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Apr. 23rd, 2006 10:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dripping_cherryTitle: Harry Potter and the Lost Grimiore 5/?
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: 2,000 ish
Summary: Harry attends a post-Hogwarts University where Draco Malfoy is his roommate, and secrets of an ancient evil threatening to resurface lurk within the castle walls.
Ruby Grove was a village pulled out of the pages of a fairy tale book. The houses, shops, and even the cobblestone streets were vibrant and shimmering. Everywhere he looked, Harry saw all the colors of the rainbow. The town was indescribably beautiful at first sight, but as Harry strolled along the streets, looking through the windows of the shops, he decided he preferred Hogsmeade.
He remembered what he’d learned in his Magical Lore class. The age of the town is unknown. No matter how far back into historical records one went, Ruby Grove had always been there, always beautiful, always perfect, and never requiring maintenance. According to legend, the village was once ruled by a witch queen, whose name was too terrible to be remembered. It was her magic that kept the town in pristine condition long after her bones had turned to dust. Harry didn’t believe the bizarre legend, but he wasn’t surprised that people had developed such a fantastical explanation. Ruby Grove seemed almost too perfect—like the skeleton of a utopian society.
At ten minutes to noon, Harry entered The Queen’s Goblet, a small, cozy pub that matched the paradisiacal scenery outside. Harry glanced around and almost immediately found Remus sitting in the corner at one of the round, polished tables. He looked shabbier than ever. It hadn’t been difficult for Harry to spot him in his worn robes among the impeccable surroundings.
“Harry!” Remus exclaimed, standing up to greet him.
“It’s great too see you again,” said Harry as they embraced.
“I’m happy to see you, too,” said Remus, patting him on the back.
Harry took his seat across from his friend. He ordered a butterbeer-- Remus was already nursing a cup of tea. “How’ve you been?”
“Okay,” said Harry. “You?”
“I can’t complain. How about your friends? Are Hermione and Ron a couple yet?”
“They’ve become closer, but I wouldn’t say they’re a couple yet.” Harry smiled, but wished that Remus would skip the small talk and tell him what was going on—he’d been so worried since he’d received that letter.
“All in good time,” said Remus mirthfully.
“So er—what did you want to talk to me about?”
“That’ll have to wait,” said Remus. “It’s too crowded in here. We’ll go for a walk later. For now, let us enjoy our drinks.”
Harry took the first sip from his bottle. The butterbeer was the best he’d ever tasted, and he tried not to focus on his worries while enjoying drinking it and answering Remus’s questions about school, Quidditch and many other things. Harry was glad to be able to talk to his friend face-to-face again, but found it rather irritating that Remus still didn’t like to talk about himself.
After finishing their drinks, they left the pub to go for a walk around the town. Harry followed Remus past the crowds of lively shoppers until they came to a small grove, oddly in the center of the town. He gazed up at the ruby-colored leaves decorating the trees as they walked, and halted when he came upon statue of a strikingly beautiful woman.
Remus sat down on a boulder near the statue. Harry took his spot beside him and waited for him to speak.
“Sirius came to me in a dream,” said Remus.
There was a pause as Harry waited for an elaboration. When it didn’t come he asked, “What do you mean he ‘came’ to you?” It seemed to Harry to be a strange choice of words.
“I don’t think it was just a dream. When the dead speak to a person in their dreams, it is usually to warn them.”
Harry stared straight ahead with a stony expression. He didn’t like to hear that Sirius was dead. He wanted to believe that someday his godfather would return from behind that black veil. “What did he say?” he asked at last.
“He told me to warn you, Harry.”
“About what?” asked Harry.
Remus shook his head. “I don’t know, but I felt the need to tell you about this dream. The history of this place, and of the Gwydionian University, is seeped with tales of dark magic.”
“Voldemort is gone,” said Harry. “I know you’re still worried about me. That’s probably why you had that dream. But I’m safe now. We all are.”
“Voldemort wasn’t the only dark lord in history, Harry. There have been worse, much worse.”
