Chapter 7: Sun & Moon

Draco Malfoy prided himself upon several things. First he was an outstanding seeker, just ask him he would tell you for hours. Second he was above average in all of his classes, and more than adequate in a duel. Third was the fact of his blood purity, although this fact was slowly becoming less important with time. Fourth was his Lord's faith in his abilities, arguably the thing he was most proud of. Finally he was experienced in the magical world, meaning that very little could cause him pause or shock at this point...

Or so he thought, that is until Harry Potter, his Lord and Master, came walking into the Slytherin common rooms with a book in his left hand, and an unconscious Ginny Weasley thrown over his right shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Needless to say this earned a silent confusion until someone gathered up the courage to make further inquiries.

"Ummm... my Lord?"

"Yes Blaise."

"Uhh... you have a redhead on your shoulder..."

"I am well aware thank you."

"Errr why?"

"Because carrying her bridal style might cause even more rumors, and dragging her on the ground seems a bit harsh."

"Uhhhh."

"Yes?"

"What I think Blaise is trying to say my Lord is that... why are you carrying her around?" the Malfoy heir inquired, earning a silent thanks from the dark skinned boy.

"Ah, because she is unconscious. I couldn't exactly leave the poor girl in the hallway now could I? Imagine what horrors could have befallen her."

"O-of course..."

"Now then if you will excuse me, I need to begin extracting Miss Weasley's life force from the book so that she may recover from her attempted possession." With that the raven-haired boy opened the secret passage to his personal quarters, which promptly closed behind him leaving a stunned group of students staring in his wake.

"Wait... did he just say 'possession'?"

******

A soft pop echoed through the living quarters of Harry Potter as a House-Elf appeared, wringing his hands and looking all around quite stressed.

"Ah Dobby, I have been meaning to speak with you."

"Dobby knows Master Harry Potter, Dobby could feel it."

"I imagine so after your attempt to bond with me."

The creature winced slightly at the slightly cold tone, and the fact that his plan had been discovered so easily.

"Oh do not worry Dobby I am not going to punish you, had you failed to be useful to me then I might have but with your information concerning the Weasleys all will be forgiven."

"Dobby is happy Great Master Harry Potter sir."

Indeed, the boy resumed pulling a haze of red mist from the diary and redirecting it back into the girl it had originally been stolen from.

"Dobby has more news sir."

"Oh?"

"Her brothers, the ones who prank, they have something of yours."

"Do they now?"

"A map sir."

"Interesting... well Dobby congratulations I believe you have proven yourself useful once more. I will make you a deal. Find out a bit more information on this map for me and I will release you from your servitude with the Malfoys and allow you to follow me instead."

The Elf's eyes widened excitedly, before he nodded and disappeared once more, leaving the teen to turn his focus back onto his 'guest'. "You and your family are becoming more interesting by the day my dear..."

******

"Good morning my dear"

Ginny Weasley sat up so fast that she practically passed out again. She was definitely not in her dorms, and wasn't in the hospital wing which meant... her eyes widened as her head spun to face the boy seated next to the bed, a charming smile on his face which quickly caused her own to heat up in a blush.

"How are you feeling? I was becoming a bit worried that you would miss breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day."

"I-I-I..."

"So you are hungry then? You must be, I doubt that the parasite fed you at all. I have taken the liberties of retrieving a few breakfast choices for you."

"I-I-I-I-I..."

"For now, unfortunately, I must insist that you stay here, preferably in bed. There is a private bathroom behind me once you feel strong enough to move but your life-force was quite drained when I found you. Even after restoring it to you I am afraid that you will need some recovery time before you can be up and moving for extended periods. I understand the need for privacy but if you wish to bathe I would encourage you to inform me first. I would hate for you to slip and fall with no one around to help you."

The 'slight blush' had become so severe after this train of thought that Ginny's face was closer to the color of her hair rather than it's normal pale tone.

"I trust you have had 'breakfast in bed' before? A marvelous Muggle tradition I will admit. Do not worry about the Slytherins they are not able to enter here without me and I have warned them about attempting to do so. So for now eat."

Finally the younger girl managed to nod, before staring down at the tray that was set on her lap filled with food.

******

"How odd brother of mine"

"Very odd indeed my less attractive twin."

"Ha, that is not what your girlfriend said last night."

"Odd, because it is what yours said."

