MALFOY FLAVOR - Vorabiza(1).doc

http://www.hpfandom.net/eff/viewstory.php?sid=2199

http://www.hpfandom.net/eff/viewuser.php?uid=330

Summary: Harry’s ready to banish the Golden Boy image and take charge of his life. Unfortunately, or fortunately, for him there are still more surprises in store for him.

Malfoy Flavor by Vorabiza

Chapter One

I can’t believe my life has come down to this. Once again, Harry was back at the Dursley’s house. Just lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and trying to figure out his life. I put my friends in danger and got Sirius killed by my stupidity. I suppose I deserve to be stuck back here again.

Harry was angry. Not quite as angry as he had been maybe, but still so angry that he was looking for some kind of solution. He figured there had to be something that he could do. He might not be able to bring Sirius back, but there sure as hell had to be some way to protect his friends. He’d put them into enough danger over the years. Leading them into the Department of Mysteries was the final straw. He just couldn’t afford to make another mistake as deadly as that one.

Harry may have been guilt ridden but he wasn’t quite as foolish as everyone seemed to think he was. He knew he made plenty of mistakes, but he’d done a lot of thinking over the last couple of weeks. He’d finally come to the conclusion that he played a major role in that disastrous rescue mission, but the ultimate responsibility lay with Voldemort.

Now that the prophecy had been revealed to him, Harry was finally realizing just how personal things really were between him and Voldemort. Voldemort had killed his parents, Cedric and now Sirius. He’d tried to kill Arthur Weasley as well this past year. Voldemort was slowly trying to take away everything from Harry and Harry was well and truly pissed at this point.

One of the conclusions he’d come to was that not only had Voldemort taken away his childhood, he’d already pretty much taken away his teenage years as well. Normal teenagers should be dealing with over protective parents, worrying about boyfriends and girlfriends, focusing on studies and spending time with friends. They shouldn’t be dealing with psychotic death eaters and their madman of a leader.

Harry realized that it was time for some major changes in his life. He was getting damn tired of being ruled by everyone else. Because of Voldemort he was forced to live with the Dursleys, he constantly had to watch his back, and he and his friends were always in imminent danger.

As Harry thought about it, he realized that he was just as much ruled by the ‘light’ side and the rest of the wizarding world. Over the years, he had been letting the Golden Boy image rule him. There were plenty of expectations that he knew he was supposed to live up to.

Harry was more than willing at this point to take on the responsibility that he would have to be the one to destroy Voldemort somehow. However, he wasn’t willing to do it under the guise of the Golden Boy image any longer. If he was going to have to take on Voldemort, he was going to do it on his terms - not on Voldemort’s terms or anyone else’s.

Harry was ready for some teenage rebellion.

* * * * *

With his new resolve, Harry set out the next day to make some changes. After spending some time thinking about his plan for a new image, he decided that the best place to start would be a trip to London. The warnings given to the Dursleys from his friends at the train station was making things pretty easy for him. They seemed to have taken heed of the warnings and were leaving Harry alone.

Unfortunately, that left him with people that he was sure was watching him from the Order. The question was how to get to London without letting them realize. He’d also have to get to Gringott’s for some money before he could head out to Muggle London. Harry finally decided to put his chances on his invisibility cloak and just hope that Moody wasn’t one of the ones on watch for him that day.

* * * * *

It seems that luck was with Harry for a change. The invisibility cloak was a success. He’d managed to get away from the house, catch a bus to London and even managed to get to Gringotts and back out of the Leaky Cauldron without anyone recognizing him. Now Harry was on his own with a pocketful of money, with only the decision left of where to start spending it!

He decided to start walking and let his feet lead the way. Eventually he came across a store that had several teenagers hanging out around the entrance. Seems like a good place to start, Harry thought to himself with a wry grin.

Upon entering, it was immediately clear to Harry that he would be able to obtain an entirely new image in this store. The clothing in the store was not what Harry was used to seeing. Glancing around, there were plenty of others his age loitering around the store. Obviously it was a popular place. Harry may have been ready for a new image, but he also recognized that he would need some help. Seeing a group of teenagers eyeing him curiously, he decided to take the iniative and approach them for some help.

“Hey, I was wondering if you might be able to help me out. I’m looking for a new image.” He looked down at himself with a wry look. He still wore a lot of Dudley’s hand-me-downs and the glasses that he was so familiar with were still the same old pair he’d always worn. “Obviously this old image really leaves a lot of room for improvement.”

