thought I'd ask."

"Well, I'd tell you, but you'd never believe me."

"Yes I would."

"No you wouldn't."

"Try me."

Harry sighed. "You have to understand this is weird beyond reason. Besides, I can't tell you. Not yet anyway."

"Why not?"

"I need to be able to trust you. I know you're loyal to your friends, but-"

"How'd you know that?"

Harry looked tense. "Er..."

"Does this have something to do with Draco?"

"You mean that git Malfoy?"

"Yea."

"Ummm..."

"You know I really don't trust him. He just doesn't have proper Gryffindor pride."

"No surprise there," Harry muttered.

"What do you mean?"

Harry sighed. "I can't help but trust you. No surprise there either. I'll tell you, Lily, Sirius, and Remus later."

"Why not Peter? And Remus won't be here tonight anyway."

"Quite understandable about Remus. But Wormtail- no."

"Why?"

"NO!"

"WHY NOT?"

"BECAUSE AN INSUFFERABLE BASTARD WHO WANTS YOU DEAD!!!" Harry yelled. Then he flushed. "Did I say that out loud?"

James drew his wand. "Furunculous!" he said in a horrible, throaty whisper. Harry's Quidditch reflexes paid off- he ducked it. James yelled- the spell hit him.

"Finite Incantantem," Harry whispered, and his boils subsided. James got to his feet. "You bastard," he muttered. "Peter would never want me dead."

"Wanna bet?"

"Shut up, Harry!"

"Listen, I'll explain later. Just try not to kill your son," Harry said quietly.

"What are you talking about? I don't have a son!"

Harry banged his head against the wall. "Never mind."

"Tell me."

"No! You'll think I'm crazy!"

"Try me!"

Harry sighed. "All right, I'll tell you. But you have to swear not to tell anyone but Sirius, Lily, and Remus. Not Wormtail. Especially not Wormtail. Got it?"

"Fine! Tell me!"

"Well, first and foremost, my name's not Harry Finnigan. It's Harry Potter. And I'm your son."

James blinked. "Merlin's ghost," he whispered. "Well, you're right about one thing. You're crazy."

"Told you."

"But- how-"

"Malfoy and I got splashed by a Time Potion in Snape's class."

"What do you mean, Snape's class?"

"In my time he's the Potions master."

"How'd a stupid git like that become a professor?"

"That's what Sirius said," said Harry with a smile.

"Sirius? What's he like? What am I like?"

"Well, Sirius is a lot like he is now. But it's kind of hard to explain about you."

"Why?"

"Because I don't know you."

"How can you not know me?"

"Because you're dead."

James stared at him. "How is Lily getting along without me? Who's your mother? Do you know Lily or your mother?"

"I don't know, Lily and no."

"How can you not know? How can you know Sirius and not Lily?"

"Because Lily's dead too."

James blinked again. "What year did you come from?"

"1995."

"But it's only 1974."

"My point exactly."

James ran his fingers through his hair. "How'd we die?"

"Voldemort killed you both."

James flinched. "But why?"

Harry gave a hearty laugh. "Why'd Voldemort (flinch) kill you? Why is the sky blue? Why are Snape and Malfoy such gits? Nobody knows these things."

"No, really?"

Harry settled down. "Really, nobody knows. To get to me? Because you were so close to Dumbledore? Because he just like killing by then? All of the above? Nobody knows."

"How'd you survive?"

Harry shrugged. "Well, actually the thing is I was only 1. And Lily died to save me. Her love kept me alive. But there's also something more, but Dumbledore won't tell me what it is. Anyway, when he tried to kill me, the spell rebounded on him and he lost his powers. He fled. Which is why I'm famous. Yup, that's me, famous Harry Potter, with his great broomstick and his bloody scar," Harry finished sulkily.

"You play Quidditch?"

"I'm the youngest Seeker in a century."

"I should have known: your reflexes- so quick, eyes so sharp. I had the same Seeker training."

"Thanks."

"So what does this have to do with Peter?"

Harry sighed. "I'm going to have to Memory Charm you before I get out of here, you know."

"This is me not caring. Tell me!"

"Wormtail works as a spy for (flinch) Voldemort. Not yet, I'm sure. I'm guessing he started about 7^th year. But you trusted him as a Secret-Keeper for the Fidelius Charm. He sold you to (flinch) Voldemort. He betrayed you. He framed Sirius, who spent 12 years in Azkaban even though he was innocent."

James gasped. "Padfoot. Oh my gosh," he whispered.

"Wait- he escaped. I was in my third year at Hogwarts. That was the year Professor Lupin was teaching if you want to know."

"You mean Remus? He became a teacher? What subject?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts."

James gasped. "Oh, well, that's a surprise, since- oh, but you wouldn't know."

"I wouldn't know what?"

"Well- there's this thing about Remus."

"Oh, you mean that little full moon thing? I know. Hermione figured that out."

"Who?"

"My best friend."

"Oh. Well, how'd she find out?"

Harry laughed. "She's the cleverest witch I know. She must have read the whole library years ago. You can't keep a secret from her."

"I see. Go on."

"Anyway, Wormtail was in hiding. Actually, he was my other best friend Ron's pet rat, Scabbers." Harry could tell from the look on his face that they hadn't become Animagi yet. "This year you became Animagi. You were a stag, Peter was a rat, and Sirius was a big black dog. I know you've been working on that for a while- you'll figure it out."

James nodded. "Anyway, at the end of the year Sirius, who had been hiding in the Forbidden Forest, and Moony found Wormtail with the Marauder's Map. You haven't made that yet, but it's this map of Hogwarts with all the secret passageways. It shows little moving dots of people. Anyway, they confronted Peter, but he escaped. Then Hermione and I used a Time Turner-"

"Wait a minute. How'd she get her hands on a Time Turner? They're illegal."

"Well, she was taking all of the classes there were. McGonagall got her one so she could get to her classes."

"I see. Go on."

"Anyway, Sirius was caught. We used Hermione's Time Turner to help him escape on a hippogriff named Buckbeak. And you really aren't supposed to know all this."

"Who cares? Please tell me you're not some goody-two shoes Hufflepuff."

"Goody-two shoes Hufflepuff? ME? If you want to know, I inherited your Invisibility Cloak and the Marauders' Map, and goody-two shoes is pretty much the least thing that describes me. Between the three of us, Ron, Hermione, and I must have broken some kind of rule-breaking world record. Except the twins could probably beat us. There Ron's older brothers. They live to cause mischief. They're the ones who gave me the Marauder's Map- found it in Filch's confiscation records."

James shook his head. "You're just like you're old dad. So, what House are you in?"

"Gryffindor."

"Is Draco in Gryffindor too?"

"Malfoy? Heck no. He's in Slytherin with the rest of the gits and bastards."

"I see. He must be related to Lucius then."

"Lucius is his father."

"Who's his mother?"

"This really nasty-looking witch. I think her name before she was married was Narcissa Harlem."

James's jaw dropped. "Narcissa Harlem?"

"Yea. What, you know her?"

"Yea. It's just that- she's in Gryffindor. And she's Sirius's girlfriend."

Harry gawked at him. "How could Lucius marry a Gryffindor? He thinks we're scum."

"Yea, well, she's the best-looking girl in school. Next to Lily. He probably blackmailed her."

"Wouldn't put it past him," Harry muttered.

"Anyway, I take it you don't like Malfoy?"

"He's a slimy piece of Slytherin scum who couldn't fly if his life depended on it. He buys the whole Slytherin Quidditch team new brooms and he's on the team! The only way he's even got a chance against me is his nice broom."

"I see. What're you flying?"

"Firebolt. Best there is. Sirius got it for me."

And he's flying a..."

