Sweet Resolve

Who is gonna come and turn the tide?
What's it gonna take to make a dream survive?
Who's got the touch to calm the storm inside?
Who's gonna save you?

~~~~

"Potter and Malfoy. Granger and Goyle. Weaseley and Zabini. Longbottom and Parkinson. Patil and Bullstrode..."

And so it went.

The next day had double potions first thing in the morning, and Snape was reveling in the joy of committing the gryffindor pains to the most torturous information: the partner they would spend three of their classes with, all year.

Hermione groaned visibly when she heard her name, and Snape was ready for attack: he took 10 points from Gryffindor for whiny attitude.

"I realize for some of you, this seems like the most unfair punishment on earth. But it is high time someone taught you a lesson that you will not have everything served to you on a silver platter, you will actually have to associate with the world." He said this while glaring at Harry the entire time, but Harry was not receptive to his advances; he just nodded as if Snape made perfect sense.

Up until this moment, no one had spoken a word to Harry. His entire dorm had shunned him, and although he could see it in some eyes that they were doing this more out of force than by conviction, Harry was rather pleased. Finally, he would not have to worry about ridiculous banter and could carry on with important issues. The few who did try to be civil, he either ignored completely, or shot down with a glare and a well hidden hex. Harry would never do anything damaging, so it was usually along lines of extending robes so they trip or sticking their hair straight up- but it was enough to send the message- Leave Me Alone.

On the inside Harry was dying. Professor McGonagall had approached him and asked what was wrong, if he needed to see the nurse, or some such. Harry shook his head and behaved like nothing was wrong, and she left. However, Harry felt like shouting at the moon and everything beneath it. He wanted to scream that he was fed up with the condolences and the pity, and the overbearing affection! That he wanted to just be normal and turn to his friends and joke around without any type of worry creeping up and biting them! That he saw no other way to get rid of that infectious worry but to shut them all out... that it was hurting so much, but at the same time, it was becoming easier and easier...

Harry wanted to tell someone he did not fear Voldemort as much as he feared he would be changed forever. And for what? Just his parents' memory, and the fate of the world.

Ahh fuck the world... but he owed it to his parents, and his friends. Even if no one remained by his side.

So Harry turned inward completely, he would not mutter a word to anyone unless absolutely necessary. And the golden glow that had been apparent during his argument on the train was showing itself at times, when it was evident that he was brewing something in his mind. The entire student population was terrified of him; they could almost feel energy seeping from his pores, afraid that it would harm them if they even dared walk near him.

So Harry was almost pleased that Snape was directing his diatribe at him. Made him feel normal. If even for an instant.

"Well well well Potter, it seems you and I will be spending some quality time together. Maybe you'll actually learn a thing or two this year." Malfoy aimed and hit Harry right out of his thoughts.

"Yeah Malfoy, I'm sure I can learn a thing or two from you. How to sneer like ferret perhaps? Or maybe what moves Snape likes when you are 'studying late' with him to get on his good side?"

Malfoy was temporarily stung. "That is the single most revolting... well actually, he does fancy being on the bottom to be honest." Harry gaped in disgust, and then realized it was a joke. He was tempted to don a smile but Snape interrupted and had them start working on the first potion.

"Allright Malfoy, what the hell are we supposed to be doing?"

"Potter Potter, don't you read? Look on the board you dimwit, and get the ingredients so we can begin this protection potion."

The class went rather smoothly for them. They shared insults here and there, but nothing completely under the belt, and it was somehow understood to stay off the subject of Lucius Malfoy, Ron, Hermione, and Sirius. Malfoy would occasionally share what the various ingredients were for.

"Ok now add the shredded lion's mane. It acts as the component that forces the effects of the potion out, to actually take effect if you will...." "Yes Potter, smart, the sliced lilac leaves do serve as the relaxant, to calm the mind from the explosion of the force field..."

By the end of class they had perfected the iridescent blue potion. Others were not so lucky. Hermione had never suffered a low grade in all her years there, but Goyle made it unbearably difficult to get anything done, he kept getting everything mixed up. And though Ron and Blaise had completed it without many mistakes, they were so close to punching each other's noses off. Snape had been forced to deduct points from Slytherin just to make Blaise shut up.

Before leaving, Snape caught Harry by the robes. "Don't forget, tonight we start... your detention. I've informed your head of house, as well as Dumbledore, that you will be joining me three times a week for the entire term. 8 pm sharp, ok Potter?" Harry just nodded dumbly, he needed to get away from Snape- the man reeked of cherry blossom juice mixed with dungweed- Apparently Neville had been clumsy in the storage room and Snape suffered the crash.

Malfoy had been watching the entire time.

"Well Potter, I'll see you after lunch then- be prepared to take care of all the beasts for me. Malfoys don't associate with animals, but for you I'll make an exception."

Harry just eyed him closely. It was the a bit weird that Malfoy was being close to civil with him. Harry got shivers from it.

