#( why did i agree to this pt. 257 ) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lilacmoon83 · 3 years ago

Text

Finding You Always

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 257: Political Ambush, Pt 2

"So…what did I miss?" David asked, as all the delegates, except Nubia and Atanos, made their way out, except their most trusted friends and family.

"He took it upon himself to tell everyone that Cibola is capable of supplying endless clean energy to the entire United Realms," she told him. He sighed.

"I knew he was going to be trouble," he said.

"I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn at the meeting, Your Majesty, but I assumed that you and your husband would be moving forward with the process of activating Cibola's reactor," Atanos replied.

"Actually, we weren't going to activate it. Ever," David retorted. Atanos seemed surprised by that, but somehow, David could see through his bluster and beneath his act.

"But if you use the Chalice to activate the reactor, it will create a limitless supply of clean energy for all," he said.

"At what price? We have no idea what kind of output that will create. Queen Omaru poisoned half the Mu people with their nuclear experiments in the burning mountain," Snow said, as she shook her head.

"No…it's too risky and dangerous. If something went wrong, it could kill everyone with radiation poisoning," she said. He winced.

"But now all the other leaders know about the reactor…they're going to want to discuss it," he argued.

"My wife has executive privilege over all decisions affecting the United Realms as a whole and when we explain what could happen with pictures of the Mu people that were affected by the radiation poisoning, the reasonable leaders will agree that we're doing the right thing by leaving that tower alone," David said sternly. Atanos smirked.

"In some ways, you remind me much of my Esteban. So brave and gallant…yet unable to be open to new possibilities and willing to take the risk," he said.

"You're right…I'm not willing to risk the people I love on some science experiment that just screams nuclear meltdown," David retorted.

"It's not a risk…I was the High Priest and I know exactly why Omaru failed and how exactly not to fail," Atanos replied.

"But you're not the High Priest anymore…Zia is the High Priestess now. You can't even go to the tower anymore," Bobby pointed out. Atanos smirked.

"That doesn't matter…since I never really died, technically, I still qualify as the High Priest and can go there," he said. As Rose was listening to everything this man had to say, she felt her blood burning and gasped, as it spoke to her.

"My love…are you okay?" Fandral whispered.

"It's…it's these powers. I…I think I can tell when someone is lying or has sinister intentions. It's not speaking words…but it's like an intense feeling," Rose said.

"An instinct?" Sif offered.

"Yes!" she said.

"Yes…and it's Atanos that's giving me this feeling," Rose replied, as they continued to listen in to the conversation.

"It doesn't matter…we will not be activating the reactor inside that tower, end of story," David said sternly. If he pressed it further or worse, questioned Snow's authority, David was pretty sure he was going to rip his head off. But Atanos knew how to be diplomatic when needed.

"Very well, Your Majesties…we will do as you wish," he said.

"All this tension is unpleasant and politics always sours friendships. Can we not forget this little incident and join us for dinner?" Nubia requested.

"Yes…we insist. It's the least I can do for the blunder I have made and I promise at the next meeting, I will explain my announcement as an oversight," Atanos added.

"We can't say no…can we?" David murmured to her.

"Not if we want to appear that we're not holding a grudge," Snow whispered back.

"Dammit…" he cursed.

"That sounds nice," Snow fibbed.

"Wonderful…we'll see you tonight and put his whole messy business behind us," Nubia said. Atanos nodded and they left together, just as Rose approached.

"He's not being truthful about something…" she said.

"Yeah…he backed off a little too easily," Leo agreed.

"Is it your powers telling you this?" Snow asked. She nodded.

"I'm not sure how or why…but it's like I can tell when someone has sinister intentions or is lying," Rose replied.

"That is the nature of these powers," Sif confirmed.

"You think Atanos is really going to just drop this now? He doesn't seem like the type to give up when he doesn't get his way," Flynn mentioned.

"Yeah…the kid is right about that. I don't trust him," Xander agreed.

"I wish we knew more about that reactor…and what's really behind all this," David said. Snow thought for a moment.

"Maybe we can know," she said.

"How?" he asked.

"Omaru…she had her people doing the experiments for years. She herself was affected by the radiation. We should go to the prison and see if she'll talk to us," Snow replied. He nodded.

"I guess it's worth a shot…and if she's as old as Nubia and some of the other Mu, she may have known Atanos," David realized.

"And if she's bitter and finds out he's alive, she might be more than willing to spill the dirt," Emma said. David took Snow's hand.

