Thread: Heir To the Throne - a Harry Potter FanFiction

Ch 4 Draco Malfoy Harry groaned loudly as he was shaken awake by an overly worried Ron and Dean. They couldn't understand why their friend was still sleeping, even past noon when he had classes and hadn't slept a proper nights sleep in over a year. Grr'off the sleeping boy complained batting at them. ..wan sleep, g'way. he ordered slumping back into the sheets as Ron hesitated. Harry Mate, Dumbledore wants to see you...come on get up, you're scaring me. he admitted and Harry sighed dragging himself into a sitting position and rubbing his eyes. He was just so tired, he had gotten a lot more sleep than usual and now that he had some his body realized that he needed a lot more. OK OK I'm up. Harry grumbled slipping out of bed and yanking the curtains shut so no one would bother his important things. Despite the grumbling and groaning about hogging a stall, he extended his shower, not least bit concerned that Dumbledore wanted to see him, the Headmaster could wait just like everyone else while he cleaned himself, brushed his hair and teeth, got dressed and found any other task that resulted in further delay. When he finally made his way out of the common room and into the hallways it was almost one. He groaned a little under his breath and shook his head, he was still so pissed at Dumbledore but some part of him felt that allowing Dumbledore to become aware of that anger and the cause for it would be a very, very bad idea. He sighed a little and ran suddenly, hard into Blaise who managed to steady them both before they fell over. Potter. Blaise greeted looking uncertain as his coal black eyes stared into bright emerald eyes. I know that you are being Courted by ...our mutual friend he said softly as his cold fingers ran gently up the smaller wizards arms, raising goosebumps along the his flesh. however, I was hoping you might allow me to Court you as well? he asked hopefully. Harry's eyes widened as Blaise leaned forward and pressed his rather soft lips to his in a chaste, gentle kiss that made Harry's breath catch in his throat. Blaise's lips where soft, warm and coaxing as they danced lightly against Harry's. The Golden boy found his eyes closing, as he leaned into the chill of Blaise's body. The other smelled of cold wind and snow, but with a underlying sweetness that he could only associate with ice cream. The scent made Harry tremble. All too soon Blaise moved away, licking his lips as if savoring Harry's taste and smiled at the Golden Gryffindor. I. Uh. I. Uh. but Blaise was already gone, the bell rang for their next class and Harry attempted to pull himself together W..What just happened!? he wondered to himself as he turned and rushed down the hall. Still lost in his thoughts, he ran right straight into Dumbledore. Harry my boy! Dumbledore greeted him with a smile, his eyes twinkling as they always did making the younger wizard groan inside. He mentally shook himself just a little so he wouldn't snap at the headmaster. A moment later, he felt Tom slip into his mind he groaned again. ' You don't want me here Harry? ' Tom asked, sounding both amused and hurt. Harry simply gave Tom a mental shrug. Hello Professor, I'm sorry I'm so late, I had trouble waking myself up today. he half lied. ' oh I just thought it ironic that the two people I hate most in this world are with me right now is all. ' he stated scornfully as Tom laughed a little, Dumbledore beamed and nodded. Yes, well I am pleased to see that you are sleeping again my boy. the Headmaster said with a great smile and more twinkles in his eyes making Harry cringe. How had Dumbledore known he had been sleeping last night!? Did the man know about the Seraphim? or Blaise? Did Dumbledore know about the sleeping lavender!? About Tom!? ' Easy Harry, no need to panic, he probably just peaked in on you a few times during the night to see if you were really in your room sleeping. Besides, your mental shields are impenetrable, I cannot even get into your mind unless you allow me, what makes you think he can? ' Tom murmured softly, calming the worried boys mind as Dumbledore smiled again.' Harry would you mind if we have a word? Dumbledore finally asked. Without waiting for him to agree or accept, Dumbledore continued, pretending not to notice the way Harry had opened his mouth to answer. You've been so distant lately I never seem to have the opportunity to actually speak with you Dumbledore admitted. Harry hesitated a moment to further collect himself and school his expression before speaking. Of course Professor. he finally agreed with a small smile. Dumbledore smiled and led the way up to the stone gargoyle, speaking the password and moving up the spiraling staircase to the headmasters office. Taking a deep breath, Harry again tried to center himself, it was going to be hard keeping his temper under control around Dumbledore. ' I'll be right here Harry. ' Tom promised softly and Harry briefly felt Tom's hand squeezing his shoulder the same way Sirius and Lupin had when the marauder's son had been upset about something. Horrifyingly enough the knowledge that Tom was with him did make him feel better. ' Thanks Tom ' Harry murmured to the Dark Lord before turning his attention to Dumbledore. Is there something the matter Sir? he asked adopting what he hoped was a worried expression. No, No nothing WRONG my dear boy. It's only that I and the other Professors have become very concerned, many students as well have become increasingly worried about the state of your physical, and mental well being. Dumbledore said softly. You have been vanishing completely from