Switched

Chapter Nine:

A New Place

"How do you feel?" Hermione asked, peering at Harry.

"Perfectly fine, Hermione. Exactly how I felt when you asked ten minutes ago," Harry said.

Hermione waved her wand in Harry's face, double checking his vitals with a simple spell. It had already been two hours, and Harry's hand was sweaty and cramped from being inside Draco's. And still no changes.

"Maybe you did it wrong," Draco said, shifting restlessly.

"She did not do it wrong, so stop saying that. You just have to wait," Ron snapped.

Harry leaned his head against the cool wall behind him, closing his eyes. His entire body was going numb, and he just wanted to go to sleep. But Hermione kept insisting that everyone stay awake to make sure the spell worked.

Beside him, Draco was rubbing his face in frustration, obviously as bored and exhausted as Harry. Harry was dying to ask Draco about where he was going tomorrow morning, but he couldn't find the words. How do you ask someone you love if they are willing to betray you?

Harry glanced Draco's way, hoping to finally catch his eye. But when their eyes met, all thoughts of talking rushed out of his head.

"Draco! Your eyes!" Harry pulled Draco's face closer to his own. Sure enough, behind Harry's glasses, the usual green had changed to a gentle teal.

"Yours too!" Draco exclaimed.

Hermione was immediately in front of them. "It's begun! Your eyes have fused colour! Physical changes are the first stage!"

As Harry watched Draco's eyes change colour, he noticed other slight differences. His jet black hair was slowly growing lighter, and his prominent scar was beginning to fade.

"What happens after the physical changes?" Draco asked, watching Harry's face with awe.

"Mental changes. An exchange of thoughts, memories, and feelings. The exchange happens quickly, so usually only the strongest memories and feelings are actually recognized, while the rest are simply swapped with minimal detection," Hermione said.

"Hang on, what does that mean?" Draco asked.

"You two will momentarily share the same memories, thoughts, and feelings. Most you won't remember, but some will potentially be strong enough to be experienced by both of you as they move from one mind to the other," Hermione added.

Harry gulped. He'd shared many things with Draco, but was he really ready to share everything? It didn't look like he had much choice.

"The switch seems to be right on track. I just hope we aren't too late, that you two haven't been changed by the magic too much." Hermione double-checked the potion book beside her before finally putting it away.

Ron was busy gathering up the cauldron and the cups, transfiguring them into pocket change and quills. The Marauders Map was spread on the floor before Harry and Draco, just in case.

"It's going to be a long night, so we might as well get comfortable." Hermione waved her wand and several pillows and blankets appeared.

Still clutching hands, Harry and Draco awkwardly manoeuvred onto some pillows, the Invisibility Cloak close at hand. Ron slumped onto a blanket next to Hermione, stifling a yawn.

"One of us should always try to stay awake -" Hermione began.

Ron silenced her with a wave of his hand. "Someone's coming. I can feel it."

Draco picked up the map swiftly. "He's right. It's Macmillan and Abbott."

"Shit. They're covering our Prefect duties tonight. Something must've happened." Hermione leapt up and Ron did the same.

Harry grabbed the map and the cloak just in time.

"Knock, knock, I hope you two are decent." Ernie peered around the bathroom door. "Thought we'd find you here. Not my idea of a romantic spot to snog, but -"

"Ernie! What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.

"There's a Christmas party going on in your tower that's gotten a bit out of hand. We're going to need you're help." Hannah appeared beside Ernie, smiling apologetically.

"We figured you two would want to be there if McGonagall shows up," Ernie added.

"Thanks, guys. We'd, uh, better come check it out then," Ron said.

"I guess so." Hermione looked frantically in Harry and Draco's direction as she charmed the rest of the pillows and blankets away. "Do you think this will take long?"

"Well, we tried to quiet everyone down moments ago only to be chased out of the common room by a very drunk Seamus Finnigan in his knickers, so something tells me it might be awhile," Hannah said.

"Well, we'd better get to it then. I'm sure if there are any problems Hermione and I can be reached at the tower easily," Ron said, glancing in Harry and Draco's direction.

