Something More

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Chapter Three - The Answer:

The rest of the lesson went as smoothly as a Potions lesson can go. Snape took 30 more points from Gryffindor, and Neville managed to melt his first cauldron of the year.

Harry hurriedly packed up his things and joined the push for the door.

"Potter! Your detention will be served here, tonight at 9pm," Snape spat at him as Harry reached the door.

"Bad luck!" said Ron sympathetically, as they stepped out into the corridor. "I wonder what he'll make you do?"

Harry led the other two up the steps into the Entrance Hall. "Knowing Snape, something foul."

"Come on, we've got Transfiguration now, we'll be late," said Hermione, dragging her boyfriend by the hand.

Ron rolled his eyes, "Heaven forbid!" and he and Harry laughed as they followed her up the marble staircase.

At 8:50pm, Harry rose reluctantly from his comfy chair in the Gryffindor Common Room.

"I'm off now, don't wait up for me. Knowing Snape, I'll probably be gone half the night."

"Right," said Hermione, not looking up from her Arithmancy homework, but reaching out to slap Ron's hand away as it tried to sneak around her waist.

"Yeah, have fun," said Ron, smiling up at Harry in commiseration.

Harry gave a faint smile. "Gee, thanks Ron."

He dragged on his cloak and headed out of the portrait hole. "Have fun!" the Fat Lady said merrily.

Harry couldn't help but smile at her bright optimism. He, on the other hand, was feeling much more pessimistic. "Somehow I doubt that's even possible."

Slowly he trudged down to the dungeons, dreading the disgusting task that probably awaited him. He walked through the silent, empty, dark dungeon corridors, his footsteps echoing in the eerie darkness, and Harry wondered absent-mindedly why the Slytherins seemed to insist on having their domain so dark and gloomy. It would explain why they're always so grumpy and nasty, though.

He stopped outside Snape's office. He steeled himself, ready to face whatever nasty task Snape had for him and raised his hand to knock, when the door swung open.

Snape stood there, an expression of utmost dislike on his face. "You're late!" he said curtly. Harry glanced past Snape into the office. The clock on the wall read 9:01pm.

Snape brushed past him, shutting the door with a click, and headed back up towards the Entrance Hall. Harry paused for a moment, then hurried after him.

"Where are we going? What do I have to do for the detention?"

Snape swept up the marble stairs, his dark cloak swirled over the smooth white marble, making Snape look dramatically menacing. It was no wonder that Neville was still petrified of the Potions master. Snape ignored Harry altogether as he led him through the winding corridors. Puzzled and slightly irritated, Harry jogged to catch up to him, and they made their way through the castle in silence.

It was only when he saw the familiar gargoyle statue half way down the corridor that Harry realized where they were going.

"Whizzing Fizzbees!" Snape barked at the gargoyle. It leapt respectfully to the side, and Harry followed Snape up the spiral staircase to Dumbledore's office.

Snape rapped sharply on the door and pushed it open.

"Ah, Severus, Harry. Do come in. Please sit down."

Harry sat hesitantly, facing Dumbledore, and leaned back against the chair's red velvet cushions. There was a second chair beside his, but Snape didn't sit. He stood behind it, leaning slightly on it. Harry's eyes roamed around the office. Portraits of the former Headmasters and Headmistresses covered the walls. Some were snoozing, but others were looking down on the room's inhabitants with interest. Fawkes was sitting on his perch beside Dumbledore's desk and he hooted in greeting. Harry smiled, Fawke's melancholy yet oddly calming cry immediately relaxing him.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes twinkling at Harry behind the half moon spectacles. But before Harry could answer, there was another knock on the door. Harry turned his head slightly and watched as Draco Malfoy walked through it.

"Ah, Draco, there you are. Come in, come in. Sit down." Draco sat down beside Harry, but didn't look at him. "Would you like a cup of tea? Or nice Muggle hot chocolate?" Dumbledore asked again. Both Harry and Draco shook their heads. "All right then. Severus?" Snape shook his head briefly. "Just me then," he said with a smile, and taking out his wand, he conjured a cup of steaming hot chocolate, which revolved a few times before settling itself in front of him. "I do like a nice cup of hot chocolate before bed," he said, eyes twinkling.

