Across The Veil

Across The Veil

Chapter Two: Revelations

Stepping into the classroom, I looked around, taking in the familiar sight. Almost as soon as I entered the room, Potty and the Weasel rushed over, bombarding me with questions.

"What are you doing here Malfoy," Potty asked angrily.

"Get the hell out of here ferret," Weasel added loudly.

I was about to give the two, especially Weasley, a few choice words, but I was interrupted when Hermione broke in. "Calm down, would you," she hissed fiercely, glaring at her two friends in disapproval. "I asked Draco to come."

"What! Mione, you can't be serious; it's Malfoy for god's sake," Weasel shouted, unsure of how the blonde boy fit in with the plan.

"You haven't told them yet?" I sneered at her disdainfully. "And here I thought you were smarter than this. Should have known you wouldn't be, you are a mudblood after all."

"Don't call her a mudblood, you bastard," Potter yelled, lunging at me. I moved away just before he reached me and watched him fall to the floor. He quickly got up and dusted himself off.

"Malfoy," Hermione sighed, "I didn't tell them because I knew they'd say no as soon as I suggested the idea."

The two dimwits just stood there and stared. "Yes, you idiots really should sit down - it may be quite...shocking." I smirked as they cautiously sought out their seats.

"Well," Hermione began, "if you two haven't figured it out all ready, then maybe you are idiots." She took a deep breath and continued, "Malfoy is going to help us with the plan."

"You mean you are going to be helping me, " I reminded her quickly, getting a reprimanding glare in response.

Hermione shook her head and looked at Potter and Weasley. "Malfoy's dad ordered him to go across the veil," she said hesitantly. The two imbeciles just looked confused and Hermione, seeing the looks on her friends' faces, hurried on. "Well, I had been thinking about what Luna had said; you know, the whole 'Sirius is alive' thing, and I think there may be something to it." Potter looked like he was going to say something, but Hermione held up her hand in warning. "Anyway, after talking to Malfoy for a bit, we came up with a plan. You see, Harr-"

"You've got to be kidding," the Weasel yelled, effectively cutting Hermione off. "I love you like a sister, 'Mione, but this has to be a joke. I mean, it's absolutely ludicrous and...and...it's Malfoy."

Hermione ignored the outburst and continued. "As I was saying, Harry and Draco are going to be crossing together. The preparations will have to begin immediately, as the two of you will be leaving midway through the Masquerade Ball. Now are there any questions?" Hermione asked, stressing the last part. I looked at her she changed her position, sitting down gently and crossing her legs. She brushed her slightly tamer hair from her face and looked at Potter and the Weasel expectantly.

"When will they be going?" Weasel asked conspicuously.

"I already told you. Half-way through the Ball."

"Why does Harry have to go?" Weasel asked, a bit puzzled.

"I assume that he would like to see, and hopefully retrieve, his godfather. Am I correct?" Potter nodded lightly, but still looked confused.

"But I still don't see why I have to go. If Draco's already going, why can't he just do it?" I looked at him, amused by the thought of doing something so nice for my sworn enemy. He obviously noticed my expression because he added quickly, "For money, of course."

"Sorry Harry, it doesn't work that way. The only way to retrieve a lost soul is to have someone who was close to them go in and get them." I heard Potter sigh grievously and realized that the decision must be tough for him.

"Potter, don't get all gloomy, I'll be there. Trust me, you won't die unless I'm the one that kills you - I don't like my enemies falling at the hands of others," I said in an effort to calm him (as well as tell him that I am, in no way, his friend). Potter smiled in relief, knowing that I wouldn't kill him...at least not yet.

Weasley, who had appeared to be in deep thought, suddenly spoke up. "Hermione," he began questioningly, " how do you know so much about the veil?"

"Well, I don't know everything." Hermione said modestly. "Most of what I do know is just an educated guess, inferred from the theories of others. The facts really start to shake when it comes to what's behind the veil."

"Then how do you know if I can even get Sirius back?" Potter asked his happiness fading into a slight panic.

"Don't worry, Harry. It is possible to get him back and that is a fact. You will, of course, face many trials and obstacles, but that's another reason why Draco's going; he really is a powerful wizard, even more so than his father." Hermione looked over at me as she said this and I smirked proudly at her before turning away.

"But, how do you know he won't betray us?" the Weasel inquired. "He hasn't exactly been fighting on the side of the light." I wanted to tape his mouth shut just then. Where was he getting all of these questions?

"I won't betray you," I said, looking directly into Weasley's eyes. "Well, maybe I'd betray you," I amended, "but I won't betray those two." I pointed to Potter and Hermione. "You are right though," I continued. "I don't fight for the light." I paused for a second before continuing. "However, I do not fight for the dark either. Just because my father is a death eater, doesn't mean that I am too."

Ron looked a bit doubtful, but Hermione jumped in. "Don't worry Ron, he's telling the truth. I'm not so gullible as to just trust him; I did use Veritaserum and I found out that he really isn't a death eater." She stopped and smirked lightly. "I found out some other interesting thing as well."

Weasley and Potter glanced at each other. "What?" they both asked eagerly.