"Nimbus 2001. Surprised he hasn't gotten a Firebolt yet, though. Wait: I can picture a father-son argument here. 'Father, I want a Firebolt because that's the only way I can beat Harry Potter. I ride like scum next to him.' 'If you actually win any games on the broom you've got, I'll get it for you!' 'But I can't win if I don't have it!' And then his father goes and locks him in the dungeons, where he belongs."

"You have a bright imagination, son. I wish I could come up with such good insults."

At that moment Malfoy came out. "What are you two doing, kissing? Really, Po- I mean, Finnigan."

"It's all right, Malfoy. He knows."

Malfoy nodded. "So, Potter, are you going to tell the rest of them?"

"All but Wormtail, of course."

"When can you get them alone?"

"Now," said James. "I have a sudden urge to Stun Peter."

"That answer your question, Malfoy?"

"Sure does, Potter. If you want me -which you won't- I'll be in the prefects' compartment."

"You're not a prefect."

"Your point is? Besides, they don't know that."

"So much for cunning Slytherin plans."

"Shut up, Potter."

"See ya, Malfoy."

Malfoy stalked down the corridor. "I should take a leaf out of Moody's book and turn him into a ferret." Harry grumbled.

"Interesting as it might be to hear that story, I think we'd better explain to the others if we plan on being done by next term."

"You're right, Dad. Let's go."

After Harry had finished his story, Lily was sobbing into his shoulder. "Oh, Harry, I can't believe all those things happened to you! I feel awful."

"Really, Mum, it's not that bad. You should talk. You're the one who's dead."

Apparently this did not help very much. Lily buried her face back into her son's robes.

Sirius looked at Wormtail's body and kicked it hard. "Bit of worthless scum," he muttered.

James was talking to Harry. "My fatherly instincts- that is if I have any yet- tell me to go straight to Dumbledore. And I will, right after the feast."

But Harry was only half-listening. He was looking at Remus, who was pale and shaking.

"Are you all right, Moony?" said Harry.

"Who, me? Yes, I'm fine. I'm perfectly all right. I'm just feeling a bit off color."

"Moony, it's OK. He knows. So does Draco," James said. Remus nodded, looking sick.

"Maybe you should skip the feast tonight," said Sirius. Harry smiled to himself. This was the Sirius he knew- the parental figure, funny and serious. "You should go right to Madame Pomfrey."

"Look, we're here," said Harry. "We'd better wake Wormtail up."

"Right. Ennervate," said James. Peter groaned and got up, stretching.

"What happened?"

"You fell asleep," said Lily. "And we're here."

Malfoy popped in. "What're we going to do about our -er- problem, Finnigan?"

"See Dumbledore after the feast."

"Good. I'm starving."

"James," said Remus in a raspy voice. He was clutching his stomach. "Have to hurry- maybe 10 minutes left..."

So they jumped off the train just as it stopped. They got the first carriage up to the castle. When they got there, Madame Pomfrey was waiting on the steps. "Come on dear, quickly now, no time to lose..." she said. She threw an Invisibility Cloak over the two of them as the next carriage came near.

Sirius sighed. "Let's get up to the feast, Prongs. We're holding everyone up."

Upon entering the Entrance Hall, they heard a cackle from above. Peeves was above them, holding a water balloon the size of Dudley. And Dudley was pretty big now. Dudley weighed over 200 pounds. The last few visits to the doctor's office had ended in the breaking of 2 scales. Peeves dropped it right over Harry.

"Harry, look out!" said James. He pushed him out of the way. They just missed the water balloon. Harry felt a cold splash over his shoes.

"Peeves!" said Sirius, shaking his fist in the air. Peeves cackled and flew up the stairs.

"Thanks, Dad," said Harry quietly, so Wormtail wouldn't hear.

"No problem, Harry."

"All right, enough mushy stuff, you two," said Malfoy.

Peter nodded. "Draco's right, let's go!" So the 6 of them went into the Great Hall for the feast.

"Ugh," said Malfoy after the Sorting. "This doesn't feel right."

"That's because you're on the other side of the Hall from the Slytherin bozos," said Harry. "They did that for a reason, you know. Healthy House competitiveness."

"Bozos? That's a new one. All you Gryffindor weirdos are pretty good at insults."

"Weirdos? That is so old."

"Yea, well, Slytherins aren't known for uniqueness. It is said that Salazar Slytherin never changed his underwear."

"Ugh! Definitely not necessary! Think of all the nightmares I'll have now. Thanks a lot, Malfoy."

"What are you two bickering about now?" said Lily. "You two sound like Sirius and Snape."

"And I'm meant to be which side of the argument?" Harry said.

"Definitely Sirius. No offense, Draco."

"Offense? I consider that a compliment. I'd hate to be like one of you Gryffindor gits...Snape, however, has his priorities straight..."

"Malfoy, if you like your life, I suggest you shut up now."

"Hello all," said a new voice. Malfoy recognized that voice immediately. He looked up. Sure enough, Narcissa was standing there, holding Sirius's hand.

"Hello Harry, hello Draco," she said politely. "I'm Narcissa Harlem."

Malfoy's mouth hung wide open. She's a Gryffindor, he thought. I'm so ashamed.

Harry had nudged Sirius. "Does she know?"

"Yes, but only the basic part. Not your whole life story. She knows how you got here, and that she was mistaken enough to marry that git Lucius."

"Like she would want to know about me." Harry sat back down and elbowed Malfoy. "It's OK, she knows," he hissed in Malfoy's ear.

He nodded and got up and hugged his mother. She hugged him back. "When Sirius told me, I couldn't believe I married that git, I couldn't believe it. He's so awful to me," she said. "But it's OK, as long as I have you."

They went off on their own for a bit. When they came back, the desserts were just coming out. The Marauders, Lily, Narcissa, Malfoy and Harry sat together and laughed. They laughed so much that they didn't even notice when Dumbledore dismissed them. They just sat there laughing their heads off until only they and Dumbledore were left in the hall. Dumbledore had to resort to putting off several Filibuster's Fireworks to silence them.

"Narcissa, Peter, you may go," said a very impatient Dumbledore. "The rest of you will follow me to my office."

"Hmm..." said Dumbledore. "Interesting. Very interesting."

Harry and Malfoy had just finished telling him their story. It was late by then. ""Yes, that would have made a Time Potion, but it only should have made one strong enough to go back a few hours. Unless..." Dumbledore stood up, looking excited. "Mennonite Finite Bade!" he incantated at Harry and Malfoy.

Harry felt his whole body turn warm. Gold sparks shimmered around both him and Malfoy. When Dumbledore took the spell off, he sat down. "Why didn't you tell me you were Bades?" he said quietly.

"We're what?" said Harry. Malfoy's eyes were open wide.

"Bades. Didn't you know?" Dumbledore said, looking amused.

"What in bloody hell's a Bade?" Malfoy said.

"A Bade is a wizard with extraordinary powers," recited Lily. "But they are very rare: there hasn't been a Bade since Godric Gryffindor."

"That's Lily for you- the living encyclopedia," Sirius muttered.

"She sounds like she swallowed her textbook," Harry mumbled. "Just like Hermione."

"Not one Bade?" said Malfoy, awed. "Since Godric Gryffindor? I mean, I always knew I was special, but-"

"Shut up, Malfoy," said Harry.

"So Lily- what kind of special powers do Bades have?" Dumbledore asked Lily. It was obvious he knew himself, but Lily was so thrilled to say it.

"Bades have the ability to do wandless magic. They can control the weather and perform tricks of the mind. They can also converse with other Bades telepathically," said Lily. "Bades are wizards who don't have to use a wand or talisman to control and send magic. If they think about it, it happens."

