Harry's POV
I sat on the Hogwarts express with Hermoine and Ron, we hadn't had much time to talk over the summer, the Dursley's had limited Hedwig's flying and there was only so much flying Pigwidgeon could handle.
"I Think we're nearly there" Hermoine smiled as she looked out in the dark evening. It was always difficult to tell if we were at the castle which became my home for most of the year.
"We should get changed" I grinned and pulled my cloak out of my trunk, pulling it on over my jeans and t-shirt. Hermoine and Ron did the same and we sat back down waiting for the train to slow, which happened only a few minutes later.
"Firs' Years!" we heard Hagrid call over the heads of all the other students. All the smaller students made their way over to the large Game keeper and Care of magical creature's teacher.
Malfoy walked past in his usual 'I'm better than everyone else' manner. Ron snorted under his breath, Malfoy turned on the spot
"Did you say something weasel?" he snarled. Ron glared back
"What exactly would we be doing talking to someone like you voluntarily?" Hermoine snapped
"No one asked you, you filthy mudblood" he grinned – but Hermoine wasn't bothered
"You've said that so many times now Malfoy. Can't you think of something new? I'm getting tired of hearing that" Malfoy's face fell slightly but he just looked her up and down and turned to leave, Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind, like puppies.
XXX
The Great hall was packed, and the sorting began quickly. The hat sang a new song this year and everyone (except Malfoy of course) clapped at the end. Eventually the sorting was over, Gryffindor had 6 new students, none of which I was particularly bothered in getting to know.
"Now" Dumbledore said cheerily "We have a new Defense against the dark arts teacher this year!" he smiled "Professor Zenbar!" The hall broke in to clapping again as she stood up and greeted the students.
"Now I would like to remind all students that being caught outside their dorms after hours is unacceptable" he smiled "That is all, enjoy" He smiled as the plates filled up with food.
We spent the evening chatting and soon he feast was over and we were walking to our common room.
"Maple Syrup" Hermoine smiled as the portrait of the fat lady swung open to allow us inside. We sat in the armchairs around the fire and looked over our timetables
"Double defense against the dark arts with the Slytherins first thing tomorrow" Ron groaned
"She might be a good teacher, maybe as good as Lupin" Hermoine countered,
"Yeah. Let's give her a chance" I grinned at the grimace on Ron's face…
XXX
"Morning students" Professor Zenbar smiled around the class. "Today we'll be looking through our defence against the dark arts books…I hope you have all managed to buy yourselves a copy?" She looked round the class and smiled "Well, you can copy out the first page, you must remember these things" she smiled and sat down "Later on we'll begin to practice hexes"
The first half of the double lesson dragged on slowly, Ron kept joking about the strange hairstyle the professor was supporting, and I couldn't help but snicker. "Mr. Potter. Is something funny?"
I looked up at her innocently "Do not try to fool me potter!" she spat "Just because you are famous does not mean you are ANY wiser than anyone else in this room" my eyes widened "DETENTION Potter!" my mouth fell open and I heard Malfoy snicker behind me from the back of the class "And you Mr. Malfoy. You are NO better than Potter. Money does not make you clever. You will join Mr. Potter in his detention!" Malfoy snarled angrily and continued to copy out the first page.
"Detention in the first lesson?!" Hermoine scolded as we began hexes "I can't believe you Harry!"
"It was Ron that made me laugh!" I argued but to no avail. Hermoine simply refused to believe that Ron had gotten me into trouble. But it was very obvious that she would do that, she didn't want to upset her crush…
XXX
We endured after that lesson, Double potions. As we sat in the dark dungeon Snape began to show his usual colours "And Potter, a detention already. This is not a good start to the year" he sneered "As for you Malfoy, you disappoint me" I couldn't help but grin, I think Malfoy believed Snape would let him off.
Potions was just as horrible as usual, and Snape made it his mission to make my life hell, as per usual. We didn't actually achieve much in the lesson, we made some poitions in pairs but only Hermoine and Ron got theirs right and there was no guessing as to how THAT happened. The bell finally rang and I was the first out the room.
Unfortunately our timetable wasn't in our favour and almost every one of our lessons was with the Slytherins. The only one that wasn't was Herbology, which was with the Hufflepuffs.
The afternoon went much quicker and all too soon I was sitting in the great hall eating dinner with Hermoine and Ron…"You better go Harry, or you're going to be late" Hermoine suggested. I Nodded and quickly shoved another roast potato in my mouth and left, Malfoy left when I did and we met at the classroom.
"Now you two" the professor smiled "I'll need my walls cleaned of all the scorch marks from the hexes, by hand" she grinned as my face fell.
"You wait till my father hears about this" Malfoy muttered angrily as she handed us each a cloth and some soapy water and then left.
We began scrubbing in silence, only broken occasionally by Malfoy's complaining "Will you shut up?" I hissed after nearly an hour.
