I don't own Harry Potter, but I'm saving up to buy JK Rowling, so you just wait.
I bet you can tell where this story will go with that first chapter… but I won't be so predictable! I think I'd add Comfort to the categories for this story, but idk. On with the show…
Chapter 2: The Enemy, The Friend
The young Malfoy went up to the hospital wing with Snape and found himself quite alone with the unconscious boy. He looked around to see if Snape had left. Indeed, the wing was completely silent and even Madame Pomfrey was not to be seen. Malfoy looked down at the glassless face of Harry. He just stared, willing the boy to wake up. He didn't want to wait here forever. He was going to notify the new pain in the ass what had unfortunately happened.
Harry stirred. Malfoy's eyes widened and he couldn't help but smile. The Boy-Who-Lived was completely helpless lying there. How much he would usually love to take this opportunity to do something devious or plain harmful, but unfortunately he had to protect the boy. But, he thought, if I just hurt him and not kill him, it'll be ok right? So I could probably just go about my usual routine of harassment and insulting and he'll be fine. I will have to keep an eye on this idiot while I torture him. That isn't so bad. I don't have to be his friend. Far from it, Malfoy promised himself.
"I'll protect your life, Harry Potter, but I cannot promise any more than that," Malfoy whispered.
"Ron?" Harry gasped, which earned him a deep frown from Malfoy. He better be waking up.
"No. Wake up, you git!" Malfoy practically screamed.
"What?" Harry looked completely befuddled to have Malfoy there at his bedside. All the times he's woken up in the infirmary, Ron and Hermione had always been there. Why they were not here and why Malfoy was here instead, Harry couldn't fathom. Harry felt unwilling to move anything but his eyes and they opened. His body ached in a way he never imagined and trying to remember, the scene played out quite clearly in his mind. He cringed when he saw Malfoy throw the curse at him.
"I need to tell you something. Think you can handle listening?" Malfoy asked as demeaning as he could.
"I'm not a child. I've dealt with pain before. Spill it already!" Harry matched the other's tone.
"During our little, whatever, I made a couple Unbreakable Vows. You do remember?" Malfoy looked at Harry appraisingly then continued. "Well as it is, I made some that I had no intention of carrying out. But that is neither here nor there. I didn't intend this, but apparently I am to protect you from all mortal harm for the rest of your bloody life."
"You didn't know that? I thought you knew that was what you were promising too! I was surprised, to say the least. I thought that you'd reject that one. I guess you're the idiot here."
"Hmph. Well if that's all." Malfoy turned to leave only pausing to punch Harry's leg quite hard.
"Dude! That really hurt!" Harry yelled.
"You're used to it." And the blond left the room. That was that! Harry thought. He tried to imagine how he could make this to his advantage. It would undoubtedly have pissed Malfoy off, but he can't do anything but mildly hurt me. I guess just having the natural advantage here is enough. I don't need to rub it in his face.
Now alone, Harry had time to remember what it was like being under the effects of Gauisus Venenum. He remembered everything perfectly. It was weird though. It wasn't as if he was looking at a deranged or untrue Harry Potter in his memory. It was surely him, just really odd acting. Things only slightly realized in his mind had spewed out of his mouth. He had actually hugged Draco Malfoy. He shivered at the idea. Am I really that desperate for people to like me that I even want Malfoy's friendship?
Shaking his head in a little self-disgust and a little full-body aching, Harry looked once more for his friends like they had been hiding this whole time. He stared up at the ceiling and heard footsteps coming on the hard floor. It would be four people, Harry thought. He knew what four it would be too.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried.
"Oi, you alright?" came Ron's uncertain question.
"He shall be quite fine, thank you! My care is top-notch, you know!" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed quite needlessly.
"Thank you, Poppy. I think these three would like to be alone now. You were telling me how Mr. Potter here came into your top-notch care." Dumbledore led Mrs. Pomfrey out of the area.
"Harry, what happened?" Hermione asked predictably.
"Malfoy used that Sectumsempra curse on me. It's kind of a long story." Harry said apologetically.
"WHAT?!" Ron yelled. Then looking at the two adults staring at him, Ron turned a shade red. "But how would he know that spell? Maybe his dad's the Prince?"