Ernie gave Ron a confused look, but followed him, Hermione and Hannah out of the loo without a word. Harry waited a moment before taking off the cloak.

"Looks like it's just us now," Draco said.

"Guess so." Harry waved his wand and locked the bathroom door.

Draco's hair was nearly blond already. "I'm tired, so maybe we should just get some rest."

"Don't you think we should stay awake just in case?" Harry asked, surprised to hear his own voice, sounding as it had before the switch.

"Be my guest, stay awake." Draco moved to lie down, but holding hands with Harry made this something of a challenge, especially since Harry wanted Draco to stay awake.

"You just don't want to talk to me about your father. Well, I'm sorry Draco, but I need to know what your plan is." Harry pulled Draco back up to a sitting position.

"My plan? I'm going to go home and celebrate Christmas."

"You said yourself that isn't your mothers writing."

"So it looks like my dad will be celebrating with us this year after all."

"You don't think he's going to make you become a Death Eater?"

"What do I care if he does? I'll do it to make him happy and that will be it."

"You think so? What about when you are called to duty to fight me and my friends? You'll just say no thanks?"

"I will fight for whichever side is going to win."

"And you don't care if that means fighting against me?"

"I don't."

"I don't believe you. You love me as much as I love you."

"I never loved you."

"Don't say that. I know you did. You can't lie to me."

"I didn't!" Draco's eyes had returned to their own steely blue. The physical transformation was complete. He tore off Harry's glasses, tossing them in his lap. "Look, Potter, I'm going to sleep, and when I wake up hopefully this nightmare will all be over. I only said I loved you so I could fuck you, and let me say that it wasn't even worth the effort. And after Christmas break, no matter what happens, things will be exactly as they used to be, and there is nothing you can do to change that." Draco pulled violently on Harry's hand so he was finally able to lie down. Turning his head away, Draco shut his eyes.

Harry blinked, not sure what to say or do. He put his glasses back on, bringing the bathroom back into focus. Did Draco really mean it? Had it all been a lie? Slowly Harry sank back onto the pillows, the Cloak still covering most of him and Draco. If that was how Draco felt, then it seemed there was nothing Harry could do. He had to forget Draco and move on, for one day soon they might be battling against each other. And Harry was not about to let some schoolboy crush stand between him and defeating Voldemort. Closing his eyes, Harry banished all thoughts of Draco from his head, hoping only to get some sleep.

* * * *

Draco was hearing things inside his head.

Am I awake?

"Hey Scary Harry! Potty Potter! Come out and play, we promise to be nice!" Taunting voices filled Draco's ears.

A school ground came into view. A pack of children, not much older than nine or ten, were throwing rocks and chasing a small boy with dark hair.

"Well, that's not very friendly, running away," one boy shouted.

"You'll pay for that rudeness Potty," a girl squawked.

A large boy with a red face cornered Harry, kicking him down. Harry scrambled along the pavement, leaping to hide behind some bins.

"Get back here you little -" but the boy stopped short. Harry was suddenly on the rooftop of the school, next to the bins.

"How did he get up there?" The children gathered below him.

"I'm gonna get a teacher, he'll be in big trouble for being up there!" The large boy ambled off in a hurry, but a teacher was already rounding the corner.

"Potter! You are absolutely not allowed up there," she shouted, looking cross.

"I can't get down." Harry's voice was faint on the wind.

"I'd better go get the Principal. Your Aunt and Uncle will hear about this Potter, mark my words. Come on everyone, let's get inside." The teacher rushed away, leading the children off with her.

Although Draco could barely see Harry atop the roof, he heard him faintly sigh. The sky above them clouded over, and it began to rain. Shadows seemed to take over, and the image faded away. For an instant, Draco thought the dream - or memory, or whatever it was - was over, but slowly the world came back into focus, and Draco caught his breath. Malfoy Manor's dark hallways always seemed extra sinister in his dreams.