He didn't reply but he stopped complaining and we finished our detention in silence…however, we hadn't finished scrubbing off all the marks. We had only done half at most, but it was now 11pm. Professor Zenbar came back just a few minutes after 11 and smiled softly "It appears you didn't quite manage to get them all off. So I shall see you again tomorrow evening to finish the rest" She grinned as Malfoy muttered darkly and we left the room.
XXX
The next days lessons were boring, Double Divination, followed by History of Magic and then potions again. All our lessons were doubles now and we seemed to have more potions and defense against the dark arts lessons than last year. The day dragged on and somehow in potions I'd managed to lose Gryffindor 20 points…for something I'd done. I daren't argue…maybe Snape was just bitter that I 'got Malfoy the detention'.
XXX
"I can't believe you have to go back and clean the walls again!" Ron complained at dinner time.
"It's unfair" Hermoine added. I nodded and stood up – I had to go to my detention. I waited outside the classroom and Malfoy turned up. We waited for professor Zenbar who arrived about 5 awkward minutes later.
She left us to scrub the scorch marks that were left, and the news ones which ad replaced our work from yesterday
"She needs a taste of her own medicine" I snarled Malfoy looked over but said nothing. Did I expect anything more?
"Maybe I'll show her what Malfoy's are made of" he growled only moments later, I didn't reply "Teach her to have us scrubbing her walls" Malfoy added. I didn't miss the 'us' but I didn't mention it either. I'm not sure Malfoy meant to include me in his plot.
The detention dragged on for what felt like much longer than yesterday, and it did, it was gone 12 by the time she came to dismiss us. She went off into her office and that left Malfoy and I in the corridor. We walked in silence for a little way until he had to go down the stairs to his common room and I upstairs to mine.
"Uh" I began awkwardly were we friends now? "I'll see you in lesson tomorrow then" I smiled awkwardly and turned to leave, Malfoy nodded
"Yeah" he left quickly.
Draco's POV
I cursed myself as I walked to the common room alone. How on earth was this happening?! Me and Potter? Friends? Unthinkable I snorted under my breath – not too loudly in case a teacher heard me. I'm sure they wouldn't believe my detention had only just finished. True to my word I was going to make her lesson hell tomorrow for having us scrubbing walls. I stopped dead in my tracks. 'us'? I thought to myself. Why on earth was I worried that Potter had the detention as well? I scolded myself. And continued to walk into the dungeons. I sat on my bed and thought for a few minutes…was I actually beginning to consider Harry a friend? I froze. Harry. Since when had I called him Harry?
I sighed and quickly changed and climbed into bed, choosing not to think about any of this till after lunch in Defense against the dark arts.
XXX
The lesson I was dreading came around all too quickly. We sat down and the teacher sneered at me "I will be seeing both you and Mr. Potter for detention tonight" she smiled
"And why is that?" I growled in answer
"Because as you can see the walls are still not clean" she indicated to the numerous scorch marks.
"As far as I was aware I was only given one detention." I snarled angrily.
"Yes and you did not complete your task so you will keep coming back until you have finished" she grinned
"And if we don't?" Harry answered. FINALLY I was wondering if he was going to leave me to get in deep shit.
"Then you will have detention for the rest of the week"
"We'll have them for the rest of the week anyway" he argued heatedly.
"With THAT attitude Mr. Potter you certainly will!" she shouted.
"Well, as we have to work later we may as well relax now" I grinned, leant back in my chair and put my feet up on the desk, watching the professor all the time.
"DRACO MALFOY!" She all but screamed. I didn't move "Get your feet OFF the DESK!" I continued to watch her but didn't move. "That's it DETENTION for the rest of the week! BOTH OF YOU!" she glared at the pair of us
"Excuse me but what exactly did I do wrong?!" Harry shouted back
"The pair of you are just as bad as one another!" she was close to tears now but I still didn't move. Harry looked over at me, grinned and put his feet up on the desk as well.
"GET OUT!" she screeched. Neither of us moved. "GET OUT OF MY CLASSROOM OR I'LL GET PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE!" I glanced at Harry and eventually we both left the class. We stood outside, hoping against everything that no teachers walked past.
"What the hell do we do now?" Harry asked. But I wasn't really concentrating. Harry and I had just worked together…I must've paled at the thought of what all the other Slytherins would say because Harry noticed "Draco you don't look so good" he commented.
I shook my head "I'm fine" I realized he'd called me Draco but said nothing. The lesson ended and everyone trudged out the classroom, all the Gryffindors patted Harry's shoulder and grinned. However every single Slytherin glared daggers at me. Harry noticed
"They don't look too pleased with you?"
"I was working WITH a Gryffindor, of course they're not happy" Shock passed across Harry's face and then he nodded
"Maybe it would be best if we went back to hating each other then" he turned his face away from me. I felt a pang of pain at the thought of him hating me again. Oh shit. I cursed mentally, becoming attached to Potter of all people?
The professor called us back inside the classroom and we both trudged in. She gave us a thorough shouting at and sent us away promising to see us later for detention.