"Don't be dense, Ron. Didn't you hear that Lucius barely passed his potion's O.W.L. and that was likely due to some foul play anyway? Besides, I would also like to know how Malfoy came by that particular curse. He probably didn't remember it after one use from Harry. That is kind of hard."
"I told him what the spell was." Harry said, interrupting their puzzled faces.
"WHY?!" Ron yelled again. In a decidedly quite tone, he added, "didn't you think he would use it on you?"
"That was the deal. I felt really bad for doing it to him and when I took the Gauisus Venenum, that small feeling of guilt turned into full blown panic if he didn't forgive me. So it's 'cause of that bloody potion that I went up to him and then asked him how I could earn his forgiveness. The prat told me that I'd have to be subject to the same curse. So after some preparations, I told him the curse and then was brought here when he used it on me. It's really not a nice curse, guys," Harry explained.
"I'm glad you learned your lesson," Hermione began. After earning herself some severe looks from Harry and Ron, she continued quickly. "BUT you really shouldn't have told him. It's one thing to use it and feel regret, but to be subject to the same thing willingly? You can't be so, well… noble."
"It wasn't noble. I felt so ridiculous the whole time talking to him. I felt completely at a loss to resist even the slightest feelings. Like I usually want to be friends with people and that immediate reaction took over and I couldn't remind it that this was Malfoy here! Well, I made sure I wouldn't die. I don't think I was really stupid, just idiotic. If that makes sense."
"I understand, mate. It's all that potion's fault. At least everything's fine. Although I would kind of hope that Malfoy wasn't fine at the moment," Ron said. Harry felt so much affection for his friend then. It had been the potion's fault! He wouldn't have done any of that otherwise. But Malfoy was still beholden to protect me, Harry thought. That was kind of nice. He knew that Ron and Hermione would do everything they could do to protect him and that Dumbledore would too, but to have someone forced to was a little comforting too.
"Well there was one more thing. I got Malfoy to vow to save me from dying," Harry said.
"Oh, that wasn't just a nice thing he did for you, then?" Ron asked sarcastically.
"Actually it was the Unbreakable Vow. I made him promise that he's get Snape to save me. I chose Snape because he was probably the only teacher that would listen to Malfoy. Plus, he seemed to heal Malfoy ok, even if he is the biggest douche in the world." Ron smiled at this.
"I'm glad you didn't promise anything Harry. Those vows can be tricky if you don't know how to construct them." Hermione's words had reminded Harry that he hadn't actually promised to tell Malfoy anything. But, he thought, it was obvious that he was going to divulge it because he wanted Malfoy's forgiveness and, now he remembered, his friendship too.
"Yeah. Well I'm really tired, so thanks guys, but I'm gonna sleep. Mione, can you, just this once, take notes for me?" Harry asked, looking at sad and wounded as possible.
"Of course, Harry! See you tomorrow!" And with that she kissed his forehead. Harry gazed with wonderment at his female friend. Had she done that before? What was going on? Ron noticed, obviously. Hermione left looking as if nothing odd just happened. Ron stood there in stunned silence. He smiled and left, presumably to question Hermione.
Really sore everywhere, Harry relaxed into his comfortable bed. Soon enough he was deep asleep. He didn't even need a sleeping draught.
Harry felt his hand being grasped firmly by someone in a daze of sleepiness. Had he fallen asleep and was dreaming, or was he just about to go to sleep. He didn't really know and was too tired to even open his eyes to see whose hand it was. Only later did his curiosity really peak as he was roused out of his slumber. The face of Ron peered over his.
"Hello there," Ron said cheerfully.
"Hi," Harry responded.
"Care to eat with me?" Ron asked. The freckles on his face were strikingly contrasting with his pale skin. Harry could almost count each freckle with Ron's proximity. He couldn't help but smile. He didn't know if it was because Ron was uncomfortably close or because the redhead was smiling too.
"Mm," Harry consented. He was about to get up when Ron placed a hand on his chest. Harry was pushed down.
"We're eating here, dummy. Breakfast in bed for you. You better like it, or else Dobby might hang himself, mind," Ron's face vanished from Harry's view but the hand remained full on his chest. A blush made its way onto the still glassless face. He blinked at the funny feeling. He never stopped smiling and tried to sit up so that he would at least be able to eat upright. The hand pushed held him down firmly though.
