Switched

Chapter Eight:

Broken Ties

Harry and Draco awoke in a tangle on the cold bathroom floor, heads pounding and mouths dry. Shuffling about in silence, they cleaned themselves up as best as they could, double-checked the potion, and ventured out into the halls. As it turned out, they'd slept far past breakfast, and only made it down one flight of stairs before class change. Harry and Draco were utterly dazed and confused as everyone flooded into the hallway, bumping them this way and that.

"If you read chapter seven, I'll get chapter eight, and then we can compare notes," Padma said to Millicent Bulstrode as they passed by - in what Harry felt was far too loud a voice.

"Hey Harry. Hey Draco," called Colin as Draco hobbled past.

"You guys feeling okay? You look kinda rough." Seamus came up behind them, slapping each boy on the back as he passed.

"Must've been partying with Ron and Neville last night, they look just as bad," Dean remarked, appearing beside Seamus.

"And I bet that Ginny was there as well, that would explain her state." Luna drifted past, barely glancing at anyone around her as she spoke.

Harry and Draco turned, and saw a very ill looking Ginny stumbling towards them.

"Ugh," she said. "I should've stayed in bed."

"Gin." Neville appeared in a classroom doorway, and caught her arm before she nearly fell down. "Let me walk you to class, I could use someone to lean on."

Holding each other up, Ginny and Neville were off down the hall. Harry and Draco exchanged smiles. The more Harry saw Ginny with Neville, the more he felt it was right for her to have someone else. Harry wasn't meant to be with her after all.

Draco motioned for them to head towards their room, but they were stopped by the sight of Hermione and Ron, arm in arm, heading down the hallway.

"Hey. Dumbledore's been looking for you two," Ron said as they passed.

Harry was about to ask questions, but at that moment Dumbledore appeared at the end of the hall, motioning the boys towards him.

As the hallway cleared out, Dumbledore pulled Harry and Draco aside.

"Good day boys. After much consideration, I've decided to lift your punishment, effective immediately. I only hope that the next time you two think of quarrelling in our halls, you will remember how easy it is to get along after all." Dumbledore waved his wand and just like that, Harry and Draco's wristbands were gone.

"Your belongings have been returned to your rooms. All assignments are due by the end of today, and after Christmas break you will be expected to return to your normal classes. That is all." Dumbledore began to walk away, but paused. "And boys? I might remind you both that spending the night outside of one's dormitory is strictly against school rules. As is underage drinking. Good day." With a wink, Dumbledore was gone.

Harry and Draco looked at one another with open mouths.

"If he knows we were drinking, why aren't we in trouble?" Draco wondered.

"And if he knows we weren't in our room last night, then does he know where we were and what we were doing?" Harry asked.

"Must not." Draco began walking towards the Gryffindor common room.

Harry moved to follow him, but then paused. "I guess I'll go catch up on my homework."

Draco barely broke stride. "Me too. It really is almost over. Later."

"Yeah." Harry watched Draco disappear around the corner before reluctantly returning to the Slytherin dorms. His homework was waiting for him in his room, having been copied from other students by Crabbe and Goyle. Harry altered the handwriting with a wave of his wand, and then collapsed into bed. This was it. The potion would be ready tonight; the spell was now broken between them - his relationship with Draco was over. Trying to remind himself that it was the spell that was making him feel so sad, Harry fell into a restless sleep.

* * * *

After hastily copying Ron's class work, Draco went straight to bed. Needless to say, he was rather annoyed to be awoken by Ron at dinnertime.

"Hermione says that we need to get dinner and then get started on the spell," Ron muttered, eying Draco like he didn't know what to make of him.

"We're not going to be friends after all this is over, if that's what you're thinking," Draco snapped.

Ron shook his head. "Whatever Draco, just get up so we can go eat. Hermione is watching over the potion already."

"Speaking of Hermione - what happened between you two last night?" Draco asked.

"We just came back here and went to bed." Ron couldn't help blushing.

"Went to bed together?" Draco asked.

"I could ask the same of you and Harry," Rom mumbled.

"Harry? One little kiss doesn't mean we're anything more than what we used to be." Draco began to change, refusing to look at Ron.

"What did you two used to be? I'm not sure I even remember," Ron said.

"Don't be stupid, we used to hate each other," Draco said.