XXX
We spent our evening yet again scrubbing walls and now the floor as well. We didn't say much, it was a comfortable silence. It was unnerving though, that I was beginning to like Harry of all people.
We scrubbed faster than usual and soon we were working on the final wall. Then all that was left was the floor.
We continued to work in silence and soon it was finished. We sat on the desks waiting for the professor to come back and let us go for the night. She glanced around the room as she walked in.
"Good, I'll see you tomorrow" I sighed and left. It was only half 10 tonight which meant we still had time to chat to the people still awake. Harry and I walked for the short way together and then he smiled "See you tomorrow then" and left. I couldn't help a smile creeping on to my face. This was totally wrong, but I didn't care. I walked slowly back to my common room still smiling and I wondered what this meant.
XXX
The next morning at Breakfast as I walked in Harry glanced up at me and didn't turn to say something snide to the Weasel or Granger, he smiled ever so softly. I returned the smile and went to sit with Crabbe and Goyle.
They were odd with me all breakfast. In fact hardly anyone spoke to me at all…I knew they weren't going to forgive my 'alliance' with Harry, but if I was honest I wasn't missing much. I've always been a bit of a loner. Harry seemed to notice this and in our detention later that night, he asked me about it.
"Are you ok?" he started
"Yes? Why?" I replied rather shortly
"You seemed to be rather, alone at breakfast" he continued. I looked at him blankly for a few minutes and managed an "oh" I reply.
"If us, talking is going to be a problem then we can just stop talking" he finished. I felt another stab of pain imagining things going back to the way they were before. It felt like I finally had someone I could be myself around.
"It's fine. I'm used to being alone" I replied. Maybe revealing too much about myself, what if things turned ugly and we ended up having some huge argument? Something was telling me not to worry though.
"What do you mean? You've always been possibly the most popular student in this year" he replied with a confused expression.
"Yes, but I can't talk to any of them" I replied "I'm a Malfoy, I don't need to talk to people" I finished
"According to your father?" Harry asked, sensing there was more to be said.
"Yes. According to my family history." I replied.
"I think you should forget it and be yourself" I looked at him blankly.
"They'd disown me" I replied quietly
"Your family or Slytherin?" he asked
"Both" I replied even quieter.
I could see that Harry really wanted to help me, but I didn't understand how he could even possibly start that. I continued to write down all the work I'd missed in our lesson and Harry did the same. "You know if they got to know you Draco, things would be easier for you" he looked up at me at the same time I looked up at him. I shook my head. It felt so strange to be talking to Harry of all people.
"No it won't. Being the way I usually am is far better than letting anyone see the real me. Even you" I felt myself slipping back to my usual self. Harry could see it too.
"I think you're just scared that you won't live up to your family name" he replied. I froze. He was right and he knew it. "You and I are more alike than you think Draco, I have a huge reputation to live up to as well" I nodded, he wasn't wrong. We both had massive reputations to live up to, the only difference was that he already had, and I hadn't and I couldn't. I refused to be a deatheater. So how on earth am I going to live up to the Malfoy name? I couldn't. Harry sensed this was deeper than he originally thought and he asked.
"What's wrong?" he asked. I looked at him blankly and answered
"I refused to become a deatheater" I replied honestly. Harry didn't look surprised
"I knew you'd never follow your father like that" he replied "you're not evil Draco, just mislead" I stared at him – it was like he had me completely figured out and I couldn't even work anything out about him.
"Well I don't see how I'm meant to live up to the Malfoy name otherwise" I sighed. Harry looked at me sympathetically. We both finished writing our work fairly early; it was just gone 9pm.
The professor came back half an hour later and let us leave. After Harry and I had gone our separate I realized just how surreal that conversation had felt. Talking to Harry like he was my best friend or something. It felt very strange. I went straight to bed when I arrived in the common room – no one would talk to me anyway. I fell asleep quickly thankful that no one decided to try making me feel worse.
XXX
Breakfast arrived and I had hardly slept. I spent nearly all night thinking everything over. I felt tired and I looked it too. I was already pale but I looked even worse, and I had dark rings under my eyes. I cursed and left for the great hall. I could tell people were watching me – especially Harry, but no one said a word to me through the entire of breakfast…I may as well have not bothered, I didn't eat anything and no one said a word it was like I wasn't there. I glanced up at the teachers table, Professor Dumbledore was watching me closely but he had a small smile on his face and the usual twinkle in his eye. I left the hall early and headed to potions. I stood outside the dungeon for a good 20 minutes before any other students or Snape arrived.
We all took our seats; we'd be doing an assessment today so we were working alone which I was grateful for, I'm sure no one would have paired with me after everything. "You have the lesson to make your sleeping potion" Snape spoke "Begin" I started to cut up all my ingredients and the time flew as I concentrated on making my potion exactly right.
