Tangled Alliances

Malfoy stared tiredly at his assignment and decided that he didn't have the energy to work on it. Instead he slumped down in his seat and rested his arms and head on his desk.

"What's wrong Draco? Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine Pansy. I just didn't get much sleep last night. I stayed up for awhile after Astronomy."

"Awww . . ."

Pansy ran her fingers through Malfoy's hair and went to hug him, but he winced and pulled away a bit.

"Could you not touch my hair?"

"Sorry . . ."

Crabbe and Goyle sniggered from behind them, and Malfoy rolled his eyes. They thought Pansy's crush on their leader was hilarious. Malfoy didn't. He thought Pansy looked like an ugly little pug dog, and he'd rather be kissed by a Dementor than by her.

Hermione glanced over at Malfoy from her seat beside Neville Longbottom and smirked, but she hadn't said anything yet. She just shot him the occasional dirty look and went about her business. He thought that it was very unlike her to behave in such a manner, but then again, perhaps there was more to her than met the eye.

"Is something wrong Mr. Malfoy? You're supposed to be doing your work," said Professor Lupin putting a hand on the young man's shoulder and giving him a slightly worried look.

"I'm tired. I stayed up too late after Astronomy last night."

"Well this essay has to be done by the end of class. No excuses. If you're not going to do your work then you shouldn't stay up late," said Lupin before walking back to his desk.

'Well maybe if Granger hadn't found out that I was a Death-Eater I would have gotten a little more sleep. I figure she'll go tell the whole damned world just to get revenge on me for all the times I was mean to her, Weasel, and Potter.'

After class was through, Malfoy trudged outside towards Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures. The last thing he wanted was a class where he might actually have to interact with Granger. He had hurried across the grounds without waiting for Crabbe and Goyle, and Pansy was left in the dust.

"Malfoy!"

Malfoy screeched to a halt and whirled around to face Hermione who was clutching her books in her arms.

"What do you want?!" He roared.

"You don't have to act so paranoid you know. I intend to keep my part of the deal if you keep yours. People are going to suspect things if you keep acting like you are right now."

"People are really going to suspect something if they see me talking to you. I. Hate. You. People know I hate you. It's common knowledge that I don't associate with anyone in Gryffindor, and I certainly don't make friends with them. No Malfoy would," sneered the Slytherin. "People would report me Granger!"

"Report you for what? To who?"

Malfoy drew back after realizing what he had said and then turned to walk off again. Hermione waited for a moment and then began to follow him once more.

"Let me tell Harry."

"What?! Are you mad?! Potter would love nothing better than to get me expelled!"

"You don't know Harry. He wouldn't do something like that. But even if he did say something, I doubt Dumbledore would expel you. He would understand I'm sure."

"Leave me alone Granger. I don't want you involved in my personal affairs. It's bad enough you know what you do about me. Just . . . go away."

"Well fine. Be stubborn then. I was just trying to help you out."

Malfoy cringed visibly and kept walking. Hermione waited for Harry and Ron to catch up to her, and they headed for Hagrid's together. Harry could tell that Hermione was worried, and he made a mental note to see what was bothering her later.

The first thing Harry spotted when he reached the hut that was Hagrid's home, was a rather angry looking Draco Malfoy glaring daggers at Hermione. It wasn't an unusual sight to behold, but there was more hatred shining in Malfoy's eyes than usual, and for once it was only directed at Hermione and not himself or Ron. The Slytherin had his face set in a look of pure loathing that was anything but flattering.

"Hey Malfoy, be careful or your face may get stuck that way. Oh wait. Never mind. It's always that ugly."

"Shut up Weasel."

"Why should I?"

"Because I didn't do anything to you, so there's no reason to be insulting me."

Ron looked at Malfoy completely dumbfounded for a moment before shaking his head in confusion and walking to the second hut behind Hagrid's which was home to the magical animals the students were studying. Hermione went with him, but only after shooting Malfoy a nasty look.

"What's going on Malfoy? I get the feeling that you and Hermione exchanging dirty looks isn't just a routine happening."

"None of your business Potter. Run along, and go play with your little friends."

Harry sighed and jogged off to catch up with his best friends. Hagrid greeted them at the door and Fang padded over to them and sat down beside Ron, who petted him while Hagrid spoke.

"Got an interestin' lesson fer ya today. Yer studyin' Doxies, Fairies, an Pixies," said Hagrid nodding to the hut.

"Doxies? They're poisonous aren't they," asked Harry after thinking for a moment.

"If ya let 'em bite ya they are." Hagrid answered as the rest of the students began to arrive. "Just don't stick yer fingers in the cage."