"Did you? All I'm saying is that Hermione and I used to fight all the time before, but we were never really fighting." Ron moved to the door.

Draco pulled on Harry's robes, used to their soft, peppermint scent. Did he ever hate Harry? Despise him, truly?

Sure I did! This is just the stupid spell. Snap out of it, Draco!

"Contrary to the popular Gryffindor belief, not everyone secretly wants to be a member of the Harry Potter fan club, Weasley. This spell changed things, but I never changed. And when it's lifted..." Draco pushed past Ron to head down the stairs, but Ron quickly caught his arm.

"Look, Draco, I imagine you know all about what happened in the Department of Mysteries last year, so I'll spare you the story. But ever since I was attacked by those brains, I've been able to feel things. I can sense when the people around me are experiencing strong emotions. That's how I could tell Hermione's feelings for me had changed. And that's how I know how much you and Harry care for each other. I can feel it. Harry hasn't felt happy all year, but when he's with you, it's like I have my old friend back. He adores you, and I know you like him too. It freaked me out at first, but I guess it's for the best. So don't try to tell me that you haven't changed, because I know that's rubbish." Ron pushed past Draco, continuing down the stairs.

"However, don't think that this means that I can just forgive and forget. You've done some pretty nasty things to Hermione, Harry and I, and it's going to take me a hell of a lot longer to forgive you than its taken Harry." Ron glanced at Draco over his shoulder. "But I do want you two to be together. I can tell that it's right."

"Whatever you're feeling, Weasley, it's the spell at work. It's magic. It's not real," Draco hissed.

"Did you even bother to read over that work you copied from me?" Ron asked incredulously. "We started work on Change of Self Potions just yesterday. Snape gave us pages of notes."

Draco shrugged. "What do I care if Potter fails every -"

"Just shut it for a second. According to Snape, the most important feature of a Change of Self Potion is that it can only work with what already exists. They cannot create anything. That means that whatever you feel for Harry now, even if the potion did make the feeling stronger, the emotions existed before you two switched." Ron walked off, leaving Draco to ponder this news.

He opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't find the words. Could this mean that these feelings really were real? That he had loved Potter all along?

* * * *

Harry awoke to the large faces of Crabbe and Goyle, looming over his bed.

"Draco, get up. There's a message for you," Goyle was saying.

"It's from Professor Snape. He wants you to go and meet him right away," Crabbe added.

Harry sat up, wiping his eyes. "Okay, okay. I'm up."

Goyle handed him Snape's note. "What do you figure he wants?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know."

"You think it's a message from your dad?" Crabbe asked.

"We just heard from out mums. I think something big is going down over break. My mum said after we celebrate the holiday, it will be my time to shine," Goyle said.

"I think we're going to be initiated," Crabbe muttered.

"I bet you'll be first though. Don't you think so, Draco?" Goyle asked.

"If you are, do you think you'd be able to owl us? You know; tell us what it's like?" Crabbe continued. Both boys looked a shade paler than normal.

"I mean, it's not like we have choice or anything, but I'd like to know what to expect." Goyle sounded terrified.

"We'll see. That may not be what's going on at all," Harry said, crawling out of bed.

"But you are going to join, aren't you Draco?" Crabbe asked.

"He doesn't have a choice, moron." Goyle whacked the back of Crabbe's head.

"Well, if he said no, then maybe..." Crabbe shrugged.

"You think we could all just say no?" Goyle asked.

"You don't have to become a Death Eater if you don't want to," Harry said.

Crabbe and Goyle didn't look convinced.

"My dad wouldn't take no for an answer," Goyle murmured.

"My mum doesn't want me to become one," Crabbe said. "Maybe -"

"My mum doesn't either, but it's not like she has any say," Goyle interrupted.

Harry pulled on his school robes. "Look. I don't know what my father has planned, or my mother, but in the end it will be my decision. I may not have made up my mind yet, but I'm going to do it on my own. And you two should do the same. We don't have to be our fathers."

Crabbe swallowed thickly, but remained silent. Goyle looked slightly heartened.

"Good luck, Draco." Goyle moved to the door, motioning Crabbe to follow. "Will we see you after dinner?"

"I doubt it," Harry said.

"Going to see Harry?" Crabbe asked.

Goyle punched him in the arm to quiet him. "Well, if we don't see you, Happy Christmas."

