Unlikely Love Affair – Chapter 5 (Don't Let Fear Overwhelm You)

Harry was running. He didn't care for who would hear him as his feet ran across the grass. He had been in the Forbidden Forest, that was where Hagrid wanted to meet him. And that was why Harry had been running. He tried hard to not think about it. Because it would only serve him to go into a panic. And he nearly did back in that clearing.

Harry wasn't even sure exactly on where he was running to. Just that he had to get away from what his eyes showed him. And he only slowed down when he saw the castle. Even now, it still brought a warm feeling, a sense of home.

And maybe he should have slowed down even more. Or at least paid attention to where he was going. Because he literally just slammed into a Slytherin.

It didn't quite wind him, but it did make him fall backwards and onto his arse. Harry would have imagined that if he had been running, his back could have slammed into the wall.

Marcus grunted from the force of being knocked into. But he remained standing, his grey eyes studying the Gryffindor that just knocked into him.

Harry just openly gaped at Marcus, still on the floor. Not thinking that maybe he should try getting up.

"One would be under the impression that you don't know how to use your eyes," Marcus snarked.

"Just didn't think anyone would be out this late," Harry finally mumbled.

Marcus didn't look impressed.

"Have you forgotten that prefects and myself would be patrolling the corridors?"

Harry blushed; he actually had forgotten about that.

Marcus rolled his eyes. Trust a Gryffindor to forget about that.

"Now mind telling me why you're up past curfew and maybe I'll decide if it warrants deduced points and a detention?" Marcus crossed his arms.

Harry closed his eyes and his breath felt shaky. He could still recall the dragons and the hot breath as they breathed fire. There had been four of them as they were locked in cages. They all looked ferocious. And somehow Harry could understand them and yet their tongues clashed together. Too much to make out any words that he could understand. There had been a lot of anger and maybe some worry. It was hard to understand and grasp on the reason why. And then there was shouting in his ears and hands on his shoulders.

"Potter!" was the furious snarl. "Fucking breathe! You need to breathe!"

Harry sucked in a huge breath.

The tight grip that Marcus had on him slightly loosened. He almost thought he needed to curse air into the Gryffindor. He watched at bright green eyes shifted everywhere around him. He was deeply confused on what could have caused such a reaction. Hopefully the teenager would be up for sharing.

Harry's breaths were still shaky but at least he was breathing in air.

"Better?" Marcus asked, his voice soft.

Harry nodded. He was glad he was still on the ground, because he felt slightly dizzy.

"You may be currently experiencing some shock. I'm quite curious what may have brought that on."

Harry tried to center his breaths; he didn't want that to happen again. Though he did hear Marcus' words.

"Dragons," he managed to get out.

Marcus' eyes widened in realization; he had known about them for weeks. He didn't realize that the small Gryffindor had been held out of the loop.

"Potter, I need you to keep breathing steady breaths. But keep in mind that the Ministry will not allow any harm to come to the champions should something go wrong. And if they don't, I will intervene personally," Marcus said strongly.

That actually made Harry look at Marcus.

"Why would you want to help a Gryffindor?" Harry asked, curiosity getting the best of him.

"Why wouldn't I want to protect the students of this school? Just because you're in another house don't mean anything. And there is no way I'm going to allow a fourteen-year-old go alone in this tournament," Marcus responded.

"You're serious!?" Harry exclaimed.

Marcus looked at the Gryffindor blankly, "I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't."

Harry looked sheepish at that, his breathing now even. "I guess not…"

Marcus rolled his eyes, Gryffindors were too questioning for their own good.

"You're Headboy, then?" Harry asked.

Marcus' eyes narrowed, his hands balling into a fist.

"Umm… Flint?" Harry said, suddenly unsure at the murderous look in the Slytherin's eyes.

"I would have been if that old fool wasn't such a prejudice arse!" Marcus snarled.