“I don’t think anyone’s going to try and his place so soon. It would be suicide,” said Harry. “No one wanted to believe Voldemort was back, and they learned that they were wrong. People aren’t going to be so blind anymore, at least not for a while.”
“Perhaps,” said Remus. “Nevertheless, everyone feels secure now, just as you do. A time of such security is the best opportunity to strike. And believe me, Harry, there is evil that still exists, far more powerful than any wizard alive today can imagine.”
Harry had to laugh. “Sorry, but I don’t believe in those stories.”
“You don’t have to, and I hope you’ll never have reason to. Just promise me that you will watch out for yourself.”
Harry nodded, if only to calm the other’s fears. Yet, something about what Remus had said bothered Harry. “Why would Sirius come to you, if the warning was intended for me?” Harry couldn’t suppress his sudden jealousy. Remus sensed this.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Sirius loved you like a son, Harry. Whatever his reason for communicating with me, you mustn’t be angry.”
Harry nodded, turning slightly away from the man beside him because his eyes were beginning to sting. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
“Thank you, Harry,” said Remus, his hand rubbing Harry’s shoulder. They spent the rest of their time together talking about more pleasant things, although Harry’s mood failed to improve much before Remus announced that it was time for him to leave
*****
Harry searched every part of the castle where he thought Ron or Hermione might be, but hadn’t been able to find either of them. Since wasn’t in the mood for any one else’s company, he decided to go to his room and study for tomorrow’s Potions class. He wasn’t especially worried about Remus’s dream, but remembering Sirius saddened him and he needed to do something to get his mind off of his godfather.
When he entered his room, it was to find Draco Malfoy there, sitting at his desk. The blond had a book open in front of him, but didn’t appear to be reading. Harry assumed he was still sulking over the result of yesterday’s tryouts.
“You been out at all today?” Harry asked. He surprising even himself by breaking the rule they had both agreed to, but his pity for the bloke of his nighttime fantasies didn’t allow Harry to continue ignoring him.
“I went flying earlier,” said Draco.
Harry sat at his own desk and took out his Potions book. “Are you going to try out for any of the other teams?”
Draco snorted. “Are you really that thick, Potter? No one wants me around. It doesn’t matter how well I play.”
“It’s worth a try,” Harry said with a shrug.
“You’re just saying that because you want me to go out there and make a fool of myself again,” said Draco accusingly.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Get over yourself, Malfoy. I have better things to do than plot ways to drag you down.” Draco muttered something inaudible, but Harry didn’t bother asking him to repeat it. Instead, he opened his book to chapter three and began reading about brewing potions to create feelings of true love.
Harry tried hard to concentrate and understand the material, but the longer he read, the more frustrated he became. Why, exactly, did dragon blood need to be balanced with lotus root? Wolf hair with fairy wings? He could simply try to memorize everything, but it would be difficult, and if it ever came to creating a potion of his own in the class, he would fail miserably. Harry sighed, burying his face in his hands. Perhaps he’d made a mistake believing he could do well in Potions if he’d just study and not have to deal with Snape.
“If you’re stressing about Potions, you can just relax and go have some tea,” said Draco. “Adler will give you an O no matter how clueless you are. If not, you can always give him a lap dance.”
Harry glared at the blond. “Are you jealous, Malfoy?”
“Fuck no.”
Harry noticed that Draco was reading his Potions book as well. “You know, since we’re both here and studying for the same subject, we could study together.” Harry surprised even himself with this statement, but he couldn’t help his sudden urge to be closer to the blond, and to show him that he didn’t have to be so alone.
“I don’t want to be your friend, Potter,” Draco said unconvincingly.
“That’s not what you said on the Hogwarts Express when we were eleven.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “We were eleven, Potter.”
“Anyway, I’m not asking you to be friends. I’m just suggesting that we work on Potions together,” said Harry.
“You just want me to explain the concept to you, but okay, come here if you want and I’ll help you.”