Harry stared at the headmaster, slightly baffled. Snape seemed to be tolerating Dumbledore's eccentricity with long-suffering patience, and Malfoy just raised one eyebrow and looked as though he was slightly worried about the old man's sanity.

Behind Harry, Snape cleared his throat. "Ah, yes Severus. On to business, then." Harry looked up at him in confusion.

"Now, Harry, Severus tells me that you happened to overhear a private conversation between himself and Mr Malfoy, here, this afternoon." It was a statement, not a question, but Harry nodded anyway. "Would you care to tell me what you heard?"

Harry glanced at Malfoy, then back to Dumbledore. "Well, last night, I was... er... taking a walk..." He paused and looked up at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's chin was resting on his hands, and he raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Hmmm, I hear they are very good for clearing the head. Very well, continue?"

"And I heard Professor Snape and Malfoy talking," he continued. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Malfoy turn towards him, listening, and studying him. "And I heard that Malfoy was a Death Eater. And then this afternoon, I heard that he was also a spy, and... yeah, that's pretty much it." Harry was sure he was colouring and felt incredibly ineloquent.

Dumbledore nodded and lifted his chin off his hands, staring intently into Harry's eyes. "And you didn't tell anyone this?"

"No, not about him being a Death Eater or a spy."

"Right then, very well." Dumbledore fell quiet and there was a moment of silence.

Harry hesitated, then, with a quick glance towards Malfoy, he said, "Are you going to explain any of this to me?"

"Oh, my yes, of course my dear boy. Well, you know all about the Order of the Phoenix, and the work it does in trying to defeat Voldemort?" Harry nodded. He knew it was the centre of resistance. Harry had been to a couple of meetings. Both his Godfather, Sirius Black, and his friend Remus Lupin, were members, as well as all the teachers, and many members of the Ministry of Magic, including Ron's parents and brothers.

Dumbledore nodded and began to speak again. "Well, Severus, here, is also a member. And of course a spy within Voldemort's ranks. He provides the Order with much needed information, so that we can devise strategies against Voldemort. There haven't been many attacks yet, and we believe Voldemort is busy recruiting followers at this stage. But we know that his numbers are growing and soon he will be ready to launch a full-scale attack. Severus has managed to get us vital information, however, unfortunately, Voldemort still remains distrustful of him. This is where Mr Malfoy comes in." He nodded towards Malfoy. "Draco, would you care to fill Mr Potter in on your current status within the Order."

Harry turned towards Malfoy, and silver eyes met emerald ones. Malfoy cleared his throat, and began his tale. "Ever since Voldemort's return, my father has been... training me to become a Death Eater. But I had no desire to become one. I knew I was to receive the Dark Mark during the summer that has just past, so I came to Dumbledore and told him that I wanted to spy for the Light. I'm not a member of the Order yet, and no one knows that I'm a Death Eater and a spy apart from Severus and Dumbledore... and now you. But the fewer who know the better. You can't tell anyone, not even Weasley and Granger."

Harry nodded slowly, trying to comprehend it all. Malfoy continued. "Unlike Severus, I'm in Voldemort's inner circle, and I can pass important information to the Order." He paused and looked up at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore nodded and spoke. "When Severus and Draco are summoned by Voldemort, they use a portkey to get to Hogsmeade and then apparate to his side. When the meeting is over, they come back and report to me. Severus also reports both his and Draco's information to the other members of the Order when it meets. It is very important that you never mention this to anyone, not even other members of the Order." And Harry knew he meant Sirius.

"I won't tell a soul, I swear on my mother's grave."

Dumbledore smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Harry."

"So.... Professor Snape and Malfoy are spies for the Light, and the Order is working to stop Voldemort... why do I get the feeling I'm the only one not doing anything?" Harry was suddenly struck by an urge to prove himself, and he had a faint idea that it had something to do with the blonde boy sitting next to him. "What can I do?"