"Will you let me sit up?" Harry protested. "I'm going to choke if you make me eat lying down."
"Just wait," Ron assured. Suddenly the bed propped Harry up on its own. He was now sitting uncomfortable straight up. The surprisingly quick movement had jarred Harry's stomach muscles.
"What the—" Harry began. Did Ron do that?
"There, a little magic to start the morning, eh?" Ron looked incredibly proud of himself. A firm feeling of accomplishment on his face. Of course, Harry thought, everything could be fixed with magic. He rolled his eyes affectionately at Ron and got a big smile in return.
"Thanks. I don't suppose I can sit normally?" Harry hoped that Ron wasn't going to mess anything up here.
"Uhh… I think so. Just a sec." Ron's hand never left Harry. It was starting to get hot where he was touched. Harry then realized that he was without clothes and that Ron's hand was touching bare flesh. The blush intensified and he silently berated himself for caring.
He is only being a pushy guy, not trying to do…anything. What would he do anyway? It's not like he would touch me like a girl would. He doesn't do that…and neither do I for that matter. Why am I blushing. I really need to get laid, it's just the hormones. Just the hormones.
The bed released its position into a much more suitable reclined position.
"Thanks, mate," Harry said through a grin. Ron nodded and removed his hand from Harry and both of their smiles wavered for the slightest second. Good thing I didn't have any Gauisus Venenum in me, they both thought.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked innocently.
"Who cares?" Ron joked. Then continuing, "She said she had to talk to one of the elves about their 'situation'." Ron's fingers made mock air quotes. Harry laughed knowingly.
"You said Dobby was making my food? Is he coming?" Harry asked with a little apprehension. He didn't mind the elf really, but it seemed to usually lead to some sort of trouble.
"Uhh yeah. I don't think I could've stopped him. I went to the kitchens last night to get myself a bit of sweets and Dobby asked about you, of course," Ron shared a look with Harry. "Anyway, he was really worried to know that you were in the hospital wing. He came up with the idea of breakfast in bed. Of course he volunteered for the job of cooking. Dobby really likes you Harry. Just make sure he never gets on one knee or you'll be in trouble."
Ron really knew how to get you in a good mood, Harry thought. From the friendly touching to the joking to the supply of food, how much better could it get? I guess a kiss would seal the deal, but it would have to be someone besides Ron of course. Or maybe…no, Ron is quite out of the question. I need to get that food in me, I'm losing my mind, Harry thought.
"I'm starving," Harry said a little too loudly. Ron looked in absolute agreement. He was practically drooling. The small elf skipped in, positively bubbly.
"HARRY POTTER!" Dobby screamed. "Oh Mr. Harry Potter, sir, you are not well? Are you going to be ok? Shall I get someone? Do you need me right now? Are you hungry, Harry Potter? I have food for you!"
"Uhh yeah, thanks Dobby. I'm really grateful for the food," said Harry, hoping to get the food sooner rather than later.
"Ok, Harry Potter. I'll get it," said Dobby and with a snap of his fingers, the dish appeared in his hands. It was really a tray. It had several large plates on it, some crammed so tightly that they were overlapping. Harry didn't care what it was, he just wanted some.
"Got any for me, Dobby?" Ron asked hungrily.
"No."
"Oh…but I told you that I'd be up here with Harry. I'm hungry you know." Ron was getting a sad look on his face.
"Dobby tricks Ron Weasley! You are so sad without food. Here is your food too!" And another snap presented a bit smaller tray of still delicious looking food. Ron's eyes seemed to be on the verge of tearing up with the sight. He just sheepishly took the plates and dug straight in. Harry had waited to see Dobby off, so as not to seem rude to his favorite House-Elf.
"Alright then Dobby? How're things?" Harry asked while arranging his food to optimize the order in which he was going to eat it.
Hmm eggs first, I think. Yes. Those look really good. Then porridge, pancakes, sausage….