"Very nice Lily," said Dumbledore. "Ten points to Gryffindor for your intense research." Lily beamed. She was so much like Hermione, Harry thought.

"Now obviously no gene pool is so rare that it fails completely for 1,000 years," said Dumbledore. "And then just turns up out of nowhere. There have been various half-Bades throughout the centuries. Can you name any, Lily?"

"Well," said Lily, pondering. "More recently, Nicholas Flamel. And you, Professor. The Dark Lord is one. And then- er..."

"I assume you are nervous that your friends will be angry with you if you do name the last two, so I will," said Dumbledore. "Both you, James Potter and you, Sirius Black, are half-Bades."

"Why didn't you tell me?" said James to Lily. She bit her lip, just like Hermione did when she was under pressure. It was so familiar.

"I am sure Miss Evans had her reasons," said Dumbledore gently. "Now, I am sure Harry and Draco are now feeling a sudden urge to exercise their inhumanly power. Which is perfectly understandable. But I suggest you do it in the slightest way possible. If you would like, you could try telepathy to each other now."

Hey, Potter, can you hear me? Said a voice in his head. It was Malfoy's voice.

Shut up and get out of my head, Malfoy, Harry snapped telepathically. There are already enough nasty things on my mind, thanks.

I'll take that as a yes.

SHUT UP!

"Easy, Potter, you're giving me a headache," Malfoy said out loud. Dumbledore chuckled.

"There is no need to shout, Harry. It might cause brain damage.

In which case I'll do it more often.

Malfoy scowled at him. Shut up, Potter.

What, I'll only be making the hole in your head bigger.

"Will you two stop glaring at each other?" said Sirius. "It's giving me a headache."

"Sorry, Sirius," said Harry apologetically.

"Yea, sorry," said Malfoy blankly.

"So what should we do, Professor?" Harry said.

"If you are referring to your time trouble, the answer to that is simple. We simply make a Time Potion to send you back. It will have to be very precise, of course- both of you will have to concoct it, but I doubt it will be difficult with the help of Miss Evans and myself."

"When will the potion be ready?" asked Malfoy.

"Oh, the rat tails have to stew for forty days, and the asphodel has to be picked at new moon so... I should say about 2 months," said Dumbledore cheerily.

"Two months?" said Malfoy, outraged. "It only took 10 minutes to get the potion we came here with!!!"

"It takes more magic to go forward in time than backward, Draco," Lily said calmingly.

What, Malfoy, scared you can't keep up with us Gryffindors for two months? Harry thought.

Believe me, Potter, I can think of at least three thousand better ways to spend two months, Malfoy snapped.

Shut up, Malfoy.

You shut up, Potter.

"Professor," said Malfoy innocently. "Since I'm not really a Gryffindor, don't you think I ought to stay with the Slytherins?"

"Oh no," said Dumbledore. "We have to keep this as secret as possible. To all the teachers and other students you will be transfers from Beauxbatons. You will stay in Gryffindor Tower along with Harry. Now, who else knows about how you got here? I am assuming Mr.'s Lupin and Pettigrew..."

"Actually," said Sirius. "Peter doesn't know."

"I see. Do you care to explain that, Harry?"

"Er- well, you see, Professor- uh..." stuttered Harry.

Just tell him you idiot!

You do it, if you're so cunning!

"Professor, in the future, Wormtail is a traitorous bastard with no brains to speak of," Malfoy said. "Therefore, we thought that this secret should not be trusted with him."

Oh, that was your brilliant Slytherin plan?

Shut up, Potter.

Dumbledore looked alarmed. "Whatever do you mean?"

"He betrayed my parents to Voldemort," Harry said quietly.

"I see," said Dumbledore, with a look of true sympathy for Harry. "Does Remus know?"

"Of course!" said James. "And Harry and Malfoy know about him."

"Very well then. Is anyone else in on this secret?"

"Narcissa," said Lily. "She's Draco's mother."

"And then who's his father?"

"That git Lucius Malfoy," Sirius said. "He doesn't know, of course."

"Good. Now, James, I want you to look after Harry for me. Take him with you to your classes, and watch him like a hawk. Sirius, I would appreciate it if you would do the same for Draco."

Sirius looked disgusted. "But sir, he's a Slytherin- Gryffindors and Slytherins don't mix- House competitiveness..."

"I expect all of you to treat Mr. Malfoy as a full-fledged Gryffindor," said Dumbledore firmly. "That is all. You should go to bed- classes start tomorrow."

Reluctantly, the five of them left.

"Sirius, I feel so sorry for you," said Harry. "Having to baby-sit Malfoy for two months... I'd rather face another dragon."

"You faced a dragon?" said James. "When was that?"

"Oh, last year. I was in the Triwizard Tournament. It wasn't that bad- it was only the First Task. Compared to the Third Task-" Harry gulped.

Bragging again, Potter? There's really nothing to brag about. You didn't stop Voldemort.

For once, I agree. I'm nothing special. But you're just scum.

"Will you two stop stating at each other?" said Lily. "It's creeping me out."

"Sorry Mum."

"You really shouldn't call me Mum in public- people will think you're crazy."

"I already know he's crazy," said Malfoy proudly. "It said so in Witch Weekly last year. 'Harry Potter- Disturbed and Dangerous.'"

"Is that true, Harry?" said James.

"It's true it was in Witch Weekly. But that's a Rita Skeeter story."

"Rita Skeeter? That ugly Ravenclaw with the glasses? She's a reporter?" said Sirius.

"I guess so. But she's not a reporting at the moment."

"Why not?" asked Lily.

"Hermione's got her stuck in a jar."

Granger got her in a jar? How'd she do that?

"Don't act like you don't know, Malfoy. You were the one giving her all those interviews. You and all that other Slytherin dirt," snapped Harry.

"Shut up, Potter."

"Eat slugs, Malfoy."

"Better not try anything funny," teased Malfoy. "Don't want to end up belching slugs."

"Do you like your head, Malfoy? You'd better shut up before there's nothing left in it."

To Harry's great surprise, Malfoy stayed quiet. He was staring into space and apparently not paying attention to where he was going. He ran into 3 walls and took 6 wrong turns. Of course, he didn't know where he was going either. When they got to the portrait of the Fat Lady, she asked for the password.

"Er-" Harry said. Not having met a prefect yet, they didn't know the new password.

"Caput Draconis," said Sirius. "Asked at dinner."

"That's a good lad," said James as the door opened. Malfoy gasped.

This is much better than the Slytherin common room! When I tell my father-

Malfoy, I know your common room sucks; I've been there.

Malfoy looked at him. You have?

Yes. Of course you didn't know it was me and Ron-

Weasley? Weasley was in our common room? Spit it out, Potter.

Harry sighed. Polyjuice Potion, second year.

Why?

We thought you were the Heir of Slytherin.

Who were you?

Crabbe and Goyle.

Malfoy gasped. I remember. They were acting all funny, and then I showed them that clipping- Crabbe wasn't feeling good- then he stopped. Oh no.

What, Malfoy?

I told you.

Told us what?

About the drawing room.

Yea, Ron's all excited about it.

Father said he was expecting a raid from Weasley's dad.

I'm trying not to jump for joy here, Harry thought.

This is serious, Potter. My father could go to Azkaban for all the stuff he has down there.

Harry stopped short. They were halfway up the stairs now. "What's wrong, Harry?" said James.

"Oh, nothing important."

"You bet it's something important," Malfoy snapped. "My father could be going to Azkaban!"

"Malfoy, I'm sure Ron wouldn't-"

"Are you showing me compassion, Potter. Please stop, it's turning my world upside down. Besides, Weasley hates me."

"So do I, but this is a matter of life and death!"

"Weasley wouldn't care! He hates me, but he hates my father more! Besides, you wouldn't understand."