The group of teenagers he’d approached looked at him appraisingly. Two girls and one guy and they seemed to come to the conclusion that he had potential. They looked at each other momentarily before one of them spoke.

“Hi, I’m Alyssa” one of the girls said, „and this is my friend Kathrine and my friend Sam. We’re bored so we could probably help you out. Looks like an interesting challenge,” she said with a grin.

„My name’s Harry. Yeah, you could say ‘this’ look,” waving his hand at himself, „is definitely one that needs to go,” he stated with a grin of his own.

And with that, the four got shopping. He was hustled off to a dressing room and all three of his new associates set about creating a new image.

* * * * *

Harry was once again lying on his back on his bed. Only this time he was thinking back over the last couple of weeks. He liked the sexy bad boy image that he’d been creating. With a grin to himself, he thought about the good times he’d had with his newest friends. Their relationships certainly didn’t run deep and he realized that, but he was definitely thankful that he’d run into them that day.

Not only did he have a new image, but he’d learned a lot about sex as well. When he’d mentioned that he was a virgin, his newest friends took up that challenge as well. Harry knew that he could die at anytime. He’d accepted that fact. On the other hand, he didn’t plan on dying still a virgin. Well, that was one problem that had been solved in spades now! His acquaintances had taught him far more than fashion. One thing Harry had learned was that he was definitely bi-sexual.

It was amazing to Harry how his self confidence had sky rocketed over the last couple of weeks. He knew it was partially because of the new mind set he had decided upon at the beginning of the summer. But the new image had also given him far more than he’d bargained for.

By the end of that first day out in London he had looked completely different. He wasn’t the clean cut Golden Boy any longer. He was wearing black, low cut leather trousers and tight black t-shirt. The black ankle high boots had small silver fastenings. He had gotten contacts and was rid of the heavy glasses on his face. That fact alone changed his appearance drastically. Add the new diamond stud in his ear and he changed from good to bad… and he loved it!

Somehow his new companions had even talked him into going into a tattoo parlor. In recognition of going with his more Slytherin side, he’d decided to get a tattoo across his lower back. He wasn’t sure exactly why, but he’d decided on the pattern of two snakes intertwined - one black and one silver.

All three of his companions had decided he was extremely sexy with his new style and it had paid off in ways that Harry had not originally planned on. Two weeks later, he had far more sexual experience than he had ever expected to have. Now, he was feeling a confidence in himself that he loved.

Unfortunately, he was also still stuck at the Dursleys. He felt far more secure in himself but he still had no idea what to do about Voldemort. He’d already done every bit of summer homework he had, despite his extracurricular activities outside the house. He knew he needed to gain as much knowledge as he could if he was to ever defeat Voldemort. Sexy new image or not, knowledge was power.

The invisibility cloak was allowing him to get out of the house unseen by his watchers, but there was no way he’d be able to go shopping in Diagon Alley and he knew it. He needed knowledge and he needed books.

He sighed. For the time being, he was just going to have to be stuck with reading through the school books that he had on hand. Besides, he knew that he’d slacked off for far too long. He went back and started reading.

 

Chapter Two

Another week later and Harry was getting frustrated. There was only so much he could get from the books he had on hand. He’d learned most of this already and much of it was review. He knew he was going to need much more. Maybe if I write to Hermione, I can get her to send me some more books. But first, a shower.

When Harry stepped in front of the mirror, he gave himself an appraising look. Harry was confused. He knew he’d done a lot to change his appearance this summer, but he was noticing changes that shouldn’t have even been possible. For one, he was sure that his hair had grown at least a couple of more inches. It also seemed even blacker than it had before if that was even possible. There just seemed to be an extra shine to it. And it was straighter as well. Normally he could never get his hair to lie flat. But now it just seemed to be a bit wavy. His face seemed a bit more angular as well. His cheekbones seemed more defined and there was more of an arch to his eyebrows. He knew he’d been going for a new look, but how could this have been possible?

So far he hadn’t told anyone about his new image for himself, but looking in the mirror, he had the feeling that his new image was going to be even more drastic than he had bargained for. Well, whether it was intentional or not, he did like what he was seeing in the mirror. It was going to be a different person heading back to school in the fall.

After finishing his shower, Harry headed downstairs for breakfast. The Dursleys didn’t trust Harry to do any of the cooking anymore. They seemed to be afraid of Harry poisoning them. Of course, Harry wouldn’t really poison them, even if the thought had crossed his mind more than once.