~~~

Harry had fallen back into his silent mode when his fellow housemates walked right passed him while heading to Care of Magical Creatures class.

"What the hell Potter? Have you gone Elitist on us and decided to side with Malfoy? Maybe you and the ferret belong in the same class- as scheming rodents?!" Ron was more than a little mad that he had seen Harry be practically friendly with Malfoy all through potions. It irked him that Harry could do that... and it worried him a little that Harry could be turning to the dark arts.

Harry made no comment but continued on his way. He looked straight ahead, noting how beautiful Hogwarts landscape was. It defied the reality that the world was brewing with turmoil, that Voldemort was somewhere out there, planning his demise. When he closed his eyes he could feel the trees aging ever so slightly with every minute. Just as one could see the green leaves tipped with golds and reds, so could Harry see in his heart how the vibrant juice running within was closing its floodgates, to allow the arrival of fall, and eventually winter. It was too poetic for his heart to endure, and Harry opened his eyes, only to have his heart constrict once more.

In the afternoon sun, the light was bouncing like jubilant raindrops off the impeccable hair of one Draco Malfoy. Harry stopped to take in for a moment how glorious he really looked, with his head tilted ever so slightly to denote pride. His eyes were lidded slightly to block the sunlight, but the activity in those clouds of gray was evident from miles away. He was leaning on a fence, one arm in his pocket, the other hooked over the fence. His body frame was sleek but well built; it was evident due to how the wind blew his robes enough to show the taut muscles in his arms. His hair also blew in the wind; it fell just below his chin, and now that it was free of gel, looked so much more alluring.

All in all, Draco was rather handsome, and he knew it.

Harry blinked, and then saw the trademark smirk on his face as he started to taunt Ron about something or other, and the moment passed. Harry took a breath, vowed to forget this moment, and approached his partner.

"It seems your little buddies have deserted you, Golden boy. Have you not been playing nice?"

"No Malfoy, I choose not to play at all. The games are over," Harry muttered in a low melancholy tone, a stark difference from the apathy he exuded all day long.

Malfoy raised an eyebrow at this, and in an almost unguarded moment, he replied, "I believe the games have only just begun, Potter."

Harry was a bit perplexed by this, but Hagrid had arrived, so once again he had to let it go.

"God Aft'rnoon Ev'ryone! You must be won'ring what we're gunna be studyin' this time around. Well come 'round back and I'll show yer. And I guarantee yuh won't be disappointed!"

Everyone tentatively circled round back, the the larger and more guarded fence., and were met with a stunning sight.

Bound by a long and loose leash, so as not to cause any harm and allow movement was a shimmering Gryffin. He was at least twice the size of a student, and held its head high in a regal manner. The eagle head shimmered whiteness akin to moonlight, and the wings, which were folded in, were similar white but tinged with a golden orange, which led tot he body of a lion- a deep golden orange hue that glowed like the setting sun.

