How to tame a Basilisk

On Saturday morning Harry gets up very early. They have their first Quidditch practice of the year today and their captain Oliver Wood is already ecstatic about his new training plan. When they arrive on the pitch and are about to mount their brooms, the Slytherin Quidditch team marches up from the castle. Harry frowns, this also happened last time, but back then it had been to train Malfoy as the new seeker and the blond is already on the team.

As soon as the Slytherins are close enough, Wood immediately tells Flint to fuck off, as Gryffindor has booked the time slot. But the Slytherin captain just grins maliciously and tells them that they have a special permission from Snape to use the pitch, as they have to train their new chaser and starting seeker. The whole Slytherin team is holding new Nimbus 2001's, which Flint announces are presents from Malfoy's father. As he points towards his team, Harry spots Malfoy now wearing the Slytherin starting team uniform, instead of the one for the reserve team. Huh, weird. Didn't Malfoy's dad originally buy him the spot on the team with those brooms? Does that mean Malfoy actually got in because of his talent?! Well, Harry surmises it is true that the blond has always constituted his biggest challenge amongst the other house's seekers.

Next to Malfoy stands a Slytherin fourth year, Cassius Warrington Harry realizes. So that's the new chaser! Harry recalls reading something about the older boy in his Quidditch Weekly magazine. Did he go professional? That would not bode well for their chances against Slytherin this year. With a jolt Harry remembers the article about Warrington, who after Hogwarts had apparently led the life of a socialite, and who's reputation was damaged after a scandalous exposé in the Daily Prophet had reported about Warrington's affair with Puddlemere United's seeker Benjy Wiliams.

Harry surveys the older boy, apparently one of the only guys at school he knows for sure are gay. He has to admit that he's rather fit, if you like haughty blonds that is. Kind of like a surfer-boy Malfoy, Harry thinks, but quickly banishes that thought.

Whilst Harry had been staring at the new chaser, Wood and Flint's screaming match has taken on new volume. Then suddenly Malfoy interrupts them.

''Maybe we just share the pitch, Flint. Gryffindor could learn what actual talent looks like.'' he drawls.

That surprises Harry, it almost seems like Malfoy, hidden beneath his pompous demeanour, actually wants to keep the peace between the two teams.

But then Hermione, who had come to watch the practice alongside Neville and Ron speaks up, ''Actually, the Gryffindor team is the one that's based on talent, our players don't need to buy their promotion from reserve to starting team.'' she is clearly still angry at Malfoy for calling Ron a blood-traitor the other day.

Watching Malfoy's face contort in something that looks almost like hurt only to be replaces immediately with anger, Harry holds his breath. He fully expects the blond to spit something about mudbloods, like he did last time around. If he's still on about blood-traitors, he'll likely still call Muggle-borns the nasty insult, right?

But to Harry's utter astonishment, Malfoy just sneers ''Shut up Granger and go back to the library. Everybody knows you know nothing about Quidditch.''

Maybe Malfoy really does want to be better? Harry had begun to suspect so, over the last year, but with his comments about Ron he'd grown suspicious about Malfoy's beliefs again.

All of a sudden Warrington comes to the front and puts his arm around Malfoy's shoulder, making the blond blush. Somehow that reaction angers Harry, though he has no idea why.

''Come on Draco, we're just going to use the pitch and they can either leave or suck it up.'' the fourth-year says as he and Malfoy turn around towards the middle of the field.

Flint hisses some more insults about 'spying Gryffindors', but in the end they actually share the field time, which totally has to be a first.

As Halloween approaches and Harry has not yet heard any disembodied voices calling for murder, he keeps on avoiding Filch as much as possible, so he won't be dragged into spending the Halloween feast at nearly-headless Nick's Deathday party.

He should be safe from any suspicions about him being the Heir of Slytherin and targeting Muggle-borns, after all the diary is safely stored up in the Room of Requirement. But Harry still can't shake the anxious feeling that maybe they have overlooked something and that Halloween will still bring some unexpected happenings.

It should definitely be safer to spend the day with his friends and join the others at the feast, where no-one can blame him for anything that might happen somewhere else in the castle at the same time.