The twins grinned at each other, before looking down to reread the note that they had found on their bunk bed in the Gryffindor dorm rooms.

Devils of Gryffindor, I have something of great value to you. If you want it back meet us in the Charms Corridor two days from now at nine in the eve. Come alone.

"Curiouser and Curiouser Fred."

"Indeed, and I am George today."

"No, I am George, I told Angela that an hour ago and we have a date."

"Well good luck with that, because she likes Fred more anyway."

******

A sobbing Luna Lovegood lay curled up in a broom closet once more. Why couldn't they just leave her alone? Why did they have to hate her so much?

Once more flashes of the future went through her mind like horrible nightmares, each one worse than the last. The newest was her sitting alone, in nothing but dirty ripped clothing, in what appeared to be her house. There she sat, for days on end just staring at nothing in particular. There was no one in her life, and hadn't been for years prior to her father's death. There the older version of herself sat without moving, without blinking, the loneliness finally shattering her mind.

Another whimper escaped the young girl's mouth. Why couldn't she have a happy future? Why did she have to suffer? Why couldn't someone just... care.

******

"Ummm Harry?"

"Yes my dear? How are you feeling?"

"G-good... ummm..."

"Is something wrong? Are you hungry again?"

"N-no I just... umm... could I... maybe... take a bath..."

"Ah of course, you have been sitting in that bed for well over a day now and you probably haven't had time to bathe in longer than that. Considering you were returning from the Chamber of Secrets I imagine you are feeling a bit filthy yes?"

She nodded shyly, and waited for her caretaker to stand next to the bed while helping her stand, and then walk, across the room to the add-on lavatory. Once there he gently set her down before starting her water.

"Do not fret my dear, once the water is to your liking I will go and fetch some towels while you disrobe and hide beneath the rather foamy bubbles that I have added. That will also give me time to change the bed sheets for you."

As he turned to leave a hand reached out and grabbed a hold of his cloak.

"H-Harry..."

"Hmm?"

"Could you... help me umm..."

"Ah you are not feeling quite up to strength yet."

She nodded in shyly, before the boy helped her up and began to undress her. It was an odd feeling for the youngest Weasley, being stripped down in front of a boy she barely knew, despite the fact that he was keeping his eyes closed in respect. His hands were gentle, and yet there was a power and nimbleness to them that surprised the first year, a feeling of comfort and security surrounded her, even with something so demeaning.

After all was said and done she draped her arm across his shoulders, allowing him to aid her into the tub, where she stood for a moment.

"Now then, that towel hmm?"

"Y-yes please."

When he returned however, she was still standing, albeit bracing herself on a nearby wall.

"Oh my apologies my dear," he muttered turning away instantly, "I did not realize that..."

"It's okay... I mean you are doing all of this for me and..." What the hell was she doing? Letting some boy look at her naked? And yet... there was a desire inside her that to see something in his eyes. A spark of enjoyment, a flash of lust, approval... just something that would tell her she was attractive, that she could be more than just a skinny little shy girl with no friends. "And I want you to look."

The way his eyes raked over her form sent more than a few pleasant shivers through her body and to her core.

"You are very lovely my dear, do not let anyone tell you otherwise."

"Th-thank you..."

"Now into the water, you still need to get clean... if you don't I will be forced to wash you myself." The huskiness in his voice gave her a moment of doubt, that maybe she should take him up on his offer...

******

"Look who it is Fred"

"Indeed George, apparently the Lord of Slytherin has seen fit to attend an audience with us."

Harry responded by extending his arm towards Draco, who reached into his pocket and placed a few Galleons into the raven-haired boy's hand, grumbling the entire time.

"I am curious as to how you know such a thing, would you care to explain?"

"Oh forgive us"

"Oh Slytherin Lord"

"We are but humble pranksters"

"Not worthy of your inquiries"

"Also Pansy Parkinson is a gossip"

Again the hand was extended, earning more grumbles from the blonde, who pulled out even more coins to give to the boy.

"Any chance you"

"Will explain to us"

"Why heir Malfoy"

"Keeps giving you money?"

The Potter Lord grinned, "We made a few wagers before coming here based on your reactions, thus far Draco is losing... badly."

"Such freaking crap..." said boy mumbled.

"So now that the introductions are done we can get down to business what are you willing to give up for..."

"Actually we just showed up to tell you"

"To bugger off"

"And also"

"Give you a 'going away present'."

