Through The Fire

Year Six: Part One

Being back at school made Harry feel incredibly nervous. He was glad to be returning to his studies and to have his friends with him, but he was worried about Draco. They weren't sure how some of the Slytherins would react to Draco's perceived betrayal.

Their first evening back was oddly quiet. Many students seemed to be peering curiously at Draco, but there was an unsettling amount of silence. Eyes watching, but nobody daring to approach Draco. Blaise, Vince and Greg were quick to fill the awkward silences with chatter. Well, Blaise did. Vince and Greg occasionally grunted an answer, looking a bit alarmed at Blaise's ability to ramble on for so long.

Draco and Harry had decided to continue with keeping their relationship discreet. It seemed prudent to refrain from stirring up even more controversy. They weren't ashamed, but perhaps it was better to pick their battles, so to speak. At least for the time being.

The Slytherin common room went strangely quiet when Harry and Draco walked in. There were students scattered all over, looking at Draco. Harry swallowed hard and resisted the urge to pull Draco into his arms.

Most of the first years looked anxious. The older students were also clearly agitated, though several merely looked uncomfortable with the obvious tension in the room.

There was a group of Slytherins that made it clear that they were displeased with Draco, to put it mildly.

Theo Nott was sitting with a group of boys that were glaring coldly at Draco. Theo stood up and stalked toward Draco, sneering at the blond. "Turning your back on your family and the Dark Lord was a stupid mistake," Theo growled, pressing up close and forcing Draco to step back.

Draco bristled indignantly, straightening his posture and meeting Theo's eyes defiantly. "I don't regret my choice," he retorted. "And if you feel comfortable becoming a play thing for a psychotic werewolf in the name of your cause, be my guest. I refuse to have my life dictated that way any longer."

The werewolf comment caused many students to gasp and look horrified. That certainly wasn't information that had been passed through the rumor mill. Theo's expression flickered briefly before the scowl returned.

"That's really all that you'd be good for," Theo hissed, grabbing Draco's wrist in a vice like grip. "A pretty little play thing for a beast." His cruel gaze remained intent on Draco's face as he squeezed even tighter. "I will personally make sure that you suffer for your mistake."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "The only mistake here is your misguided belief that you have the right to touch me," Draco responded, his voice cool and calm despite the pain that now radiated through his hand. He thrust out his free hand sharply, willing his magic to force Theo away. The other boy landed on his back, gasping for breath from the impact.

"You little-"

"Stay away from me," Draco snapped, cutting Theo off. "And don't you dare touch me again."

Draco whirled away and stalked toward the stairs. Harry followed him, shooting Theo a stern glare as he passed. Once they made it to their dorm and closed the door, Harry pounced on Draco.

"Oh Merlin, are you hurt?" Harry asked, cradling Draco against his body and petting the soft blond hair gently.

"I'm fine," Draco assured him quietly. "My wrist aches a little, but it's nothing to worry about." He pulled back a little to meet Harry's gaze. "Thank you for letting me handle it."

"It was killing me to not interfere," Harry admitted with a grimace. "I hate that he put his hands on you."

"Relax," Draco urged him, pushing Harry back slightly. He was still feeling rather shaken himself, but he wanted Harry calm. It was their first evening back at school, and already there had been an aggressive confrontation. It didn't give Draco much hope for a peaceful year. But at that moment, it was most important to soothe Harry. If Harry would be calm, Draco could feel more calm as well.