The Great Hall is decked out in floating pumpkins, giving off an orange glow from the lit candles inside of them. Live bats fly under the ceiling and the house tables are overflowing with candies of all sorts.

Sitting down next no Hermione, with Neville and Ron opposites them, Harry immediately grabs the plate in front of him, containing treacle tart. As he takes the first bite of his favourite dessert, Ginny flops down next to him. She gives Harry a wide smile and takes a treacle tart piece herself, narrating how much she loves this particular dish.

Harry can feel himself growing more and more annoyed and he decides that now is as good a time as any to finally do something about the constant unwarranted attention he receives from the youngest Weasley.

''Hey Luna, come sit with us!'' he beckons as soon as he sees the young Ravenclaw entering the Hall.

Luna just smiles serenely at him and slowly strides over to Gryffindor table.

''Mate, why did you invite Loony- Oh, um, hey Lovegood!'' Ron splutters as Luna sits down next to him.

''Hello. And hello Harry. It is very nice of you to ask me to join you, though I expected so, as I heard the Moon Frogs singing about it during the full moon. '' Luna smiles while Ron and Hermione frown at her.

While he originally would have laughed this off as just Luna being Luna, Harry now has another mythical creature he has to add to his list of might-be-real things.

''Oh, er, that's great, Luna!'' he tries to downplay his confusion.

''Oh Harry! I meant to tell you. Draco has the same kind of uncommon Wrackspurts as you do.'' Luna tells him excitedly.

Harry is beginning to think that it was a bad idea to invite Luna over, just as she, after having scrutinized Harry's obvious discomfort, announces ''Oh, you knew! Of course.'' as she starts filling her plate with an interesting looking stew.

Bewildered, Harry tries to ignore his friends blatant stares and tries to steer the conversation back to his initial goal, ''So, Luna, um, do you know Ginny? She's also a first year like you!'' he awkwardly introduces the two girls to each other.

''Oh, we're actually neighbours Harry. How do you like Hogwarts so far Luna?'' Ginny thankfully starts up a conversation, and soon both girls are enveloped in a rather passionate discussion over Garden Gnomes.

Harry can't help but let out a relieved sigh, maybe this new friendship will keep him safe from both an enamoured school-girl and a clairvoyant with incriminating knowledge about him.

At the end of the feast, which Harry spent enjoying the wide variety of dishes and sweets, and laughing along with his friends over the increasingly drunk Professor McGonagall and Hagrid, he falls into his bed in the Gryffindor dorm. Relieved that nothing has happened after all, sleep comes quickly and Harry for once Harry dreams only pleasantly.

***

A week after Halloween and with no new incidents happened, Draco is content to resume his studies. As class-work barely poses an issue for him, he spends a lot of time in the library, reading up on rare charms and advanced defence.

This is until one day at breakfast his father's owl Laverna approaches the Slytherin table. Gulping, Draco untangles the scroll from the eagle owl's leg and feeds her a stripe of bacon, before she leaves for the owlery to rest. Apprehensive, Draco breaks the Malfoy seal, preparing for the worst. But the letter that awaits him still manages to completely derail him.

Draco,

By now you should have settled into the new school year. I expect you to be top of your class in every subject. And don't start with the talk about the alleged Mudblood-genius. A Malfoy is always better than the rest, do remember that!

I am writing you to inquire about any possible unusual happenings at Hogwarts. Usually, as I am on the board of Governors as you know, I should have heard of any irregularities, but since that has not been the case I am now asking you, my son.

Myself and our current guest are quite interested in anything out of the ordinary. So you would do good in telling us immediately, should something happen. I command you to keep your eyes and ears open, the Malfoy name should gain you access to conversations the rest of your year would not be privy to.

Do not disappoint your family, boy. You know how our guest can become, if displeased. We would not want to give her any reason to come and visit you to check on the state of your school herself now, would we? So do not displease us.

I await your owl with further information.

Father

Having read the letter, Draco's heart is beating like a rabbit's. He knows he must look a fright, but for once he can't bring himself to care. Is his father being for real in suggesting that Bellatrix might take it upon herself to make sure their whole diary-plot is successful? And how is he supposed to stop that?