"You too. I, uh, got you guys a little something." Harry crossed to his wardrobe and removed their two parcels.

Crabbe and Goyle accepted the gifts with shocked thanks, and were busying tearing into them as Harry left the tower. He moved quickly down to Snape's dungeons, eager to get to Myrtle's bathroom to meet everyone else.

"Come in," Snape said after Harry knocked. He shuffled inside. "Professor?"

"Draco. Excellent, you're here." Snape was seated behind his desk, a large Pensive nearly blocking Harry's view of his face. He bent down and pulled a letter out from inside a desk drawer, and rose. "It's a message from your mother. She -"

But before Snape could finish, there was another gentle knock on his office door. "Severus? May I have a word?" Dumbledore peered around the doorframe, glancing at Draco, then at Snape.

"Of course Headmaster. Please excuse me, Mr. Malfoy." Snape crossed the room and slipped out into the hallway to speak to Dumbledore.

"Have you arranged a meeting?" Dumbledore asked. But before Snape responded, he swung the office door shut, blocking out any further noise.

Harry's eyes immediately went to the Pensive. He remembered all to well Snape's rage at discovering Harry last time. Surely Snape would not feel the same way if he thought Harry to be Draco? Recalling the dark images in Snape's head from Occlumency, Harry's curiosity was too strong to ignore. He needed to know where Snape fit in with his father and mother. Had Lily really loved the greasy git?

Harry crossed to the desk, peering into the Pensive. He did not know how to escape the memories once inside, so he would definitely be caught by Snape. But somehow, Harry did not care. He could handle rage and even punishment. He needed answers and was tired of waiting. Besides, what did he care if Snape hated and punished Draco? He would never know it was truly Harry, would he?

Harry leaned into the Pensive, and caught sight of a few of the swirling images. Harry saw what looked like the veil, and his heart leapt. There was no turning back now. He dove in.

Everything went blurry, and Harry's stomach lurched as he fell forward. But moments later he landed with a crash, and sure enough he was back in the Department of Mysteries, looking at the veil that had haunted his nightmares for months. Harry looked around, taking the large room in. The stones were chipped and burnt in several places, with scuff marks and damage everywhere. This was after the battle last June.

Voices interrupted Harry's thoughts, and he turned his attention to the steps far below, right next to the dais where the veil sat. Dumbledore and Snape were speaking in hushed tones, both looking tired and strained.

"Thank you for allowing me to come here, Headmaster. I imagine it was an unusual request," Snape said.

Harry moved closer to the pair, wishing to get a better look at them both.

"Not at all, Severus, I expected someone to ask me for this opportunity. And I assumed it would be you," Dumbledore said.

Snape nodded. Harry peered at the sallow-cheeked man, who looked more pale and grim than usual.

"You mustn't blame -" Dumbledore began.

"He does," Snape said quietly.

"Harry blames himself most of all, despite any hostility he feels towards you," Dumbledore said. "But what you both should realize is that Sirius is -"

"What? In a better place?" Snape turned away from Dumbledore, eyes on the veil.

"From the beginning, I always objected to the construction of this arch-way. And it was not because I did not trust Grindelwald - which I didn't - but because I feel that death is one of the few great things that are beyond anyone's control. But those who think themselves great wizards wish to control all things, especially death. I doubt Grindelwald even fully comprehended what he was doing when he harnessed the power of the Avada Kedavra into those stones, creating what became our worlds first and only death sentence. Once he realized that his creation would offer no answers he abandoned it, handing it over to the Ministry to use as they wished. They used it only once to sentence a wizard to death, but thankfully everyone quickly understood that no crime would ever deserve such a punishment. I object to this day that it was never destroyed, but alas, with the creation of the Department of Mysteries everyone thought it seemed only fitting to keep it around to study death. Death is not meant to be studied or understood - it must remain a mystery," Dumbledore said.

"The next great adventure?" Snape asked bitterly.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I hope one day you can understand the meaning of those words Severus. I know that wherever Sirius is, he finally does."

Snape took a small step closer to the dais.

"I will leave you alone." Dumbledore turned to go. "And Severus? Don't get too close. And don't listen to hard to any voices you may hear - it is only the magic of the veil playing tricks on your mind. The dead cannot speak to us once they have crossed over. But I imagine that they are very good listeners."