Moments later a red dust dropped from the ceiling, covering the two Slytherins in what appeared to be a very 'Gryffindor' shade of crimson. The two older boys burst into laughter, even to the extent of falling on the ground. Neither noticed that Draco had, reluctantly, pulled out yet another handful of coins to give to his Lord.

"Well Draco it appears you were wrong."

"My apologies my Lord, I thought they would be a bit more mature than Ron."

Harry shrugged, before turning to leave, "It appears you were mistaken, they did not value their sister as much as we presumed. A pity, well regardless she will simply..."

The boy-who-lived halted in his steps, a smirk appearing on his face as he turned towards the two older students who were now pointing Wands at him.

"What did you do to Ginny?"

"Ah, not as funny anymore is it?" Harry inquired, before extending his hand, and earning a groan of annoyance from Draco before handing over more Galleons.

"Seriously how the hell could you guess that."

"Simple Draco, people are predictable. Perhaps I will use this to buy Miss Parkinson a Christmas gift, do you think she would prefer jewelry or lingerie?"

"OUR SISTER!"

"NOW!"

"Now now no need to be rude, after all as far as you know hexing me might ensure that you never see her again."

Reluctantly the two weapons were lowered, although neither boy appeared any less hostile.

"Let us try this again shall we, what are you willing to give up for your sister's return?"

Fred gritted his teeth, biting back the response before George put a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "What do you want Potter?"

"First and foremost, the map."

"I don't know what you are talking about"

Harry's eyes narrowed in annoyance, "I have not insulted your intelligence, do not insult mine. I am well aware of the map you two carry that shows everyone in the castle. It is mine and I want it returned."

"Who the hell says it is yours!?"

"The fact that Prongs was my father."

Both boy's mouths dropped, before one reluctantly pulled it out and tossed it to the Slytherin.

"Now then, in return for your sister I want an oath from both of you."

"And what would that entail?" George growled.

"That you will not prank or harass anyone below your school year..." Harry was interrupted as Draco whispered something, earning a chuckle from the emerald-eyed boy. "Exceptions can be made concerning family of course, feel free to prank Ron as much as you desire."

"W-wait... that's it?"

"Yes..."

"You just want us to stop pranking..."

"No, I could care less about those your year or older, they can defend themselves, but anyone younger than you is now to be exempt."

Both redheads glanced at each other, before raising their wands and swearing the oath.

"Very good, Ginny come here please."

The shy girl stepped out from the shadows, before walking towards her brothers at Harry's slight gesture.

"She has mostly recovered from her ordeal, but I would still keep a close eye on her for the next month or so just in case. Possessed diaries are so very irritating to deal with."

"P-p-possession!?"

"Indeed, had I not intervened I fear she would be sapped of her life-force within the next few weeks. Oh and considering her involvement with the Chamber of Secrets I would highly suggest you keep this little incident to yourselves. If not she will either end up at St. Mungos, which your family cannot afford to use for the time they will deem necessary, or Azkaban, which she will not survive."

The two boys gulped, before nodding and gently leading their sister off.

Neither noticed the way she looked back at her raven-haired savior, an expression of longing in her eyes as she watched him turn and leave.

******

"I don't get it my Lord, all of that just to get them to stop pranking? She was worth way more than that."

"Oh I am fully aware Draco, but she has already become infatuated with me, and now her brothers will feel that they owe me a favor as well. I have no need of anything they possess Draco, at least not at the moment, but the debt that I can now call upon... that is something I might be able to use." Harry replied, already unveiling the map and studying it intently.

"So now what?"

The boy-who-lived chuckled, "Now we need to address a small issue, before continuing upon my plans for this year."

As the two entered the Slytherin commons the various students stood, as was required when a Lord entered the room, to show their allegiances.

"It has come to my attention that there are rumors going around Hogwarts, rumors about my position in this house. Now I thought I had informed everyone that this knowledge was to remain secret... but apparently I was not quite clear enough." Harry began, his eyes sweeping the room before landing on Pansy who had started fidgeting.

"Is there something you wish to say Miss Parkinson?"

"I..." the girl replied, before stepping forward and kneeling before him. "I beg your forgiveness my Lord! I overstepped my boundaries and I wish to make amends for my error."

"Indeed... and how do you plan on doing that Miss Parkinson? What skills do you have that could actually be of use to me?"

"I... I..."