He can feel himself starting to hyperventilate, when suddenly someone grasps his hand and pulls him away from the table, out of the Hall. Coming to a halt in the nearest courtyard, Draco looks up to see Theo's worried face looking at him.

He supposes that this is the best person to have found him in such a state, as Theo himself knows better than anyone else how frightening family members can be.

Draco is still shaking though, so Theo grabs the letter from his hands and reads it, probably hoping to find out what exactly has disturbed Draco in such a way.

Theo frowns, clearly not knowing what to make of the contents of the letter, then reads it again. Understanding seems to dawn on his face, and he hesitantly catches Draco's gaze.

''Your guest... that's your aunt, Draco, right?'' he whispers.

Draco can only nod wide-eyed and Theo draws in a deep breath, then pulls Draco into a tight hug.

''I know, I know what it's like.'' he hushes, ''You're safe here Draco, you're safe at Hogwarts. I'll keep you safe.'' he repeats as he's stroking circles on Draco's back. ''Everything's going to be alright, you are safe, safe.'' he continues murmuring in Draco's ear.

Slowly his heart rate slows and his breathing evens out.

Theo gazes deep into his eyes, while he keeps on stroking Draco's arms to help calm him. Then, all of a sudden, he leans forwards and gives Draco a quick kiss on the cheek.

Actual twelve-year-old Draco would have been elated to have a boy kiss him, but right now he just feels slightly uncomfortable with Theo's obvious affection. He knew that him accidentally coming out last year had invoked something in his fellow Slytherin, but he'd never thought the boy would make any move. After all, in their fourth year it had been Draco who'd approached Theo after the Yule ball and snogged him senseless. And while these memories certainly stir something in Draco's body, the boy before him doesn't. He has notices the lines between his older self and the twelve-year-old he is right now starting to blur. Some reactions fit the younger Draco better than his actual age. He supposes that has to do with his hormones and brain-development. But this still feels too weird. Feeling guilty about his lack of interest, Draco hesitates responding. Theo stares at him, seemingly shocked at his bold approach, before he stutters something about having to go to the library and takes off.

After the disastrous quiz, DaDa lessons have become even more of a farce. Lockhart constantly makes them act out the ridiculous tales depicted in his books, and Draco, having pretended to be on Lockhart's side, more than not finds himself taking on the role of the protagonist.

Today he has to charm a Banshee, played by Pansy, into dancing to her keening. It is absolutely absurd. Still, he supposes, it's going to be an easy grade as well as some light entertainment during classes he's already sat once.

At lunch Draco spots Potter, now being trailed not only by the Girl-Weasel, but also Lovegood. And if that isn't a dangerous combination. Draco still can't talk to the Ravenclaw out of fear of his own memories as well as what she might see when looking at him. The whole Wrackspurts debacle was already eerie enough.

During the meal the Creevey boy comes up to Potter once again and from the look on the dark-haired boy's face, it is not a welcome interruption. And surely, the Weaslette picks up on Potter's discomfort and seems to admonish the young boy, leading him away from Potter. With her and Lovegood distracted, Draco sees his chance and hurries over to the Gryffindor table, Greg and Vince dutifully following him.

''Potter, your fanclub is ever-growing, I see.'' he drawls, making Vince and Greg snicker.

''What do you want Malfoy?'' Potter scrutinizes him with narrowed eyes.

''Oh nothing really, just wanted to know if you think there'd be any room left before dinner in your little club.'' he sneers, once again trying to get Potter to meet him in the Room, while also using the opportunity to publicly display their animosity.

''Sure Malfoy, you can join in, but better be there an hour before dinner. I'm sure by then almost all of the places will be filled with my admirers.'' Potter rolls his eyes.

Draco just huffs and turns around to march out of the Great Hall, but not before giving a slight nod to Potter, which the other boy returns.

An hour before dinner Draco enters the Room of Requirement, door already in place when he arrives. He's told Greg and Vince that he had an important but secret task given to him by his father, and smoothly made his way out of the Slytherin common room without further questions.

Potter is already waiting for him in the armchair he usually occupies whenever they meet here. When he hears Draco enter, he jerks out of the chair and turns to face him, looking a little wary.

''Malfoy.'' he nods ''So, what's this about then? Come to tell me more about how you think my friends are blood-traitors?'' he crosses his arms in front of his chest.