Harry noticed his uncle’s angry expression from the moment he stepped into the kitchen. He was used to his uncle being angry but this seemed extreme even for him. Harry began to wonder if he shouldn’t just head out for the day and get breakfast in London. He’d certainly be able to eat more that way. With typical reckless bravery though, Harry decided to sit down at the table anyway.

“Boy!” Vernon bellowed. „What are you doing in this kitchen?”

Harry stared at him. This really was going to be one of those days wasn’t it? He glanced over to where Aunt Petunia was standing in front of the stove. She seemed even stiffer than normal, but it seemed that she was refusing to turn around. Harry glanced over at Dudley who was sitting in his usual spot across the table from Harry. But for once he was keeping his eyes glued to the plate in front of him and wasn’t giving Harry the usual dirty looks.

What the fuck is going on around here?

“I’m sitting down for breakfast like I do almost every morning,” was all Harry said aloud.

“Don’t you give me that lip, boy!” Vernon yelled. „I don’t know how you did it exactly, but I’m sure this must be all your fault. Either that or it’s your ruddy friends that did this.”

Harry was confused. „What do you think I’ve done now? I’ve been staying out of your way as much as possible this summer.”

Vernon stood up. „I said I don’t want your cheek!” he bellowed.

Harry stood up as well. Whatever was going on couldn’t be good for him. It was time to get out of there before something happened.

“I know it’s got to be your fault that I was fired. Everything is always your fault!” Vernon shouted.

Harry didn’t say anything. Saying anything at this point wasn’t going to help. He went to move around his uncle so he could leave but didn't get very far.

Wham! The next thing Harry knew he was seeing stars. Vernon had backhanded him with enough force to knock him into the wall. Harry didn’t get much of a chance to contemplate the stupidity of not having his wand on him. He tended to avoid having it on him while in the house because he was afraid it would be too tempting. He’d been in enough trouble with the ministry. It didn’t seem wise to risk everything else just to be able to hex his relatives. Now he was regretting that decision though.

Still, Harry wasn’t actually that worried yet. He’d gotten out of worse scrapes. He made to scramble along the floor towards the doorway. If he could make it out of the door he should be fine. Unfortunately, Dudley had moved to block the doorway and Vernon was advancing on him once again. The thought crossed Harry’s mind that he’d never had to battle two whales before, and certainly not without his wand.

Harry hurriedly got to his feet, eyes flickering around the room trying to find some way to escape. Vernon took the opportunity to land a heavy punch to the other side of Harry’s face and then a blow to Harry’s stomach. Harry hadn’t stopped seeing stars from the first blow and now he was doubled over from the punch to his gut. This just was not looking good.

Damn the fucking ministry to hell for not allowing me to use magic.

Dudley had come up behind him and grabbed a hold of Harry’s arms to help hold Harry in place for his dad. He may have been reticent to do anything to incur his dad’s wrath earlier, but Dudley was excited now. His cousin was finally getting what he deserved and Dudley was more than willing to help.

Vernon was far beyond any control in his rage now. With Dudley holding the boy in place, Vernon was able to continue landing blows on Harry’s body. Harry struggled but he was no match for these two behemoths. Harry knew he wasn’t likely to stay conscious much longer. And he was right. When another blow landed on his temple, Harry lapsed into unconsciousness.

Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to stop Vernon. Dudley dropped the dead weight and helped his father kick the boy.

* * * * *

Back at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape had also been sitting down to breakfast. Aside from Filch and Hagrid who took care of the castle and grounds over the summer, they were the only two people left at the school. This time of year was very quiet and peaceful.

The two professors tended to meet for breakfast. Aside from a bit of companionship, it gave them an opportunity to discuss whatever might be going on with the war and other matters. Of course, this was really Albus’ idea that they do this, but Severus didn’t seem to mind it too much.

This morning they were sitting at a small table in Dumbledore’s office debating what Voldemort might be up to now.

All of a sudden Dumbledore stopped speaking and reached into his robes and pulled out a small medallion that was glowing red. He quickly turned to look at the instruments on the side table and one of them was moving rapidly and glowing red as well.

„What is it, Albus?” Severus asked.

„Something is wrong at Harry’s house. I’m not sure what is happening, but something is interfering with the wards,” Albus said gravely. „Come, we must determine what is wrong.”