"Your grades are nothing to be excited about, your family has little power, you possess no notable skills..."

"I can..."

"Yes?"

"I... I don't know..." the girl looked ready to break down in tears, while Harry took on a 'thoughtful' posture.

"Perhaps... well I am not sure if you would be able to..."

Pansy knew what was at stake, if she was exiled from his presence her life in Slytherin would become hell. Sure some had not sworn loyalty, such as Daphne Greengrass, but those who had were expected to stay loyal. If she was discarded her very future, including marriage to Draco, would be in jeopardy.

"ANYTHING! My Lord I will do anything you command!"

"Very well, I want you to gather information on two individuals for me. As much as you can. Everything concerning their current studies, their pasts, their plans for the future, their personalities, friends, loved ones, families, hopes, dreams, fears, ambitions... well you get the idea."

"O-of course my Lord!"

"Good, the two in question are Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger."

"Ummm my Lord, with all due respect..." one of the older Slytherins interrupted, looking a bit nervous to do so.

"Yes?"

"Why them? I mean Lovegood is an old Pureblood name but Granger... isn't she that Mu..."

The look the older student received froze him in place. It was nigh impossible to get a 'read' on Harry when he did no wish you to do so, that was why when his anger was obvious it was best to reassess your situation.

"No, please continue, clearly you have something important to say."

"N-no my Lord, nothing..."

"You are sure? I want to emphasize that I am open to all suggestions and critiques, if you have one do not be afraid to speak up."

"N-no of course not. I was merely missing the bigger picture, forgive me."

"Ah of course, of course. Now then, do you have any questions Miss Parkinson?"

"O-only one m-my Lord, how long do I have to..."

"Accomplish your redemption? I do not think we need to set a definitive date, however I do not wish to seem too forgiving or weak with my compassion so... let us make it a bit interesting shall we?"

The boy's hand extended, his fingers brushing against her forehead before the girl cried out and nearly crumpled onto the ground, her body shaking as it did so. "This will persist until I deem it necessary to give you the key to your release... should you be unable to cope... then perhaps I was wrong, and you are not needed."

"I-I-I w-will s-s-succeed m-my L-Lord."

"Good, I anxiously await your results." With that the boy departed, and Pansy slowly rose before struggling off to her room, thus missing the whispers from the common room.

"What the hell did he do to her?"

"Beats me... but I sure as heck don't want to be subject to it."

******

"M-my Lord?"

"Ah Draco, please come in, you wanted to speak with me?"

"Indeed my Lord, it is about Pansy..."

"Miss Parkinson? Oh I do so hope she has not caved already..."

"No... no of course not it is just... if she fails my Lord, if you cast her out..."

"Oh do not worry Draco, even if she fails I am sure that I could find some use for her... even if it is on her back being used for as a sex toy."

The blonde let out a rather shocked sound, his jaw almost dropping in the process.

"Oh relax Draco I was merely kidding, I would not use your fiance in such a way."

The whisper was almost missed by the raven-haired boy, but he still caught it in the silent room, "Wh-why not?"

"Pardon?"

"Why... why wouldn't you use her? I mean it is your right to do so, she swore loyalty to you, she is attractive..."

Harry stared at the boy for a moment, before gesturing towards a chair across from him to be taken, "Draco let me tell you a story. A very long time ago in a distant land there lived a powerful and ruthless king. Now he held domain over all he surveyed and all swore loyalty to him, but the man was a terrible monster and often sought that which he could not have. One day the king spied a lovely woman working in the castle and demanded that she join him in his bed. The girl plead for him to reconsider, for she was betrothed to another servant and wanted to save herself for their wedding night... yet the king would not be swayed from his lust and the girl was forced to do so under penalty of death for her true love. Now when the other man heard of this he grew angry, and yet the king did not fear, for he was powerful and commanded armies of unending loyalty to him. Surely this kitchen hand was nothing compared to him correct?"

The emerald-eyed boy paused, ensuring that his friend was keeping up before continuing on, "However, one day while the king was dining he found himself unable to breathe, and despite the best efforts of the nearby guards he collapsed at the table while he drowned in his own fluids in a horrific manner. Apparently the young man, whose bride he had forced, worked as a drink server and had slipped poison into the king's evening wine."