Harry's eyes widened. Though he wasn't sure if it was in shock or horror. He knew about when Dumbledore had done some things to imply that he didn't like Slytherins. But to hear it stated so bluntly… he wasn't sure what to think. And his belief in the old man had already been shaken by his inactions. The first had been in his first year, even he knew that any of first year could have gotten past those 'challenges.' The second year was his inaction of where he knew exactly where the Chamber was. He practically said it when he called Fawkes to him and he had been a professor in Tom Riddle's time. There was no way he didn't know where it was. His third year about his inactions to do anything about Sirius. He knew that his godfather was innocent and yet refused to do anything. And just let the man remain on the run and his opportunity of being away from the Dursleys slip through his fingers.

Though the kicker had been his reaction to when his name had come out of the goblet. He was practically slammed against the wall. He had never felt so afraid in all of his life. So, he definitely understood the hatred and dislike for the old man. But to on purpose prevent a student to get a position they so deserved… Harry could understand his hate and maybe even sense of betrayal.

"Can't the professors do anything about it?" Harry asked.

Marcus scoffed, "Them?! Don't make me laugh. They would sooner rally behind the old coot than support a student. Seeing as they are too blind to not see that he cannot do no wrong."

"I don't think its right," Harry commented.

Marcus' jaw fell open.

"What?!" Harry muttered defensively.

"Did you just say what I thought you said?" Marcus asked.

Harry glared at the Slytherin, "not everyone is blind to see who the Headmaster really is."

"It seems that the Golden Boy isn't quite as golden as people would like to believe," Marcus smirked.

"I'm nobody's golden boy!" Harry snarled.

That only made Marcus' smirk more prominent, "clearly… Maybe you're not a lost cause after all…"

Harry looked at Marcus suspiciously, not sure on what he was getting at.

Marcus waved his question off, "I'll explain it to you later, perhaps at a time where you're not so grief stricken by a few dragons."

Harry just glowered at Flint. But he couldn't help but feel that he did have a point. He just hoped that he was able to live that long. Maybe with a Slytherin's help, he actually stood a chance. And for some odd reason Harry wasn't as opposed to having a Slytherin Champion for Hogwarts.

He could remember his outrage when Hogwarts had a Slytherin for their champion. And Hermione had been rightfully furious at that. She had even warned him about it too. But that had been before his name had come out. That rage had quickly warped to paralyzed fear. And now Harry wanted Flint on his side. Why wouldn't he want a Hogwarts student that had more experience and knowledge than him?

And then Flint started to speak, apparently, he had enough of the silence from the Gryffindor.

"If you know what type of dragons you saw, I would research them. Your Granger friend should be able to help you. That can be a start to help prepare you, though you don't have much time. But at least you will know what to look for. There's a reason why they choose dragons for this task," Marcus warned.

"Courage and daring…" Harry mumbled before realizing something. "You know about Hermione?"

Marcus nodded in approval, "you've seen the guide, then?"

Harry nodded.

Marcus frowned, "the entire school knows about Granger and her intelligence. That and Malfoy won't shut his trap about how a Mudblood outsmarts him."

Harry instantly hissed at that.

Flint rolled his eyes, "it's just a term, Potter. Don't get so twisted about it."

"Its an insult!" Harry snarled.

"It means that her magic is usually stronger. It's from the earth. Magic more connected with Mother Magic or commonly referred to as Mother Earth, is typically stronger. Not as mutilated and warped. Mud is another term for earth. Some Purebloods are unaware of how much of a compliment it is. Some… like Malfoy thinks its an insult," Marcus rolled his eyes.

Harry's jaw dropped.

"I—I had no idea…" Harry managed.

Marcus snorted, "not surprising."

Harry glared at him.

Flint rolled his eyes, "don't be such a Gryffindor. If some Pureblood don't realize this… what makes me think that a half-blood like you would?"

Harry frowned at the jab, "half-blood?"

Marcus' eyebrows scrunched together, "your father is a Pureblood and mother was a Muggleborn. Hence her magic is from Mother Earth, how could you not have known about them? I can understand about the magic from the earth. But you should have known some things about them."

"Considering nobody ever tells me about them!" Harry snapped.

Marcus frowned, that didn't sound right. But he could tell that Potter wasn't lying. It didn't make any sense. Were they keeping this information from him on purpose? He could tell that Potter was intrigued to know where his mother's magic came from.