Hagrid led the students inside and over to a row of cages that rested on a long table. In one of the cages were small Fairy-like creatures covered in black hair who bared very sharp looking teeth if anyone got too close. In another two cages were electric blue Pixies that zipped back and forth and taunted the students. In the last two cages were Fairies, the least active of the creatures. They sat admiring themselves and occasionally making soft buzzing noises. Hagrid explained each of the creatures and their differences while the Gryffindor and Slytherin fifth years looked on.

Malfoy noticed that none of the cages had been locked, but simply shut to keep the creatures in. It would be quite amusing to see what happened if they were let loose, and even more so because Potter happened to be standing rather close to the cage containing the Doxies.

Malfoy took out his wand and whispered a spell to open the small cage door, and he grinned maliciously as it slipped open and the creatures made their move. Harry gasped and scrambled for the unhooked door, slamming it shut before the little black creatures escaped. He winced as he felt razor sharp teeth sink into the tips of his fingers and then stumbled backwards into Malfoy. Both collapsed into the cages of Pixies that fell to the floor with a crash and opened. The Pixies zipped out of the cages and started flying around the room, pulling the students' hair and tugging at their robes. Meanwhile Harry and Malfoy were sprawled out on the floor, Harry on top of Malfoy's thin form. The Slytherin growled and shoved Harry off of him before climbing to his feet and pointing his wand at the Gryffindor.

"Relashio!"

The fiery sparks that shot from Malfoy's wand singed Harry's robes, and the Gryffindor brushed at them frantically to prevent them from starting his robes afire. An instant later he had his own wand in hand and was pointing it at Malfoy.

"Your hand's shaking you know."

Harry's fingertips had gone rather numb where the Doxies had nipped him, and were dripping with warm red blood. He gritted his teeth against the pain that was traveling slowly up his arm, and was about to cast a spell when Hagrid interrupted.

"Well since you two caused all of the Pixies ter get outta their cages, ya can 'elp me catch 'em."

By then the students had escaped the Pixies' torment and made their way out of the hut, leaving Hagrid, Harry, and Malfoy to fend off the little blue creatures.

It took the two boys awhile to get all the Pixies back into their cages, and afterwards, Harry was exhausted. From his elbow down, everything had gone numb in his right arm, and pain shot up through his shoulder each time he moved the wounded limb. Malfoy, who hadn't done quite as much work as Harry, started to head for the door, only to have Hagrid stop him.

"That was quite the stunt ya pulled earlier Malfoy, and yer gettin' a detention fer it."

"Potter started it." Harry narrowed his eyes at the boy and had the sudden urge to strangle him.

"But you opened the door to their cage, an' tried to let 'em out to begin with. Harry was jus' tryin' to stop 'em."

"But-"

Hagrid shook his head and wouldn't hear another word from Malfoy who was pouting. After sending the blonde on his way and promising to speak with Professor Snape about the incident, Hagrid came over to Harry.

"Are ya all right Harry?"

"The Doxies tried to make a meal of my fingers, and I can't feel them anymore."

"Why didn' ya say so? I would've sent ya up to Madam Pomfrey to have 'em fixed up. Malfoy could've gotten all them Pixies put back, an' it would've done 'im some good."

"Well knocking the Pixies over was partially my fault, so I figured I'd help. I'll be all right. I'm heading up to the Hospital Wing now."

Harry left the hut feeling rather miserable, but he still hadn't forgotten to the need to talk to Hermione.

**********

"Where's Ron?" Harry had stepped into the Gryffindor common room to find Hermione sitting alone, most likely working on her latest assignment.

"He went to take a shower," she replied not bothering to look up.

"Good. I've been meaning to talk to you since before Care of Magical Creatures. Is something bothering you Herm?"

Harry walked towards where Hermione was sitting in a scarlet armchair with a pile of books by her feet along with a few scattered assignments. She looked very distraught, and Harry could see from where he stood that her mind wasn't on her studies for once and that she was just staring numbly at the book in her lap.

"I . . . I'm not supposed to tell anyone, but I have to tell you Harry . . . This is serious, and I'm not taking any chances. Malfoy is a Death-Eater." Hermione shut the book and placed it on the floor with the others.

"He is? I thought his father was going to wait until Christmas to make him one . . ."

"His father caught up to him yesterday."

"How did you find this out?"

"When I went up to the Astronomy tower last night I found Malfoy crying there, literally sobbing his heart out. He realized I was there, and tried to pretend he hadn't been crying. He kept poking at his arm, and well, I had to know what was bothering him because he seemed like he was in pain. He's had the Dark Mark burned onto his arm. He said it hurt too. After I found out the whole story, I made him a deal that I wouldn't tell anyone as long as he left you and Ron alone."

"What's he going to do when he finds out that you told me?"