Despite his age, Dumbledore moved quickly up the stone steps and out of the room. Harry longed to follow him, ask him a million questions about Grindelwald and the archway, but knew this was impossible, and any questions he would have would go unanswered. Instead he moved closer to Snape, watching the veil as it drifted gently back and forth, as if being moved by a silent breeze.

Snape remained still and silent for a long moment, before finally clearing his throat. Harry could not see his face, but thought that the man sounded rather choked up.

"Sirius." Snape's voice rang out, bouncing off the empty walls. "I bet you think I'm happy about all this. I always made such a show of hating you; you'd think I would be pleased that you're finally gone. Well, I wish that were the case, but of course it's not. You never failed to make me angry, as a boy and as a man, but usually I was only angry at myself. Angry that I never stood up to my parents, that I could never have run away like you, or turned my back on my family as you did. I was never that brave.

"Guess that's why you were in Gryffindor and I was in Slytherin. I've never been very courageous. I could never tell you how much I respected you, or tell her how I really felt. I always hated myself for loving a mudblood, and hated her even more for loving me back. Not that she ever really loved me. She pitied me. And I didn't want her pity, so I pushed her away - right into the arms of Potter. Imagine my anger to learn that when James saved my life Lily finally changed her mind about him. Was that your plan all along? To get Potter to save me so he could get the win over the girl like you'd won over your boy Remus?

"I should've known better than to fall for your tricks. I never forgave myself for being so stupid. And I couldn't forgive you - not that you ever asked for my forgiveness. But, here it is. Too late, I guess." Snape sighed, running his hands over his worn face.

"I let my old mistakes haunt me and control me, instead if just moving on.
And I wouldn't let you move on either, not by a long shot. I should've, but I couldn't. And now, because of me, you're dead. I know I'll never redeem myself in your eyes, but I have to try. I have to make this right, to help us win this war, help Harry come out alive. Because I know that's what you would've done. And I'm just sorry you can't be here to protect him yourself, but I'll do my best. And I hope one day, you can forgive me too."

Harry held his breath, listening to Snape's laboured breathing. For a moment it was just the two of them, but then a hand fell upon Harry's shoulder. He looked, and there stood the real Snape, his face calm. Harry felt himself rise up, and in moments they were back in Snape's office. Harry remained stock still, watching Snape as he crossed around his desk and sat down, putting the Pensive away.

"I won't pretend that I am happy that you entered my Pensive without my permission, Draco, but I am glad you were able to see that moment rather than any other. Now I don't know how much your father spoke of the Black family and their estranged son Sirius, but let me say that we were very much enemies during my years here at Hogwarts. But it is not important what happened in the past between us, Draco, what is important is that even the worst slights can always be forgiven. I forgave Black, and I would like to think that he might've forgiven me, had he the chance.

"Now, I don't know all the details of what transpired between yourself and Harry this past week, but I do hope that you two have gotten past your childish rivalry and reached a point of forgiveness. I know what you're parents have taught you about Harry and the people he is friends with, but trust me when I say that the strongest feelings can change with a little persuasion. It will always be your choice who to love and who to hate. Never forget that." Snape handed Harry the letter that was still clutched in his hand, but did not release it right away. "I know she doesn't want to lose you, Draco. She cannot say it, but I know that her feelings have changed."

Harry pulled the letter away and turned to leave, too shocked to speak.

"Have a Happy Christmas," Snape muttered.

Harry paused, turning to look back at Snape. He'd never seen his Potions Professor look so tired. "I don't imagine I say it enough, but thank you, Professor Snape. For everything. I was wrong about you, and for that I am truly sorry. Have a Happy Christmas."

Harry found his way out into the hall, still absorbing all he'd seen inside the Pensive. He knew he shouldn't have spoken to Snape so candidly; for he did not imagine Draco would ever say such a thing to a Professor. But those words had to be said, and Harry knew he'd never have the strength to say them himself.

Walking quickly towards Myrtle's bathroom, Harry ripped open the letter. It was from Narcissa, and enclosed was a small emerald ring. The message contained brief instructions commanding Draco to Portkey out of Hogwarts the following morning using the ring, which would be accessible promptly at five am the next day and would expire two minutes later. Swallowing back nerves, Harry rushed to meet everyone in the bathroom, tucking the ring into his pocket. It was already almost nine o'clock. This was going to be close.