"Oh Harry Potter. I am doing fine!" His voice squeaked at the end of each sentence in excitement. "Winky is being her usual self. I don't much care for her attitude, to be honest, sir. I think she is really a sad elf. But I am happy. I get paid, you know, and I buy things at Hogsmeade all the time! The store people think I am buying for my master. They don't know, see, that I have no master. Thanks to Harry Potter!"
Harry grinned at Dobby and hoped that he was done. He was not.
"And I went to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes! I bought many things to try to make Winky happy, but she won't budge. I used one of the Fanged Frisbees on Filch the other day. He thought it was Peeves. I can be such naughty elf, right Harry Potter?" Ron spewed a bit of pancake into the air. Harry just stared at the elf. He better not be hitting on me.
Don't be stupid. We're both guys, and besides, he's a freakin elf! I don't even know if the mechanics of…that… would work out at all. I don't even want to imagine that.
"Well Dobby, thanks for the food, but I think I might be a little tired to talk right now. I think Ron and I are going to just sit here in silence and eat. Thanks a lot though," Harry felt bad for getting rid of the elf, but Dobby had to be taken in small doses. Today's dose was quite enough.
"Alright Harry Potter. Good bye!" He practically screamed in glee and ran out.
"Well handled, mate. I was sure he was going to bum you right then and there," Ron said as if he was merely commenting on the weather. Harry laughed as he tried to navigate to his favorite food.
"You know I asked Hermione what she was thinking when she gave you that little kiss yesterday. She said that she's been feeling 'different'. What the hell does that mean?" Ron said as they walked out of the wing.
"I don't know, Ron. It looks like she has feelings for me. That kind of makes things awkward doesn't it?"
"Definitely."
The two of them walked to classes together. Without another mention of Hermione for the rest of the day, Harry thought it was rather odd that he didn't see her at all.
"Where is Hermione?" Harry asked Ron during dinner. It was funny watching Ron try to negotiate the food in his mouth and the speech he tried to make. He gave up and just shrugged.
"Speak of the witch," Harry said as Hermione walked through the Great Hall doors.
"Sorry guys. I've been busy in the library." Ron and Harry exchanged a look. "And I am right about one thing."
"I'm supposed to say," and Harry cleared his throat, "'Why Hermione, what were you right about?'"
"You shouldn't like the Half-Blood Prince. I know who it is."
"Are you going to just drag this out as long as possible?" Harry asked.
"Yes. You seem to forget that I'm quite valuable to this group of ours."
"I'm sorry if you feel that way. We want to know, Hermione, is that not enough?"
"No it's not."
"Okay… Hermione, I know you've been having feelings for me, but you can't be all bitchy about stupid things like this," Harry said exasperated.
"Feelings?" Hermione burst out laughing. Genuine mirth was riddled with derision.
"Well yeah…"Harry sounded really unsure of himself. Ron looked nonplussed by Harry's accusation. He seemed to be on the same page.
"I'm sorry Harry, I don't. Not that way, if that's what you mean. The only reason why I held your arm the other day and kissed you on the forehead last night is because I felt like it. I would do it to Ron too but he would just get uncomfortable and things would get awkward. I thought you would be fine with some friendly things like that. I am a girl; I like those kinds of things, whether you knew that or not."
"Oh, well since it was only me, I thought…"Harry began.
"Well you thought wrong. Anyway, the Half-Blood Prince is Snape. Thought you ought to know whose advice you're taking."
For the second time that day, Ron spewed food into the air. Harry didn't even notice. He stared at Snape at the front of the Hall. He couldn't imagine someone as cool as the Half-Blood Prince could be the only teacher he hated. Looking back at Hermione, she looked absolutely triumphant.
"Are you sure?" Ron said after relieving himself of the food in his mouth.
"Yes. Snape's mother's maiden name is Prince and Snape's father is a muggle. So he's a half-blood and he's a prince…in a sort of roundabout way. I think he used his mom's name because he's ashamed of his father's mugglehood."
"What?! But he's such a purist! Why, he's nothing pure, except maybe pure evil! He's half-blood and he's ugly. Snape's just a prat then," Ron exclaimed.
"Exactly. Hypocrite! I don't feel like using that book anymore… Wait. So he made that spell!?"
Harry's epiphanic face shining with rage.