"I don't know Harry. I honestly don't know. He might not do anything. I know this may sound rather odd coming from me, considering I hate the little git, but I think we should try to help him."

Harry collapsed into an armchair in front of the fire to think as Hermione waited for a response patiently, knowing that it must be tearing Harry up inside considering helping Malfoy. She watched as the famous Gryffindor ran a hand through his messy hair and attempted to smooth it out, something that he seemed to do often when he was nervous or in deep thought. After a few minutes of silence, Harry spoke quietly with slight annoyance in his tone of voice.

"We can't help him if he doesn't want us to. Why help him anyway?"

"Come on Harry. You're not him. You help people when they need help."

"Do you think he wants my help Herm? Malfoy hates my guts, to put it nicely. I'm the last person he'll want help from. He's not one to ask for help because he's too proud. If he comes to me for help, then I'll help him. Otherwise I'm just going to stay out of his way."

"All right. I just don't like the idea of him being here just to spy on the school and watch you. His father wants him to kill you."

"Well if that's what he's got to do to stop his father from slaughtering him then let him try. Malfoy couldn't hurt me anyway. He's not that crafty or that powerful. Don't worry so much Herm. Relax."

"I'll try, but do be careful Harry, and not a word of this to Ron."

"Of course not. He'd hate us both for even considering helping Malfoy."

**********

The last dinner before Christmas holiday was a large one. All the students seemed to be excited about the upcoming holiday, and most couldn't wait to go home. Hermione however, had decided to stay with Ron and Harry this year. Malfoy too had decided not to go home and face his father.

"You're the only Slytherin who's staying here Draco. What are you going to do for almost two weeks all by yourself?"

"A little spying. I figured someone should stay and keep an eye on the school, Pansy. No one else seems to want the job."

"Oh. Good luck. Maybe you'll get to cause a little trouble for Potter and his friends."

Pansy fluttered her eyelashes at Malfoy, and he sighed. Potter was certainly not the reason he was staying. He just didn't want to face an angry Lucius Malfoy by himself. He'd rather be alone for the holiday.

**********

Malfoy stepped into the hall to find that only a few of the students were left at the school for the holiday. Instead of sitting at the houses tables, they were seated at one big table. He could see Potter, the Weasleys, Granger, a few other Gryffindors, a couple of Hufflepuffs, and a group of Ravenclaws. The only remaining seat was between Granger and Seamus Finnigan which he took reluctantly.

"Hello."

Malfoy nodded a quick hello to Hermione and then ate in silence while the male Weasleys and Harry talked excitedly about the Quidditch match after the holiday. They seemed fearless about it, positive they would win. Ginny Weasley watched Harry in silent adoration, and Hermione was quiet. She looked troubled.

"I told Harry. I had to." She whispered to the Slytherin beside her hoping he'd take it well.

"What?! I thought you weren't going to tell anyone!"

"I had to Malfoy. Harry won't say anything. He's known for awhile, and he hasn't told a soul."

"What did he say about it?"

"Nothing much."

"Good. You're not going to tell Weasel are you?"

"His last name is Weasley, and no. I don't think Ron would be as quiet as Harry, so I won't breathe a word to him."

"Why are you so intent on being nice to me and helping me? I've never been nice to you."

"Well it is Christmas, and none of your goons are around. No one's going to tattle on you."

"Do you think that just Slytherins are working for You-Know-Who Granger? You're highly mistaken. There are even a few of your high and mighty Gryffindors mixed up with the rest. They're not immune to the desire for wealth and power just because they're in Gryffindor."

"And does that mean that because you're in Slytherin, you might not actually be a complete jerk all the time?"

Harry had asked the last question and also moved to the other side of Draco. The rest of the students had exited the Great Hall and gone to play in the snow, most likely in hopes of initiating a giant snowball fight.

"If I recall, I was talking to Granger, not you Potter."

"Well I decided to join the conversation because it sounded fairly interesting."

Malfoy was silent, unable to think of a retort.

"So you can be nice then, because you were just saying that Gryffindors could be evil. It sounded like an attempt to prove that you weren't such a jerk."

"Well if I'm given a reason to be nice, perhaps I will be," sneered Malfoy before stalking off towards the outside.

An ear piercing scream echoed through the hall, and stopped everyone where they were. Dumbledore jumped up from his spot at the head end of the table along with Professor McGonagall and Fleur Delacour. Lupin came bounding out into the hallway looking quite worried.

"Outside Professors! Something is dreadfully wrong! Stay here the rest of you!" Dumbledore bellowed the orders and headed for the castle entrance with the rest of the teachers.

"I'm going to see what's going on. That sounded like Ginny, and she wouldn't scream like that unless something really horrible happened. I have the idea that it wasn't because she got hit with a snowball."