"Right, well, this here is Quifftain, a rare gryffin. Well, most o' yer gryffins are rare, but this one in partic'lar, since he is in the purest form- white as an eagle can be, golden as a lion can be. Now now, stay back, he's a temp'ramental sort, don't like visitors much, but over time he'll grow 'custommed to you lot. Now let's head back in front."

A reluctant group of 6^th years headed back, glancing over and over again at the regal creature.

Hagrid proceeded to inform them of their first in class task, to raise and feed the sandy-bottom mufflings (something that looked a bit like a cat but not as cute). The purpose was that they would in turn be fed to the gryffin, when they were plump enough. Hermione almost had a stroke and would have started a boycott right then and there, but Hagrid informed them that Gryffins lived in a very secluded and hidden area. These were one of the few other inhabitants, so he had to feed on them, else he would fall sick, and possibly die. That shut Hermione up.

~~~

They were leaving class, and Harry was again walking by himself, when Draco approached from behind-

"Hey Potter, I don't like putting anything off, so we ought to start on this research project as soon as possible." Harry sighed and turned around.

"And what did you have in mind, oh great Master Lord of the Worlds Malfoy?"

"Ohh I like that, remember it. I'll expect to be addressed like that from now on," he sneered. "Since quidditch has been canceled, I'm free tonight, what do you say?" Malfoy waited expectantly to hear what Harry would say to this.

Harry faltered for a second, then recovered. "Tonight... tonight isn't good. I've done and upset Snape so much he demanded a years worth of detention, to further harass me about my potion skills no doubt. So I can't make it, unless you want to work later tonight, around 10 or so. But I always had you pegged for someone who desperately needed beauty sleep, so that might interfere."

"Funny Potter... detention with Snape eh? Interesting... well then. I've got better things to do later tonight, so then tomorrow it is. 8:30 pm, library, do NOT be late."

Harry was relieved to be free of Malfoy's annoying prattle, when he heard, "And you were commenting on my time spent with Snape? It seems you'll try to find some wherever you can, now that the gryffindors have labeled you defunct of worthiness. They've all left you, Potter. Don't you have anyone?" Before Harry could reply with a well placed kick or at least some type of scathing remark, he turned to see that Malfoy had gone.

What the hell is up with him?? One second he is normal, the next he is mocking, and the next he's a right bastard! Though Harry was pleased that everyone left him alone, Malfoy's comment troubled him. They did all leave at one point. It was too easy... after 5 years they really did not know him at all. And when people were around who loved him, they too disappeared. Mom, dad, Sirius... Harry's heart started to ache, and his knees buckled under the weight of his sorrow. Harry couldn't breathe- he suddenly heard his mother's cries, felt his father's courage, and saw his godfather's tumble through the curtain.

Harry's mind started to reel with madness.

Oh god oh god oh god... See, I can't let this happen to anyone else! I'm too young to handle this! Why can't someone else be the savior! I have to protect them! Voldemort will die! I'm too young to die! Ron and Hermione need to remain safe, and away from me! Why can't they see that I'm hurting! Why hasn't Dumbledore tried to amend anything in my life!? I have to tell someone about my dreams! No one can know about the wall! I'm not supposed to tell! I need my parents! I need Sirius!!!

And Harry collapsed, his crisis finally shoving him to the ground.

~~~

The wall, built of stone and cement, dirt and alabaster, towered over Harry in the same domineering fashion Snape had. He had tried to walk around it, but it was never-ending. His only option was to break through. His only tools were his hands. After weeks he had only made a small dent, tiny concave of space. Harry furiously kicked and pulled, he rammed his whole body into the wall. But all his efforts only left a tiny crack here or there, a small crumble of pebbles once in a while.

This would take years.

But you don't have years Harry. You need to do this. You have to do it. Soon. The chilling voice circled around him, forcing him to try harder. No one else can help you with this, only you can break through. So don't bother anyone else with it. Just do it. Keep trying Harry...