Draco takes a deep breath. He had anticipated something like that, though it still hurts a little that Potter apparently still believes him to have the bigoted opinions he used to have. Somehow he'd hoped that Potter would know him better by now.

''No, and I'm sorry about that.'' he manages to get out between clenched teeth.

Potters eyes widen and his arms uncross. Great, so this new Draco is going to be all about apologies then, huh? First Vince and Greg and now Potter? The latter is really taking it too far. After all, the prat never apologised for cutting him open during sixth-year, but here Draco is, saying sorry for a little insult towards the Weasel. Oh if his actual twelve-year-old-self could see him right now, he would freak.

''Um, okay, thanks. I mean, I didn't like it, but I suppose we agreed to keep up the image of our enmity. Sorry that I thought you actually meant it.'' Potter uneasily scurries on the spot.

Huh. Is that why people apologize? Not only has Potter immediately deflated from his priggish anger, but he actually apologised himself?! Draco is stunned by this development. Maybe saying sorry isn't that bad after all. It certainly has nice side-effects.

''Whatever Potter.'' Draco sneers to downplay his intrigue by Potter's reaction. ''I really do have a reason to ask you to meet me. Believe it or not, I don't actually want to join your fanclub.''

And Potter laughs. A genuine, warm laugh, that does dangerous things to Draco's stomach.

''I figured as much Malfoy. Sad, really, I bet you'd make a really good fan.'' he teases.

''Yes, I'd be very eager.'' Draco blurts, immediately turning red after realizing what he just said. He tries turning it around by rolling his eyes and sneering extra hard, then desperately tries to change the topic. ''So, I've got a letter from my father today.'' he say and promptly sobers at the reminder and hands the affronting parchment over to Potter.

Potter reads it and starts frowning, then hands the letter back. ''Have you answered already?'' he asks.

Draco shakes his head, ''No, I wanted to show you first.''

Potter nods, as if that makes sense to him. ''Alright, then let's write a response. You better not make them wait, especially if your aunt is involved, '' he decides determinately.

In the end they come up with a long missive, declaring Draco's loyalty and intent to find out about anything unusual. Draco promises his father, and by proxy Bellatrix, to make sure to keep an eye out and to try and gain an in with the older students, who might know more.

Satisfied with the results, he makes to leave, as curfew is edging closer, but Potter hesitates in front of him.

As Potter starts fidgeting with the hem of his robe, Draco can't help but ask ''What's wrong, Potter? Don't like our letter? It's the best it'll get and I really want to go to sleep now.''

''No...' the Gryffindor begins, ''That's not it. I just wanted to say.. that is... I think you should practice Occlumency. Just in case your father or aunt might suspect anything and try to pry into your brain, you know?''

Draco let's out a short, unamused laugh, ''Don't worry, I already know Occlumency, Potter.'' he says darkly, ''I wouldn't have survived the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters living at my home if they'd known my real thoughts about their presence.''

Potter nods and seems to hesitate once again, but then quickly breathes out ''Do you think you could teach me? Occlumency that is.''

Draco is speechless. Has Potter really just asked him to teach him how to protect his mind? Does that mean, it must mean, Potter trusts him?

Clearing his throat, he asks ''Are you sure Potter? I would be rummaging around in your head after all.'' and then to try and make a little light of the situation he adds ''You don't really want me to see all the girls who've gotten a little taste of their Saviour now, do you? Not to mention the Girl-Weasel and you getting it on.'' he shudders theatrically, though if he's honest the thought really does make him queasy.

Potter blushes, but shrugs and claims ''I trusted Snape way less when he tried teaching me, so this can only be better, I guess.''

Great. Draco supposes he should be happy that he's apparently above Severus in Potter's trust-list, but that is hardly any competition. Especially not with how his godfather always used to treat Potter during their school-years.

He tries not to let his hurt at the less-than-hoped-for amount of trust Potter has in him show, as he quickly nods and says ''I guess I'll be teaching you Occlumency then Potter. Let's start this weekend. Meet me after dinner?''

With their new appointment set, Draco and Potter leave the room, both lost in thought about what their agreement might entail.