* * * *

Draco and Ron ate in silence, Draco not certain what there was to say. The Hall was almost empty, for they were dining fashionably late. As Ron finally finished his third helping of dinner, Ginny appeared beside him.

"Hey. Look, I was hoping to maybe spend tonight somewhere other than Myrtle's bathroom. I mean, Neville's going home for Christmas break, and I wanted to say goodbye to him properly."

Ron gave Ginny a long look. "Is it over between you and Harry or what?"

"Ron!" Ginny went red, refusing to answer.

"I'll take that as a yes. We don't need anymore help tonight, so you can do what you want. I think Neville's a great guy, Gin, but make sure he knows what will happen to him if he breaks your heart," Ron said.

Ginny rolled her eyes and pushed away from the table, but Draco watched a grin spread across her face as she left the Hall.

"So you've given up on marrying Potter into the family, huh?" Draco asked. "I never thought you'd want your sister to become a Longbottom, but -"

"Neville's a good guy and we both know it. And I don't think Ginny and Harry would've worked out anyway," Ron said, giving Draco a knowing look.

"Don't look at me like that Weasley," Draco pushed his plate away.

"I didn't say a thing," Ron chuckled. "Let's go meet Hermione."

As they walked back upstairs, Draco caught Ron's shoulder. "Look, about what you said before -"

"Hermione already knows, I tell her everything," Ron said.

"No, that's not what I was going to say. You should know that I, er, I am sorry about all the bad stuff I've done to you guys. I mean it. It's just that, well, I was jealous of you guys, okay?" Draco looked away, and continued to walk upstairs.

"Jealous?" Ron asked, catching up with him.

"I mean, you have this great family who loves you, and these friends who are really friends, you know? And Hermione has always been way smarter than me, and Harry, he's like this famous, amazing wizard who everybody loves. I never had any of that. So I guess I was just jealous," Draco said.

Ron remained silent for the remainder of the walk. He finally stopped Draco right outside Myrtle's door. "Regardless of what happens next, I guess I am glad this whole Switch thing occurred. I mean, I always figured all Slytherins were heartless bastards, but they're not. And you're not as big a prat as you'd like everyone to think."

Draco gave Ron a small smile. "I guess I'm glad too. I always figured everyone else but Slytherins were useless morons who worshipped Harry. And that isn't true."

Ron offered Draco his hand, and they shook.

"And I do hope you and Hermione work out. You two are great together," Draco said.

"Thanks. We'd better get inside," Ron said, and they entered the bathroom.

"Good. You're here. Now where's -" Hermione began.

Harry slipped in behind Ron and Draco. "I'm here."

"All right. The potion is almost ready. Now, once you two drink it, you must remain physically bonded for the switch back to properly occur. It will probably last at least a few hours," Hermione said.

"Let's hope it doesn't take too long. We now have a deadline," Harry said, handing Draco the letter. "Draco needs to Portkey out of here at five am tomorrow morning."

Draco read the letter in silence and angrily tossed it aside. "That's my father's handwriting. Looks like there won't be any Christmas celebration at all this year."

"So you're going to meet your father? What are you -" Harry began.

"Uh, we'd better move things along if we want to make this deadline," Hermione interrupted. She conjured up two glasses, and put out the small fire beneath the cauldron. "We just have to wait until it thickens and cools."

"And then we have to be physically bonded? What does that mean?" Draco asked.

"I would imagine holding hands will be easiest, unless you can think of another -" Hermione began.

"We have to hold hands until we're switched?" Draco asked.

"Yes, and once the switch is complete you will be forced apart. You cannot let go until then," Hermione said.

"Oh great. How's that supposed to work?" Draco wondered.

"I have the Invisibility Cloak. You both can hide out underneath it in here," Ron motioned to the cloak that he'd left in the corner.

"This is just great. Another night in this place," Draco said.

"You two stayed here last night?" Hermione asked.

"We, uh, passed out," Harry said.

Hermione didn't look convinced, but said nothing as she dished out the potion for them to drink.

"Did Snape have anything to say when he gave you the letter?" Ron asked.

"I overheard him talking to Dumbledore about some kind of meeting or something," Harry said. "And that's about it."

Draco looked at Harry, obviously not buying his ambiguity. But no further questions were asked. The boys each grabbed a cup, and after awkwardly grabbing hands, both downed the potion in one gulp. The switch back had finally begun.