"Oh, nothing much really," Hermione smiled deviously.

"Yes, Hermione is right," I said blushing, "it really is nothing. Anyway, I think its time to go now," I glanced at my watch. "If we don't hurry, we'll miss dinner." I rushed out of the room, cursing as I went.

As I left, Weasley's voice rung out behind me. "What was that about?"

When I got back to the Gryffindor Common room after dinner, I wanted some more answers. Not about the plan, but about what had flustered Malfoy so much. I waited for 'Mione to get back and I led her to the darkest corner of the Gryffindor common room, making sure that nobody would hear our conversation.

"'Mione, what did you ask Malfoy when he was under veritaserum?"

"Why should I tell you? You're one of my best friends, but a girl has got to have some secrets."

"Mione, I'm serious. You had to have asked something personal, otherwise he wouldn't have turned so red."

"Okay fine! I'll tell you, but you have to promise that you won't say anything to anyone else."

"I promise. Now spill."

"Okay," she began with hesitation in her voice. "Oh!" she said suddenly. "And I can't tell who he likes, I've already promised that I wouldn't." I nodded, getting very impatient. "I asked him...well, um...I asked him about how he...uh...floated his boat."

"Floated his boat?"

"You know, whether or not he was shooting down the straight path." I stared at her, completely baffled. She sighed in exasperation. "I asked him if he was gay, straight, or bisexual and he told me that he swings both ways." I must have looked unsure because she clarified her words once more. "He's bisexual."

I was stunned into silence for a moment before exclaiming in astonishment. "Are you joking?!"

"Nope," She stated simply.

"Wow, that's quite unexpected."

"Yeah, unexpected if you're an idiot."

"That wasn't very nice, Mione."

"Well its true. You've never noticed what happens when you fight with him? How he gets all clumsy and such?"

"Well, yeah, but he's always like that."

"Not really. You should see yourself when you get really mad; you look like so adorable - like you're about to cry or something."

"Stop that Mione. I do not."

"Oh yes you do. You just look so huggable. Only a hermit wouldn't want to hold you."

"This is your fault. You made me get rid of my glasses."

"Don't be ridiculous. You looked even cuter with your glasses on - that's why I had you toss them. You were distracting him." I finally began to realize what was going on.

"Are you saying you like that scum bag?"

Hermione flushed and said, "Just a little. Don't tell Ron. He'll go berserk."

"Of course he will. Anyway, you should ask him out if you like him."

"I did."

"And," I urged.

"He's going to the Masquerade Ball with me."

"Oh. So you already have a date," I stated. 'Crap' I thought. 'Should have asked her out as soon as I had the chance. Now who am I going to go with?'

"Yep," She answered cheerily, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Well, I plan to ask Luna, she seems nice. Besides, she looks hot this year. Hmmm, who know what might happen with her."

"Harry James Potter, don't you dare degrade a woman like that," Hermione screeched. She whipped around and headed to the Girls' Dorms.

Bewildered, I got up and headed over to Ron, who was playing chess with Dean.

"Hullo, Harry." The read-head greeted. "What was that all about? I just saw Hermione running of to her dorm, practically fuming."

"Oh nothing. I just said how, I am going to ask Luna to the Masquerade."

"Come on there had to be more."

"Well, I kind of insinuated that I may...well...want to get into Luna's pants."

"Oh, now I got ya. You have to watch what you say around 'Mione, even I know that."

Around 11:45 I headed off to bed, too tired to stay awake any longer.

The next few weeks were as normal as anything ever was at Hogwarts. Now just two short days away, the Masquerade Ball was approaching as quickly as ever. In light of this, Hermione, Ron, Draco, and Harry worked as hard and efficiently as they could to prepare for their future 'excursion' to the Veil. Thus far, they had managed to construct a portkey that would allow one person to find Harry and Draco if they were taking too long. It was agreed that the portkey would only be used in an absolute emergency, considering it was a risky mode of transportation at best.

Nearly every night, Harry and Draco would return to their respective houses, exhausted after a full day of being forced to work with each other. Of course, the two began to get along better, no longer biting the other's head off every five minutes. It may even be the case that they considered each other friends, although it would be a cold day in hell before they'd admit to that.

Aside from preparations, things were going quite well. The day after Harry's talk with Hermione, he asked Luna to the Masquerade, an invitation she eagerly accepted. Almost on the spot, the two had begun dating, venturing off to random broom closets for heavy snogging sessions or walking to classes holding hands. Not that everything was glorious in their relationship. Like most other couples, they too disagreed over many things, rarely seeing things eye to eye. Still, many younger couples envied Harry and Luna's relationship and even a few older ones admired their devotion.

Meanwhile, Hermione and Draco enjoyed their secret romance, even if it was only to a certain extent. They often had to sneak out extra early in the morning or late at night to even each other. As always, they fought a lot and were constantly competing to see who was smarter, although they would forgive the other with sweet, apologetic kisses every time. However, both felt that this relationship would never truly take off, and that they were both simply waiting for their true loves to find them.

It seemed an unspoken promise between the four couples; they would make the most of what they had now, knowing that the night of the Masquerade Ball may very well turn out to be their last.