"Why wouldn't I understand? And why would Ron hate your father more?"

Malfoy paused. "You just wouldn't understand, Potter. You don't understand anything. You're a hero- you only care for the common good. You don't care what happens after you bag the bad guy."

"Malfoy, what are you talking about?"

"It's true! You're a hero! You're the good guy! You stand up to the bad guys because it's the right thing to do. You're too good to feel hate. But you don't give a damn what the bad guy is feeling!"

"Shut up! And why does Ron hate your father?"

"BECAUSE HE KILLED HIS BROTHER!!!" screamed Malfoy. Harry stared at him.

"But- no- all Ron's brothers are alive-"

"No. There was another one. Weasley had a twin. My father killed him when he was 9 years old."

Harry shook his head. "No. Ron would have told me-"

"Well, it sure doesn't look like he did!"

Harry looked down. "I'm going to bed."

"Potter-"

"Shut up. Just shut up."

Harry stomped into the dormitory and got into a bed. Malfoy tried telepathy, but Harry had shut his mind off. Malfoy shrugged and went to sleep.

"Potter, wake up."

Harry yawned and put on his glasses. Malfoy was standing over his head. "The rest of them are already down at breakfast. Hurry up!"

Harry put his robes on quickly and went down to the Great Hall with Malfoy. "Is it true?" said Harry. "What you said- is it true?"

"I don't lie," said Malfoy. Harry snorted.

"Yea, and Neville's playing Quidditch for England."

"Malfoys don't lie."

"That's just really funny. Remember in second year when your dad blackmailed the school governors into suspending Dumbledore? And the time you faked that your arm was injured? And the time you got Hagrid into trouble by telling everyone he had a dragon?"

"Potter, the dragon thing was not lying. It was snitching. Honestly, where were you when they gave out brains?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe I was in line for shred of moral decency?" Harry snapped.

"It must have been a pretty long line, you also missed out on good looks, cunning plans, and-"

"Shut up, Malfoy."

"Potter-"

"I said shut up!"

Potter-

WHAT PART OF SHUT UP DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND???

Malfoy held his head. "Oy, Potter, I can hear you just fine when you talk regular."

Harry didn't answer. "Look, Potter, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's true. But I can't help what my father did. Please forgive me."

Harry grunted. "Let me get this straight. You're apologizing to me? There is something seriously wrong here."

"Potter, I want to be your friend."

Harry stared at him, eyes wide and jaw dropped. "I must be going mad. What did you just say?"

"I want to be your friend."

Harry shook his head. "Since when?"

"Since now."

"Why?"

"Because it's the only way we'll ever get back. Because you're a good person. Because I want to be a good person. Because I don't want to be like my father."

Harry just gawked at him. "But you have friends-"

Malfoy snorted. "Potter, they're idiots. They're bad people. Worse than you think. They made me realize I don't want to be like them."

"And why this sudden change of heart?"

"Because last night I saw on your face something I never knew existed. Something I could never feel."

"And what's that?"

"Love. Caring. Friendship. I could never feel those things, Harry. That's what I want. To be like you."

Harry stared at him. "Ron isn't going to like this."

"It's the only way, Harry. The only way to save yourself."

"Save myself? You're the one in danger, here, Malfoy."

"No, you are Harry. There is a plot. A plan. To kill you."

"Well, there always is, isn't there? There's always someone trying to kill me."

"Harry, this is serious."

"So am I."

"Harry, there's a plan to kill you. A full-drawn evil scheme. And there's someone Voldemort wants to kill you."

"Who?"

"Me."

Harry stared at me. "I see what you mean. And I want to be your friend, Malfoy. But- you haven't given me really any reason to trust you."

"Then take this." Malfoy put something in his hand. It was a ring.

"Malfoy, I said I'd be your friend, I didn't say I wanted to marry you."

"Harry, look at it, what do you see?"

Harry took it in his hand. It was a silver band with a small white diamond in the middle. "It's a ring. So what?"

"It's not a ring. It's a Clitoral Band. It shows a gauge of trust. Watch. Expeliarmus!" Two things happened at once. Harry's wand flew out of his pocket into Malfoy's hand. The Clitoral Band turned bright red and burnt his finger. Harry screamed and dropped it. It was burning hot.

"There. You see?" Malfoy gave Harry his wand back. The band turned white again and Harry picked it up.

"OK, Malfoy. I trust you. On one condition."

"What's that, Harry?"

"Don't call me Harry in public. Our Houses would go mad if they knew we were friends. To the rest of the world, we are forced acquaintances."

"Deal."

So they walked down to the Great Hall. To their great disappointment, the food had disappeared. Everyone was leaving.

"Hey Harry!" called Moony. "Over here!" Harry and Malfoy walked over to the Gryffindor table. "We saved you some toast and bacon," said Lily.

"Bless you," said Harry as he took a piece of toast. "We had an argument."

"Is everything OK?" asked James.

"Well, things are even better than they were before," said Malfoy.

"So are you two- friends?" said Peter.

"I guess you could say that," said Malfoy.

"But we're keeping it a secret. Our Houses would have a field day," said Harry.

"Yea, so shh!" said Malfoy.

They nodded. "Well, time to split up," said Lily. "Harry, James, Remus, and me have Divination and Care of Magical Creatures, Sirius, Draco, and Peter have Arithmancy and Muggle Studies. Then we meet for lunch at 12. Then there's Herbology and Potions this afternoon, so we're together."

"Lily's the one who works out our schedules," said James to Harry in an undertone. "She's the only one who's actually organized."

"She is just like Hermione. How many classes is she taking?"

"About 5 more than the rest of us. We all have the basic subjects, and then each of us chose 2 more in third year. She's taking Muggle Studies, Arithmancy, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Ancient Runes... I could go on forever."

"Are any of you in Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"Me, Sirius, and Remus are. And it looks like you and Draco are too," James said, looking at Harry's schedule. "There are only 10 people in the entire class, and almost all of them are Gryffindors. There are 2 Ravenclaws, 2 Hufflepuffs, and 6 Gryffindors."

Harry nodded. "We'd better get going," said Remus. "Divination's in the North Tower."

"Who's the teacher?" asked Harry.

"Professor Trelawney," Lily grumbled. "She's a fraud."

Harry laughed long and hard. When he stopped, he asked, "Is she that old? Oh my gosh, I don't believe it!"

"What? That the old fraud is still teaching in your day?" said Lily.

"No, how much you're like Hermione! She thinks Trelawney's a fraud too. But she dropped out 3^rd year."

"Yea, well, Lily's going to drop out if Trelawney doesn't get better," said James.

"She'll be gone by next Tuesday," said Sirius sadly. Harry burst out laughing again.

"Will you shut up, Potter!" said Malfoy. "You're making me sick."

"And I was here thinking I would be missing Ron and Hermione! I mean, Lily's just like Hermione, Sirius is just like Ron, and James is just like me!"

"Potter- what part of shut up don't you understand?"

"Draco's right, Harry, we'd better get to class," said Lily. Harry nodded as they split up: Malfoy, Sirius, and Peter over to Arithmancy, Lily, James, Harry, and Remus to the North Tower for Divination.

Harry had gotten used to the twists and turns and secret passageways on the way to the North Tower, but James and Remus took them on a whole new route. Altogether, they went through 5 doors behind tapestries, 3 trap doors, and 1 long secret stairway. When they finally came to the familiar circular trapdoor in the ceiling, Harry was relieved.

"I always get lost," said Lily to Harry as they climbed the ladder. Harry was immediately thrown back by the intense perfumes and heat. The four of them sat down at a table near the back, where they were free to snigger to their hearts' content.