By the end of the lesson the assessment was over. There were just a few cases of the potion being correct, mine, Grangers and Harry's. Snape deducted points for everyone who failed but gave each me, Hermoine and Harry 20 points. I left the dungeon quickly not wishing anyone to talk to me, I was beginning to get so tired and I had a detention to endure later.
XXX
I stood outside Professor Zenbar's classroom and waited for Harry or the teacher to turn up…I was so tired and I wondered what she'd have us doing tonight.
Thankfully it was only sorting out her book shelf. She went off to her office and left us to sort all the books out. We started in silence as we always did. I didn't want to break the silence I just wanted to get this finished and go to bed, and thankfully Harry relized this and didn't say a word. We finished early and instead of waiting we just left. We parted ways with Harry's words "Try get some sleep tonight Draco, you need it" and left. I shook my head and went to my dorm and fell asleep so quickly.
XXX
Harry's POV
I paced the empty common room, why? I thought to myself angrily. I shouldn't be feeling this way about Draco. I sighed after nearly half an hours thinking and pacing and went to sleep.
XXX
The next morning he looked so much better but he didn't eat much just shoved his food around his plate again. I could see Dumbledore watching him but he didn't attempt to make Draco eat. Clearly it was something that the head master could see that I couldn't that was bothering Draco. Or maybe it was family business that Dumbledore knew about anyway.
The bell rang and we left, Draco was the last to leave the hall today but I didn't hang back – it may have unintentionally made things worse. I would ask him about it in detention tonight.
XXX
The detention arrived quickly to my relief, however Professor Zenbar cancelled it. I stood there stunned and watched as Draco left without a word. I headed up the astronomy tower to clear my head and I must've spent a fair few hours there. I only realized when I heard someone else coming up the stairs, it was pitch black and really late
Draco's POV
I headed up the astronomy tower to get some fresh air, and was shocked when I saw someone familiar leaning against the railing deep in thought. I cursed as I stepped on a squeaky floorboard as I turned to leave. He turned to look at me and smiled softly. "Draco" he smiled
"Harry" I walked over to the railing next to him
"Are you ok?" Harry asked, I nodded "You've not been eating or talking much to anyone recently" he continued. I looked at him for a moment longer
"Things on my mind" I replied.
"Care to share?" he asked
"Nothing you need to know" I replied shortly
"Draco, there is definitely something bothering you and as somewhat a friend I'd like to know" I stared at him for a second, he considered us friends? I felt my mouth slightly open in my shock. And without warning his lips pressed to mine. For a few moments I didn't know what to do, but soon I didn't care and I was kissing him back. We broke apart and Harry looked away, whilst I looked down in embarrassment.
"Sorry" I murmured quietly, but Harry heard me
"What for?" Harry asked
"I shouldn't…feel, well like, you know" I stumbled over my words, Harry smiled and gently pressed his lips to mine again. This kiss was gentle, less rushed and much nicer, I couldn't help myself as I wrapped my arms around Harry's neck and his arms wrapped round my waist. We slowly broke apart and Harry pulled my closer to himself. I allowed a small smile to creep on to my features.
Harry smiled in return and we spent most of the evening just talking and occasionally kissing. We left the astronomy tower at gone 1am, but neither of us cared. I only realized when we went to go our separate ways, that we were holding hands. Harry grinned at me and gave me a long kiss on the lips before he darted off to his dorm. I smiled and crept back to the Slytherin common room, thankfully unnoticed by any teachers. I crept into my bed silently and fell asleep quickly despite being shocked at the happenings of the evening.
XXX
The next day we had defense against the dark arts…it wasn't as awkward as I'd imagined it would be…but nonetheless Harry didn't dare glance at me. I should've expected it…
By the end of the lesson I'd convinced myself that I didn't care and that was that. Harry clearly didn't care so why should I?
As soon as the bell sounded I gathered all my books up and left the classroom. Not only had befriending Potter lost me all my other friends, but now he'd dropped me so I had no one at all. I growled angrily under my breath as I headed to the great hall for dinner…but I wasn't all that hungry so I ended up changing my mind last minute and going to my dorm in the Slytherin house common room in the dungeons.
I spent the time I had catching up with all the homework I'd not been able to do for spending all my evenings in detention with Potter. I was nearly done in time for my detention, so I left the last piece to do afterwards and headed of to Professor Zenbar's classroom for my detention.
"Ah hello Draco" she smiled
"Professor" I replied
"You have only this detention left now Draco, I assume you have learnt not to upset me in future?" she asked and I nodded. Giving myself another detention was not something I would allow, especially if there was a chance Potter would be there.
"Well, there isn't a great deal I can get you to do, so there's a small broom cupboard in the classroom, just give it a quick tidy, it'll only take ten minutes.
I made sure it did. I was done clearing out the cupboard before Potter was told what he was to do, so I left as he was sent in to sort the other small cupboard in the professor's office.
I headed straight back to my dorm and began on my potions homework. It was a much more difficult task than I had originally anticipated. MUCH more difficult. It looked like it would take me at least a few nights to do, and it was due in tomorrow morning.