But Harry was exhausted and aching, and could go no further... He felt a pull in his navel, and suddenly was aware of the darkness melting and the hospital wing appearing.

Madam Pompfrey was tending to him.

"Ah, you've finally woken. Well, my boy, you've been out cold for three hours now. How are you feeling?" Harry looked at her, and would have replied he was fine, but they both saw that his hands were bloodied.

"What in the... you were just fine moments ago! I don't understand. How did I miss this? No one else has been in, surprising but no, no one else... OK well a quick healing spell will do just fine. But... is something going on?"

Harry replied that no, as far as he knew nothing was going on, and after a few sips of hot chocolate, he was sent on his way. He learned that Hagrid had brought him in, so he would have to remember to thank him later.

Harry, wanting to avoid further mayhem for one day, headed to the kitchens instead of the great hall for dinner.

He did not see the shadows moving behind him, as someone stepped away from a statue and headed in the other direction.

~~~

The next few days brought nothing but work, work, and more work.

Harry had met with Snape in his office, and they instantly headed to another classroom, in the east wing. Every session they would change the location as a safety precaution. Snape did not want anyone spying on them, and Harry relished the fact he would not always have to be in the dungeons. In fact he only times he would be in there would be when he actually did have to spend time cleaning the various sections of the room.

He did have detention, after all.

Occlumency had started out very difficult. Snape did not spare him at all, but as tired and aching as he was, harry secretly thanked Snape for not showing mercy.

The next day they had Defense against the Dark arts, with a new teacher- Jasmina Zalameen, but she preferred to be addressed as Mina, or professor Mina if they insisted.

She had long full black hair, and a tanned skin, the color of coffee. Her exotic look betrayed none of her personality, as she was as blunt and straight-shooting as they came. She looked in her 30's, but her presence and tone of voice betrayed a lifetime of battles, learning, and teaching.

"I will not tolerate immaturity in this class, although I will expect of you all to have both a sense of humor and a sense of responsibility. We will be working on some serious concepts, but I'm sure we can manage to have fun here and there. Maybe test out a few hexes on a deserving participant. I've heard great things about Professor Snape..."

If she even recognized harry she did not make a show of it. She just ordered everyone to join their partners, and begin reviewing the text while she walked around answering questions about the theory behind certain hexes. "I know this seems boring, but before you can apply the hex, you ought to understand it, because the moment may come when you will have to alter it a bit to suit your needs, and knowing exactly how to change it could save your life."

They were reading about defense spells that absorbed the energy of oncoming hexes, and sent the magic into their own wands.

"This concept will become very useful, so learn it well. We will be developing a spell of our own. I've been working on it for a while, and it seems perfected. And as it incorporates this idea, you MUST learn it."

Harry and Draco shared a look of excitement and fear. Harry was surprised to see that he and Draco may have been thinking the same thing.

"I never thought of anyone but the dark lord making up spells and such..." Malfoy mumbled to himself.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were scared Malfoy."

"You wish, Potter." He looked up to catch Harry's eyes connecting with his own, much like they did in the great Hall. All of Malfoy's comments carried an undertone, but what was it? Harry scoffed at the idea that it was understanding or concern or anything good... but Harry was more disturbed with the fact that he could not completely carry his air of indifference with Malfoy. It was like the boy had changed... but was it for the better?

~~~

Harry had avoided going to the great hall, becoming friendlier and friendlier with the elves in the kitchen. Finally the evening came, and Harry had to meet with Malfoy.

The Evening passed without incidence. They both pulled out respective books and began taking notes. The project, they both agreed, was a new experience coming from Hagrid. He was actually making his students research and write papers. Though all the pairs had topics related tot he griffin, Harry and Draco seemed to have been assigned the most complex: What about the combination of Eagle and Lion was so special, as to make one of the most noble and insurmountable creatures of all time?