"Greetings, my dears," said a misty voice from a corner. Out stepped Professor Trelawney. She hadn't aged a day, Harry thought. She had the same large, round glasses, and the same number of bracelets and chains strung around her.

"Today, my dears, we will be reviewing the planets," she said in a distant voice. "Time for a quiz! Now, I will give each of you a chart, and you will write down your predictions for the following 2 weeks."

"This is going to be easy," whispered Harry.

"Easy? The planets are the most difficult thing we've studied!" groaned Lily.

"Not when you follow the old Divination standby," said James.

"And what's that?"

"Make it up, of course," said Remus. Harry looked at him- he seemed more the studious type. Remus yawned. Well, everyone hates Divination, Harry thought.

"Once Ron and I did a whole month," said Harry. "The more tragic it is, the more she'll lap it up."

"A whole month? She only gives us a few days," James said. "Poor Harry."

"Oh, it only took an hour or so," Harry said. "She helped me."

"Trelawney helped you?" said Moony. "How?"

"Every lesson, without fail, she predicts my death. She must have thought of a thousand scenarios of my death. If I dropped dead every time she said I would, I'd be some sort of extra-concentrated phantom."

"I don't believe it," said Lily.

"You'd better believe it."

"No, it's just that- she does the same for James," Lily whispered.

"The likeness between you is uncanny," said Remus. At that moment Trelawney gave them their charts.

"Now that everyone has their charts, we can begin," said Professor Trelawney. "Ready- go!"

The scratching of quills filled the room. Harry thought of all the tragic moments he and Ron had used in the past (future?). Drowning...decapitation...losing bets...losing fights...having a bad cough...

What are you thinking about, Potter? Thought Malfoy. You're sounding dead depressing.

Oh, just taking a Divination quiz.

Looks like you're not going to have a good week.

Ah, well, at least I am forewarned. How are you?

All right. I'm just realizing I stink at Arithmancy. Where's Granger when you need her?

Don't ask me, I don't take Arithmancy.

I advise you never do.

Yeah well, at least I know what I'm doing up here.

You're lucky- you're taking classes where you actually know what they're talking about.

Harry snorted out loud. Lily looked at him. "You shouldn't talk to Draco during class," she hissed.

"Yea, well he interrupted my train of thought."

"You just take the quiz, Harry, and let Draco get on with Arithmancy."

"All right, Mum."

Listen, Malfoy- I'm busted. So get out of my head.

Oh, all right. Later, Potter.

Harry started thinking again. He had half the chart done. Break up with my girlfriend...

What girlfriend, Potter? Is this someone I don't know about?

I thought I told you to get out of my head!

But-

SHUT UP!

There was silence. Harry managed to finish the quiz without any rude interruptions from Malfoy. While on the way down from the North Tower after Divination, Harry almost got lost from the rest of them- that would have been a very bad thing indeed. He might get lost forever, or might have to relent to asking Sir Cadagon for directions.

Once on the grounds, Harry asked who was the teacher.

"Professor Kettleburn. He's new- came last year. What, do you have a different one?" said Remus.

"Yea, Hagrid. Is he here?"

"Hagrid?" said Lily. "That rings a bell."

"Hmmm... you mean the new gamekeeper?" said James.

"Yes, that's him! He's my Care of Magical Creatures teacher!" said Harry excitedly.

"I know him," said Remus. "Big guy, has a knack for getting in trouble? Likes to play with monsters?"

"He's my friend," said Harry. "He rescued me from the Dursleys!"

"Dursley... that sounds familiar. Isn't he that bloke your sister's going to marry?" James asked Lily.

"You mean Vernon? He's a jerk. He thinks all magic people are scum," Lily said.

"You don't know the half of it," Harry grumbled.

"What are you talking about?" Remus said.

"Wait- I think I get it," said James. "Are you trying to tell me you spent all the years before you came to Hogwarts with Vernon and Petunia?"

"And Dudley," Harry added. "Their son."

"But- I thought you said Sirius was your godfather," Lily said. "I thought you lived with him."

"I told you, Mum, he's on the run," Harry explained. "He's fighting the war against Voldemort with you, Moony."

"Don't say his name," said Lily, cringing.

"Sorry, Mum."

"It's OK, Harry. But- I can't believe you spent 11 years with the Dursleys," said his mother.

"Mum, believe me, I have happier memories. I didn't even know I was a wizard. I thought I was stuck with them forever."

James dropped his bag. "Harry, I'm so sorry," he said.

"Dad, it's not your fault-"

"Harry, I trusted him! I trusted him even though I shouldn't have! It's always been a fault of mine! It was my undoing and the cause of your misery!"

"Dad, it wasn't that bad-"

"Harry, listen to yourself! I've met Vernon, I know! He hates magic and everything to do with it! What you must have done through- I don't even want to imagine!"

"Dad-"

"It's all my fault, Harry! You shouldn't have gone through that-"

"JAMES HAROLD POTTER, WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME?" Harry screamed. James stared at him in surprise.

"Thank you. You sound like Sirius, moping on and on about how it was all your fault-"

"Sirius? He has nothing to do with this!"

"He has everything to do with it! Every day it tortures it him- he blames himself for your death!" Harry screamed himself hoarse.

James stared at him. "Harry, I had no idea-"

"Well now you do!" Harry cried. He looked away so that they wouldn't see his tears. He ran ahead of them to the paddock where they had Care of Magical. James stared after him.

"Well, that was a downer," James said.

"James, I'm sure Harry didn't mean-," said Lily.

"He did," said James quietly. "He's right. I can feel it."

All during Care of Magical Creatures James tried to talk to Harry, but Harry refused to look at him. James wanted to slap the centaurs they were talking to because they tried to keep him away from Harry.

"James, try to concentrate," said Lily. "Just forget about Harry..."

"How can I forget about my son?" James snapped.

"James Harold Potter, you have to keep quiet! If Snape hears you..."

"If I hear what?" said a voice from behind them. They whirled around to see Snape walking towards them.

"What are you doing here?" said Remus, stepping in.

"This is my class too, Lupin," he said silkily.

"I think by that Remus meant, 'Why are you late, you bastard?'" James snapped.

"I was speaking to the Headmaster, Potter."

"He was probably telling you to wash hair, you slimeball," snapped Remus.

"No, we were talking about how much trouble you and your stinky friends get into, Potter," said Snape.

"Shut up," James hissed.

"You know it's true. How the only way you get your girl to love you is by playing the bad guy," said Snape.

"Snape, go away, or I'll-"

"You'll do what? Fight me? So you can get into more trouble?"

"Snape, I'm warning you-"

"What are you gonna do, Potter?"

"I'm going to hex you, that's what I'm going to do."

"How? Professor Kettleburn is watching, Potter."

"Go away, Snape," said James tears in his eyes.

"Aw, little baby Potter's crying. Now his little Mudblood girlfriend is going to take him in her arms and-"

"Get away from him," hissed a new voice.

Snape looked around in surprise. There was Harry, wand drawn.

"You heard me, get away from him," Harry said in a harsh whisper.

"Finnigan, if you think that's going to get me away-"

"Snape, my patience is running low. I'm giving you until the count of 3. 1-" Harry pointed his wand at Snape's throat, "2," he jabbed his stomach.

Snape looked scared. "You're going to regret this, Finnigan," he muttered as he walked up to the front of the class.

"Harry-" said James.

"Just because I stuck up for you doesn't mean I'm speaking to you," Harry snapped. He walked over to the other side of the class. Remus followed him.

"Harry, this is madness," Moony said.

"Moony, I really don't want to talk about this," Harry said.

"Harry, James is feeling awful-"

"What do I care?"

"Harry, he's your father! You should care!"

"He's an insufferable git!"

"Harry!" Remus said. He was taken aback. "He's your father!"