"My information about them is very minimal, but there is some common knowledge I know about them," Marcus forewarned.

Harry almost looked put out by that, but he couldn't help but be hopeful for some information. There was some personal information that Remus shared with him last year. But that had been minimal, but he still craved the knowledge. Though he had been beginning to doubt that they were perfect like everyone was saying they were.

Marcus' whole body then turned stern, "that's enough talk for tonight—"

Harry had been just about to protest when Marcus cut him off again.

"You are still dealing with what the task will be about. If you want to talk to me, fine, find me later. And I doubt you're in a state to hear any complex information. Not to mention, you are still after curfew and any later I'll have to deduct points and assign detention."

Harry's attempt at protesting died in his throat. He could understand his point. Though he was a bit excited to tell Hermione about what Marcus said about the term… Mudblood. Ever since his second year, he thought it was an insult. Both Ron and Hagrid had confirmed it at the time. But maybe that's what they knew. But somehow Flint knew differently and that had to mean something. He wanted to know more, but maybe Flint had a point. He could feel his body craving sleep and that meant he had to make his way back to the dorm without falling. That could prove to be interesting…

Somehow Harry managed it back to the 7th floor and the Gryffindor Tower. He wasn't exactly sure how he managed that without tripping and eventually falling. But he stood in front of the Fat Lady and gave the password. It was a miracle that she was still in her portrait. Though she didn't like the fact that she had been woken up in the middle of the night.

Harry didn't really pay her complaints much mind. He just wanted a bed and eventually sleep. Even the worry about Ron didn't even cross his mind.

Though he didn't expect anyone to be up and yet there was one person in the Common Room. They were pacing back and forth, and Harry seriously wondered if they'd run holes in the carpet.

"Hermione," Harry said, hoping to get her attention. And hopefully save the carpet.

Her eyes instantly flashed to her friend's.

"Harry!" She exclaimed and threw her arms around him.

Harry laughed, "you only saw me a few hours ago."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "can you really blame me?"

Harry snorted, "guess not…"

"So… what did Hagrid want?"

Harry sighed; he wasn't as panic ridden when he first saw the dragons. Though it was still pretty frightening to think about. He watched as Hermione's eyes went wide in horror. No doubt whatever she assumed would be the first task, this was the furthest thing that her mind came up with.

"Flint came across me… not dealing with it…" Harry admitted.

"Oh Harry…"

Harry shrugged the comment off. "He wants to help me."

Hermione was silent for a minute, "it would be a good idea and it would look good to show Hogwarts joined together. Though Gryffindor may not be the most pleased about it."

Harry snorted, "It's not like they actually care. Flint seems genuine enough about it and I'm hesitant to trust him. Its not like Slytherin and Gryffindor has been on the best side."

Hermione huffed, "although I don't like the rivalry much myself. Flint doesn't seem that bad as the others. And there is some nasty Slytherins that make that assumption accurate and others can be incredibly vague."

"English please, Hermione."

Hermione laughed, "I'm just saying that sometimes Slytherin does live up to its name. But there are a few Slytherins that aren't that bad."

"Like Malfoy?" Harry offered.

Hermione nodded, "yes. Though some do remain on the sidelines. Or like Flint, try to actually protect the students."

"You actually seen that?" Harry asked, surprised.

Hermione nodded, "I wasn't sure what to think at first. Believing it was to be a front. And he had made a case about wanting to help you before."

"Why didn't you say something?" Harry questioned.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "would you have believed me if I had?"

Harry shook his head, "probably not."

"I knew that Flint needed to approach you himself. He may have approached me first because the entire school knows you're my best friend. And I would sooner curse them than allow them to curse you," Hermione revealed.

Harry snorted; he could see Hermione doing that. She had the habit of studying ahead, even years ahead. He honestly wondered if she did that just to prove that she could. He wouldn't be surprised if that turned out to be true. His friend could be quite determined when she wanted to be.

"Did you know that Flint was supposed to be Headboy?" Harry suddenly asked.