Harry smiled to himself as he picked up his book. He made sure that the grin was gone before he turned back around. Draco moved his chair to make room for Harry to sit next to him. “Now,” said Draco, “what can’t you understand?”
“This business about the ingredients needing to balance each other.” Harry tried to ignore the warmth he felt radiating from Malfoy, even though there was a decent amount of space in between them. “How am I supposed to know what corresponds to what?”
“Potter we learned this at Hogwarts!” said Draco incredulously. When Harry looked at him blankly he continued, “each ingredient corresponds to one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, or water. You just need to memorize which element each of the ingredients corresponds to. Then, if you use an ingredient with fire properties, you would balance it by adding another with water properties.”
“I see,” said Harry. Draco’s explanation was helpful, but Harry was more preoccupied with looking at Draco’s hands. They really were the nicest-looking hands he’d ever seen—pale with long fingers and manicured nails. “And potions for true love require an equal balance of all four elements.”
“You’re not quite as dense as I imagined, Potter. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Harry dismissed the comment. “But why? Wouldn’t you want more fire for love?”
“An abundance of fire is required for lust potions. But remember, fire burns out quickly. For lasting love, you need not only lust, but stability, good communication, and deeper emotions…”
Draco rolled his eyes again at Harry’s bemused expression. “Learn the properties of all the elements, Potter. Not just fire.”
“I’ll do that,” said Harry, mesmerized by the shimmering silver of Draco’s irises. The blond’s eyes were magnets, and Harry was iron. He moved forward until their lips were nearly brushing against each other and Draco turned his face away.
“Do you understand now?” asked Draco quietly.
“Yeah, thanks for the help,” said Harry, regaining his senses and realizing—to his horror—that he’d almost kissed Draco Malfoy.
“Good. I’m going to go down to the Great Hall and get something to eat.”
“Okay,” said Harry. He picked up his book and his chair, and returned to his own desk. Draco left, and when Harry heard the door shut he let out a pent-up breath. He took out his quill and parchment with the intention of working on his runes homework, but ended up not getting any work done because he kept remembering the way Draco’s eyes darkened the second before he turned away from Harry’s lips.
Tbc….
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: 2,000 ish
Summary: Harry attends a post-Hogwarts University where Draco Malfoy is his roommate, and secrets of an ancient evil threatening to resurface lurk within the castle walls.
Ruby Grove was a village pulled out of the pages of a fairy tale book. The houses, shops, and even the cobblestone streets were vibrant and shimmering. Everywhere he looked, Harry saw all the colors of the rainbow. The town was indescribably beautiful at first sight, but as Harry strolled along the streets, looking through the windows of the shops, he decided he preferred Hogsmeade.
He remembered what he’d learned in his Magical Lore class. The age of the town is unknown. No matter how far back into historical records one went, Ruby Grove had always been there, always beautiful, always perfect, and never requiring maintenance. According to legend, the village was once ruled by a witch queen, whose name was too terrible to be remembered. It was her magic that kept the town in pristine condition long after her bones had turned to dust. Harry didn’t believe the bizarre legend, but he wasn’t surprised that people had developed such a fantastical explanation. Ruby Grove seemed almost too perfect—like the skeleton of a utopian society.
At ten minutes to noon, Harry entered The Queen’s Goblet, a small, cozy pub that matched the paradisiacal scenery outside. Harry glanced around and almost immediately found Remus sitting in the corner at one of the round, polished tables. He looked shabbier than ever. It hadn’t been difficult for Harry to spot him in his worn robes among the impeccable surroundings.
“Harry!” Remus exclaimed, standing up to greet him.
“It’s great too see you again,” said Harry as they embraced.
“I’m happy to see you, too,” said Remus, patting him on the back.
Harry took his seat across from his friend. He ordered a butterbeer-- Remus was already nursing a cup of tea. “How’ve you been?”
“Okay,” said Harry. “You?”
“I can’t complain. How about your friends? Are Hermione and Ron a couple yet?”
“They’ve become closer, but I wouldn’t say they’re a couple yet.” Harry smiled, but wished that Remus would skip the small talk and tell him what was going on—he’d been so worried since he’d received that letter.