"Okay…we'll head over to the prison and see what we can find out," he said. Snow hugged her children and Flynn was still surprised by it.

"I know you two have no interest in having dinner with those two and I don't blame you so you can meet us later at the restaurant and eat with your friends," Snow said, as she kissed the boys and she and Charming left for the prison.

~*~

Goldie appeared in her new Throne room, seething angrily. She had surprised the youngest brat and had him on the ropes. She was under no illusion that he possessed the raw power to destroy chaos and the Void both, but her surprise attack might have allowed her to kill their best hope of her defeat, or so she thought, until Rose Red surprised her. She had not anticipated that the simpering little waif would do anything other than cower away from her new powers and whine to her husband about no longer being as pure as her counterpart's name. But she had underestimated the fire inside Rose Red, quite literally. Before she unleashed the elements upon the Charmings and attempted her siege of the entire United Realms, she had to find a way to defeat Rose Red and claim her warrior for her own. The Enchantress inside her was very agitated and it was quite crowded. Nevertheless, chaos had a solution to it all. It was time for a little chaos and for their newest addition to wreak some havoc.

~*~

Snow and David arrived at the prison, hand in hand, and Snow looked at the building.

"You know…I think we're here too much," she said. He chuckled.

"Definitely," he agreed.

"I mean, you and I have always found some interesting places for our outings or dates, but this is one I really hope we can stop coming to," she mentioned. He smiled.

"Me too and hopefully this visit is it for a while," he said, as they stepped inside. The guards immediately stood at attention and the chief warden bowed respectfully to them.

"The prisoner seemed quite excited when I told her that you wanted an audience with her. The guards have led her to the visitation area," he said, as he led them there and they entered the room to find Omaru waiting there. Snow couldn't help but shiver, remembering the first time she had seen the severely mutated leader of a Mu faction that had dedicated themselves to chasing a power that made them all sick and deformed.

"Your Majesties…it is an honor once again, Children of the Sun," Omaru said, as she rose from her seat, despite the manacles she was wearing. David put his hand up to halt her movements.

"Sit down," he ordered. She smirked and did so, before locking her eyes on Snow.

"The phrase certainly holds for you, Queen Snow…you are the fairest in all the lands," she said. Snow squirmed in her seat under the other woman's stare and David squeezed her hand.

"Enough…we're here to ask you some questions. You're going to answer them and then you'll return to your cell," he said sternly. She smirked.

"I do love it when a man takes charge…ask away, Your Highness," she said.

"Tell us what you know about the former High Priest of Cibola…Atanos," David requested. An instant smirk came to her wrinkled face.

"Atanos…now that is a name I haven't heard in a very long time," she mentioned.

"Then you knew him?" Snow asked. She smiled.

"Oh yes…Atanos and I had the same vision for our people. But his son wouldn't help us use the Chalice to realize our vision," Omaru replied.

"And what vision is that exactly? What happens if you use the Chalice to activate that reactor?" David questioned. Omaru smirked and then started cackling. David sat back and then rose up, brandishing his sword.

"He's back, isn't he? Atanos is free…that's why you're here," Omaru deduced.

"Yes…he is and we're not using the Chalice for him either," David said.

"We just want to know why he's so hellbent on whatever is in the top of that tower," he added.

"It's the key to ultimate power," Omaru replied.

"Which is still vague and unhelpful. What power?" Snow asked. Omaru smirked.

"This has to be about more than just supposedly clean energy for everyone," David added.

"You are correct, Your Highness. The key to control over this planet and the cosmos themselves is in your hands. We're talking power over the sun. You and your bloodline could create a utopia that has not been seen since the Crystal Kingdom, if ever," she said.

"The United Realms is already a wonderful place and we have achieved that through not a dominating rule, but democracy and freedom," Snow argued.

"Yeah…you say utopia, but I tend to think you mean dictatorship. Snow and I have no interest in ruling absolutely," David added, as she put her hand in his again.

"But Atanos believes in the old doctrine of the Dragon Kingdom. He loved his son, but he was a weak King. Under Atanos, the fate of the Dragon Kingdom may have been very different," Omaru said.

"Or maybe Esteban was the King his people needed, but he was surrounded by bloodthirsty warmongers, bent on control and power over all," David argued.

"Perhaps…but now that Atanos is back, he will seek power or at least a fair seat at the table for the Mu," Omaru said.