Harry charged out after the teachers, and out of curiosity, Malfoy and Hermione followed. They could hear the curses of the older Weasley twins and the worried murmurs of some other students along with some crying. Lupin stopped the three students before they reached the outside.

"Stay inside. This you don't need to see. Go on. Go stay in the library or something. That way I can find the three of you and send the others up to you if I need to."

"But Professor . . ."

"No buts Harry! All three of you are to head directly to the library this instant! Go!"

The three scampered out of the way as Lupin hollered at them, pure rage flickering in his usually kind eyes. Once in the library Harry and Hermione sat down and leaned against one of the cold stone walls. Malfoy sat opposite them, leaning against the end of a bookcase that housed a number of books on famous witches and wizards.

"What was that all about? I've never seen Lupin so mad before. He was enraged. The last time he was even near that mad was in third year when we were all down in the Shrieking Shack."

"I know Herm. I hope Ron and the others are all right."

After a few minutes of silence, heavy footsteps were heard coming towards the three fifth year students. Lupin stepped into view and Fred and George were with him, both looking ghostly pale.

"Theses two are going to stay here with you. I'm needed in the Hospital Wing. Please don't go anywhere. Madam Pince will be keeping and eye on you, so no funny business."

With that, Lupin turned on his heel and strode off towards the Hospital Wing with his black robes billowing out behind him. Fred and George collapsed on the dusty floor opposite each other forming a circle of students with Malfoy slightly farther away than the rest.

"What happened?!"

"It was awful Harry . . . Ginny . . . And Ron . . . And those other students . . .You tell them George . . ." Fred seemed to be choked up and was twisting his robes nervously with shaking fingers.

"A few wizards attacked us. We couldn't see their faces. They got Ron and Ginny and some of the others. Ron was conscious when they disappeared, but Ginny . . ."

"What happened to Ginny?"

"I don't know how to describe it. It was just awful Hermione. I think Ginny may be dead . . . I've never seen that much blood in my life," mumbled Fred laying his head against the wall.

Harry drew in a sharp breath, and Hermione looked as though she was on the verge of tears. Malfoy was the only one that seemed unaffected. Harry stood up and looked at the twins determinedly, emerald eyes glittering in the soft light of the library with unseen tears.

"I'm going to the hospital wing. Stay here. I'll find out what I can for you."

"I'm going with you Potter."

"Why? This doesn't concern you at all. Stay put."

"I'm going with you because I said I was. Now come on."

Harry rolled his eyes and tiptoed out of the library close behind Malfoy. They slowly, and as quietly as possible, made their way to the hospital wing where Professor McGonagall was standing guard with her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her usually tight bun had begun to come undone, and small pieces of black hair fell down around her ears to frame her narrow face. She removed her square glasses for a moment to rub at her eyes and then replaced the with a troubled sigh.

"Damn. We'll never get by her."

"Wait. Have some bloody patience Malfoy!"

They waited a few minutes, and Dumbledore joined the Deputy Headmistress where she was standing.

"This is wretched. They're coming here and attacking students? Parents sent their children to Hogwarts because it was safe, and now we have to tell them that there was an attack on the school. What are people going to say?"

"We'll deal with that when we come to it Minerva."

"Who do you think they were really after Albus?"

"Most likely Harry, and perhaps Draco. His father was expecting him home for the holiday, and Lucius has quite the temper, which we can see from what just happened. I'm sure he'd kill the boy if he got a hold of him right now. I never thought that he would come out in the open and attack other wizards and witches since it would be far too easy to get caught, but this proves I was wrong."

Malfoy pulled back and sunk down against the wall and his stomach did a flip-flop.

"Your father attacked them." Harry hissed narrowing his eyes at the blonde.

"Damn. That . . . No . . . Just because I didn't come home? It can't be. My father wouldn't come here and do such a thing. I don't care if he is a Death-Eater. He just wouldn't do that."

"Malfoy, Death-Eaters work for Voldemort. They'll do whatever he orders them too. Listen. They're still talking."

"I'm afraid Hogwarts is not as safe as it's supposed to be. Lucius has full access to the castle and the grounds, and that is dangerous. I'm going to contact the Ministry, though I don't think much can be done about Mr. Malfoy's position as governor. I doubt that I can prove what I saw, which is quite unfortunate."

"Well Headmaster, I think something must be done about this so that it doesn't happen again. Perhaps a certain crystal must be obtained. I think it will be the only way to protect the school from Dark Wizards."

Sirius Black had joined the pair outside of the hospital wing. Lupin had also added himself to the group. He had looked older than he really was before, but age truly showed now. He looked exhausted and ragged and was leaning against Sirius very discreetly for support.