“All in good time,” said Remus mirthfully.
“So er—what did you want to talk to me about?”
“That’ll have to wait,” said Remus. “It’s too crowded in here. We’ll go for a walk later. For now, let us enjoy our drinks.”
Harry took the first sip from his bottle. The butterbeer was the best he’d ever tasted, and he tried not to focus on his worries while enjoying drinking it and answering Remus’s questions about school, Quidditch and many other things. Harry was glad to be able to talk to his friend face-to-face again, but found it rather irritating that Remus still didn’t like to talk about himself.
After finishing their drinks, they left the pub to go for a walk around the town. Harry followed Remus past the crowds of lively shoppers until they came to a small grove, oddly in the center of the town. He gazed up at the ruby-colored leaves decorating the trees as they walked, and halted when he came upon statue of a strikingly beautiful woman.
Remus sat down on a boulder near the statue. Harry took his spot beside him and waited for him to speak.
“Sirius came to me in a dream,” said Remus.
There was a pause as Harry waited for an elaboration. When it didn’t come he asked, “What do you mean he ‘came’ to you?” It seemed to Harry to be a strange choice of words.
“I don’t think it was just a dream. When the dead speak to a person in their dreams, it is usually to warn them.”
Harry stared straight ahead with a stony expression. He didn’t like to hear that Sirius was dead. He wanted to believe that someday his godfather would return from behind that black veil. “What did he say?” he asked at last.
“He told me to warn you, Harry.”
“About what?” asked Harry.
Remus shook his head. “I don’t know, but I felt the need to tell you about this dream. The history of this place, and of the Gwydionian University, is seeped with tales of dark magic.”
“Voldemort is gone,” said Harry. “I know you’re still worried about me. That’s probably why you had that dream. But I’m safe now. We all are.”
“Voldemort wasn’t the only dark lord in history, Harry. There have been worse, much worse.”
“I don’t think anyone’s going to try and his place so soon. It would be suicide,” said Harry. “No one wanted to believe Voldemort was back, and they learned that they were wrong. People aren’t going to be so blind anymore, at least not for a while.”
“Perhaps,” said Remus. “Nevertheless, everyone feels secure now, just as you do. A time of such security is the best opportunity to strike. And believe me, Harry, there is evil that still exists, far more powerful than any wizard alive today can imagine.”
Harry had to laugh. “Sorry, but I don’t believe in those stories.”
“You don’t have to, and I hope you’ll never have reason to. Just promise me that you will watch out for yourself.”
Harry nodded, if only to calm the other’s fears. Yet, something about what Remus had said bothered Harry. “Why would Sirius come to you, if the warning was intended for me?” Harry couldn’t suppress his sudden jealousy. Remus sensed this.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Sirius loved you like a son, Harry. Whatever his reason for communicating with me, you mustn’t be angry.”
Harry nodded, turning slightly away from the man beside him because his eyes were beginning to sting. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
“Thank you, Harry,” said Remus, his hand rubbing Harry’s shoulder. They spent the rest of their time together talking about more pleasant things, although Harry’s mood failed to improve much before Remus announced that it was time for him to leave
*****
Harry searched every part of the castle where he thought Ron or Hermione might be, but hadn’t been able to find either of them. Since wasn’t in the mood for any one else’s company, he decided to go to his room and study for tomorrow’s Potions class. He wasn’t especially worried about Remus’s dream, but remembering Sirius saddened him and he needed to do something to get his mind off of his godfather.
When he entered his room, it was to find Draco Malfoy there, sitting at his desk. The blond had a book open in front of him, but didn’t appear to be reading. Harry assumed he was still sulking over the result of yesterday’s tryouts.
“You been out at all today?” Harry asked. He surprising even himself by breaking the rule they had both agreed to, but his pity for the bloke of his nighttime fantasies didn’t allow Harry to continue ignoring him.
“I went flying earlier,” said Draco.
Harry sat at his own desk and took out his Potions book. “Are you going to try out for any of the other teams?”