Severus didn’t say anything more as he quickly followed Dumbledore through the castle and out to the main gates where they could apparate to Privet Drive. Severus may not have liked the insufferable brat, but he knew they really couldn’t afford to lose him. Much as he may have wished it so.

Before Snape and Dumbledore apparated, they cast disillusionment charms on themselves. It wouldn’t do to have two wizards suddenly appearing on a muggle street.

Once on Privet Drive, they quickly made their way to #4. There weren’t any outward signs that there was anything wrong. At the door, Dumbledore didn’t bother knocking and just cautiously made his way inside with Severus following close behind. The headed towards the kitchen where they could now hear a lot of grunting and other noises they couldn’t quite place.

Despite their shock at what they saw when they entered the kitchen, both men immediately cast spells to throw Vernon and Dudley away from Harry. Severus moved forward to check on Harry. He cast a few spells over Harry’s body.

Severus always carried several potions on him. Especially in his line of work, he never knew when they might be needed. He revived Harry and lifted a basic healing draught to Harry’s lips.

Considering that he was technically revived, Harry wasn’t exactly feeling very coherent.

“Just swallow the potion, Potter,” Severus snapped.

Harry did his best to do as he was told. He tried to get his eyes to focus and he could blearily make out the blurry black shape of his professor. He didn’t exactly trust the professor, but he had to be better than Vernon. Especially this morning.

Slowly the room was coming back into focus. The healing drought was definitely helping. Snape handed Harry another potion. Harry eyed it before taking it and swallowing it down.

Severus decided to answer the unasked question. „It’s a pain relieving draught. It should help until we can get you back and heal you properly. Can you stand now, Potter?” he asked.

Harry blinked at him. This was downright nice behavior from the professor who hated him so much. Harry blinked again before the question really registered.

He glanced down at his body and tried testing his limbs a bit. He was covered in blood and despite the potions he still hurt like hell, but he discovered that he could move without the sharp pains he had previously. He gingerly got to his feet.

Harry finally noticed that Professor Dumbledore was there and he was talking with his relatives. All three of them were pale and cowering in the corner of the room. The site of them just pissed Harry off again and he scowled. Of course they were scared of someone who could actually use magic.

Harry cursed under his breath, „Damn ministry.”

Snape heard him though. „What does this have to do with the ministry, Potter," he sneered.

Harry glared at him. „If the fucking ministry allowed me to do magic, I would’ve been able to defend myself.”

„Language, Potter,” Snape snapped.

“Fuck my language!” Harry exclaimed. „I just got the shit beat out of me and you’re worried about my language.”

Snape glared at him but didn’t say anything further. Snape didn’t let it show, but Potter actually had a point. Severus had been known to curse the ministry himself on occasion.

Dumbledore turned to face them. „Severus, would you please help Harry pack his belongings. Once you’re ready we will head back to Hogwarts.”

Harry looked at Dumbledore and back to his relatives. Harry decided he didn’t really care what Dumbledore was saying to them. If he was getting out of here, then he wasn’t going to question it.

Harry still wasn’t exactly moving that well with all of his injuries, but he tried not to show his weaknesses to Snape who was following behind him. Harry climbed the stairs to his room and went straight to his bedside table and snatched his wand up. He put it in the waistband of his trousers in the small of his back before moving on to open up his trunk.

Snape glared at him again. ‘And why didn’t you even have your wand on you, Potter?”

Harry just glared back. „Because I was led to believe I was actually safe here and if I carried my wand on me in the house it was too much of a temptation to hex those whales into oblivion,” he sneered. „The ministry’s been on my back enough as it is. I didn’t particularly want to have my wand snapped in half just so I could get revenge on those jerks.”

Severus blinked in surprise. „Have they done this before?” he asked.

“What do you care?” Harry sneered.

“Potter,” Snape said in warning.

“Fine,” Harry said. „You want to actually hear the truth? Although I doubt you’ll believe it. No, they don’t normally beat the shit out of me. Seems Vernon lost his job and decided to take it out on me. Supposedly it was my fault. Likely the fat, lazy slob just wasn’t doing his damn job. But no, this was the first time I was beat up to this extreme.”

Snape caught that, „So they have beaten you up before?”

Harry glared at Snape for making him answer these questions. „Vernon has backhanded me now and then, but nothing like this before. Dudley, on the other hand has always enjoyed roughing me up. It’...