"Ron will be all right, but his sister is a different story. She's badly injured. Madam Pomfrey is working with Fleur to see if there is anything that can be done to spare her." The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor released a pent up sigh. "Should I go make sure the others are all right?"

"Yes Remus. Bring Sirius with you. We can discuss the crystal later. I think I need to speak with the two that are listening to us right now however."

Dumbledore's words didn't really surprise Harry. He stepped out from behind the wall and trudged over to his godfather who hugged him comfortingly. Malfoy staggered up to the group with his eyes cast to the floor, feeling rather sick. He didn't dare even look up at any of the adults for fear of what they might say to him.

"Would the two of you mind sitting down and talking for a moment?

Harry and Draco shook their heads dully. Remus and Sirius made their way to the library while Dumbledore conjured up a bench for the two fifth years to sit on.

"Are you boys all right?"

"Physically or mentally," asked Malfoy biting his lip but still not looking up.

"Well I will assume that since neither of you were outside, which you can be very thankful for, that you are in tact physically. After what you just heard, how are you feeling?"

"Ill . . . My father was here? Are you sure it was him, and not someone else?"

"Yes. I'm not going to hide that from you Draco. I cannot prove to anyone that it was your father, but if you'll take my word for it, he was one of the men I saw. There is no doubt in my mind. He was here, and he or one of the other Death-Eaters almost killed Ginny Weasley. She may die yet. She's in bad shape. Ron wasn't hurt as bad, and he'll be up in a few days. Harry?"

"Yes . . ."

"Are you all right?"

"I will be. I'm just shocked."

"You were most likely the targets. This is highly disturbing. I'm going to ask that you all sleep in the Great Hall tonight for safety reasons."

"What happened to the others who went outside?"

"They're in the hospital wing as well, but only with minor injuries."

"Will they be all right?"

"Yes Harry. They will be fine. It is Ginny that we must worry about. Now go back and join your friends. Make sure that there are always two of you together if you must go somewhere. I don't

want anyone alone, and under no circumstances will any of you be allowed outside."

**********

Malfoy sat down by the edge of the bath and sunk his feet into the water. He had taken off the second they had left Dumbledore's office so that he didn't have to face the Weasley twins after they found out that his father had been part of the group that attacked their sister. He figured the Gryffindor Beaters would club him into the ground. What he needed was to calm down. He turned around and picked up his wand and waved it, causing one of the valves to open and a dark green mist to collect over the water. He sunk into the water and breathed in the mist, immediately feeling less tense.

"Are you trying to drown yourself Malfoy?"

"I wouldn't provide you with such a pleasure Potter," sneered the pale boy putting his wand back on the side of the bath.

"Dumbledore said not to go anywhere alone."

"When was the last time I listened to anyone Potter?"

"Most likely never, but Hermione made me go looking for you."

"Why the hell does she care Potter?"

"Because she has a heart."

"Good for her. I came in here to escape the Weasley twins so they don't rip mine out."

"Lupin didn't tell them who attacked Ginny and Ron. He figured he'd spare you from getting the hell beat out of you. Just you and I know."

Harry sat down by the side of the bath and glanced over at Malfoy who was in water up to his chin.

"Were you considering drowning yourself?"

"I already told you that I wouldn't give you that pleasure, but the thought crossed my mind a few times, and not just today. Now can you leave me the hell alone? I'd rather not have anyone in the bath with me."

"I'd be glad to leave," said Harry, though his face had colored slightly from Malfoy's comment.

Harry stepped out of the Prefect's bathroom and left Malfoy alone to think about his situation.

**********

Harry lay awake long after everyone else had fallen asleep. Fred and George had passed out, and Hermione was snuggled into her dark red sleeping bag beside Harry. Malfoy was a little farther away laying on his stomach with his eyes closed in a dark green sleeping bag. He wasn't asleep as far as Harry could tell. When Harry heard footsteps approaching he closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

"Do you know where the crystal is?"

"Yes. It's in the Forbidden Forest, hidden as deep in the heart of those woods as possible, and then in a magical spot. It would be nearly impossible to go get it, and then as it is, a group of four must go."

"Remus, Sirius, Fleur, and another could go. They're young and fairly strong."

"Someone younger must go. Only a student may enter those passages Minerva. It had to be that way to keep the crystal safe."

"You can't send the students into those woods. They'd be killed Albus!"

"It may be a risk we have to take. The crystal will provide Hogwarts with more protection, and it could save more lives."

"I know, but who would we send?"

"We'll use the Goblet of Fire like we do for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. We'll just make sure that that it can choose only fifth, sixth, and seventh year students. That will give it a fairly wide variety. If those it chooses do not wish to go, then they will not have to. We will choose more."

"When will we send them?"

"As soon as possible after the Christmas Holiday."

"Do you think any student could actually make it through such a place?"