XXX
I glanced at the clock; I'd had to move into the common room at midnight because my sighing in frustration was bound to annoy my room mates. So I sat in front of our fire and continued to work. It was now 3am, I wasn't even half way finished.
XXX
I skipped breakfast and finished my homework with nearly ten minutes to spare to get to lesson on time. I quickly ran a comb through my hair and made sure I looked presentable and made my way to potions.
Snape's eyes paused on me for a lingering moment as he looked at the class as we sat down. I could tell that I looked terrible, even worse than when I left. I felt terrible.
We were making cooling potions this lesson, and my mind wasn't working with the rest of my body and I managed to give myself a fair few cuts by accident and I also managed to spill some honeydew sap on my hand which burnt. I cursed and wiped it off. My potion was just about the right colour…it was an aqua blue – but was meant to be more of a lavender blue.
Snape looked into my cauldron. "This just about passes Malfoy. You look terrible" he added, I could hear some of the class giggling "I suggest next time you come to my lesson awake and NOT half asleep. 20 points from Slytherin" I groaned quietly. This was JUST what I needed. Half the Slytherins in my class were glaring at me.
"Now. I need your essays and tables which are due in today" Snape ordered collecting in the homework. He paused at mine. "Ah, now I understand. You left my homework until last night and only then realized that it would take longer than an hour to complete so you stayed up all night. How noble of you, Draco" he smirked at me "if this doesn't meet my standards then you'll lose another 10 points for your house Malfoy" he turned and collected in the rest of our work. No doubt Harry had had Hermoine do his homework for him or at least make him a potion to keep him wide awake all day.
I grumbled and left the class as the bell went, and headed off to Care of Magical Creatures. The cold air didn't help to wake me up in any way. After messing about with some Nifflers I was beginning to become faint, but I continued as if nothing was wrong, I was very aware that over half the class was waiting for me to fall asleep, or worse.
The bell was about to ring. I could almost hear it, and then to my horror things began to go black around the edges of my sight. I couldn't hear anything but a 'whooshing' sound in my ears and before I was aware of what was happening I hit the floor. My head hit something really sharp, a rock probably and I fell into oblivion.
Harry's POV
The bell rang but Draco continued to stand still "Why isn't the ferret moving?" Ron snorted, I shrugged. Hermoine began to say something but I didn't hear her, at that moment Draco crashed to the floor in a crumpled heap. Hagrid rushed forward. To pick him up. There was blood on the grass from where Draco must've hit his head. "I'll get 'im to the 'ospital wing" he quickly walked up to the castle carrying the unconscious Draco. I followed but not too closely, Ron seemed to be under the impression it was because I wanted to know what had happened so I could have a go at him, but how wrong he was…I was worried about Draco. Especially since he appeared to be upset and angry.
We went for lunch in the great hall and I couldn't follow him anymore.
Draco's POV
I woke up groggily and looked around. I was in the hospital wing…what happened? Madame Pomfrey rushed over seeing me awake. She smiled "I was going to wake you up a few hours ago, but you looked like you could use the sleep" I glanced at the clock 7.46pm and nodded
"You're head is fine, you just hit a stone, no damage that couldn't be fixed. You are fine to leave Mr. Malfoy." She smiled and hurried off. I picked up my bad and left the hospital wing quietly. There were very few students around and I was in no hurry to get to my dorm so I slowly made my way back.
Hermoine's POV
The next morning at Breakfast Harry was distant, but I daren't ask him why. I allowed him to shove his food around his plate only for a few minutes before asking him why he wasn't eating.
"What's WRONG harry?" Ron asked over the top of me…typical.
"Nothing" Harry lied, very obviously.
"Right, Mate" Ron replied and shoved a forkful of bacon in his mouth.
Then Malfoy walked into the hall. He was paler than yesterday – his hair wasn't as neat as usual and his eyes were worryingly dark. He looked a lot skinnier than usual as well. Not good. Harry seemed to notice this as well, he took one long glance at Malfoy and pushed his plate away from him, he hadn't eaten a thing. I needed to talk to him, and thankfully I got my chance in history of magic.
"What's wrong Harry?" I asked quietly at the back of the class – Ron was nearly asleep so that kept him from making anything worse than it already was.
"Nothing" Harry looked back at Professor Binns.
"This doesn't have anything to do with Malfoy does it?" I asked, Harry's eyes widened and he looked at me.
"I knew it!" I hissed. "What's WRONG?" I asked
"Nothing is wrong Hermoine" he replied
"Please Harry. Something is definitely wrong, Malfoy is a complete MESS and you are well on your way to joining him!" I stared at him intently waiting for a reply.
"Listen, I…" he stopped talking "I need to sort things out first" he stalled
"Ok" I replied, deciding not to push him. He would tell me in his own time, and if he was going to sort things out then that was good…right?