Draco snorted. “Are you really that thick, Potter? No one wants me around. It doesn’t matter how well I play.”
“It’s worth a try,” Harry said with a shrug.
“You’re just saying that because you want me to go out there and make a fool of myself again,” said Draco accusingly.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Get over yourself, Malfoy. I have better things to do than plot ways to drag you down.” Draco muttered something inaudible, but Harry didn’t bother asking him to repeat it. Instead, he opened his book to chapter three and began reading about brewing potions to create feelings of true love.
Harry tried hard to concentrate and understand the material, but the longer he read, the more frustrated he became. Why, exactly, did dragon blood need to be balanced with lotus root? Wolf hair with fairy wings? He could simply try to memorize everything, but it would be difficult, and if it ever came to creating a potion of his own in the class, he would fail miserably. Harry sighed, burying his face in his hands. Perhaps he’d made a mistake believing he could do well in Potions if he’d just study and not have to deal with Snape.
“If you’re stressing about Potions, you can just relax and go have some tea,” said Draco. “Adler will give you an O no matter how clueless you are. If not, you can always give him a lap dance.”
Harry glared at the blond. “Are you jealous, Malfoy?”
“Fuck no.”
Harry noticed that Draco was reading his Potions book as well. “You know, since we’re both here and studying for the same subject, we could study together.” Harry surprised even himself with this statement, but he couldn’t help his sudden urge to be closer to the blond, and to show him that he didn’t have to be so alone.
“I don’t want to be your friend, Potter,” Draco said unconvincingly.
“That’s not what you said on the Hogwarts Express when we were eleven.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “We were eleven, Potter.”
“Anyway, I’m not asking you to be friends. I’m just suggesting that we work on Potions together,” said Harry.
“You just want me to explain the concept to you, but okay, come here if you want and I’ll help you.”
Harry smiled to himself as he picked up his book. He made sure that the grin was gone before he turned back around. Draco moved his chair to make room for Harry to sit next to him. “Now,” said Draco, “what can’t you understand?”
“This business about the ingredients needing to balance each other.” Harry tried to ignore the warmth he felt radiating from Malfoy, even though there was a decent amount of space in between them. “How am I supposed to know what corresponds to what?”
“Potter we learned this at Hogwarts!” said Draco incredulously. When Harry looked at him blankly he continued, “each ingredient corresponds to one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, or water. You just need to memorize which element each of the ingredients corresponds to. Then, if you use an ingredient with fire properties, you would balance it by adding another with water properties.”
“I see,” said Harry. Draco’s explanation was helpful, but Harry was more preoccupied with looking at Draco’s hands. They really were the nicest-looking hands he’d ever seen—pale with long fingers and manicured nails. “And potions for true love require an equal balance of all four elements.”
“You’re not quite as dense as I imagined, Potter. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Harry dismissed the comment. “But why? Wouldn’t you want more fire for love?”
“An abundance of fire is required for lust potions. But remember, fire burns out quickly. For lasting love, you need not only lust, but stability, good communication, and deeper emotions…”
Draco rolled his eyes again at Harry’s bemused expression. “Learn the properties of all the elements, Potter. Not just fire.”
“I’ll do that,” said Harry, mesmerized by the shimmering silver of Draco’s irises. The blond’s eyes were magnets, and Harry was iron. He moved forward until their lips were nearly brushing against each other and Draco turned his face away.
“Do you understand now?” asked Draco quietly.
“Yeah, thanks for the help,” said Harry, regaining his senses and realizing—to his horror—that he’d almost kissed Draco Malfoy.
“Good. I’m going to go down to the Great Hall and get something to eat.”
“Okay,” said Harry. He picked up his book and his chair, and returned to his own desk. Draco left, and when Harry heard the door shut he let out a pent-up breath. He took out his quill and parchment with the intention of working on his runes homework, but ended up not getting any work done because he kept remembering the way Draco’s eyes darkened the second before he turned away from Harry’s lips.
Tbc….
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Chapter 1