"Other than not get yourself killed by wondering around in the middle of the night?" Snape spoke for the first time, his icy voice filling the room. Harry ignored him, and turned back to Dumbledore.

"As a matter of fact, Harry, yes there is something you can do. I'm afraid, I have not been entirely honest with you. There are things about you and Voldemort and this coming war that I have not told you. However, I do not think this is the time. It is getting late, and we should all be in bed. Can I ask you three to meet here again tomorrow night at the same time and I will explain everything."

Snape and Malfoy nodded simultaneously. Harry hesitated, a million questions suddenly flying through his head, before nodding as well.

"Very well. Thank you for coming, and I will speak with you further tomorrow," said Dumbledore as he rose from his chair.

Harry and Malfoy rose as well, and mumbled their goodbyes as they headed through the door that Snape was holding open for them.

Snape paused didn't follow the two boys directly. He had a brief word with Dumbledore, before descending the spiral stairs. Harry and Malfoy were standing hesitantly in the corridor.

Snape paused, staring nastily at Harry. "Well, Mr Potter, it seems we didn't get around to your detention tonight. You will join me on Thursday. You can serve it then."

Malfoy cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow at Snape.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Oh, very well. You are excused from detention, Potter... this time." And he swept away down the corridor, his cloak swirling around him menacingly as he retreated.

Harry turned to Malfoy. There were so many things he wanted to ask him. "Thanks," he managed to stutter.

Malfoy stared intently at him for a moment, and Harry squirmed under his gaze. Then he smiled - a true smile that lit up his face - nodded, and disappeared after Snape, his footsteps still echoing throughout the dark, empty corridors long after he had gone.

Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower, slowly working his way upwards through the deserted corridors. His head was still swimming with the information he had just heard, questions yet to be answered and, inexplicably, Malfoy's smile.

Chapter Four - The Truth:

Ron and Hermione looked up as Harry entered the Common Room. Hermione glanced down at her watch. It was only 10:15pm.

"You're back early," she remarked, setting her heavy Arithmancy book down on the table, and pushing her bushy hair back off her face.

Ron nodded in agreement. "What did he make you do?" he asked.

"Oh, just bottling some Potions. I have to finish it tomorrow night," Harry said vaguely. "Look, I'm tired, I think I'll just head up to bed." And he walked across the room, managing to shake off Colin and Dennis Creevey at the bottom of the stairs, before heading up to the boys dorms.

Back in the Common Room, Hermione turned to her boyfriend. "That's odd. Usually you're lucky to get away with anything less than a 3 hour detention from Snape, but Harry's lasted barely an hour."

"Maybe Snape's grown a heart," said Dean, as he and Seamus flopped onto the couch opposite Ron and Hermione.

"Yeah, and maybe pigs fly," replied Seamus, and the rest chuckled appreciatively.

The next morning, Harry sat at breakfast, staring into space. Last night's talk was still flying around in his brain, and the number of questions he had seemed to have doubled.

Suddenly he was jolted out of his reverie by a swift elbow in the ribs.

"Ow! What?" he said, glaring at Ron.

"Sorry, just trying to get your attention," his best friend muttered.

"What, you couldn't have called my name or tapped me on the shoulder?"

"We tried both..." Hermione began.

"Several times," Ginny interrupted.

"But you were still out of it," Hermione finished.

"Yeah, you alright, mate?" said Ron, clapping Harry on the shoulder.

"I'm fine," said Harry, shortly. "C'mon, we've got Potions first; we don't want to be late."

"Good luck!" Ginny said, as the seventh year Gryffindors collectively rose and headed for the dungeons. Neville smiled shakily and quivered slightly, staying close to Hermione, in the hopes that perhaps her brains might suddenly be transferred to him.

The Gryffindors entered the dungeons and made their way to their seats. The Slytherins were already there. As he sat down, Harry stole a glance at Malfoy. He was sitting in the first row of desks, his eyes to the front. Pansy Parkinson was sitting beside him. She turned slightly and jeered towards the Gryffindors before leaning forwards and whispering something in Malfoy's ear.