"And the Dursleys are my aunt and uncle!"

"Harry, I would think the first time you actually met your father you would spend time with him!"

"Remus, he blames himself for everything! If he's going to be like that I don't want to be around him! Especially when it's not his fault."

"Harry, I think you're just being unreasonable because you're trying to hide how happy you are to see your parents-"

"No, this isn't just a spur-of-the-moment thought! I told Sirius the exact same thing! I don't like people who blame themselves when it's not their fault!"

"That's what you do every day, Harry! You blame yourself for everything, I can see it in your face..."

"That's because it actually is my fault!" Harry screamed.

"Name one time something happened that was completely your fault!"

"My parents died because Voldemort was trying to get me! They died because of what I am! So did Cedric!"

"Cedric?" said Remus. "Who's Cedric?"

"All you need to know is that he died because of me!"

"Harry, you have to calm down..."

"Remus, I don't want my dad thinking I suffered because of him!"

"Harry, I am sick and tired of this arguing! You are going to go over to James right now and apologize!" Remus yelled.

"Moony, don't think I like fighting with my dad," Harry said quietly. "I hate it. But if he's going to blame himself..."

"It's as much his fault as yours, Harry. You can't help what you are."

"Remus, if I wasn't what I am, Mum, Dad, and Cedric would be alive."

"You can't dwell on these things forever, Harry. You have to move on."

Harry nodded and gulped. "All right, Moony. I'll apologize."

The two of them walked back over to where Lily and James were. "Lily, we have to talk," said Remus.

"We do?" said Lily, sounding surprised. "About what?"

"You know- that thing," said Remus. "That thing we need to talk about- alone."

"What are you- OH! That thing! Right, we'd better go talk."

Lily and Remus walked briskly away.

"Er- James, I wanted to apologize," said Harry, clutching his neck. James looked away.

"Dad, I'm sorry. You were right. Not that it was your fault- I'm sorry I yelled at you about Sirius. I probably shouldn't have told you."

"No. I'm glad you told me, Harry," said James. "It's just- I didn't like how you stood up for Sirius. I know he's the closest to a father you've ever had, but- I guess I was jealous," he admitted.

"Jealous? Sirius is my godfather and I care for him a lot, but no one could ever replace you, Dad."

"I know. But- I never got a chance to get to know my own son."

"Dad, don't think you deprived me of everything. I admit, I've met nicer people than the Dursleys, but as a wise man once said... what was it... 'To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.'"

"Dumbledore said that," said James with a smile.

"Yea... personally I think he's a nut, but..."

"Class dismissed!" said Professor Kettleburn. "Homework: Read and summarize the chapter on centaurs in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Due Monday, I want at least one roll of parchment!"

"I wish we had Hagrid," Harry muttered. "He never gives us homework."

"Lucky you. Professor Kettleburn is one of the toughest teachers here," said James.

"Tougher than McGonagall? Fat chance."

"McGonagall?"

"She's my Transfiguration teacher."

"Oh. We've got Professor Weasley."

Harry dropped his books. "Weasley? Professor Weasley?"

"Yea, loads of red hair, couple kids at home, freckles all over her face... you know her?" said Remus.

"Oh my gosh... I don't believe it," Harry said.

"What?"

"That's Ron's mum."

Lily stared at him. "Ron? I don't think that's one of her kids' names. She's very young- a friend of mine. There's Bill, Charlie, and... I always forget the last one."

"Percy. Ron was born later. He's my age. I can't believe it. Ron never told me his mum was a professor."

Potter, what's that thing called where there's a screen and a little box...

A computer.

Thanks, Potter. We'll be down in a minute.

"They'll be right down," said Harry as they walked into the Great Hall. Sure enough, Sirius, Wormtail, and Malfoy were walking down the stairs.

"How did you-" said Remus. Harry pointed to his head.

"Ah, I see. What do we have this afternoon, Lily?"

"Herbology and Potions," Lily said. James groaned.

"Of course, we have Potions on the very first day. What a way to spoil it," said James.

"If you haven't noticed, James doesn't like Potions very much," Wormtail whispered.

"Come on, it can't be as bad as mine," Harry told James. "I've got Snape for a teacher, remember?"

"You haven't met Professor Theorax," said Sirius. "She's an absolute nutter. She actually makes us pay attention."

"Oh, and nothing could be worse than that," Lily snapped.

"She hates me," said James. "There has never been a lesson where she hasn't taken at least 10 points from Gryffindor because of me."

"Sounds like me and Snape," Harry said.

"Why would he hate you?" said Lily.

"Honestly, Mum, he hates me. No, he loathes me. You should see his face when he looks at me. Probably because he hates both you. Must be genetic."

"Lily, he hates everyone," Remus pointed out. "Everyone except his slimy Slytherin friends."

"So Malfoy, how'd you like Muggle Studies?" asked Harry, changing the subject.

"It's a nightmare," Malfoy said. "All these idiots- sorry, Sirius," he said, looking at Sirius and Wormtail. "But all these people seem so interested in learning about those damn Muggles. It was soooo boring."

"Hey, Muggle Studies is better than Divination," said Sirius.

"EVERYTHING is better than Divination," said Harry. "Except-"

"Potions," James finished.

"Onto more a pleasant subject," said Malfoy. "Who teaches Herbology?"

"Professor Greenleaf," Remus said. "She's nice."

"She's a bastard!" said Wormtail. "An insufferable git!"

"Honestly, Wormtail, just because she's the only teacher who ever gave you detention-" said Sirius with a smile.

"It wasn't me it was that Hufflepuff boy Stebbins!" said Peter. "He was the one who put the Shrinking Solution in the flowerpots!"

"Honestly, Peter, it was only one detention, Wormtail," said James. "I've gotten a lot of those."

"Just because I'm not some kind of prankster like the rest of you," Peter said. "Doesn't mean that I'm a goody-two shoes!"

"You are, actually, Peter," said Moony, sitting down.

"You're a huge suck-up, Wormtail," said Sirius. "I bet Harry here gets in more trouble than you do."

"Oh, you can be sure of that," said Malfoy. "I remember one time when they snuck out to the trophy room in first year..."

"You said we were going to duel, Malfoy!" Harry snapped. "Besides, you don't know what really happened..."

"Will you cut it out the both of you!" said Sirius. "I am sick and tired of your stupid little arguments..."

"Sirius, leave this to me," said James. "Harold James Potter, will you leave him alone already? You two have done nothing but argue since-"

"Since forever! It's our nature!" said Malfoy.

"Since you got here!" said James. "Just shut up!"

"OK, James," Harry said reluctantly.

Potter, you're such a suck-up, I can't believe you actually thought I'd show up-

Malfoy, you have no idea what really happened, you weren't there-

You must have been in detention for weeks-

I didn't get detention, Malfoy!

Malfoy looked blank. You didn't? But I thought-

Yea, well, you thought wrong!

Then what were you doing all night?

(Sigh) If you really want to know, we were on the forbidden third floor corridor.

You- you- you were? But- Fluffy-

You knew about Fluffy?

I'm not a git, you know, Potter. I see things. I get around.

You're not a git? Really?

Shut up, Potter.

You shut up, Malfoy.

"Will you two stop telepathing each other?" said Lily. Malfoy looked at her.

"How did you-?" said Malfoy.

"Honestly, you two keep glaring at each other and you apparently don't notice you're spreading marmalade on the table. I'm not blind, you know."

Harry flushed. He grabbed a sandwich and took a big bite. "Apologies Mum."

"It's OK, Harry. I just want you two to stop bickering," said Lily. Malfoy dropped his sandwich.

"Stop bickering? Us? That's like asking the sky to turn green. It's against our nature."

"Yea, we're not bickering, we're 'constantly and peacefully arguing.'"