Hermione blinked a few times, "was he?"

Harry nodded his head, "said Dumbledore denied him…"

Hermione hissed at that.

"Hermione?" Harry hesitantly asked.

"Professor Dumbledore is in charge of picking and deciding who gets to be Headboy and Headgirl every year," Hermione started to explain.

"I thought Professor McGonagall did?"

Hermione sighed, "she helps decide, yes. Gives him a list of recommended students to be picked from. His decision can be challenged by her and the other professors. Though she is the one that approves the Prefects that are chosen. She is over Gryffindor, since she is currently Head of Gryffindor House. But the other Heads of Houses choose their Prefects, Professor McGonagall does require the final approval."

Harry frowned at that, "that doesn't make it right."

Hermione shook her head, "it doesn't. I think he would make a good Headboy. The one in Ravenclaw doesn't seem to care much for the students."

"Better from another house than Slytherin," Harry growled. No doubt that was what Dumbledore was thinking.

Hermione looked just as irritated as Harry. If she hadn't seen some of Flint's actions as a Prefect, she may have been inclined to agree with Dumbledore's decisions. But she had already seen some of the inactions of the current Headboy and he almost seemed to welcome the bullying that happened. And things he should have reprimanded, let it slide instead. She was not a fan of him and believed he should have never gained the position. And so, she wasn't surprised by the hatred and annoyance towards the Headmaster. Especially the stunt that the Headmaster pulled after Harry's name came out of the cup. She had never seen her friend so unnerved.

"Hermione, Flint mentioned something else," Harry said.

Hermione's eyes studied her friend as she nodded, giving Harry the idea that she was indeed listening to him.

"Flint said that Mudblood isn't actually an insult."

Hermione looked taken back, whatever she thought her friend was going to say, this wasn't it.

"He said the term comes from that your magic comes from Mother Magic, essentially Mother Earth?"

Hermione could tell that Harry was confused by his own words. And she knew that they must have come from Marcus Flint. Perhaps there may be a day she could talk to Harry about that. Though she knew that she'd have some trouble on knowing how to explain it. If Flint was the one that brought it up, maybe he could be the one to explain it as well. The words were still a surprise to her. She could clearly remember when those words were spat out of Malfoy's mouth. She knew they were bad, just unaware of what they meant. And what followed the conversation from Hagrid and their ex-friend, Ron.

"He said that your magic would be stronger because of that. And some, like Malfoy thought it to be an insult. So… it would be a compliment?"

"I think you should ask Flint more about it. I have some general idea what he's talking about. If he's saying its from Mother Magic, then he would be correct in saying it's a compliment. I always thought Muggleborn would mean that maybe I do have some magical blood somewhere. Magic just doesn't come from nowhere. So, maybe that's what Flint is talking about, though the fact he mentions Mother Magic is quite fascinating," Hermione noted.

"You believe him?" Harry asked bewildered.

Hermione nodded, "I've read about Mother Magic in the library. Some books have her briefly mentioned. Usually on how our world was actually created, going back further than even the Founders. Perhaps even Merlin himself… Though I would like to hear more from Flint eventually. Though I imagine you wouldn't want to hear about it this late. Though, even my knowledge about it is somewhat limited."

Harry yawned at that, maybe Hermione did have a point. Though he did waken up a bit more upon talking to Hermione. But he could still feel the strain of sleep trying to overwhelm him. And he could feel that call getting stronger and stronger. He didn't think he wanted to pass out asleep while talking to Hermione and she have to levitate him to his dorm. That would be quite embarrassing, because he knew that Hermione would tease him later for it.

"You may have a point. And sleep sounds like a good idea right now," Harry conceded.

Hermione laughed, "we can always continue talking tomorrow, Harry. You really should get some sleep though. We still have classes in the morning."

Harry groaned at that reminder, which made Hermione laugh all the more. Yet somehow, he was actually looking forward to tomorrow. Maybe not two days from now… but tomorrow was a least a start. And he hoped that maybe he could take Flint's advice. He hoped that maybe he could talk to Hermione about that later, but for now, that was to be saved for another day.