Malfoy too turned slightly and Harry caught a brief glimpse of silver eyes before the door flew open with a bang, and Snape strode in, his robes billowing out behind him.

"For the next two lessons, we will be working on the Perceptivity Potion. Can anyone tell me what this particular potion does?" He cast his eyes around the room. "Mr Malfoy?" he asked, ignoring Hermione's waving hand.

"It heightens the drinker's perceptions and senses," said Malfoy shortly.

"Precisely, ten points to Slytherin," said Snape, and Harry heard a murmur of "Favoritism" and "teacher's pet" from his fellow Gryffindors.

Snape continued, "This lesson you will be learning the theory and method of brewing this particular potion, and next lesson you will be making it. The Perceptivity Potion is particularly complex, and therefore you will be completing it in pairs... assigned pairs," he added, his eyes narrowing viciously at the Gryffindors.

Harry's eyes glazed over as Snape began to drone on about the ingredients needed.

"Potter!" Harry sat up with a jerk.

"Yes sir?"

"Stand up!" And Harry stood. "How many salamander hearts are needed for this potion?" he barked.

Harry cast his eyes around the room, willing the answer to suddenly fly into his head. All eyes were on him, and so no one but Harry saw Malfoy, down the front, turn his gaze towards Harry.

Malfoy's face was expressionless, but Harry saw a faint twinkle in his eyes. Slowly, Malfoy raised his arm. He was holding up four fingers.

Harry turned back to Snape. "Four."

Snape's eyes narrowed to mere slits, and he swept back to the front of the room. "What? Did you expect points for finally getting a question right? Sit down, Potter!"

The Gryffindors snickered, and Seamus clapped Harry on the back as he sat down.

Harry gave Malfoy a quick, grateful glance. A faint smile was playing around the corners of Malfoy's mouth, and he gave Harry a brief, discrete wink before turning back to the front.

The rest of the day seemed to drag on as Harry waited impatiently for 9pm to arrive.

*~*

After dinner he studied in the library with Ron and Hermione, checking the clock on the wall every ten minutes, getting more and more frustrated as the minutes crawled by. 8:00pmdrifted by. Harry was slouched in his chair, doodling in the margin of his Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook. Ron's head was propped up by one arm, and every so often his eyes would glaze over and then flicker shut. Moments later, Hermione would turn the page of her book or scribble down a note and the noise would jolt Ron back into consciousness. Hermione was immersed in "Tricky Charms for Tricky Wizards" and didn't seem to notice her boyfriend's shortening attention span.

Finally it was 8:40pm, and Harry rose from the table and gathered up his things. "I'm just going to drop these back at Gryffindor Tower, and then head down to finish Snape's detention. I'll see you later."

"Sure, Harry. We're going to stay here and study some more, but we should be back in the Tower by the time you've finished," said Hermione, looking up briefly.

"Yeah, we'll just be studying," said Ron, and Harry chuckled softly as Ron mouthed 'Help me!' behind Hermione's back.

"I saw that, Ronald Weasley!" said Hermione, slapping Ron lightly on the arm. Ron blushed bright red, and Harry continued to laugh as he made his way up towards the Tower.

Fifteen minutes later he was approaching the gargoyle when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Draco Malfoy walking towards him, his hands in his pockets.

"Malfoy," said Harry, as the blonde boy drew level with him.

Malfoy inclined his head in a slight nod, "Potter."

They continued down the corridor together and Harry stole a brief look at his companion. It was strange. He had spent the best part of six years hating Malfoy, but now suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the animosity seemed to have vanished and Harry felt the bizarre desire to trust the blonde boy.

They paused by the gargoyle. "Have you any idea what this is about?" Harry asked, turning to meet Malfoy's silver eyes.

Malfoy shrugged slightly, and smiled at Harry. "Not a clue. Whizzing Fizzbees."