Harry had begun looking up the qualities of the lion, and Draco that of the eagle.

They studied in silence for an hour. No one dared disturb them because both were frightening to the entire population: Harry for his recent behavior and Draco as the son of the most reviled Death Eater, in prison or not.

Finally, Draco got restless. "I don't know about you, Potter, but I'm bored stiff. I don't give a rat's ass about this shit. You can continue if you choose, I know you just love lions and all, but I'm heading out."

Draco stood and looked down to see Harry stifling a yawn, and gathering his smudged up notes as well.

"I'm not staying in the library for longer than I have to." Draco couldn't help but notice that Harry's ink stained hands were actually handsome specimens. His gaze followed up to his arms, and his chest, and his neck ... Draco appraised Harry in a second, and he had to give Potter a ten.

Damn it all to hell! Harry isn't half bad looking... Shit I mean Potter. Well, it's better that he is easy on the eyes. It will make this whole process easier to go through with...

As Harry stood and was about to depart, Draco leaned back on his chair and asked, "Have any plans tonight Potter?"

Stunned. "Uhh no..."

"Well then maybe you'd fancy a smoke?"

"What huh? No uhh I don't smoke, Malfoy."

"Ok then. Until next time, Potty"

Confusion. "Wait! You realize you just invited me to chill with you, you know that right? What are you up to, Malfoy?"

Ahh, finally piqued his interest. "Potter Potter Potter. I was just displaying the Malfoy sense of nobility and charity. The whole school is hiding from you, and anyone can see that you and your so-called friends have had a fall out. I was merely suggesting the idea that, when I feel like doing a bit of pro bono work, you could relish in my company. But, as you don't smoke, I'll have to be charitable later. Good night."

"Ummm right then... good night, but Malfoy- What makes you think I could trust you? Ever?"

"It's not about trust. It's about release. Adieu." Harry watched Malfoy strut out of the library, and then he sat down... and laughed.

"I must be off my rocker, if Malfoy just read my mind, again!" Harry was becoming increasingly worried about how Malfoy seemed to always know what Harry needed. But he was curious too. Know thy enemy, after all...

~~~

Draco entered the Slytherin common room, ignoring Pansy's whiny begging for him to join her on the couch, and strode to his room to retrieve his smokes. Blaise Zabini was reviewing some homework on his bed.

"Well Well, how did your study date with Potter go?" Blaise set his book down, and looked up at Draco.

"Ohh Blaise, it went exceptionally better than any of your future dates with the Weasel will ever turn out."

"Ugh don't remind me. That kid is such a hotheaded numbskull! It is interesting though, he's at his wit's end with Potter."

Draco pondered. "Interesting, Potter didn't mention any of his Gryffindork posse tonight." Draco then mentally slapped himself. Never, ever reveal too much information. As he was unsure if and how Blaise might utilize such info, so he recovered swiftly. "Of course, I tried to tune him out as much as possible, so if he did make an errant comment, I was sure to ignore it."

"Right right... are you off for a fag again? You know you ought to quit, those things can kill." Blaise picked his text up again and started to read.

"They aren't the only things that kill." Draco replied, as he pocketed his cigarettes and headed outside. Once more, he avoided Pansy's grasp, and slipped out, not giving a damn about where they thought he was going.

"Probably off to snog some Young Ravenclaw," is what he last heard as the wall slid shut.

Draco headed outside through a side entrance he had discovered his second year. Potter was questioning his motives, of course, but he was considering Draco nonetheless. Right now, that's all Draco needed as assurance that his plan was working. For his own sake, Potter had better take Draco on his offer. He felt something in his gut, in the back of his mind, in everything, that the answer to his destiny lay within Potter.

Draco had some planning to do, and he did his best thinking under the open night sky.

~~~

That night, two boys in separate beds, in separate dorms, in separate situations, both fell deep within their nightmares, and when morning broke through, both woke up more fatigued than when they had gone to bed.