"No," said Sirius. "You're constantly annoying the heck out of me. Just shut up, will you?"

Harry looked disgruntled. "Fine then. We'll stop 'bickering' when you all stop hating Snape."

James spit out his pumpkin juice. "That's impossible!" he said. "The big-nosed twit is such a dork!"

"Exactly. If you stop fighting Snape, we'll stop our peaceful little arguments. Right, Malfoy?"

"I am only agreeing," said Malfoy. "On the terms that Snape is such a git that no one could ever stop loathing him."

"Thank you for that opinion, Mr. Malfoy," said a voice from behind them. "That will be 10 points from Gryffindor for an unenthusiastic attitude towards other students."

They whirled around to see Professor Theorax standing there, looking delighted. "But- Professor Theorax-" said James.

"That will be 20 more points. Now I suggest you get to class before you're late," said the cheerful Professor. She walked in the direction of the dungeons.

"See? I told you, she hates me," said James.

"Come on, Prongs, it's not that bad," said Harry, taking an apple. "What Snape would do to me or Malfoy-"

"Excuse me, Potter, but Professor Snape thinks I'm special," said Malfoy. "He says I have real potential."

"Yea, well, he likes all you Slytherin gits," Harry said. "I'll bet you my Firebolt he takes at least a hundred points from Gryffindor a week."

"Well, you lousy Gryffindors never listen in his class."

"I've got better things to do in Potions than listen to Snape!"

"Maybe if you paid attention-"

"Haven't I told you I don't care? Snape hates me, and if possible, I hate him more."

"Boys, we have to get to class," Lily said. "Professor Greenleaf won't like it if we're late..."

"We're coming," said Harry. He walked down to the greenhouses ahead of the rest of them with Remus.

"I want to talk to you, Remus," said Harry.

"What about?"

"You see, I've been looking for signs of Lily and James's relationship, and I haven't found any. Do you know if they really love each other?"

"Well, of course they do, but what does it matter to you?"

"I feel like I'm interfering. You know what will happen if they don't get married, Remus?"

"What?"

"I won't exist! I'm hanging by a thread- if I get them into one fight poof! I'll be gone forever!"

"Harry, they are deeply in love. If you watch them look at each other, you can see it in their eyes. They're two lovesick teenagers. Give it a rest, OK?"

"Okay, Moony. But if you start to think I'm getting in the way-"

"You aren't, Harry. They're closer than ever since they know it'll work out."

They had to stop talking because they had reached the greenhouses. Professor Greenleaf was waiting for the bell to ring. When Lily, James, Sirius, Malfoy, and Peter joined the rest of the class, she began.

"Greenhouse 3 today, group," he said cheerily.

"Greenhouse 3?" said Lily. "We've only worked in Greenhouses 2 and 3! To think what kind of plants must be in there..."

"Trust me, you don't want to know," said Harry.

As Professor Greenleaf unlocked the door, Malfoy whispered, "Have you ever gone in here, Potter? Professor Sprout only took us into Greenhouse 2..."

"Oh, I've been in there. It's not so great."

As the class walked into Greenhouse 3, the familiar smell of moist fertilizer brushed Harry's nostrils. "Today we will be working on a very dangerous plant," said Professor Greenleaf. "It is called the Mandrake. Does anyone know what this is? Mr. Finnigan?"

"Uh- it's a plant that makes a restorative draught," Harry said. Lily had her hand raised in the air. The familiar tinge of trying to answer a question next to Hermione came. "It can be used to put people who have been cursed into their original state."

"Very good, Mr. Finnigan. Do you know what makes this plant so dangerous?"

"The cry of a Mandrake is fatal to those who hear it," said Harry. James shot him a puzzled look.

"Correct. Ten points to Gryffindor. Has anyone had experience with Mandrakes before?"

Harry raised his hand again. For once, Lily's hand was down. "Very nice. Now as these Mandrakes are still very young, their cries will only knock you out for several hours. Everybody grab a pair of earmuffs," she held out a bag. Everyone took a pair. "Now, when I say go, make sure your earmuffs are on tight. When I give a thumbs-up, you can take them off. Ready- go!"

Everyone snapped his or her earmuffs on. Professor Greenleaf pulled out one of the plants by the leaves and Harry felt Wormtail grab his hand. It was a big ugly baby, much like the one Harry had worked with in his second year. Professor Greenleaf stuffed it into another pot, and then gave them the thumbs-up. Everyone took their earmuffs off.

"So, today you will be repotting them," he said. "Make sure you pack a lot of soil into their new pots, you'll get knocked out. Now, 4 to a table come on!"

Lily, James, Harry, and Malfoy got a table, while Narcissa joined Sirius, Peter, and Remus at another table. Professor Greenleaf put a large table of Mandrakes and pots in the middle of the room. "Earmuffs on!" she said. Everyone clapped the earmuffs on and went to work.

Harry was repotting the Mandrakes at a very fast rate. Everyone else but Lily was having trouble. Harry laughed as one of them bit Malfoy.

After an hour, Professor Greenleaf gave them a thumbs-up. The earmuffs came off. Malfoy's finger was swelling. "Professor Greenleaf, one of them bit me!" said Malfoy. Harry was holding back sniggers, but Professor Greenleaf turned white.

"Oh, dear boy, hospital wing, quickly. Mr. Finnigan, Mr. Potter, will you escort him? And hurry- Mandrakes' teeth are poisonous." Harry felt his heart skip a beat. If anything happened to Malfoy-

"Come on, Draco, hospital wing," said James, conjuring a stretcher. "Harry, come on, we have to hurry." Harry nodded and picked up one side of the stretcher. Sirius hoisted Malfoy onto it as James took the other end. They hurried up to the castle.

As they entered the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey hurried over. She was pale. "Get him on a bed, quickly," she said. "Hurry." James and Harry carefully tipped him onto the closest bed.

"Oh dear, this is dreadful," said Madame Pomfrey. "Potter, go get Dumbledore." James rushed from the room.

"This boy needs medical attention immediately. What happened?" she asked.

"He was bitten by a Mandrake in Herbology about 10 minutes ago," said Harry. The swelling was turning a violent green. "Can you help him?"

"I don't know, dear. The Mandrakes we have are very young, but they are strong- I don't know how deep it bit, or how far the poison has gone through the bloodstream. He'll probably live- but it may take a few weeks for him to become strong again."

Harry nodded as James and the Headmaster walked in. "Headmaster, this boy was bitten by a Mandrake- what do you suggest we do?"

"Poppy, do we have any Mandrake Restorative Draught?" Dumbledore asked.

"No, I'm afraid we don't, Professor."

Dumbledore sighed. "Until we have that there is little we can do. Some diluted Bubboter Pus, a strong Healing Charm, a little Sleeping Potion... do we have a therapeutic talisman somewhere?"

"Yes," said Madame Pomfrey, scurrying off.

"Harry, if you do the Healing Charm it will be more powerful," said Dumbledore, turning to Harry. "Can you do it?"

Harry nodded and drew his wand. "Apalarcium Retracto Helotries!" said Harry. Scarlet and gold sparks shot out of his wand. They seemed to absorb into Malfoy's finger, which had now turned quite colorless. Malfoy was looking at it, gasping for breath.

"You OK, Malfoy?" said Harry.

"I'm in a hospital wing, my finger is swelling the size of Texas, and I'm feeling like I'm going to throw up, but other than that yes, Potter, I'm fine."

You don't have to be so irritable.

Yes I do, Potter. Being ill is the one time I have every right to be irritable.

The door swung open. Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily, and Narcissa rushed in. Narcissa grabbed her son's good hand, looking like she was going to be sick. "Are you OK, Draco?" she said. "Does it hurt?"