Piercing eyes focused in on the Malfoy heir, who gulped and nodded that he was still listening, "The moral of the story, Draco, is that no matter how powerful you are, no matter how feared or loved you may be all of us bow to death. Even the most mighty king can be brought down by a slave should he not take care in what he covets. Do you understand this lesson Draco?"

"I... I do my Lord, and I shall take heed of it. But with all due respect I do not think it applies here."

"Oh? Enlighten me then, why is it you believe this?"

"Because my Lord, in Magical society those we declare to be our Lord we value above all things. For such a person to show an interest in a servant in anyway is an incredible boon upon them. For a Lord to approach, or even bed, the wife, husband, or betrothed of a servant is one of the highest honors known in our world."

Silence reigned for a few minutes, as the blonde Slytherin feared he had somehow upset his master, before the other boy spoke. "It is an honor is it Draco?"

"Y-yes..."

"So you would feel honored if I took Pansy to my chambers, if I forced her onto her knees to please me..."

"I assure you my Lord, no force would be necessary. She would be more than willing to..."

"You would feel no rage if I brought her in right now and fucked her on this table right in front of you? If I took her virginity while you watched? If I demanded she use her mouth to service me..."

"I..." the blonde boy was blushing now, and Harry felt the spark of desire in the Malfoy heir as if the thoughts truly were appeasing to him. "I would feel no anger my Lord I promise you... I was the one who suggested the photos she sent last Christmas."

"Interesting..."

******

Pansy Parkinson was suffering, sure she knew that there would be more to her redemption than just getting information on two classmates but this...

She hadn't been able to sleep the previous night, all due to the stipulation, and could barely focus in class. Despite her own claims she had, in fact, tried several cures, all of which failed. Then she had gone with the simplest solution of all... it had only made it worse.

Thus she was stuck sitting in Potions class, trying to pay attention to the ingredients in front of her while rubbing her thighs together as discreetly as possible. It had not been pain that was forced upon her, as so many assumed. It was pleasure, mind numbing, earth shaking, knicker ruining pleasure. Now that in of itself would not have been bad, in fact she would have broken her Lord's rules more often if that was the case, but the fact that despite the lust and stimulation surging through her veins she could not find release.

Her orgasm was being held hostage, and she could not fall into that sweet oblivion until her task was complete. Merlin it was driving her insane! She could feel it, so close that it was practically visible but never quite within reach. Like the most beautiful dress ever conceived being displayed behind a glass window that could not be broken, and just like a dress she wanted it, needed it, desired it.

Why couldn't her repayment have been something simpler? She would have gladly offered herself to Harry in anyway he could desire. She wouldn't have given it a second thought, and she did not doubt that Draco would have encouraged her... probably even would have asked for details afterwards.

But that was not the case, and thus her suffering continued as her mind attempted to come up with a plan to get information on Granger or Lovegood. Sure there was no 'deadline' for her salvation, but she was positive that she would not be able to last more than another day or two at most before she went insane.

******

Hermione Granger had a secret, one that she kept from... well it didn't really matter because no one seemed to give two craps about her at Hogwarts. McGonagall appeared more than a little annoyed every time she raised her hand in class and Gryffindors either ignored or taunted her whenever they crossed paths. The young bookworm was beginning to look forward to being verbally abused.

Not because she enjoyed it, in fact she had begun to hate and despise those who continually insulted her for simply enjoying school, but rather the fact that a pattern was beginning to emerge.

She would be beaten down emotionally, flee to a nearby bathroom, and then if it was empty there would be a knock on her stall door. Her mysterious companion would then talk to her about her day. Inquire about her studies, even provide hints about how to better perform in class.

But it was simply the fact that he cared about her that made the most impact. There was no falsehoods in his voice, no sarcasm like so many others, no annoyed sighs or groans when she would go on a rant. Just silent, and at times audible, acknowledgment of her existence.

Then there was the small article of black cloth that she kept with her at all times. Whenever she couldn't escape, whenever she wasn't able to find the isolation she needed the young Gryffindor would gently clasp it in her hand, rubbing her fingers over the silky structure until she calmed.

The obsession was growing with her social isolation, and Hermione knew it. She could see the signs clear as day in herself but... she just could not find the will to care. No one else would spend time with her, no one else would give her so much as a second glance unless it was to help get House Points or to steal an answer for a test or homework.

At this point even the logical portion of her mind, the part that was originally terrified by the changes in herself, was beginning to agree with the idea of seeking out this acceptance. If she didn't, if she ignored it and continued on her own she had little doubt that she would become part of the statistic, one in five Muggle-born students committed suicide a year after graduation.