XXX
"Harry where do you think you're going?" I asked, not sure where to look. He was under the invisibility cloak, I was the only one in here so I wasn't too worried if he wasn't ACTUALLY there. But the armchair opposite me had mysteriously moved of it's own accord.
"To think" he replied not taking off the invisibility cloak. "About Malfoy" he replied seeing my expression.
"Ok, don't get caught" I replied.
Draco's POV
I sat in the common room, unable to sleep but so bored. My head was full of thoughts and I needed fresh air.
I crept out of my common room and out of the dungeon, I couldn't see any teachers so went to the main entrance – the doors were locked. I should've guessed, it would be too loud to unlock them and push them open. The only other place for fresh air was the astronomy tower. I moved through the corridors as quickly and quietly as I could and soon I was climbing the hundreds of steps up to the top of the tower. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize Harry was here again. By the time I had realized it was far too late. He turned to look at me and smiled almost apologetically. I turned to leave but he spoke before I could.
"Wait, Draco" I turned to look at him, my cold mask in place, waiting for the insult that was sure to follow.
"I'm sorry." I felt my eyes widen at his words "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to act like I didn't want to know you. It was awkward and I didn't want to get you into any more trouble with the Slytherins and I didn't mean to hurt you" he blurted out. I walked up and leant on the railing next to him.
"Me too" I replied
"Huh?" Harry looked confused and I thought very suddenly that he looked quite cute when he was confused.
"I didn't make things exactly easy" I whispered, I could feel my eyes filling up. Harry noticed. I tried to turn my head away but he gently moved my head back around so I was looking at him. He gently wiped the few tears I allowed to escape off my cheeks. He then softly pressed his lips to mine, I couldn't help myself as I wrapped my arms around his neck once more. Harry deepened the kiss – not that I was about to complain. I could feel his hands working to undo my shirt and I did the same to his. Soon our clothes were just a crumpled heap on the floor…
XXX
The cold of the fresh air made me shiver. My skin was covered in a light sheen of sweat which reflected the light from the moon. I felt Harry's arms tighten around me as I shivered again. "No one needs to know about this" I hissed, Harry looked slightly hurt
I realized what he must've interpreted my words as meaning, "I just need to let them know in my own time, Harry. It's not going to be easy telling my house that I'm now together with my old enemy who happens to be the entire house's enemy" I added
"We're actually, you know, officially together?" Harry asked, looked for anything in my eyes that told him I was lying. Of course he wouldn't find anything
"Yes?" I asked. "If you like" I added
"Of course!" he pressed his lips to mine and I smiled against them as he kissed me
"As much as I'd love to do what we just did again, I'm going to need time to recover if I'm going to be able to walk tomorrow" I said, he chuckled and we began to get dressed again and then left for our dormitory's
Harry's POV
I walked back to the Gryffindor common room only an hour or so after I'd left, but my mood was FAR improved. And Hermoine who was waiting for me, noticed this.
"Oh, I see you sorted things out in your head then?" she smiled as I sat in the armchair I accidentally moved earlier.
"Uh, yeah" I replied scratching my ear
"Oh! Did you talk to Malfoy then?" she asked misreading my nervousness
"Yes" I replied – I almost blushed thinking how little talking we ACTUALLY did but I wasn't going to share that information with her. "Is everything ok then?" she asked
"Yes. Definitely" I replied beginning to think about Draco
"Why have you got a dreamy loo- Oh My God! You and Malfoy are together?!" she squealed interpreting the look on my face easily.
"SHHH!" I hissed
"I didn't see THAT one coming!" she stated and sat down with a stunned expression. I smiled
"Hey, it doesn't mean I'm going to be any less of a friend to you or Ron" I grinned as she relaxed visibly. "Which reminds me has he made a move yet?" Hermoine blushed
"I don't know what you're talking about!" she argued. I grinned and left it at that.
XXX
The next morning in the great hall for breakfast I glanced over at Draco, he was shoving his food around his plate and not eating much, but there was definitely a soft smile on his lips. I grinned and shoved some beans into my mouth, Hermoine kept glancing at me, and occasionally over to Draco. I'm fairly sure Ron was beginning to wonder what was going on.
"Um, have you and Malfoy had an argument?" He asked and shoved some sausage in his mouth. "Because that git deserves a verbal bashing" I felt a surge of anger run through me but I didn't say anything.
"No, they haven't had an argument" Hermoine filled in, presumably guessing I'd be angry.
"Oh" Ron scratched his nose and shoved some more food in his mouth "So wha?" he asked through the food in his mouth
"We'll tell you this evening" Hermoine promised, giving me a 'you better have told him by tomorrow' look. I grinned and ate some more food and glanced over at Draco, he wasn't eating still, it looked like he hadn't slept again…I made a note to ask him about it in our next lesson, care of magical creatures.