"It hurts," said Malfoy, biting his lip as Madame Pomfrey spread some Bubboter Pus on his finger. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, it's you I'm worried about. Do you think you're going to pass out?"

"No, I'm OK. I'm just sleepy."

"You're OK? You are most certainly not OK! You have poison running through you as we speak!"

"This boy needs rest and relaxation!" Madame Pomfrey stated. "I don't know who you are or what this boy means to you, but-"

"Narcissa, you may stay," Dumbledore said softly. "I will inform Professor Theorax where you are. Get on to class, the rest of you!" The irritated teenagers left the wing.

"Dammit!" said Harry, kicking the wall. "Trust Malfoy to get hurt the very first day!"

"Harry, it's not like it's happened before," said Lily.

"Does being torn apart by a hippogriff count as hurt?" Harry asked crossly. "That was in third year- he got Hagrid and Buckbeak into big trouble!"

"Harry, it could have been worse-" James said.

"Could have been worse? Darn right it could have been worse! He could have fallen 50 feet from a broomstick- I've done that a couple of times- he could have lost all the bones in his right arm like I did in second year, he could have been Petrified like Hermione, he could have been bitten by a dragon like Ron, he could have ran a flying car into the Whomping Willow- damn, he could of just plain died."

"But he didn't," said Sirius. "Stop worrying, Harry- that's Lily's job."

"You ran a flying car into the Whomping Willow?" said Remus. "When?"

"Second year. We couldn't get onto Platform 9 ¾, so we flew."

At that moment, Harry felt a searing pain cross through his head. It was like someone was screaming at the top of their lungs in Harry's head, then was suddenly silenced. "Malfoy," said Harry, and ran back up to the hospital wing.

When he got to the hospital wing, Harry flung the door open and rushed in. There was Malfoy, lying unconscious on the bed in Narcissa's arms. "Harry," said Dumbledore. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard this scream inside my head-"

"Ah, I see," said Dumbledore, looking grave. "Mr. Malfoy is not doing well, Harry. He is unconscious. If you would be so kind to run down to Professor Greenleaf and see if he has any Mandrake Restorative Draught?" Harry nodded and hurried out.

On the way down to the greenhouses, Harry felt his heart jolt. If Malfoy died... what would he do? Lucius Malfoy, for one, would make sure his death was traced back to Harry.

Then Harry stopped short. "I think I would actually miss him," Harry said out loud. "Whoa that scares me."

Harry started walking again. If Ron could see him now... trying to save Malfoy's life! Harry pictured his reaction.

'You- and Malfoy? You have to be kidding... you're not, are you? Oh my gosh, Harry. I can't believe you did this to me! The only thing that hurts me more than seeing you with Malfoy is seeing Malfoy with you! Wait- of course, it makes sense now! You two got all cozy while you were at the Insufferable Git Convention! Well, I guess this is good-bye, Harry Potter!' And then he would walk away. Harry shivered. He didn't want to think about that. He tried to picture Hermione's reaction instead.

'You're friends with Malfoy? I'm sorry; I must have heard you wrong. What did you say? Is this some kind of joke, Harry? No? Well, I guess he isn't that bad... I'll try to get used to him, Harry.' Yes, that would be Hermione's reaction.

His thoughts were interrupted, however, when he reached the greenhouses. He rushed inside Greenhouse 1, where Professor Greenleaf was teaching a class of 1^st year Hufflepuffs.

"Yes, Mr. Finnigan? Can I help you?" he said.

"Professor Dumbledore wanted to know if you had any Mandrake Restorative Draught," Harry said.

"I think I have a little. Let me get some for you," Professor Greenleaf went into his office at the back of the Greenhouse. He came back holding a small vial of a purple liquid.

"Here you go. Now why-" he said, but Harry had already rushed out of the door.

"Here you go, Professor," said Harry as he rushed into the hospital wing. He handed Dumbledore the vial.

Dumbledore took it quickly. "If we hurry, we can save him," Dumbledore said urgently. "Narcissa, if you would step aside." Narcissa nodded and walked to where Harry was standing.

"His breathing is getting shallower," said Narcissa, sniffling. "We don't know if he'll make it."

Harry felt himself nod. He turned to watch Dumbledore. He was carefully applying the Draught onto Malfoy's swollen red finger. "Harry," he said urgently. "Do the Healing Charm again."

"But- Professor, I don't have my wand-"

"Just do it!" Dumbledore said, pushing Harry towards the bed.

Harry took a deep breath. "Apalarcium Retracto Helotries!" he said. The effect was instantaneous. Malfoy sat upright, rubbing his head.

"What happened?" he said. "Where am I?"

Meanwhile, Harry was lying down on the bed next to Malfoy. He was gasping for breath. Malfoy looked over at him. "Harry!" he said. "Harry! What happened?"

"Mr. Finnigan has been very drained," said Dumbledore. "It was he who saved you. You were almost dead. He probably won't be feeling very well for the next few hours, but no lasting harm done. Poppy, will you please go get Mr. Potter and Miss Evans? Tell Professor Theorax they have my permission to come. Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin also."

Madame Pomfrey nodded and scurried out of the room.

"Harry, this never should have happened. It's all my fault," Malfoy said. Harry seemed to be trying to talk, but he couldn't muster up the strength."

Malfoy, he thought. Tell them- I'm sorry.

"Sorry for what?" Malfoy said out loud.

They'll know- just tell them. And Harry fell unconscious. At that very moment Lily, James, Sirius, and Remus burst in.

"Harry," James said, taking his son's hand in his own. "What happened?" he asked Malfoy.

"He saved me," Malfoy said. "It took so much magic he passed out."

"Will he be all right?" said Lily.

"He'll be fine," said Dumbledore. "He'll be out for a couple hours, but he'll be perfectly fine when he wakes up."

"Before he passed out," Malfoy said quietly so that Dumbledore didn't hear, "He told me to tell you he was sorry. Do you have any idea what he was talking about?"

James nodded, looking grave. "He was a little irritable before. Then he just ran off."

"Are you sure he'll be OK?" said Lily anxiously.

"Of course he'll be OK," said Malfoy. "He's Harry Potter."

When Harry woke up, he heard whispers around him. He opened up his eyes and saw his mother standing over him. Her bright green eyes and red hair made her instantly recognizable. Harry smiled to himself. She looked beautiful.

He sat up and felt for his glasses. Lily hugged him. He felt her arms go around him. It was pure relief. "Oh Harry, I was so worried," she said. Harry held her close. He felt her cool skin against his as she embraced him.

Once Lily had released him from her bone-breaking hug, James, Sirius, and Remus stepped in. James patted Harry on the back. "I'm glad you're OK, Harry," he said.

"We were worried about you," Sirius said.

"And we all know how rare it is that Padfoot gets worried," Remus said.

They all laughed. They talked for a while, and then they got up to leave. Harry was stuck in the hospital wing for the night.

"Hey, Potter," said Malfoy, sitting at Harry's side.

"Malfoy. You should go back to Gryffindor Tower. It's getting late."

"I wanted to talk to you, Potter."

"Talk away, then, Malfoy. I've got nothing else to do."

"Potter, I wanted to say I'm-"

Harry held up his hand. "No. Don't say it. It's not your fault; you shouldn't be sorry."

"But Potter-"

"But nothing, Malfoy. You shouldn't be sorry, I don't want you to apologize."

"Harry-"

"What did I say?"

"Fine. Good night, then." Malfoy walked out of the hospital wing. Harry looked out of the window. It was new moon, and the stars stood out like pinpricks in the sky. Harry sighed. He had a funny tingling in his stomach that he didn't like. He had felt this feeling before. It was-

"No," Harry said. "No, that can't be right."

And he lay back down and went to sleep.