Although the Wizarding world knew about this, they cared little for solving the problem, the social isolation that the society itself caused. Hermione Granger was determined not to fall into this, and anytime she felt the creeping depression she would find a moment to either contact her benefactor... or take a hold of his gift and fight the feeling away.

The only things that worried her now were in the future. What if the man found he no longer wished to spend time with her, and what would she do during the summer, when she could no longer reach him?

******

"M-my L-Lord..."

"Ah Miss Parkinson, how are you today?"

The gleam in his eyes made the girl want to either punch him... or tear his pants off and mount him in the common room.

"G-g-good m-my L-Lord... I-I-I h-have th-this..."

"Oh? You are finished with your task already? Well that was sooner than I thought, well done." the boy took two offered vanilla folders before slowly going through their contents.

"Hmmm"

Pansy was practically sobbing at this point, she just wanted it to end to be able to sleep.

"Very well done Pansy... I do believe that this makes up for your indiscretion."

"Th-thank you m-my L-Lord."

He nodded, before going back to the information, leaving her panting in front of him. Luckily the room was empty, save for Draco, Harry and herself, everyone else having left at his slight gesture.

"Is there anything else Pansy?"

"P-please..."

"Please what?"

"P-please... let me..."

"Oh yes, how silly of me to forget. The 'key' to your release and all that, well it is a rather interesting puzzle if I do say so myself so you had best pay attention to figure it out."

The girl whimpered, but nodded.

"The spell cannot be undone by the one who suffers from it, as you have undoubtedly noted. Instead you must use another person to bring yourself to fruition. Do that and..."

All she heard was 'another person' before reaching out and grabbing the wrist of her Lord, and jamming his hand, along with her own, into her pants. A moment later and she had managed to get their hands underneath her knickers, before practically forcing his fingers into her.

Harry raised an eyebrow as two of his fingers slipped into something wet, tight, and hot. He knew, of course, what sex was but to actually experience a portion of it was a far different experience than what he was expecting.

The girl was practically trembling as he pushed a bit further into her, moving his digits around in an exploratory manner.

"How very interesting..."

She gasped when he found a particularly sensitive spot, and upon further rubbing of this area had the girl practically bucking into his hands, her insides tightening around him as he did so.

"Such interesting sounds you are making my dear..."

"P-p-plea... G-g-god..."

"Not quite, but you do feel rather heavenly I must say."

He managed to slide one more finger inside of her soaked sex before she convulsed, her cunt clenching around him as a scream ripped through her throat, her body slumping forward onto him as she went boneless.

Most interestingly, however, was the fact he was still inside of her before the boy chuckled and withdrew, his fingers glistening as he did so. "Perhaps I overdid it a bit... I was going to say that your fiance was sitting over there but..." Glancing over Harry's eyebrow quirked up when he realized that Draco's hand was down his own pants, and he was approaching his own release at the sight of his betrothed using their Lord in such a way.

A soft grunt and he too was done, before slumping back into his chair.

"Well I suppose that means you will not be taking her back to her dorm room..."

"M-my a-apologies my L-Lord..."

A sigh broke his lips, this time he did pick the girl up bridal style before carrying her to her own bed, much to the puzzlement of the other girls in the dorm.

******

"So my Lord, are you going to inform us as to why you wanted the information on Granger and Lovegood? I mean I suppose they are somewhat attractive but..."

"Ah Draco I am glad that you are only in your second year."

"Um... thank you? Why is that?"

"Because I have plans for you Draco, and if you were this shortsighted while being considerably older then I would be worried."

The Malfoy flushed red with embarrassment as the small group of Slytherins made their way down a nearly abandoned corridor.

"Better yet my Lord," Pansy practically purred as she inched just slightly closer to the raven-haired boy, "why are we in this hallway?"

"Because the next part of my plan is in this hallway Pansy." with that the boy stopped in front of a closet, before dispelling the multitude of charms on the door and opening it.

Inside, with her knees pulled up to her chest, was a sobbing, naked, young blonde girl.

"Ah hem..." Millicent growled out, glaring at the other boys who promptly looked away.

"Miss Lovegood?"

The girl's sobbing halted, before she looked up, with eyes full of confusion and fear at the boy standing above her.

"It appears as though you could use some aid."