"Yes, I presume so. So he knows how you've been doing well in Potions. He knew the second that you used his spell. He knows the spell, Harry. Interesting, isn't it?" Hermione glowed.
"If by interesting you mean terrible, then yes, I agree," Harry said sardonically. "I don't know how to react to this. I mean, I almost liked Snape!? That seems ridiculous."
"It is ridiculous that you almost liked someone by simply reading their potion corrections. That says plenty about you, Harry." Hermione said testily.
"Hermione, you know we appreciate you. In fact, I love you as a friend. I would do anything for you. You've always been the one to figure things out and it might just be that we're uncomfortable talking about our lack of intelligence, ok? Is that what you wanted? Please stop ruining my day." Harry didn't like the mean Hermione. She was too good at it.
"Better. But I think you two should really take an interest in S.P.E.W.," Hermione said, unrelenting.
"Look, Mione," said Ron. "It's really unfortunate that we don't share your politics. But if you keep bringing this up, we're going to have issues. I can try all I want to care about elves, but it's not going to make me an activist like you. I think you're doing good work, and that you should really go for it. Just don't expect us to be all excited about it."
Hermione just stared at Ron. She looked quite affronted. Her little eyebrows raised into her hairline. "I-I didn't know that you actually supported me…" Hermione said.
"Of course we do, Hermione. We just aren't super activists. We don't disagree, but we don't agree to extent you want us you. Please don't hold it against us," Harry stated.
"Oh, you guys! You really want me to succeed?" With nods from both boys, Hermione smiled broadly. "I love you guys so much."
"Uhh yeah, same," Ron said.
"Yup," Harry said uncomfortably. It was different hearing it. Sounded a bit too official for his liking. He just smiled and kept eating.
"I'm sorry about the Snape bombshell, Harry. And I don't think it's that weird to almost like someone by reading their potion textbook. If you liked that person, though, it would be a little awkward. I mean, what kind of standards do you have for friends when you befriend ingredients and spells in a certain hand?" Hermione laughed a little. Harry was happy that he had not said that he really did like the Half-Blood Prince. That is, he thought to himself, before he knew the Prince's true identity.
"It's alright. Never've seen you so…mean. It was weird," Harry said.
"And you're good at it! Who would've thought a goody-two-shoes would throw insults like that? You're not even creative; you just go for the truth. Very daring," Ron smiled.
"Oh Ron," Hermione sighed.
Appreciating the return to normality, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and was shocked out of his calm happiness. Draco Malfoy looked down at him and removed his hand.
"Professor Dumbledore wants to see us after dinner. Hurry up," Malfoy sneered as he looked down at Harry's full plate.
"I'll be done when I'm done. I expect patience from both of you. Now if you please," said the boy, never blinking behind his glasses.
"Well done, Harry!" said Ron.
"You're trying to act snobbish around Malfoy? Don't think that it'll work." Hermione was mostly wrong. Mafloy walked off out of the Hall. He had a face of annoyance. So maybe Harry's demeanor had irked him some.
"Well, I do really want to know what Dumbledore wants. So I'll catch you guys later," Harry said before getting up and grabbing a cupcake for a little snack on the way.
In front of the hidden stairs, Malfoy was lolling against one of the gargoyles. It was fitting that he rested against the ugliest one, Harry thought.
It's because he's an ugly person. Well he's ugly inside, at least. Outside, well, he's quite good looking. I mean, if you're into that. If you like the pretty boy. His hair is always perfectly gelled to one side. I wonder if he bleaches it to get it that blond… It's a nice hair color. As far as hair colors go, that is. He isn't fat, which is good, I guess. His hands are nimble, but so are mine, so that's nothing special. His eyes are a bit…uhh, handsome? It's ok to say another bloke's handsome. It's just sad that he's not as good looking as I am.
"You didn't take long. Or is my patience just so transcendent that I didn't even notice the hours going by?" The familiar drawl brought Harry's attention to the other's mouth.
He has lips too. They're rather thin, always curling up into smirks. He licks them a lot too. Like a snake. They have nice color too. But how different can lip color really be?
"I was just pulling your chain. You don't have to take everything to heart, you know. It's not like your confidence should rest on what I say. That's just sad." Harry said after remembering to respond to the blond boy. They were standing opposite each other, each with his gargoyle.