"I should have him arrested! Dragged off to Azkaban, leaving all those hideous children to starve! Who does that fool think he is, laying his hands on me?" Lucius Malfoy came into view, storming down the dark corridor, one hand on his bruised forehead. Twelve year old Draco was following sulkily behind.

"I want you to have nothing to do with any of the Weasley's or anyone they associate with, is that understood, Draco?" Lucius pivoted to face his son, eyes blazing.

Draco remembered all too well what happened next.

"But you told me to befriend Potter last year," he whined.

Lucius hand was quick and slammed across Draco's face. "Don't talk back to me. I don't care what I said before; Potter, Weasley and that mudblood cunt are your enemies now. They stand against everything we believe in Draco, understood?"

Draco nodded meekly, eyes on the floor.

"Look at me. I want to be certain you aren't hiding anything." Lucius pulled Draco's face upwards and their eyes met. Draco struggled against his father, but was not match for such a powerful Legilimens.

"You want to be friends with that Potter twit, don't you? You think because he is good at Quidditch and popular amongst half-breeds, maybe he would make life easier for you? You disgust me, admiring such filth. No son of mine will ever befriend Harry Potter, is that understood? You will always be better than he is. You are a Malfoy. Now go to your room and get ready to practise Occlumency, your mind is weak. And why can't weakness be tolerated?" Lucius asked.

"Malfoy's are never weak," Draco muttered.

"Exactly. Now get out of my sight." Lucius turned and continued to walk the hall, Draco dashing away in the other direction.

In an instant, the hallway disappeared, and the Quidditch pitch came into view. It was pouring rain, but high in the air Gryffindor and Hufflepuff players could be seen.

"I'm glad we don't have to play in this horrendous weather," Draco was saying.

"Holy shit, check it out." Crabbe, next to Draco, was pointing below the game. Sure enough, the field was full of Dementors.

A scarlet figure began falling through the air, headed straight for the ground.

"Harry! Oh no, I hope he's okay!" With these words, Draco blushed like mad. "Well, he's a really good player, er; I am just really looking forward to beating him in the next game."

Even at thirteen Draco had adored the sight of Harry on a broom.

Everything changed yet again, and they were somewhere Draco did not recognize. It was dark, and gravestones surrounded them. Up ahead, Draco could see Harry. And before him stood a tall figure with scarlet eyes and the face of a snake - Lord Voldemort.

Draco had never seen the Dark Lord, had never imagined how horrifying he looked. Harry remained stock still, eyes on the ground where Cedric Diggory lay.

A cold laugh pulled his attention back to Voldemort. Pettigrew was muttering something, and Voldemort beckoned the Death Eaters using his all too familiar Dark Mark.

"How many will be brave enough to return when they feel it? And how many will be foolish enough to stay away?" Voldemort asked.

Draco recalled the many times his father had rushed away clutching his own Dark Mark, being summoned by the Dark Lord.

"You stand, Harry Potter, upon the remains of my late father," Voldemort hissed. "A Muggle and a fool ... very like your dear mother."

Suddenly the memory faded. A large room came into sight, a veil placed on a dais in the center. Draco knew that they were inside the Department of Mysteries.

"Come on, you can do better than that!"

Draco could see Sirius Black standing next to the veil. There was fighting going on all around the room. All of a sudden a beam of light hit the laughing Sirius square in the chest, and he sank back through the ragged veil.

The room began to disappear, but Harry's cries still reached Draco's ears.

"SIRIUS!"

Draco closed his eyes, not wanting to see anymore. But when he opened them moments later, his heart skipped a beat. Before him was his mother Narcissa. Her eyes were red and moist, and Draco knew at once what memory this was. They had just visited Lucius in Azkaban. Malfoy Manor did not look so imposing and grand this time, but empty and neglected.

"I am never going back there!"

"Draco," Narcissa stifled a sob. "Your father needs our support in this time of need."

"I won't support him any longer! I hate him, and I hate this family," Draco fumed.

"Surely you don't mean -" Narcissa stepped towards her son.

"I do. He could die in that prison for all I care," Draco said.