Her eyes widened even further, before a spark of something, hope perhaps, appeared within. Slowly she began to rise, keeping her arms positioned in such a way that it covered her modesty, until she stood in front of the boy. Her eyes glanced towards the other two girls as a blush appeared on her face, her legs shifting slightly with discomfort.

"Pansy, Millie... leave"

The two girls did as ordered, his tone allowing rebuttal, leaving the two alone.

As he slipped off his outer cloak the young Lovegood's face lit up with a thankfulness he had not beheld in years, and she graciously accepted the clothing that was slid around her shoulder to cover her from any further sight. The moment it touched her skin, however, she gasped in shock.

It was... something else. It felt smoother than silk as it practically melded to her body, dancing across her skin like the caress of a lover. It was warm, almost like a small heater and brought a comfort to her skin and her heart as it molded around her body to protect her.

Like being hugged and protected all at the same time.

"I..."

"Keep it my dear, and know that should you ever need a friend you have one in Slytherin."

******

Memories

That was all she had of the time she had spent with her savior. Memories of his presence... and a certain emptiness that came with them. It was as if she had found something that she had lacked, found a missing part of herself that nothing else had ever come close to replacing, and then had been forced to leave it behind.

Ginny Weasley let out a deep sigh as she stared at her schoolwork. Two hours had passed and she had barely managed a single inch of writing for the essay that would be due in a week. At first she thought that her inability to concentrate was linked with 'Tom'. That perhaps whatever he had done to her, Harry had mentioned draining her life-force, had also cause mental problems as well. Even her brothers seemed to be convinced of that when she had hinted at having issues.

But deep down she knew the truth. It had nothing to do with demonic book, instead her thoughts simply focused around a certain emerald-eyed boy, and the way he took care of her, comforted her, and looked at her.

******

"Well well well, look who it is, Loony Luna, and I heard you were seen palling around with Slytherins. What, are you such a loser than you need to associate with the snakes in order to find friends? They won't accept you, no one will ever accept you. You are a freak and a loser!" the older Ravenclaw taunted as he stepped into the young blonde's face, forcing her to step away in the process as he slowly backed her into a wall.

Moments later a group of Slytherins, including Harry, entered the corridor, and the raven-haired boy's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Something wrong here?"

"Bugger off Potter, this is Ravenclaw business not yours."

"Oh but it appears as though it has become mine as well, especially since you continue to taunt a friend of mine."

"So it is true then, Loony here really has lost whatever was left of her pathetic mind if she is friends with a freak like you."

The area grew deathly quiet, as the younger children put just a little more distance between themselves and the older Ravenclaw, who seemed to have a death wish. They had all seen their Lord angry before, and none wished to be around the target of his wrath when it struck.

For Draco Malfoy, however, he was wondering how he had never noticed it before. Perhaps at the time he thought it was a trick of the mind, the way that the lights seemed to flicker, how the room grew just a little darker.

Now though... there was no doubt that it was not an illusion. The blonde watched in terror as the shadows crept across the floor, as if slowly reaching out for their fellow classmate. What would happen if they reached him? Would he be torn asunder? Ripped into bloody pieces? Mutilated in ways that no human ever should be?

"Wotcher Harry, fancy seeing you here."

The effect reversed itself in an instant, and Harry's smiling face turned to face the Auror.

"Well hello Miss Tonks, and how are you today?"

He truly was the perfect Slytherin.

"Can't complain too much" the woman said with a slight blush at the attention she was receiving. "Is anything wrong here? I thought I heard someone making a few idle threats..."

"No... no nothing like that, you must have misheard us." the Ravenclaw boy quickly replied, earning a slightly feral grin from the Metamorphmagus.

"Good, good well you better be off to class. No sense in getting hurt wandering about right?"

"Y-yeah..."

With the older student gone the Potter Lord gave a slight gesture towards the younger girl to accompany them, "Would you like to walk with us to your next class Miss Lovegood? As Miss Tonks stated, it really is not safe to be walking alone."

The shy nod from the girl was the only thing needed to answer, as Luna joined up with the group of Slytherins.

******

"Did you see that?"

"No Draco, I didn't see the shadows literally moving across the floor like a living breathing monster about to murder some poor bastard right in front of us."

"Shut it Blaise, how the hell did he do it though? I mean I have heard about magically created shadows and darkness but... nothing like that."

******