"Don't flatter yourself," Malfoy intoned.
"Hard not to. All I have to do is state a fact about myself and I'm flattering myself every time. It's a real pain to avoid doing that."
"Wow, everyone always thinks you're Mr. Modest. I've always known that you're arrogant. It's a real shame others don't see the real you."
"You know, it's funny. I only ever do this around you, so I'm sure you're just so lucky to see the real me and everyone else is under delusions. It can't be that you force me to be rude and inconsiderate. That can't be." Harry said sarcastically.
"Only around me? Now you're flattering me! You only open up to me? I'm so special. It's nice to know that I have such a strong effect on you." Malfoy said smiling, deviously.
"Or maybe it's just because the difference between us is so much more obvious that I can't help but find myself a god compared to you. Everyone else is at least a human being. You don't even make the mark," Harry said.
"Oh, that's priceless. You actually want to compare here? Let me see, well you are taller, but so are trolls. I have better hair than you, I duel better than you do, I get more girls than you, by a lot, and I am pureblood, of course." Malfoy looked utterly satisfied. Such a snob, Harry thought.
"I don't want to compare. I'm above such petty things. You'd think that you'd be too with all that talk of superiority. You're really only just a cowardly, self-involved, Death Eater," Harry spat.
"I'm glad I caught you two here!" Dumbledore said as he walked up to the two boys.
"You asked us here, didn't you?" Harry said, looking at the tall, thin man skeptically.
"Oh did I? I thought that I would have remembered such a thing. Who did I give that request to?" Dumbledore looked comically puzzled.
"You didn't. I made it up. I thought it best if we did talk, though," Malfoy admitted.
"Oh, splendid. I think I still have an office up these stairs. Care to join me?" Dumbledore asked energetically. "Butterscotch Brandy Bournville Boulevard Bits" Dumbledore said clearly and the gargoyles separated, revealing the staircase. Harry looked at Malfoy and found that he was being looked at too. Harry looked at his classmate reflexively because of Dumbledore's ridiculous password. Harry wondered why Malfoy was looking at him. The held their gaze until they had to watch where they were going.
Dumbledore's office was as quirky as always. Many of the gadgets that had interested Harry over the years were now gone. He wondered where they went.
"A little accident necessitated the removal of many of my things here, as you'll probably notice, Harry."
"Uhh yeah, sir. I kind of liked those things," Harry said.
"Indeed. I will miss that one that fizzes whenever the person looks away. It used to annoy me so much, but now I, dare say, I'll miss that fizzing." Dumbledore looked nostalgic. He sat himself at his desk and motioned the two boys to sit down in chairs he had just conjured.
"Thanks," Harry said. Malfoy made no sound as he seated himself carefully in front of the headmaster.
"So, what brings you two to my wonderful room in the sky?" the old man asked. Harry couldn't help but notice the blackened hand again. It looked grotesque and he had a hard time pulling his eyes away.
"I need to ask your advice and help in a matter. You're a powerful wizard, so I've heard, so I thought that maybe you knew how to remove Unbreakable Vows." Malfoy asked, unwavering.
"Ah, yes. Severus had told me about your incident and resulting little pickle. I see no reason to lift the Unbreakable Vow, though. I think it might give you some perspective on choices you might make in the future. I once knew a boy who made all the wrong choices. I really hope you will not follow suit, Mr. Malfoy. Alas, I cannot even break that Vow that you have made with Mr. Potter here. I could end it, but that would require me killing either you or Mr. Potter. I wouldn't like that, so as you can see, you are to remain Mr. Potter's protector." Dumbledore didn't even look a little bit serious, but Harry knew that he was.
"But sir," Malfoy began.
"Actually, I think you should take this opportunity to spend some time to get to know him. I know you are only bound to protect him from mortal peril, but how can you do that when you don't know where he is? I don't foresee you being irrational in this situation, but I know it'll be a struggle for you." The wize man continued.
"I'm not!" Malfoy started again. Once again, he was interrupted by the very effusive professor.