"Every ruler has a fair seat at the table, but the lure of the power he seems to know is there is too much for him to resist," Snow said, as she looked at her husband and they stood up.

"Going so soon?" Omaru asked.

"We've already been around you longer than we want," he said, as the guards came in and returned Omaru to her cell.

"Is it just me…or was that a waste of time?" Snow asked.

"Maybe…we should get ready for that dinner and we'll be firm with him," David replied. She nodded.

"And if he refuses to let this go?" she asked.

"Then I'll warn him if he goes near the tower, he'll be arrested," David replied. She nodded. She knew that would cause outrage among the people of Mu, but if Atanos still insisted on having access to the tower and possibly activating some dangerous power source, she knew they would have no choice.

~*~

Flynn flipped another page, as he read the large, brown leather bound book. He had heard all the stories, here and there, by word of mouth. They were common to be told in the United Realms. The love story of Snow White and Prince Charming was legendary, after all, and he remembered it being told to them in the orphanage by the fairies in his early years. He used to find no comfort in them, until now. Now that he knew, he had a new appreciation and found himself wanting to know it all.

"Hey…you ready to head to the hotel?" Bobby asked. He nodded.

"Sure…wow, I guess time got away from me," Flynn replied. Bobby smiled.

"It will do that when you're reading the book," he said.

"Your…our parents really have been through a lot. I mean, I knew they had, but it puts it in a different light when you read it," Flynn said. Bobby nodded.

"It does…thankfully, there were more good times than bad," he said, noticing that Flynn was reading about the time in Hyperion Heights and the particular page he was on showed their Mom in a tiny cell in the mental hospital.

"Those two years were probably some of the worst…knowing that Mom didn't belong there, not knowing where Dad was, and living with Clayton," Bobby mentioned.

"And no one can do this again? Cast a curse?" he asked.

"Nope…Mom and Dad cast the one to end them all that sent us to Boston when Seth took over," Bobby replied, as he patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry…we're not going to let this Atanos guy do anything to Mom and Dad," he promised, as Flynn closed the book and they got ready for dinner.

~*~

Nubia excitedly primped at her vanity for dinner that evening, while she assumed Atanos was in his study, laboring over his various scrolls and manuscripts, as he often did. She knew things had gotten a little heated between him and the Truest Loves, but she still believed they could be great friends with the pair and elevate Mu's place at the table. If the truest loves accepted Mu's leaders into their circle, then the other Kingdom leaders would as well. She hadn't felt this way in a very long time. Having Atanos back and a chance at true love had filled her with incredible hope again. She had long admired women like Snow White and even aspired to be like her. And now that she had Atanos back, she imagined having a legendary true love of her own with a man that adored her by her side.

She admittedly had admired Snow White since they had met and envied the way her husband doted upon her and how it seemed she was the only woman in the room. She wanted that so badly and now that Atanos was back, she relished the thought of rekindling their romance and having something akin to what Snow White had with her Charming.

Nubia finished her primping and made her way into the sitting room. She didn't see Atanos though and instead heard giggling. She peered out onto the patio outside her lavish quarters and her heart sank, as she saw Atanos with one of her handmaid's in his arms, obviously romancing the impressionable young woman. She shrank back inside before they saw her and she almost didn't hear him when he came back inside.

"Are you ready, my love?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh yes…of course," she replied, as he offered his arm to her and they left for their dinner reservation.

~*~

Snow sighed, as she padded out of the bathroom in a towel and sat down on the bed. David smiled at her.

"You seem more relaxed," he mentioned.

"Nothing like a shower to scrape off the scummy feeling I get after having to talk to, well, scum," she said.

"I know what you mean…" he replied, as he leaned down and kissed her. He had joined her in the shower, but then stepped out early to let her enjoy a longer one. She shed her towel and put on her undergarments, as she proceeded to look in her closet for a dress for the evening.

"Do you have a preference?" she asked, as she held up a couple dresses.

"I don't know…what you're wearing right now looks pretty damn great," he teased. She gave him a look.

"You know I think you look amazing in anything…but if I have to pick on color, you know I'm going to go with white for you," he said, as she chose the shimmering white dress and he zipped it up for her, before slipping his arms around her waist.

"You know…we could blow off dinner and order in," he said. She hummed and swayed with him, as she turned in his arms.

"You have no idea how tempting that is…but the kids are probably already at the restaurant," she mentioned.

"So we call them and tell them it's Granny's instead tonight," he said.