Narcissa merely nodded. "Fine. If you don't want to see him, we won't. He cannot control us from where he is."

Draco was shocked at his mother's words. She never spoke ill of Lucius.

"Draco, I am going to go meet an old friend. I promise I'll be back soon. You don't have to be like your father anymore. I don't want to lose you too," Narcissa whispered. With a pop, she was gone, and so was the memory. Draco blinked, and he was inside a small, tidy house. He could hear someone yelling.

"I hear you, crying yourself to sleep at night. Poor baby Harry, crying over his dead mum and dad. How pathetic. I mean, you didn't even know them! Maybe they were complete morons. That's what my dad says." A large blond haired boy appeared, face red with anger.

Hot on his heels was Harry, not much younger than he was now. "You watch your fat mouth Dudley. My parents were ten times the people that Vernon and Petunia are."

"They were nothing but no good freaks like you," Dudley roared.

"Shut up!" The painting on the walls shook and cracked with these angry words.

"Keep away from me, freak! No matter what you say, I know that your mum was nothing but a stupid slut -" But before Dudley could finish, Harry's fingers had closed around his throat, cutting him off.

"Don't ever fucking talk about my parents that way!" Harry shouted. He shoved Dudley with all his might. His fists came next, and he got several hits in before the big boy cracked him square in the nose.

"Stay away!" Dudley rushed up the stairs, away from Harry, whose nose was now gushing blood.

The room jolted and was gone, and they entered yet another memory, Draco still reeling from the ones he'd witnessed already.

"I won't be your back-up plan any longer! You never want to fuck me, and when you finally come crawling back, you won't even look me in the face! You never kiss me anymore, and half the time you can't even get it hard! I don't know who you want Draco, but you'd better figure your shit out and remember we're gonna end up together no matter what. And until you do, I'm going to go find someone who knows how to fuck!" Pansy's ugly pug-face came into view, just as Draco's hand flew across her cheek.

"Don't talk back to me," Draco hissed.

Draco remembered this moment all too well. It had happened only two months ago. And although it seemed like years had gone by, he still remembered the feel of Pansy's skin against his own. He shuddered.

Suddenly another angry voice filled Draco's ears.

"I need you to talk to me! I'm not some stupid little girl anymore, Harry; I'm supposed to be your girlfriend! And girlfriends and boyfriends tell each others things!" Ginny was raging now, her face bright in the dim moonlight.

Harry stepped closer to the Astronomy Tower ledge, refusing to look at her. This fight couldn't have been more than a month ago.

"You wouldn't understand," Harry muttered.

"Stop trying to protect me and talk to me! I can't put up with this anymore! We don't talk, you refuse to tell people we're together, and you won't even kiss me anymore. I'm starting to think you like someone else!" Ginny threw her hands in the air. "I'm giving you a week Harry. We need to fix this or it's over."

Ginny stormed from the tower room, leaving Harry alone. At once, the moonlight seemed to envelope his slender frame, and then Draco found himself on the Hogwarts staircase with Ron, where he'd been just earlier that day.

Ron was talking, his voice steady. "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's face began to transform, and in moments Draco was looking at Snape, who began to speak.

"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's face began to disappear, but his voice remained. "I know she doesn't want to lose you, Draco. She cannot say it, but I know that her feelings have changed."

A sharp pain filled Draco's chest and he felt his eyes snap open. Myrtle's bathroom was dark and cold, and he could feel Harry's warm hand still entwined in his own.

"Argh," Harry moaned, sitting up.

Draco tried to stretch but did not succeed. A slight tingling was traveling up his arm and coursing throughout his body, making him rather uncomfortable.

Harry rubbed his face wearily. "Draco, did you just have that dream?"

"Those were memories, not a dream at all." Draco sat up and was greeted by yet another shooting pain.

Next to him, Harry winced. "You think this is part of the spell?"

"It seems the mental exchange thing is over. Is it supposed to hurt?" Draco wondered.

"Should we call Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked.

Draco scooped up the map. Muttering at his wand, the room filled with light. Ron and Hermione appeared to be in McGonagall's office with the other Prefects. "Better not."