"They must, all four that are chosen. They must make it through and retrieve the crystal. The crystal will release those under the Imperius Curse, and will give the castle a stronger barrier to shield it from Dark Wizards once it is here. It must be done."

"Then we shall wait. Let us pray that everything will be well until then Albus."

**********

Harry stepped into the hospital wing and looked around for Ron who he found sitting on his bed with his knees drawn up to his chest and his arms wrapped around them. Harry sat beside him and put a hand on his shoulder to comfort the redhead.

"Harry this is terrible. Did Fred and George tell you anything?"

"Yes, but not much. They were too shook up to tell us much. I don't need to hear details either because I already have a good idea of what happened. I was there when Cedric was killed . . ." The painful memory brought tears to Harry's eyes.

"Who did this?"

"I don't know. Dumbledore won't tell us." Harry hated lying to his best friend, but he figured the boy would strangle Malfoy if he knew his father was one of the attackers.

"I'd like to throttle the monster who did this to Ginny. When I found out who it was . . ."

"Calm down Ron. Whoever did it is going to end up in Azkaban for a very, very long time. Dumbledore will make sure they do."

"I hope the Dementors suck the life out of them!"

"Mr. Potter, I think it would be a good idea if you left. Mr. Weasley needs his rest," said Madam Pomfrey. "I have patients to tend to, and I can't keep constant watch over him. Out with you now!"

Harry said a quick good-bye and left the wing as fast as he could. On the way out, he bumped into Hermione.

"I wouldn't go in there if I was you. Madam Pomfrey is in a really bad mood."

"Do you blame her Harry, after what happened?"

"No. I don't blame her, but I wanted to talk to Ron for a bit longer, and she chased me away. I hope Ginny is going to be all right."

"I do too."

"How are Fred and George?"

"They're still upset. They're out on the Quidditch pitch whacking Bludgers at things. I wouldn't go out there if I was you, unless you want your skull crushed. Madam Hooch said it would be good for them to release some pent up anger so she brought them outside with Dumbledore's permission."

**********

~After Christmas Holiday ~

Harry stepped onto the Quidditch pitch and looked at his team members who all seemed to be determined to win. Malfoy was standing opposite them with his arms folded and his green robes wrapped tightly around his chest seeing as it was a pretty cold day to be having a Quidditch match. Snow fell onto the pitch and the stands, covering everything in sight and chilling the players. Something was wrong though. Fred, George, and Ron were all glaring at Malfoy who wore his usual arrogant smirk. They stared with pure hatred, their eyes narrowed, and their fists clenched.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, shake hands."

The boys stepped forward and shook, and before Malfoy released Harry's hand, he whispered something that only the Boy Who Lived could hear.

"They know my father was there Potter."

Harry jumped backed and turned to look at the three Weasleys. They looked ready to kill.

"I want a fair game. Players ready! Go!" Madam Hooch's whistle shrilled, and the Gryffindor and Slytherin players shot into the air.

Alicia sailed across the pitch with the Quaffle in hand, heading straight for the Slytherin goal posts. Fred and George continuously wailed both Bludgers at the Slytherin Seeker, and Malfoy could barely dodge them. The wind was terrible that day, and Harry had never played a game that was so hard to fly in. The blowing snow made it worse. Now he knew why Quidditch games were rarely played in wintertime. The Gryffindor continually wiped his glasses, until he remembered the spell Hermione had taught him. He pulled out his wand and cast the Impervious spell on the lenses to keep them from getting wet.

"Much better, now to find the Snitch . . ."

A sharp cry to Harry's left caught his attention, and he spun around to see what had happened. Alicia's broom had been hit by a Bludger, and she was on the ground. She recovered quickly and was up in the air in seconds much to Harry's relief. Harry went back to his search for the Snitch as he listened to Lee Jordan in the background. He could barely hear the seventh year's commentating over the wail of the wind.

After half an hour of play, neither Draco nor Harry had caught sight of the Snitch, and the storm was getting worse. Harry pulled his robes closer to his body and tucked his hands into his sleeves to keep them warm. His face felt numb, and he knew it would sting with windburn later on. Gryffindor led by about 50 points from what Harry could hear.

A Bludger was hit past him, and he saw the target. Malfoy wasn't paying attention, and in the noise of the storm, he couldn't hear the whistle of the Bludger approaching him. It would hit him in the head if he didn't get out of the way, and they were at least fifty feet up. The fall would kill him if the impact of the Bludger didn't. And there was the Snitch right behind the Bludger. Harry raced forward to warn Malfoy and the boy heard him just in time to swerve out of the way. Fred and George, who had both been within sight of this, cursed and went back to their attack on the green-robed Seeker. The Snitch had disappeared back into the blowing snow as luck would have it, and Harry sighed. The game seemed as though it would go on forever.