"You just don't want to have dinner with Atanos and Nubia," she replied.

"Guilty…he and I have nothing to talk about," he said.

"I know…but one dinner and then after that, we can politely decline future invitations," she replied.

"You really are good at this diplomacy stuff. I don't have the tact for it," he admitted. She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"That's part of your charm, my love," she said, as she finished getting ready and they left for dinner.

~*~

Goldie looked at herself in the mirror and smirked, as she willed her grayish skin back to a healthy pink. The poor man she had picked up in a dingy tavern had never seen her coming and his last moments were ones of feeling the life draining from him after she had gotten what she wanted. The Enchantress in her was dissatisfied, as usual, and complaining in her head about wasting time with stupid, unattractive mortals when they should have been seeking the Asgardian warrior, whose virile nature could actually withstand their power and please them physically beyond belief.

"Shut up…" Goldie snapped at her.

"You saw what his little waif did to us…we can't seek him yet," Goldie said.

"We must find a way to combat Rose Red…she is a complication we did not anticipate," Goldie murmured, as she sat on her Throne of death and bones, smirking as she did.

"I do remember that blackout we did a while ago…and their magic around the power grid cannot stop us. Perhaps a little chaos in the United Realms is in order," she said, as she stood up.

"If we cannot attack directly…perhaps we can from the shadows," she mused, as she disappeared and reappeared before the magically protected power grid that operated all the electricity and power in the United Realms.

"Lights out…" she said, as she passed through the magical shield around the power grid in her ethereal form.

~*~

"It's okay, my love…you won't hurt me," Fandral insisted, as they stood in the training arena. Around them, his Knights sparred and dueled and she had joined him that afternoon for her own lesson. But after sword fighting, it was now time to use her new power. Her hands lit up with flames, much to the curiousness of the Knights and she struggled to keep it in check.

"Focus your power into a concentrated attack," he instructed. She did so, even as sweat beaded on her brow and she fired a flamethrower at the target, incinerating it. She looked at her hands in surprise and he smiled.

"You see? You can control it and use it for good, my love," he said, as she rushed to him and he hugged her tightly.

"I could never do any of this without your love and faith in me," she gushed.

"Well, love and faith in you are two things I have an abundance of for you," he replied.

"I think we can call it a day with training and since I'm sure the little ones will be going to bed soon, how about you and I enjoy a romantic dinner in our chambers?" he asked. She smiled.

"That sounds wonderful, my warrior," Rose answered, as he offered his arm to her and led her inside.

~*~

"Come on…just try it," Flynn said, as he waved the cracker that had the caviar spread on it in front of his face.

"Gross no…you eat it. I dare you," Bobby said. Flynn shrugged and ate it.

"You shouldn't dare me to do things…I'm not shy about doing crazy things. I've hotwired cars, shoplifted with cameras, and know my way around any security system," Flynn warned.

"What's it taste like?" Bobby asked.

"It's not bad," Flynn replied.

"It looks disgusting," Bobby said. Olivia rolled her eyes.

"Looks like Flynn has a palette that includes more than pizza and french fries," she mentioned.

"Hey…I eat a lot of stuff and that is not food," Bobby complained.

"You are such a child," she teased.

"It's true," Gideon agreed.

"Whatever…" Bobby grumbled, as he continued to fill his plate with his usual favorites.

"That's a pretty bracelet, Olivia. Where'd you get it?" Summer asked.

"Oh it's not really an ordinary bracelet. My Uncle made it for me…he's a bit overprotective after the whole kidnapping thing. If I get into trouble again, I just have to activate it and they get the jolt of their life, while I get away," she explained.

"That's awesome," Flynn said.

"Yeah…maybe my Mom should wear one," Bobby said, only half joking.

"Mom and Dad do seem to attract trouble in droves," Summer agreed.

"Emma still thinks the magical bubble thing is a good idea," Bobby joked, as they found a table to eat at.

~*~

"They do not look like they are having a good time," Robin mentioned, as he finished his second glass of wine.

"It's no wonder…this Atanos is a boisterous fool. I still can't figure out what his play is though," Regina said. Robin smirked.

"So you're feeling a bit overprotective and not just here to poke fun at Snow and David having a rather uncomfortable dinner?" he teased.

"Of course I'm overprotective…those two are a magnet for those with ill will," she replied and then smirked.

"And my son-in-law is fun to make fun of when he has to pretend to have tact and not knock someone's block off," she added. He chuckled.