XXX
"Today we'll be goin' just inside the Forbidden Forest" Hagrid smiled "Now, yeh need ter pair up" Hermoine jumped next to Ron, all the Slytherins paired off, I could see just how unpopular Draco was now. Draco and I were the last two left in the end, Hagrid looked at me as if to say I could just walk with him as well, but I just smiled and shook my head. Hagrid shrugged "Right, now follow me" Hagrid led us into the Forrest. We had to walk just on the inside and around the outskirts to wherever Hagrid was leading us. Draco and I hung back so we could talk.
"Are you ok?" I asked worriedly, Draco looked at me
"Yes, why?" he replied
"You don't look as though you've slept…and you weren't eating." I tried to search his face for any search of him hiding something from me, but all I could see was honesty.
"I just feel a bit funny is all" he replied with a small smile. We had fallen quite far back now, we could only just hear the babbling of the other students up ahead. I used this chance to give Draco a long yet meaningful kiss which lasted a long time considering we were in a lesson. As Draco and I pulled away I realised we weren't alone. My heart skipped a few beats, it was Ron. He looked between the two of us and grinned, albeit slightly awkwardly "you have got some SERIOUS explaining to do mate, now hurry up" Ron turned to catch up with Hermoine, Draco's face must've been a complete mirror of mine, I was so sure Ron would take the news badly, no terribly.
We arrived a few moments after Ron returned "They went the wrong way – too busy arguing" Ron supplied us with our excuse. Hagrid nodded and smiled. He had a few Snufflers in a small enclosure for us to see… they were very much like Nifflers, only larger. Neither Malfoy or I were interested in the creatures, I was more preoccupied with the electric shocks I got just from brushing hands with him and from what I could see he got the same.
Draco's POV
I couldn't concentrate on the animals Hagrid was showing us, I was all too aware that Harry was standing right next to me, and that every time he touched me I felt shocks run through me. I still however didn't feel quite right…I felt warmer than I should and my stomach was very unsettled, I wasn't hungry, but even if I was I doubt I would eat. I ignored this again; it was quite nice to be feeling warmer than usual with the cool wind whipping around us as we left the forest.
By the time we were nearing the castle Harry and I had drifted slightly apart – so as not to draw attention to ourselves. I was too hot by the time we arrived back in the entrance hall of Hogwarts. It was lunch time, but I couldn't bear the thought of food and so made my way to my dorm to have a cold shower. It was cooling against my skin but it didn't last for long, as soon as I was dressed again I was beginning to get too warm.
Next I had Herbology, thankfully another outside lesson. The greenhouses were cold, in fact freezing, due to being kept in shade for most of the morning…however I was STILL the opposite. Professor Sprout ended our lesson about 20 minutes early, and while everyone made their way back inside into the warm. I wandered around the grounds trying to cool off as much as I could before double potions. I took off my scarf and gloves and undid the top buttons of my shirt…but no avail, I was still boiling and the bell sounded, indicating I should start making my way to potions.
I sorted my uniform out and stepped into the dungeon just on time. The only seat left was next to Harry, carefully organized by Hermoine no doubt. I sat next to him and my hand brushed against his. He looked at me worriedly "Draco, you're freezing" my eyes widened…I felt boiling…
"Went for a wander in the grounds" I replied, I wasn't lying but I didn't think he'd take it too lightly if I told him I was boiling hot.
"Now you will each be making a healing potion." Snape began "and we shall be testing a few of the students efforts" his eyes lingered on me, and then Harry, before settling on Neville Longbottom, who shuddered under the gaze of the potions teacher.
I followed my instructions carefully, making sure my potion was exactly right…I didn't want this to end badly. Thankfully, my potion was the exact shade of lilac it was supposed to be. Snape selected, Mine, Harry's, Ron's and Neville's potions to be tested. He gave each, in turn, a cut on our arm, and we were to take our potion to heal it.
Ron went first, Snape cut his arm with a quick spell, and then Ron took a long gulp of his potion. It wasn't quite there though, his cut healed slightly but it just looked maybe a week or so older. Harry's potion naturally worked perfectly. Neville was next, his potion was an odd colour, I couldn't really describe it very well as I couldn't see it properly. However when he drank it, the only effect it had was to turn his blood green. I heard Pansy Parkinson giggle from the other side of the class. Then it was my turn. Snape made a cut on my arm the same as everyone else…it wasn't very deep, however blood almost instantly started to drip down my arm. Unlike anyone elses, my arm was bleeding worryingly fast and heavily. Snape watched in horror as my entire forearm was covered in the red liquid. I could feel myself becoming faint and grabbed the table to keep myself upright. I could feel Harry's soft hands on my arms holding me up, before he held something cool to my lips. Glass. He was giving me his potion. I willing gulped it down and almost instantly felt myself steady. Snape continued to watch me with wide eyes but said nothing.
At the end of the lesson I slowly gathered my things, I definitely felt worse after my little trouble with the potion. I was now hot and suppressing shivers that ran through me. Snape called me to the front, I slowly made my way to his desk.
"Mr. Malfoy, you don't appear to be well" he stated looking me up and down
"I uh, didn't sleep well last night" I felt awkward talking to my very aloof head of house.