The gargoyle leapt aside and the two boys made their way up to Dumbledore's office.

Snape was already there, leaning against a table in the corner of the office. His arms were folded and he looked serious. He smiled slightly when he saw Malfoy, but reverted to a scowl when he saw Harry enter behind him.

"Ah, Harry, Draco. Good, good, do come in." He waved them in, and motioned for them to sit. "Would you like a cup of tea, boys? Hot chocolate?" Harry and Malfoy shook their heads. "No? Well, never mind." He conjured a cup for himself, then sat back and regarded the two boys in front of him.

"So, on to business. You both must be wondering why I called you back here tonight." This time, Harry and Malfoy nodded. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled for a moment, but then his face became much more serious, and he leant forwards and began to talk.

"Most of what I am about to tell you both, concerns you Harry, but it is important that Draco know it as well. Harry, I haven't been quite honest with you, my dear boy, regarding both your past and your future, and for that, I am sorry." He paused for a moment, before continuing. "You'll remember the prophesy Professor Trelawney gave you at the end of your third year, regarding Wormtail and Voldemort's return to power. And you may or may not remember that when we discussed it, I told you that this prediction brought Sybil's total number of true visions up to two." Harry cast around his memory. It did sound faintly familiar. "Well, Sybil's first premonition came to her many years ago, before you were even born, and it also concerned Lord Voldemort. It said that the Heir of Slytherin would only die at the hands of the Heir of Gryffindor. Lord Voldemort learned of this prophecy from his spy Wormtail, and set about to ensure that it could not come true. He came after your family."

"But that means..." Harry began, two and two slowly coming together in his mind.

"Yes, Harry, your father was, and now you are, Gryffindor's sole surviving heir."

Harry's jaw dropped as he struggled to comprehend this. He glanced at Malfoy, who was staring back at him, looking equally shocked.

Harry's mind flew back to the memories he had discovered from the Dementors.

'No, not Harry...... please, have mercy......' 'Stand aside, you silly girl!'

Voldemort hadn't wanted to kill his mother, only Harry and his father, only those that posed a threat.

"But Harry stopped Voldemort," Malfoy said suddenly, breaking Harry's reverie. "Doesn't that mean the prophecy has been fulfilled?"

"Unfortunately, no, Mr. Malfoy. Sybil distinctly said that Voldemort would die at the hands of Gryffindor's Heir, which means that..."

"... I have to kill Voldemort." Harry finished flatly.

"Indeed so, I'm afraid." Harry looked up at Dumbledore. He suddenly seemed very sad and old.

Malfoy gave Harry a reassuring smile. Harry took a deep breath and said, "So, what do I do?"

"You train," said Snape, speaking for the first time. He walked forwards and stopped beside Dumbledore's desk. His dark eyes bored into Harry's. "You will undergo extensive private offensive and defensive training. If you want to fight Voldemort and survive, you'll need to be more prepared than you were the last time you met him."

Harry blanched slightly, as the memories of that night flickered before his eyes. He looked away, and his eyes met concerned silver ones.

"You too, Mr Malfoy, will train. The path you walk is also perilous, and you need to be prepared."

Malfoy nodded, determined. "So when do we begin?"

"Friday night," said Snape. "You will train two nights a week. Sometimes with me, sometimes with Albus."

"With you?" Harry asked. "Shouldn't we be learning this sort of stuff from Professor Fletcher, he does teach DADA, after all."

"We can't," answered Dumbledore. "Professor Fletcher doesn't know about Draco being a spy, and at the moment, for Draco's safety, the fewer who know, the better. And I assure you, Severus is well up to teaching you. I would have given him the position of DADA professor years ago, if only I could find someone of his caliber to replace him as Potions Master." Snape smiled bitterly.

"Can I tell Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked.

"You may tell them about the prophecy and the training, but please don't mention Draco, at this stage." Harry nodded. "Very well, boys, you may go. I will see you on Friday night. Would you stay for a moment, Severus?"