"David does look very uncomfortable, but come to think of it, Nubia doesn't look like she's having much fun either. Usually she's hanging on every word the fool utters," he said.

"Because she's trying to be Snow and act like her husband is just like David, but I think even she sees she's fooling herself. That man's eyes wander to every piece of tail in this place," Regina said.

"Yes…ogling the waitress right in front of his wife was a bit much, even for him," Robin agreed.

"Should we rescue them?" he asked.

"Not yet…he's going to show his hand soon. I'm convinced of it," Regina replied.

"Whatever you say, my love…another bottle," Robin said, motioning to their waiter.

~*~

"Yes…the Dragon Warrior was the most skilled warrior our Kingdom had seen in centuries. His thirst for battle assimilated village after village into our Kingdom. It was thanks to him that the Huns were defeated the first time," Atanos boasted.

"It sounds like this Dragon Warrior was a bit of a warmonger," David mentioned. Atanos smirked.

"Some would say so…including my son. They were best friends though and he supported Esteban's marriage to Zia," he said.

"Even before me…I'll admit, I thought the Chalice was a curse at first, but I was very wrong. I only wish I could make it up to Esteban," Atanos said.

"Yeah…because true love is anything but a curse," David replied, as he caressed Snow's face lovingly, making her glow with happiness.

"Well…I'll get us a refill," Atanos said, as he got up.

"Perhaps you'll help me, Your Highness?" he asked. David suppressed an eyeroll, before obliging, but not before kissing Snow's cheek.

"It's so wonderful to have love in my life again," Nubia gushed.

"I'm truly happy for you," Snow said, as Nubia frowned a bit.

"Can I ask you something, Queen Snow?" she asked.

"Of course, but please…you can just call me Snow," she replied.

"Snow…even if you have true love, couples still have problems, right?" Nubia asked.

"Oh…well I suppose every couple has disagreements and challenges they face," Snow replied.

"Then you and Charming have problems too?" Nubia asked.

"Uh…well, I suppose David and I have been through many challenges. It seems like there was always someone trying to keep us apart or use us for the power of the chalice," Snow replied. Nubia frowned.

"What…what about his fidelity?" Nubia asked and Snow looked at her with sympathy in her eyes.

"No…I've never had to or will ever need to question my husband's fidelity. He's faithful and loyal to me," Snow answered.

"But…but all men have wandering eyes now and then, don't they?" Nubia asked, almost desperate for validation.

"No…at least not my husband. But all relationships do have their challenges," Snow said, as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.

"I saw him with one of my handmaidens…" she confessed.

"Oh…" Snow said uncomfortably.

"I thought things would be different this time…but he has not changed. His eyes are always wandering and he is not a faithful man," she cried. Snow gently rubbed her shoulder and cast a pleading glance to her stepmother across the room. Regina just shrugged to her and Snow rolled her eyes.

"I'm sorry…I can't say that I know how you feel," she said.

"Of course not…your husband's eyes never wander from you and he reveres you. I was fooling myself into thinking we could be anything like you," Nubia sobbed.

"If you are unhappy with him…then you need to tell him," Snow said.

"I can't…" she replied.

"Why not?" Snow asked.

"If Atanos becomes angry with me…he'll tell my entire Kingdom of my secret and then my life will be truly over," Nubia replied.

"So…you stay with him and put up with his unfaithfulness, because he knows the truth and can turn your people against you," Snow realized.

"I am a fraud in every sense of the word," Nubia said.

"It doesn't give him the right to treat you this way," Snow replied, as she had half a mind to march up to the lecherous old fool and make a scene. She knew Charming would love it, but she hesitated, because she knew Atanos would turn against Nubia. Before she contemplated her next move though, the lights in the dining room of the restaurant went out, leaving only the subtle candlelight from some of the tables. Her ring glowed in the darkness, as her half of the Chalice was concealed in it, but all the breath was stolen from her, as a wispy hand touched her arm.

"I'm barely touching you…because I want the life to drain from you slowly and I will relish watching the light slowly leave your pretty green eyes, Snow White," Goldie hissed. She gasped and tried to call out for Charming, but she had no breath. She heard him though and the glow of the Chalice sword illuminated his path to her, for he had of course felt the danger to her immediately.

"Stop where you are, Charming or I'll drain all the life out of her before you can make it to her side," Goldie warned, as their faces were illuminated by his glowing sword. The room lit up further when five of the Charming kids surrounded her and their respective powers lit up in their hands.