"I trust you will be in better shape tomorrow then" he replied
"Yes" I replied and left without another word. I decided against going to the great hall, I really wanted to see Harry, but it couldn't be done right now, I was feeling horrible, everything ached and I was hot and cold at the same time and all I wanted was to sleep. As soon as I reached my dorm I went straight to my bed and fell into a deep and very welcome sleep.
I woke up at 3.47am – groggy and swelteringly hot. I rolled over and lay on my back staring at the ceiling. After a few minutes I got up and had a shower but again it did nothing to help, it only woke me up more.
I lay back in bed and fell into a light sleep.
XXX
I was woken up for the final time just as breakfast was going to begin. I left my dorm feeling tired and sluggish. I wasn't hungry and ended up just shoving food around my plate for the duration of breakfast. I was dimly aware of the post arriving, I received a letter from someone – I didn't recognize the writing.
I opened the letter, it was from Harry.
'Please eat something. Meet me tonight at the astronomy tower – 10pm
Your Harry'
I smiled and glanced up at him as I ate some toast. He smiled in relief and grinned at me. I wasn't really hungry and I only ate a tiny bit of the toast, in fact it made me feel rather ill.
XXX
The day finally came to a close and I made my way to the astronomy tower. Harry was waiting for me. I smiled and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist softly. He grinned and turned around to kiss me quickly "We haven't seen each other in too long" I murmured , he smiled and kissed my jaw slowly moving down my neck. He suddenly stopped, "Draco your boiling" he looked into my eyes sadly "Is something wrong? Do you want to talk about it?"
"There's nothing wrong Harry. I'm sure it's some measly virus that's going around" I assured him with a kiss which he deepened, but I really wasn't in a state to go any further tonight. He slowly moved from kissing my lips to my jaw and down my neck. I closed my eyes and without even realizing it three words I never thought I would hear myself say, slipped out
"I love you" I murmured
Harry stopped suddenly and looked at me, I felt panic rise within me; he didn't love me back. I was stupid to have let those words slip out. My breathing began to quicken and I worried he would leave me then and there…never did I imagine him to say "I love you too" I relaxed and smiled, he grinned and kissed me slowly. We sat in the tower for an hour or so, and I could feel myself nodding off against his shoulder. The cool breeze was helping me to cool off. Harry nudged me "love, you need to get back to your dorm" I felt myself smiled at the nickname but I didn't say anything. I just pulled myself to my feet and began to walk back down the tower with him.
XXX
I woke up the next morning feeling slightly better, closer to my normal temperature. I sat up slowly and stretched, my stomach felt slightly more settled than it had for the past few days. I got dressed slowly and headed to the great hall, it was buzzing with conversation as I entered, the noise was echoing inside my head which – soon began to ache. By the time I had arrived at my first lesson I was in intense pain, so strong that I couldn't concentrate or anything. It was defense against the dark arts, thankfully Professor Zenbar went easy on me, I think it was far more than obvious I was in pain.
Hermoine, Ron and Harry waited for me at the end of the lesson, "Here" Hermoine handed me a poition
"What is it?" I asked skeptically
"Healing potion from our lesson the other day – should stop whatever it is from hurting you" I nodded and gratefully gulped down the liquid. It did help, a tiny bit.
Hermoine and Ron left, Harry looked at me and smiled, the corridors were getting quiet now with everyone going in to their next lesson. "Come to the Gryffindor common room with me tonight" Harry asked "We can just sit and talk by the fire" misreading the look on my face
"Harry, if you get caught…if we get caught" I began
"Shhh, we won't. You can use my invisibility cloak to come in with me later, and when you leave you can take it with you" I nodded and smiled. "I'll be outside your common room at 11.30" he smiled quickly kissed me and left, which of course meant I had to run to Herbology to get there on time.
XXX
The evening slowly came around and soon I was waiting just outside the Slytherin common room for Harry. He used the invisibility cloak, so of course I jumped in fright when the air poked me. We both hid under the invisibility cloak and made our way to the common room. "Maple Syrup" Harry smiled. He was standing outside the cloak so as not to confuse the portrait and I hid under the cloak so she wouldn't see me enter. Harry smiled around at the empty common room. He settled into the sofa in front of the fire, patting next to him indicating that I should sit down. I settled down next to him, my headache had subsided a few hours ago. Harry wrapped his arms around me and very uncharacteristically I snuggled closer to him. I felt him chuckle softly at the gesture. I went to move away but he tightened his hold on me. He gently kissed me and slowly his lips moved to my neck again, I smiled as a repeat of our first night in the astronomy tower began. I just hoped no one came into the common room…
XXX
I leant against Harry just watching the fire, we had both pulled our clothes back on – just incase anyone DID come into the common room. "I should go" I grinned as Harry pulled me closer. I knew that for the first time, I was truly happy…
How's that? Please review :)
xflightofthephoenix