Malfoy had now decided to fly as close to Harry as possible, and it was starting to get on the emerald-eyed boy's nerves. He decided that there was only one method of getting rid of Malfoy for now. After stopping and glancing around for a moment, Harry grinned and pulled into a steep dive. Malfoy followed instinctively thinking that Harry had spotted the Snitch. At the last second, Harry swooped up out of the dive, just narrowly avoiding a crash into a snowdrift, but Malfoy who wasn't as adept at graceful flying as Harry, found himself lying in the snow moments later. He shook his head and got to his feet unsteadily before looking around for his broom.

"Curse you Potter! That was a cheap trick!" Malfoy kicked off again and flew up as high as he had been before.

He noticed only too late that the Weasley twins were on either side of him and hitting two Bludgers his way. Unable to move fast enough, Malfoy became the victim of both Bludgers, one striking him in the back and the other colliding with his head. A strangled cry escaped his lips before he blacked out and slipped sideways off of his broom which continued to float forward.

Harry saw the attack and made a dive to catch Malfoy without thinking. The Snitch caught his eye halfway down and he swung to his right to get it, and then back to his left to retrieve the injured Slytherin. Harry went into a full dive and managed to grab Malfoy's under the arms a moment before he would have crashed into Earth.

Harry landed on the ground, carefully scooping the now unconscious Malfoy into his arms and heading for Madam Pomfrey who was waiting with a levitating stretcher. Harry laid Malfoy on the stretcher and pulled his hand away to find that it was covered in crimson red blood.

"The Bludger hit him on the side of the head, and another one hit him in the back. He's bleeding."

"All right Mr. Potter. Out of the way!"

Harry watched as his adversary was carried off, and his teammates joined him. Angelina, Alicia, and Katie hugged him, each giving him a kiss on the cheek, but the twins and Ron glared daggers at him and walked away.

"What's wrong with them? We won! How can they be so upset," asked Katie frowning at the boys.

"I don't know. I really don't know." Harry lied as he glanced down at his bloodied hand. The Snitch was also stained with a little blood and Harry felt a pang of guilt. What if he hadn't have been able to catch Malfoy after grabbing the Snitch? It had been selfish to think about winning when someone could have been killed.

**********

Harry stopped in front of the Hospital Wing when he heard Hermione call to him. She was smiling, but there was worry hidden in the depths of her eyes. She was wearing her heaviest robes and had a scarlet and gold scarf wrapped around her neck and was toying with the fringe thoughtfully.

"That was wonderful Harry. Good job!"

Harry looked down at the floor. "Thanks Herm."

"Going to see if Malfoy's all right?"

"I was going to get my ears fixed up a bit. I can't feel them, and I think they may be frostbitten, but I was going to check on Malfoy while I was in there."

"I think it was brave of you to rescue him, even if he probably wouldn't have done it for you."

"That's what sets me and him apart Herm. I would have felt guilty if I hadn't. I even feel guilty for catching the Snitch before I caught him. I realized after that, that if I hadn't been quick enough, he would have been killed."

"I swear Harry Potter, that you have the biggest heart in the whole of Hogwarts."

"Well I know three people who are pretty mad at me because of that right now. The twins hit those Bludgers at Malfoy with the intent to hurt him pretty bad, because his father was part of the attack on Ginny and Ron, and somehow they found out about it."

"Oh no . . . Should I talk to them? I mean, I know none of us have ever been fond of Malfoy or his family, but that doesn't give them the right to almost kill him."

"No. Don't talk to them. I'll do it when I get back to the dorms. I think their captain needs to talk to them about sportsmanship."

Harry walked into the Hospital Wing, and Madam Pomfrey looked up at him from her place over Malfoy's bed.

"Could you heal up my ears? I think I got a little frostbite."

"I'll be with you in a moment Mr. Potter. Have I seen you after every Quidditch match you've ever played?"

"Not all of them . . ."

Madam Pomfrey sighed as she finished bandaging up Malfoy's head. She walked into the other room to put the bandages back and check on Ginny who still hadn't awakened while Harry waited, and Malfoy stirred in his sleep and opened his icy eyes.

"Damned Bludgers . . ." He groaned touching his fingers lightly to his head and pulling them away with a wince. "What are you doing here Potter?"

"I came to get my ears healed."

"I'll assume that since I have no recollection of the end of the Quidditch match, that you wonderful Gryffindors beat us," Malfoy sneered sarcastically.

"Yes, but I don't approve of the way the twins tried to kill you. They were acting like you, and I thought they were better than that."

"Go away Potter. I already have a headache, and I don't need you around to make it worse."