"Let her go, goldenrod," Emma warned.

"No…I have what I need to bring you all to your knees," the Void said, as she looked smugly at Charming.

"How much will you do to keep me from draining the life from her?" she questioned.

"How many atrocities can I get you to commit to save her life, Your Highness?" she asked.

"Charming…don't do it. Not even for me," Snow pleaded.

"Kill someone in this room or she dies…you pick, Prince Charming," the Void threatened, but then suddenly felt an electric charge rip through them.

"You anticipated my siblings, because they all have magic, but you forgot about me," Flynn said, as he had borrowed Olivia's bracelet that Hyde had invented for her. Quickly, he grabbed Snow's hand and pulled her back out of reach. Bobby capitalized on the momentary distraction and speared the Void through the abdomen. Shock and disbelief registered on Goldie's face, as the power shredded her body and the Void was separated from its new physical form. There was a thud, as Goldie fell dead to the floor, in a pool of blood. David reached Snow and Flynn, as he pulled them back.

"You saved me," Snow gushed, as she hugged their new son.

"I just got you…I like having parents," he confessed. She smiled and kissed his forehead, as David squeezed his shoulder.

"What's happening to it?" he asked, as they watched the gray mass of matter twitch and convulse.

"I don't know…what's in that bracelet you made?" David asked, directing the question at Hyde.

"It was meant to be a simple device, similar to taser for Olivia's protection, but based on this reaction, it appears that it has created a sort of molecular diffusion in the Void. We know the only sentient material that it had was Goldie's body," Hyde explained.

"So…you're saying that Bobby's power combined with that device, its molecular structure was displaced?" Snow asked, trying to recall her basic knowledge of physics.

"It's possible…and without something to stabilize it, now is the time to strike, before the effects of the electrical charge wears off and it can possess another being," Hyde said.

"This isn't over!" the Void shouted as it dissipated.

"We can't let it just get away this time…Hyde is right. We need to destroy it tonight," Regina said.

"But how do we even find it?" Eva asked.

"And in a blackout, no less," Leo added.

"Let's go back to my lab. The electrical charge from my device has an electron signature I can pinpoint within a few miles, but we need to hurry before that signature fades," Hyde said. Charming used his Chalice sword to open a portal, as he and Snow prepared to follow.

"We'll locate him and then convene at that point. We're ending this tonight," he said, as he took Snow's hand and they followed Hyde back to his lab…

#Snowing #SnowxCharming #Charming family #OC Charmings #AU #original season 10 storyline #Rose Red #Fandral the Dashing #dashing rose #Regina Mills #OQ #romance #adventure #family #Finding You Always #the epic continues

0 notes

patterpi · 7 years ago

Text

Half-blood Prince Drarry canon -part 2 (see pt. 1 for link and source)

Ron is getting annoyed with Harry talking about Draco all the time. This continues throughout the book. Why would Harry harp on and on about Draco? Obviously Harry is becoming more focused on Draco than he ever has been before.

"There had been a hex that caused toenails to grow alarmingly fast (he had tried this on Crabbe in the corridor, with very entertaining results)"- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 238

Why not Draco? They normally walk down the corridor together, don't they? Was Crabbe walking down the corridor without Draco, or did Harry just not want to use it on Draco? We find out later that, although Harry thinks Crabbe and Goyle are not hanging out with Draco much anymore, they actually still are. So we can assume Draco was there. Normally, Harry and Draco attack each other if they attack anyone. Why Crabbe, and not Draco?

The end of "Silver and Opals", Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 249-257, show how Harry is becoming more and more obsessed with finding out what Draco's doing. He even tells McGonagall his suspicions, which he's never done before. Harry is starting to really become involved with Draco now. He gets teachers involved, as well as anyone else he can talk to that will listen to him.

"'Oh, and Malfoy knows, of course,' said Harry to Ron and Hermione, who continued their new policy of feigning deafness whenever Harry mentioned his Malfoy-Is-a-Death-Eater theory."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 258

Harry's talking about Draco so much that both Ron and Hermione are ignoring him. Normally, Ron would agree with Harry and Hermione would tell them not to get into trouble, although she as well would eb disapproving of Draco. But no. Harry has gotten to the point where his friends won't even comment when he talks about Draco anymore. That's a lot of time talking about someone, if you ask me.