view, even from certain eyes and maps only to reappear somewhere else a moment later. Some of the teachers are afraid you have been practicing Apparition. Harry resisted the urge to grit his teeth, had Dumbledore swiped the marauders map from Snape? I thought we couldn't Apparate in the school sir? the seething boy asked a little startled before taking a deep breath to focus himself. As I am sure you are aware, there are tunnels in the schools walls, empty wings, forgotten passageways, and secret tunnels all over the school that don't even show up on the Marauders map. I use them as shortcuts... I...I. don't like going through the crowds is all. Harry had never really liked crowds but after the death of the only people he'd ever seen as his fathers, well he hadn't been able to handle them at all. That is a relief. Dumbledore said with a sigh. I was afraid you where dipping into teleportation magic. Harry felt himself go pale at just the mention of it. Teleportation, while similar to Apparition, was ten times more dangerous. And loose what little is left of my mind? Thanks but no thanks sir. I honestly don't care much for Apparition or portkey travel or even Floo for that matter... he blinked. good thing I don't plan on doing much traveling. he murmured and Dumbledore laughed, as if pleased that Harry was making jokes. He probably was. Harry managed to smile at Dumbledore for a half a second before focusing his eyes on his hands as Tom chuckled in the back of his mind. ' and you were worried you wouldn't be able to keep your temper. ' Tom teased sounding amused and Harry scowled a little. Is something bothering you Harry? Dumbledore asked softly and Harry hesitated running a hand through his hair. Has anyone found the man that murdered Lupin? He asked softly biting his lip as Dumbledore sighed a little and shook his head. I'm sorry, but Renerd has vanished completely. We've found no sign of him at all. And even if we do find him there's little evidence of what he did. We could never arrest him. Dumbledore stated simply with a tired sigh and Harry snarled. I have evidence! I stared right at him while he did it! I SAW it damn it! Harry screamed and Dumbledore sighed. Harry, memories can be altered, even if we did show the memory to the court.... You can take it straight from my head! I'll definitely be there to watch Lupin's murderer be put away and there's nothing you can say about that Sir. Harry stated declared, his body trembling with repressed rage and Dumbledore sighed and nodded. If we find him Harry then I will let you stand witness. Dumbledore promised but the no longer disillusioned boy caught the Keyword there. if. ' He's not even LOOKING that phony old bastard!! ' Harry roared inside his head feeling Tom nod in agreement. Now, I had wondered Harry...if you've given up fighting Tom. Dumbledore asked hesitantly, because he, like the entire school, knew that if there was one thing that the Golden Boy hated, it was to be pushed or pulled before he had completed a task. No sir I haven't. I've been looking at books in the library about him, I've found a few interesting things, like his old family home. He might have hidden important things there. Or the Riddle Manor... He sighed and shook his head. but nothing that could lead to actually finding him. Your Occlumency skills have grown impressive in the last few months my boy. Ever since you went to your aunt and uncles. I believe you have been practicing non stop in an effort to shut Voldemort out. Dumbledore admitted, only confirming Harry's fears that Dumbledore had been spying on the golden boy. watching Harry closely. Have you ever thought of lowering your shields, and allowing Voldemort in, and thus you into him? The two mind-linked wizards were both silent with shock, horror rather and it must have shown on Harry's face because Dumbledore paused as well. What that old bastard suggested, could kill Harry if Tom still had the desire to do so. The act could cripple Harry in a purely mental fashion. He'd be a drooling babbling mess. Or he would simply die from the abuse and strain on his brain, either way he would lose the war against Voldemort. ARE YOU MAD!? Harry demanded with a roar, his face lit with vivid, vengeful rage. Are you fucking psychotic!? There's no way in bloody hell!!! Harry, please calm down. Think about what Lupin, what Sirius would say? They would want... DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO TELL ME WHAT MY FAMILY WOULD WANT YOU FILTHY OLD CODGER! Harry screamed feeling his anger and his magic rising. Will you really abandon everyone like this Harry my boy? Dumbledore asked softly and something in the raven haired boy snapped. You don't know anything! It's my fault isn't it? My fault Remus and Sirius are dead! My fault Cedric is dead! It's my fault Luna and Neville were raped, and my fault Luna is pregnant! Harry hissed, his eyes and face blazed with fury at the lives lost, the innocence lost. His guilt at not being able to save Neville and Luna from the Death Eaters who had separated them from the group, his guilt for the atrocities done to the two teens, and the pain he felt every time he looked at Luna's growing belly Everything is my fault! My fault my parents are dead, my fault Tom is the way he is, my fault! Everything is MY FAULT! And I just can't take it! Harry screamed. He turned and bolted. He would never let anyone see him cry....Ever, and certainly not that old goat Dumbledore. He flew down the stairs and past the stone gargoyle and through the halls slamming, full tilt into a very firm body. Harry stumbled, nearly falling backwards but firm gentle hands