As Harry and Malfoy rose, Dumbledore picked up his mug of hot chocolate and took a sip. "Argh! Stone cold!" he said, pulling a face. He pulled out his wand and tapped the mug. "That's better!" he said, his eyes twinkling. Harry and Malfoy sniggered. "Goodnight, Headmaster," they said together as they left the office.

"Goodnight, pleasant dreams, boys."

*~*

Harry and Malfoy paused in the corridor below.

Finally Malfoy broke the silence. "Well, that was pretty heavy, huh?"

"Yeah."

"You're taking this whole prophesy thing fairly well. If I had just been told that I was the wizarding world's only hope, I think I'd be, well, shitting myself."

"Well, it's not like I have much choice. I figure, the sooner I get it over and done with, the sooner I can get on with my life, if I survive, that is."

Harry smiled and moved off down the corridor. "Night, Malfoy!" he called.

"Potter, wait!" Harry turned back as Malfoy hurried after him. "Look, Potter, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"What?"

"I'm sorry. For everything I've done and said to you over the past six years. I'm a Malfoy, I'm expected to be a bastard, but believe me when I say I don't enjoy it. I know I've given you every reason to hate me, but if we're going to be doing all this training together, could we try to put that all behind us, and at least be civil to one another?"

Emerald eyes met silver ones.

"I don't hate you," Harry said softly.

"You don't?"

"No. Maybe I did before, but I don't now. Now, you just confuse me."

"Well, I'll take confusion over hatred any day," said Malfoy. He smiled, and held out his hand to Harry. "I'm Draco Malfoy."

Harry looked down at the offered hand, and the memory of their meeting on the Hogwarts Express that first year came back to him. This time he grasped the pale hand, and looked back into grey eyes. "Harry Potter."

"Nice to meet you, Harry," said Draco, nodding his head as they released their handshake.

"You too, Draco." There was a small pause, before Harry continued, "Well, this makes the whole training thing look a bit better. At least now, I only have to contend with Snape hating me."

"Sev doesn't hate you, Harry. He may not particularly like you, but he doesn't hate you."

"That's reassuring to know. And since when has Snape been 'Sev'?"

"Since always. When we're alone, that is."

"Always?"

"Yeah, he's my Godfather."

"Snape's your Godfather?"

"Yeah. It may not be as cool as having a convicted murderer for a Godfather, but having a Potions Master for one does come in handy."

"Especially if he's your teacher. I guess that explains the whole favoritism thing."

"Hey! He doesn't favour me because I'm his Godson, he favours me because I'm naturally brilliant at Potions."

"Yeah, and modest, too."

"Oh, shut up, Potter!"

"So we're back to last names, huh?"

Draco rolled his eyes and gave Harry a shove, as they made their way down the corridor. They paused at the end, and Harry turned to Draco. "Well, goodnight, Draco. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah. Hey, Harry, in public I'll still have to be a bastard to you, but I just want you to know that I don't mean it."

"Same goes for me," said Harry with a smile.

"Sure, well goodnight, Harry."

"Night. Oh, and Draco? Thanks for this morning in Potions."

"Any time." And with one final smile, they separated, Draco turning right heading down towards the dungeons, and Harry to the left, up to Gryffindor Tower.

When Harry reached the Common Room it was virtually deserted. Ron and Hermione were sitting in a corner. Hermione was still pouring over her Arithmancy homework, but Ron appeared to be asleep, his head resting lightly on Hermione's shoulder.

"Hey you two," said Harry, as he approached their corner.

Hermione looked up, rubbing her eyes, and Ron jolted awake.

"Hey, Harry," said Ron sleepily. "How was detention?"

"I didn't have it. I went to see Dumbledore. Hermione, can we go up to your room?

There's something I have to tell you guys."

Hermione was Head Girl, and therefore had her own room. "Sure, Harry," she said, surprised by Harry's serious looking face.

Hermione and Ron bundled up their things, and they climbed the stairs to Hermione's private room.

Ron and Hermione flopped down onto her bed, and Harry pulled up a chair. He took a deep breath, and began to talk.

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