A Rose's Thorn

Solving Problems

Draco Malfoy, the mean scary boy who always sneers? Harry Potter, the kind hearted boy who always wants to help? What happened to them none of their friends could figure out. Sure they understood Harry was hurting because he saw Draco and Theodore kissing. But wasn't Draco also hurting? It really wasn't his fault since he had no control of his body. But neither was this Harry's fault. Since he had no control over his emotions. He just felt pure anger and he had no idea why.

So here he was growling at his Professor. Severus Snape just rolled his eyes as he waited for Neville to return. Nothing was said as Harry tried to break his binds. Neville walked over to him and sat down grabbing his hand as an anchor. Then Snape stepped forward.

He invaded Harry's mind in search of the thing messing with his emotions. Harry having kicked him out numerous times. Snape shook his head and sighed. He threw a spell at Harry before forcing a potion down his throat. Invading his mind once again.

*~*

A figure was curled up on a bench just staring at nothing. It didn't move or make a sound. A bat approached it and simply sat down. The figures head turned.

"P... Professor?"

"Harry. Where is that god awful soul?"

"What?" Harry blinked.

"I take it from your reaction that you know not of your current situation." Harry frowned. "That night you lost your parents you were made into a horcrux."

"Is that why I'm trapped here?"

Snape frowned. "Trapped?"

Harry sat properly. "I haven't been able to... well I don't mean anything that comes out of my mouth and I can't stop it. I hurt Dray."

"I see. Well that makes more sense. Now point me in the direction of whatever doesn't feel like you."

As if on cue a second Harry appeared. Except it wasn't Harry. The lighting bolt was there. His messy mop of hair. And his big goofy glasses. But the glasses would not stay put. Snape observed this intruder closely. Yes it looked like Harry but a very poor copy. If he had to compare he would say it was simply Voldemort wearing a wig. In reality that was exactly the case. The eyes were red, pupils like slits and he had no nose. His teeth were rather crooked. Ears pressed flat against his head.

"Harry, Neville is holding onto your hand as a grounding party. Since I couldn't get you to let Draco be there. Concentrate on Neville's hand. Go."

The real Harry nodded and weaved through his mind. Leaving his Professor and the impostor at the very core. He was scared but he trusted Snape a lot more than anyone would have thought.

*~*

"Right then. Now."

Neville looked at his mumbling Professor. He felt Harry's hand close around his and Harry's magic reach out. He braced himself for the pull that was to come. And then it happened. Neville gasped out feeling like his soul was being ripped from his body. In a flash Snape sprung to action. Harry yelled out in pain. It was all over almost immediately as it started.

Snape walked over to his cabinet handing the two boys two vials each. They took it willingly. He made his way to the door and opened it for the others. Upon seeing Draco, Harry had a mix of emotions. He was really upset for hurting Draco but wasn't it Draco who hurt him first. And Draco never apologized. Not that Harry didn't know he never gave Draco a chance. His stubborn streak kicked in as soon as he felt the magic bind lift.

"Thank you for that Sevy. But I'm still not ready to talk to Dray. I'll see you at lunch." Harry said as he tried to quickly leave.

Snape grabbed Harry and Draco by their collars. "I'm sick and tired of this silly cat and mouse thing you two have going on. You are forcing your friends to choose sides and I've had it."