steadied him as he lost control and let out a strangled sob. He couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Those gentle hands turned into warm, protective arms that pulled him to a strong chest. Surrounded by the warm vanilla and woodsmoke smelling safety that was this body, Harry finally broke down, sobbing deeply. Those arms kept him close, while the warm hands gently rubbed his head and back. Lost in his agony, but feeling safe enough to finally release it, Harry cried until he nearly made himself sick. He finally pulled away, hiccuping from the force of his tears and swallowed a little as he looked into a far to familiar face. uh, T..thanks...for that Malfoy. Harry mumbled feeling his heart hammering in his chest. Despite his efforts at composure, a few more tears trailed down the side of his face. Out of all the people to witness him loosing control and breaking down why did it have to be the ferret!? The ferret who smelled like vanilla and woodsmoke and sugar. The raven haired boy felt himself quiver and his knees went weak but Draco steadied him again. Come on Potter, lets get you out of here before the classes let out. he said gently guiding Harry quickly through the halls and right into the Room of Requirement, which had shifted itself to look like a common room. Soft plushy armchairs and a couch lay right next to a warm crackling fire, a bookshelf full of muggle horror and fantasy novels where settled within reach of the couch. Harry chuckled a little at that, while wiping at his eyes with the handkerchief that Draco handed to him. T..thanks..Malfoy.' he mumbled softly. The blond shook his head and snapping his fingers, a house elf appearing with a loud pop. Harry watched as Draco bent down to the elf and softly whispered instructions. After the elf nodded enthusiastically, Draco rose and slowly made his way to join Harry on the couch. It's no problem Harry. the blond boy stated settling onto the couch next to the smaller boy who was now nervously biting his lip. Harry took a moment to get his first good look at Draco since last year. The Malfoy heir was tall, slender, though well muscled. But he was pale, ghostly pale and he had dark bags under his eyes, as if he hadn't been sleeping any more than Harry had. Harry thought he looked ill and that thought began to concern him. Why was he so worried, so concerned? He realized it was guilt that he felt, guilt for tossing Lucius Malfoy into jail. You alright Malfoy? Harry asked softly and the blond smirked a little and nodded. I'm fine, just been a little under the weather lately. he admitted glancing over at Harry. are you alright? he asked hesitantly and Harry nodded. I'm fine now. I just...had a bit of a fight with Dumbledore and it got to me is all. he admitted sighing a little and shaking his head and rubbing his eyes. he wanted me to do something bloody insane, and when I told him no he tried to guilt me into it. he admitted, wondering why he was spilling his soul to his known enemy. He should have been running far, far away from the other, not giving him ammo. Involving the Dark Lord no doubt. Draco muttered scornfully shaking his head. If I were you, I'd just break away and start thinking for yourself. he stated simply. Become neutral like me. It does wonders for your stress levels. You're neutral? Harry gasped out. He sat there stunned only to be startled back to reality by the previously summoned elf. They were presented with a tray holding four butterbeers two cold and two warm. At the elf's insistence, Harry reached for one of the steaming butterbeers. Chuckling, Draco did the same before having the elf set the remaining two in front of the fire. With a slight nob of the blonds head, the elf vanished. Yeah, I got tired of fearing for my life. And no matter which side I choose I'm a good target for death considering my social standing and substantial bank accounts. he admitted taking a sip of his butterbeer. I suppose my ranking on the death wish list is second only to yours. he sneered. I've almost been killed three times...whats your tally by now? Draco asked lifting an eyebrow and Harry smiled a little. Well lets see... first year would be Fluffy, the Devil's Snare, my bucking broomstick, and Quirrell so that's four. Second year was, mmm, just the basilisk I think so that's five. Third year, I think the Acromantula, and then the Dementor tried to suck my soul out. Fourth year...Merlin I don't even wanna think of fourth year. he shuddered hard. First task, second task, third task, Voldemort at the end and damn if he didn't almost succeed. If it wasn't for our wands being brothers I would have died then. Merlin almighty, you're a danger magnet. Draco declared staring at him. If I had known how much shite you were going through I never would have bullied you like that. he admitted watching the smaller boy with an expression that resembled awe in his eyes causing Harry to chuckle. Nah, you were a GREAT stress outlet. Harry conceded taking a long slow gulp of his butterbeer. I found myself looking forward to fighting with you. Having all my focus on fighting you and hating you, I managed to forget about everything else. It was a great escape, yeah. Er, no offense. Harry lowered his eyes to his now fascinating knuckles and Draco burst out laughing. Funny, I was going to say the same thing. he admitted looking highly amused. There were many occasions I would pick fights with you just to get your attention...throughout my entire life you were sort of the only person I could ever count on, The only constant in my life. All of my so called friends, they would abandon me at the drop of a