Harry cracked his neck, avoiding Draco's eyes. "What I saw in there, Draco, all that stuff happened?"

"I could ask the same of you," Draco said.

"I told you all of that stuff. Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked.

"You didn't tell me the half of it! Fighting with your cousin, with Ginny... I felt what you felt when Cedric and Sirius died. You never told me about what that felt like..." Draco trailed off.

"Well, you never confessed that you'd hit Pansy. And I certainly didn't know the extent of Lucius' abuse. Why do you put up with him? I could feel your anger and hate," Harry said.

"The same reason you put up with the Dursley's. I don't have a choice."

"You heard Snape, there's always a choice."

"You would think so. You've been inside my body, my mind, my soul, and yet you still don't understand me. No one ever will."

"Oh, I understand you all right. And you disgust me. You refuse to fess up that you like me even now, although it's been going on for how many years? You won't fight your father; you abuse your friends and family - I don't know what I ever saw in you. Despite what Ron thinks he feels between us; trust me when I say that it is over. I despise you. I could never love such a disgusting excuse -"

"Oh and you're the prize, the hero, right? Poor taunted Harry who's seen so much death and destruction. Well, I feel sorry for you and your ridiculous need to help everyone you see. I only wish you knew what a self-righteous, arrogant martyr you are. You're such a fool."

"We'll see who is a fool when I defeat -" but Harry stopped short, wincing in pain. Draco felt it too - his hand was beginning to burn where it touched Harry's.

"Fuck this ridiculous arguing. We need to find Ron and Hermione and make sure this switching back is working properly. The sooner I can be rid of you, the better," Harry said.

"Fine." Draco stood up, his limbs aching. "They're still in McGonagall's office."

Harry double-checked the map and then put it in his pocket. "So we go and wait for them."

Tugging roughly on Harry's arm, Draco unlocked the bathroom door. He impatiently waited until they were covered by the cloak and then was off, nearly dragging Harry behind him. "I don't know what I ever saw in you."

"Whatever. You've been pining after me for years, admit it," Harry whispered.

"I thought you might be good for a lay, but you're really rubbish in the sack," Draco hissed.

"You give lousy head," Harry snapped.

"You can't give a hand-job to save your life."

"You're a terrible kisser."

"Well, you -"

"Don't walk away from me, Severus Snape. We need to talk about this."

Harry and Draco stopped short, just in time for Snape - with Tonks hot on his heels - to come barrelling around the corner. Draco pushed Harry into the nearest wall to avoid their Potions Professor.

"You fuck me and leave me, is that it? A nice Christmas gift to yourself?" Tonks asked.

Snape stopped, turning to her impatiently. "It wasn't like that. We were drunk and we made a mistake."

"You told me that it was the best mistake you've ever made," Tonks said.

"Well, I didn't know what I was saying. It was good, yes, for a one time thing. But we can't be together. I'm too old for you. And we work together. And there's a war going on -" Snape began.

"Don't give me your excuses. I've told you, I don't care about the age difference. And I'm willing to risk screwing things up at work. And as for the war, it's all the more reason to do something about our feelings. To live and love before it's too late." Tonks brushed Snape's shoulder, but he stepped away.

"Whatever your feelings for me, I'm afraid they're not returned," Snape muttered.

"You said that you had feelings for me, that you wanted to give things a try!"

"Forget what I said! It was before I knew... Dora, look, we can't be together. It could never work. I have important work to do for The Order, and I can't let it be compromised by a relationship. I'm sorry. Now, I really have to get going." Snape turned to leave.

Tonks eyes filled with tears. "Tell me it meant nothing. Tell me that you hate me, I repulse you, and that our night together was a drunken mess and nothing more. If you say that, I'll leave you alone."

"Dora..."

"You can't, can you? Because it did mean something."

"No. No it didn't. That night was only about sex. You and I will never be anything more than we are. I don't feel the same way, Dora, so just forget about me. Goodbye." Snape rushed down the hall before Tonks could respond. She stood for a moment, alone and crying, until she finally turned on her heel and rushed the other way.