"I will once my ears are healed up. Just shut your trap Malfoy. You should just be glad I caught you and didn't let you break every bone in your body."

"Wait a minute . . . You caught me?"

"Yes. I did."

"Why?"

"Because I'm not the type of person that lets people fall to their doom. Is that a good enough reason, or would you rather be splattered all over the Quidditch pitch right now?"

"No."

The enemies were silent for a moment as Harry waited to see what the snide Slytherin would say. Madam Pomfrey returned and healed Harry's ears and checked over his fingers before leaving to tend to more patients.

"I suppose you want me to thank you for being the hero again Potter? I think I will . . . when hell freezes over that is."

"Well, it would have been nice, but I didn't expect any manners from you Draco."

Harry turned and stormed out leaving Draco sitting on his bed in shock.

'He called me Draco. He's never called me anything other than Malfoy, well . . . unless it was insulting. Perhaps I should have said thank you. He did save me after all . . . Well, it's Potter. I have no reason to thank him for anything . But he did save me, and not many would have done that . . .'

**********

Harry stomped into the common room and was met with three icy stares. He turned to the twins and Ron with a very impatient look on his face and mentally dared them to say something.

"Why'd you save him Harry?! He'd never save you! Malfoy is scum! His whole family is scum! His father almost killed Ginny, and she's laying down there in the hospital wing totally helpless right now! She could die!"

"Ron, I thought you were better than Malfoy, but I must have missed something. I don't care if he wouldn't have saved me. I'm not him! I save people who need to be saved! I don't let people get flattened on the Quidditch pitch because certain people decide to take their anger for someone out on that person's son, who had absolutely nothing to do with what happened! Usually I'm in a good mood after winning a match, but tonight I'm probably in the worst possible mood that I could ever be in after a wonderful Quidditch match, and all because the three of you are completely and utterly immature!"

"Hey!" Fred and George chorused at the same time, but Harry decided that arguing would get him nowhere and that it was time to head up to the dorms for the remainder of the evening.

Once he was upstairs, Harry kicked at his trunk and didn't feel like celebrating his newest win at all. It was pointless. The emerald-eyed young man leaned his head against the wall beside his and then hit it with his fist. People could be so cruel sometimes, not to mention immature.

Harry stripped out of the sopping wet and cold Quidditch robes and his jeans and sweater before changing into some dry clothes and sinking onto his bed. A knock on the door and a creak drew his attention, and he sat up to find Katie, Angelina, and Alicia peeking in the room.

"Harry? Do you want to come down to the party? It won't be any fun without our captain," said Katie softly, knowing that Harry was very unhappy for some reason or another.

"I don't want to go down there. Fred and George almost killed Draco Malfoy on purpose, and I don't like how both of them and Ron are acting. I'd rather stay up here."

"C'mon Harry. Please," begged Angelina. "We brought you some hot chocolate . . ."

The girls came over and sat down around Harry who sighed and took the mug from Angelina. They were all looking at him in a pleading manner, and it was making Harry feel bad for being irritable with them.

"Fine. I'll come down, but I won't promise that I'll enjoy myself."

The girls sighed and let Harry walk downstairs ahead of them. Hermione, Neville, Seamus, and Dean were all sitting together on a scarlet couch with gold trim. Ron and the twins were sitting in the corner, and the rest of the Gryffindors were sitting or standing in various places around the room. Alicia and Angelina cornered the twins, and Hermione decided to talk to Ron. Harry sat down between Neville and Seamus and sighed.

"In a fight with George, Fred, an' Ron are ya," asked the sandy-haired Irish boy with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah . . ."

"I'll bet it's because ya saved that git Malfoy from crackin' 'is skull open, right?"

"Yeah . . . They don't think I should have."

"Well it wasn't really their choice. If ya wanted to save 'im, then ya had every right to save 'im."

"I think so too Seamus, but they're blinded by anger."

"They'll get over it. They always do. Just give 'em a lil' while Harry."

"I just don't see what the big deal is. I mean, I've never ever liked Draco since I got here, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to let him get killed.

"Well, I guess it goes to show just how much you've grown up, and the twins and Ron haven't. But like I said, give 'em some time, and they'll come aroun'.

Harry leaned back and tried to relax while he sipped his hot chocolate and closed his eyes to try and clear his mind. His head hurt rather bad from the recent development of a headache, and it gave no sign of clearing up any time soon.

"Oh, an' since when is he Draco an' not Malfoy? Startin' to grow a bit fond of 'im?"

Harry could feel his ears go red, and he shook his head no frantically. Seamus laughed and winked at him before turning back to Dean and resuming an animated conversation about Quidditch.

'There's no way I could be fond of Draco Malfoy. He's never done anything nice to me. What in the world is wrong with me?'

**********