"I have always admired the power of the Unbreakable Vow. It is due to a certain lack of trust that it spawns, but in turn it often time breeds new trust. I hope that you two will likewise become closer as a result. I cannot imagine it will be easy to uphold you're side, Mr. Malfoy. But from someone who knows a thing or two about rivalries, I guess that you two will find that it is only your trust that needs to be mended. I have always wished you two could be the good friends that I think you can be. But I am only an old man. I wish not to bore you two with my speculations about the whole situation."
Harry rolled his eyes dramatically. Dumbledore smiled at him warmly. "Mr. Potter, do you have anything to add or do you simply enjoy listening?"
"Well. I don't think we can be friends. But why can't Malfoy just assume that I'll be fine and leave me alone. I mean, it's not like I'm in great danger of dying any time soon, right?" Harry responded.
"Yes, that sounds about right. I don't need to really keep an eye out for him. I'd much rather spend my time living my life for the same duration as his instead of worrying about when his and mine will end," Malfoy agreed.
"You'd be satisfied never knowing when you were going to die at random? If you had no idea what Harry Potter was up to, you might just drop dead at any time."
"There are things worse than death, Headmaster," Malfoy said.
"Indeed. You've convinced me. You two shall be as separate as always. Maybe you'll become friends without the need for pretense, hm?" Dumbledore looked hopefully at the two. They shook their heads and exchanged dark glances.
"I think we'll be off, then," Harry said. He got up to leave and so did his counterpart.
"Referring to yourselves as 'we'? I'm glad you two are friends already. Who knows, maybe you'll even find love!" Dumbledore called after them in a half-laugh. Why was he in such a good mood? It was irksome to have such a positive mood be forced upon you, Harry thought. At the bottom of the stairs Harry instinctively said, "Bye, then," to Malfoy. Malfoy just turned and walked away without a word.
Why did I say bye to him? He practically just said that he didn't care if I died at all. Not even if he would die too. How absolutely cold. I think I would protect him if I was stupid enough to enter into such a pact.
"Hermione, did you have those notes?" Harry asked as he entered through the portrait hole.
"Fine. But don't expect me to explain anything," Hermione said smiling. Harry smiled back. He rested a hand on her shoulder as he passed her to the couches. He thought that since she liked that kind of thing, he could spare a thought to do it.
"Thanks, Mione. Where's Ron?" he asked.
"Lying on the couch," Hermione said with a little sigh. It was obvious from her face that she had just given up trying to coerce Ron into doing his homework. This made Harry smile.
"Hey," Ron said as Harry sat down on Ron.
"Hey," Harry said back. They acted like this was normal enough. It wasn't, but neither was going to admit that they were uncomfortable. Of all places, Harry sat in the middle of the couch, directly on Ron's lap. Harry tried not to notice the flush to his cheeks as he felt Ron's legs move under his bum.
"Fine, have a bit of cushion, but I'm not getting up," Ron said in mock anger.
"Thanks," Harry said. He hadn't taken his eyes off Hermione's notes, but hadn't read a single word. He thought it was odd to always get so flustered when touching Ron. It was just that Ron touched more, that's it.
Hermione kissed me and I didn't feel anything. But Ron puts one hand on my body and I act like a 12 year old.
"You're actually doing homework again?" Ron queried.
"Yeah. Trying to take my mind of that whole Snape business. And I still don't feel all that great after I got hit with that spell. Sure I got out of the hospital quick, but I still don't feel 100%." Harry explained.
"That's fine, mate. But what I really cared about was you doing some for me too, seeing as you're all set on actually doing it." Ron looked hopefully up from the couch.
"What will you give me?" Harry asked playfully.
"A blowjob. No no no, how 'bout a nice ride?" Ron suggested. Harry looked away quickly.
"Well, I guess that'll just have to do, then. I mean, you don't really have anything else to offer," Harry retorted.
"Damn straight!" Ron said before jumping off the couch and bounding for the dorms. But not before he stuck a hand in Harry's hair and attempted to mess it up. He soon found out that it was more of a trap than anything. They were laughing when Ron finally got his hand back. Harry was put in a very good mood by all that and he finished both his and Ron's homework with minimal effort. Really, he just copied Hermione's notes down twice on two different parchments. He ran up to the dormitory to join Ron. He was sure he was going to have a good day tomorrow. He surely wouldn't have expected it to be so explosive.