"Harry lay awake for a very long time in the darkness. He did not want to lose the upcoming match; not only was it his first as Captain, but he was determined to beat Draco Malfoy at Quidditch even if he could not yet prove his suspicions about him."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 292

Harry stayed up at night thinking about Draco. I don't often stay awake at night thinking about people I hate. Also, and this goes back to the love potion, Harry does relate Quidditch to beating Malfoy, so maybe the broomstick smell had more to do with Draco than Quidditch after all.

"'And even better than that -- Malfoy's gone off sick too!'

'What?" said Harry, wheeling around to stare at her. 'He's ill? What's wrong with him?'

'No idea, but it's great for us,' said Ginny brightly. 'They're playing Harper instead; he's in my year and he's an idiot.'

Harry smiled back vaguely, but as he pulled on his scarlet robes hsi mind was far from Quidditch. Malfoy had once before claimed he could not play due to injury, but on that occasion he had made sure the whole match was rescheduled for a time that suited the Slytherins better. Why was he now happy to let a substitute go on? Was he really ill, or was he faking?"- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 294

Wow, so much here. Ginny, who Harry's crushing on, is talking to him. But then she mentions that Draco's ill, and Harry immediately turns about face and asks what's wrong with him. It seems like a mixture of surprise, concern, and curiousity to me. If he really despised Draco, shouldn't he be happy he's not playing Quidditch? Happy that he's ill? And if he really wanted to beat Draco at Quidditch, why would he ask Ginny what's wrong with him? That seems like a concerned question.

"'So why couldn't Malfoy have brought the necklace into the school --?'

'Oh, Harry . . . not that again . . .'

'Come on, why not?' demanded Harry."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 307

Now Hermione is becoming exasperated with how much Harry is going on about Draco.

"Emerging from his goblet, he saw something calculated to raise his spirits even higher: Draco Malfoy being dragged by the ear toward them by Argus Filch."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 320

Two ways to take this one, too. One, he's happy to see Draco in trouble. Two, he's happy to see Draco coming towards him. Both work in the context of the book.

"Harry stared at Malfoy. It was not the sucking-up that intruiged him; he had watched Malfoy do that to Snape for a long time. It was the fact that Malfoy did, after all, look a little ill. This was the first time he had seen Malfoy close up for ages; he now saw that Malfoy had dark shadows under his eyes and a distinctly grayish tinge to his skin."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 321

Again with Harry staring at Draco. And what's this? Harry's paying attention to how Draco looks. He's noticing that Draco does look ill, and he seems somewhat curious about it. Possibly concerned. Also, he knows the color of Draco's skin enough to tell when it's off, and he can tell when Draco's eyes look different as well.

"'I don't know how much longer, all right?' Malfoy shot at him, oblivious to Harry standing right behind him."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 383

Now that's new. Draco not noticing Harry standing behind him? Normally Draco's obsessed with Harry. But now that Draco's got other things on his mind, he doesn't have as much time to pay attention to Harry as he used to. And how does Harry feel about that? Read on.

"'I tell my friends what I'm up to, if I want them to keep a look-out for me,' Harry said, just loud enough for Malfoy to hear him.

Malfoy spun around on the spot, his hand flying to his wand, but at that precise moment the four Heads of House shouted, 'Quiet!" and silence fell again. Malfoy turned slowly to face the front again."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 383-384

Well, seems to me that Harry has been trying to get information out of Draco all year. So, when he's standing right behind Draco, spying on a private conversation during which he might gather some information, what does he do? Speak loudly enough for Draco to hear him, of course. Harry can't bear to be so close to Draco and not have Draco know he's there. Harry's so used to the attention he gets from Draco, that now that it's gone he misses it. So he gives up a golden opportunity in his quest to find out what Draco's up to, just to get Draco to pay attention to him. And then Draco is shocked that he didn't notice Harry there, almost like he's wondering how he could have missed Harry standing right behind him. Then, Draco only turns to face the front when the four Heads of House shout about it. Draco seems unwilling to turn now that he knows Harry's there, and Harry seems quite satisfied that he got Draco's attention.

"Despite his determination to catch Malfoy out, Harry had no luck at all over the next couple of weeks. Although he consulted the map as often as he could, sometimes making unnecessary visits to the bathroom between lessons to search it, he did not once see Malfoy anywhere suspicious."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 388

Then, for "the next couple of weeks" Harry consults the map as often as he can, even in-between lessons, just to find out what Draco's doing and where he's going. For a couple of weeks. Well, if that's not obsession, I don't know what is. And he's determined to catch Malfoy. Determined. Before HBP, he was only mildly interested in what Draco was doing, if at all. Now he's determined to find out about it. And interesting change.