Draco met Harry's eyes and felt another surge of pain. He leaned forward and their lips met. But seconds later Harry was pulling away.

"Am I really a terrible kisser?" Draco wondered, hoping to lighten the mood.

Harry shushed him with a look. "Listen."

"It's not that I don't trust you two not to return to your separate rooms on your own, it's just I'd feel better about everything if I ensure there are no detours along the way. I know how, er, impulsive young people can be, and I wouldn't want you two to miss anymore sleep tonight. You deserve your rest after this trying evening, so I really just want to make sure that you get it." McGonagall appeared, leading Ron and Hermione up the stairs at the end of the hall. "Sleep is very important, even at your age. It may seem that other activities are more enjoyable, but really, you need your sleep more than anything..."

Her voice faded away as the staircase swung and changed position. Harry relaxed, but nonetheless kept himself at a distance from Draco.

"What now?" Draco asked, a pounding headache starting just behind his eyes.

"I guess we -" But Harry was interrupted by a loud chime. Neither boy had even thought to check the time. The cloak rang five times, signifying that five am was upon them.

"Shit," Draco exclaimed, squirming out from under the cloak. "I have to Portkey out of here!"

"But we're still attached!" Harry said.

"I realize that!" Draco removed the ring from his pocket. It wouldn't transport him until he put it on. He had two minutes.

"What the fuck are we going to do?" Harry wondered.

"You most certainly cannot come along," Draco said.

"Like I'd want too. Do you think we can break apart early?" Harry asked.

"This has to be almost over." Draco's hand felt like it was on fire. Surely that signified that the switch was almost complete.

"Can we speed it along some how?" Harry wondered.

"Why would I know? I didn't look twice at the stupid reverse spell!"

"Well, neither did I!"

"You were too busy reading those books on curses so you can go after Bellatrix."

"And you were too busy trying to shag me all the time!"

The pain increased and Draco's eyes began to water. "This must nearly be done." He tried to pull his hand away and the pain increased.

"You heard Hermione, if we end this early then we'll remain connected. The switch won't be complete."

"Well, I don't want that."

"I don't either."

"We've got thirty seconds Potter."

"Can't you just miss the Portkey?"

"No fucking way! My father will kill me!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

Pain seared so hard throughout Draco's body that he saw stars. His hand slipped, and his and Harry's palms disconnected, leaving their fingertips touching. When he reopened his eyes he looked at the ring. It was glowing bright. Time was almost up.

"This has to be it," Harry said. "It doesn't feel like we're connected anymore. I can't feel your thoughts or feelings or anything. At least I don't think I can."

"Well, Potter, I've got to let go." Draco pulled at his hand once more, and the pain wasn't so bad. Their fingertips were now barely touching. With one final look at Harry, Draco pulled with all his might, and they separated easily, Harry knocked back slightly. The pain vanished, and Draco swiftly slipped the ring on his finger. He felt a slight pull at his naval, and he lurched forwards and away from Harry and Hogwarts, towards his father - and his destiny.

In moments Draco felt his feet hit the ground, and he slipped, nearly falling down. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness all around him, but soon the shadows came into focus. He was in the clearing of a forest somewhere. Out of the shadows, a figure approached.

"Draco. I was worried you would not come." Lucius Malfoy's voice was cool and sinister.

"I was momentarily delayed by -" Draco began.

"Potter," Lucius said.

"No, I, uh..." but before Draco could think of a quick excuse, his father waved his wand and the clearing filled with light.

"You've done well, Draco. Better than I could have imagined. You've brought me him." Lucius waved his wand once more and invisible ropes appeared. Draco stood up, and watched in horror as the ropes ensnared a figure on the ground, pulling them up for Draco to see. It was Harry, dragged along by the spell and knocked unconscious by the fall to the ground.

"The Dark Lord is going to be very pleased by this. Come along Draco." Pulling Harry along behind him, Lucius began to move towards the woods.

Swallowing thickly, Draco had no choice but to follow.