pin if it suited their needs. But you, Weasley and Granger, well I knew for a fact that you would always hate me. The consistency was rather comforting. Harry snorted a little and they sat in silence, just digesting each others words and sipping their butterbeer. It shocked them both to see how well they could get along with each other when they weren't being gits. Somehow, I don't think we hate each other anymore. Harry suggested after a while shaking his head and snorting. My entire world is turning upside down. he confessed. The two people I hated most in the world are now what I could only describe as a friend. The man I once adored and looked up to, I hate as much as I hated Voldemort. Everything is twisting under my feet and I feel like I'm about to be pulled under where I'll drown! After hearing this, Draco placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed to reassure him. Personally, I'm glad we don't hate each other. I've always looked up to you believe it or not. Draco confessed smiling a little and shaking his head. As ridiculous as it might seem, no matter what happened to you or what I did to you, you were always able to come out on top...to survive. I struggled to do the same, to be as good as you, to be your equal instead of some pathetic wanna be. Uncomfortable with the admission, Harry had to laugh. You know, I've always envied you. You had a loving family, so many friends, you knew who you were and what you wanted. And I only had an abusive aunt and uncle who hated me. And a clinger named Ron and a bushy haired know it all. he shared shaking his head. I didn't even know I was famous until I was on the train and Ron was my very first friend ever. I didn't even know I had money until Hagrid took me to Gringotts. Yet you'd always had everything you needed, and wanted. And I couldn't even get three meals a day half the time. I was so jealous of you. Draco stared, startled and Harry gave off a nervous laugh and settled himself further into the couch. We are both a little delusional I think Draco said smirking. Harry watched him drain the last of his butterbeer and place it on the tray. Smiling silver eyes raised to meet vibrant green and Draco slowly raised his hand. Truce? Still meeting his steady gaze, Harry grinned and gripped Draco's hand tightly. Truce. he agreed sighing a little feeling guilt overwhelm him again. I'm sorry about your father Draco. Don't be. Draco stated simply. He made his own choices, it's his own fault he is where he is now. I honestly don't miss him. Draco confessed shaking his head. He was a tyrant, and I never realized it until he was gone. Maybe a good stint in Azkaban will get him straightened out. Harry could only stare at the blond and make note of the conviction in all he had said. Yeah...I guess... he mumbled shaking his head unsure as to what he should say. ...but I still feel a little guilty. he sighed. So many horrible things have happened, most of them were because of me. Draco cocked his head confused. What has happened to you Harry? I mean...throughout the years? Like everyone else, I've only heard what Dumbledore has allowed us to hear. Harry had to laugh at that. Taking a deep breath he began the long story of his life. He described living in the cupboard under the stairs, the treatment he received from his horrid muggle relatives. He spoke of all the times he thought he was going to die. He told Draco everything that happened first year through fifth year, whispered every name of people that had lost their lives. Draco listened in rapt attention, his eyes wide, shocked beyond belief. But you know...to be perfectly honest, it sounds as if you have misplaced the blame. It sounds to me as if most of this is Dumbledore's fault! Was it not Dumbledore who left you on the muggles doorstep? Who never checked on you growing up? Dumbledore who made all of your decisions for you since you came to Hogwarts. He allowed Moody to teach fourth year, to hold the Triwizard Tournament, to allow your participation? And you said Wormtail, weird name that is, killed Cedric. Certainly you can't blame yourself for his death! And last year, well Dumbledore didn't tell you a thing! In fact he basically ignored you all year didn't he? So it's more his fault that Black and Lupin were killed, and Neville and Luna....that was Death Eaters, right? Shocked by his recounting of those awful events, Harry suddenly realized that Draco was right. He knew some of the blame was on his shoulders, but definitely not ALL of it. Others needed to carry their share of the burden of guilt like Dumbledore, Wormtail, the Death Eaters....even Tom! Harry had never expected to feel so ... so relieved about something before! He felt a huge pressure lift off his shoulders and his heart, allowing him a rare chance to actually breath. Thank you Draco. he breathed startled and slightly in shock and Draco nodded clapping Harry on the shoulder with a grin. My pleasure Harry. We should get together sometime and just hang out. Try out this friendship thing, yeah? Draco's eyebrows scrunched together Never had a friend before. He admitted. I should go to dinner, so should you for that matter! he chastised a now smiling Harry. I'll have my house elf bring me something to eat. he promised. I don't feel like going to dinner. he admitted and Draco nodded. Alright, see you later then. he said rather awkwardly and Harry chuckled and nodded. See you tomorrow. he confirmed, yawning as Draco left. Instead of calling a house elf to bring him dinner he decided to lay down. Breathing in Draco's lingering warm scent, he drifted off to sleep with a soft smile on his lips.