"'No problem,' said Harry absentmindedly, as he searched the Slytherin dormintory closely for Malfoy. 'Hey . . . I don't think he's in his bed. . . .'"- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 390

So Ron, Harry's best friend, is talking to him, and Harry still cannot keep his eyes off that map. Still he's looking for Draco.

"'Cool,' muttered Harry, sparing the watch a glance before peering more closely at the map. Where was Malfoy? He did not seem to be at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, eating breakfast. . . . He was nowhere near Snape, who was sitting in his study. . . . He wasn't in any of the bathrooms or in the hospital wing. . . ."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 390

Ron gets a really nice gift, and Harry spares a glance for it before returning to look for Draco. He's ignoring his best friend to look for Draco. And what's more, Ron doesn't seem disturbed or surprised by this. Could it be that Ron is already used to this type of behavior from Harry? Has Harry been doing this so often that his best friend is used to it, and has even given up on trying to change his behavior?

"The best way of finding out would be to tail him, but even with the Invisibility Cloak this was an impractical idea: Harry had lessons, Quidditch practice, homework, and Apparition; he could not follow Malfoy around school all day without his absence being remarked upon."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 391

It's not that Harry couldn't follow Draco around all day because he was busy, or it would be ridiculous, like stalking him. Oh, no. It's because his absence would be remarked upon. Honestly now. You'd think he'd come up with a better reason. If the only thing that's stopping him from following Draco around all the time is that people would wonder where he was, it's obvious that Harry's gotten to the point where he can't think about much else besides finding out what Draco's doing. That's obsession.

"Harry, however, had never been less interested in Quidditch; he was rapidly becoming obsessed with Draco Malfoy."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 409

And finally JKR admits it. Harry is obsessed with Draco. In canon, printed in black and white, written by JKR and read by fans everywhere. If there were any doubts left in anyone's mind, this should get rid of them.

"Malfoy stopped short at the sight of Harry, then gave a short, humorless laugh and continued walking."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 412

Draco, who normally stops and mocks Harry, sees him, laughs humorlessly, and continues on his way. Harry asks him where he's going, and Draco doesn't tell him. It's like now that Draco's got other things to do besides obsess over Harry, Harry's finally started obsessing over him.

"One of the girls gave an unwilling giggle. Harry stared at her. She blushed. Malfoy pushed past Harry and she and her friend followed at a trot, turning the corner and vanishing from view.

Harry stood rooted on the spot and watched them disappear. This was infuriating; he was already cutting it fine to get to the match on time and yet there was Malfoy, skulking off while the rest of the school was absent: Harry's best chance yet of discovering what Malfoy was up to. The silent seconds trickled past, and Harry remained where he was, frozen, gazing at the place where Malfoy had vanished. . . ."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 412

Draco pushes past Harry with the two girls and leaves. And Harry, who's already late to the game, stays there, gazing after Draco. Gazing after him. Not glaring after him, or staring, or even looking. Gazing. When he's late and has no time to waste.

"'So I wanted to know how come he's up at the castle with a couple of girlfriends while everyone else is down here. . . .'

'Does it matter right now?'

'Well, I'm not likely to find out, am I?' said Harry, seizing his Firebolt and pushing his glasses straight. 'Come on then!'"- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 413

Oh, is that a bit of jealousy and anger I detect there, Harry? Ginny, who he's crushing on, is in front of him, talking to him, and Harry's ticked off that he couldn't follow Draco. I like the way he says "a couple of girlfriends". Can't you just hear the annoyance and jealousy?

"'Wish I'd followed him now, the match was such a fiasco. . . .'

'Don't be stupid,' said Ron sharply. 'You couldn't have missed a Quidditch match just to follow Malfoy, you're the Captain!'"- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 417

But apparantly Harry was thinking about missing the game to follow Draco, regardless of the fact that he's the Captain and is supposed to be there. Ron tells him he's being stupid, but Harry doesn't seem to care.

"'You're getting a bit obsessed with Malfoy, Harry. I mean, thinking about missing a match just to follow him . . .'

'I want to catch him at it!' said Harry in frustration."- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, American edition, pg. 418

#drarry canon #drarry

11 notes · View notes