Chapter Two:
When Harry awoke is was light outside and the air smelt of dew. He sat up in his sleeping bag and all the memories of last night came rushing back. Harry laughed once at the thought of how ridiculous the two must have looked clinging to each other for dear life over the wind whistling through the trees.
Harry stretched and walked out of the tent, the ground was wet and cold beneath his feet. He walked over to the campfire that was lit. Pansy and Millicent seemed to be the only two awake so far. Harry sat down on one of the logs and stretched his feet out towards the fire to dry and warm them. He looked at Pansy who looked so different that Harry barely recognized her. She had no makeup on and her hair was a little messy. She had a pair of green pyjama pants on and a baggy black t-shirt. She looked at Harry and smiled sleepily.
'Morning,' Harry said softly.
'Morning,' Millicent and Pansy both said. Millicent looked almost the same, besides the clothing and hair. Millicent never wore make up and her hair was always out or pulled back into a simple pony tail. Harry then realised that he had just spoken to two Slytherin girls nicely… and weirder yet, they had been nice back. Maybe they were only mean after 9am when they had eaten and done themselves up. Harry then decided to try and make small talk with them and then they would hopefully stop being so mean to him all the time.
'Have a good sleep?' Harry said softly.
'Had better,' Pansy laughed once.
'I slept okay.' Millicent nodded. 'How about you Potter?'
'Uhh yeah, pretty good I guess.' Harry smiled slightly at the thought of Malfoy almost crying from fear of granny's. Both girls just nodded at him, Millicent yawning like a lion.
They didn't speak again as they waited for everyone else to wake. Seamus woke up next, then Crabbe, Goyle, Hermione, Neville, Malfoy, Zabini, Lavender then Ron. They all sat around the fire sleepily and were making small talk about how they slept. It was strange because everyone seemed to be getting along. Maybe the fresh air and clean slate that they all started on had changed everyone from fighting to actually standing each other. Harry looked at Malfoy and then saw him quickly look away.
'Morning students!' Burbage said as she appeared from the trees in a strangely muggle hiking outfit. 'How are we all this morning?' She said too chirpy for the morning. Everyone nodded or mumbled 'good thanks' in reply.
'Well, how about some breakfast?' she said loudly, which got everyone's attention. She then pulled out her wand and conjured up six campfire skillets with six little fires hot and burning underneath them. The skillets were on small holders and next to the holders were eggs and bacon. Everyone instantly teamed up and started cooking. Ron and Harry's breakfast turned out brilliant, no thanks to Ron. Both of the girl's food ended up almost as well as Harry's. Crabbe and Goyle's turned out horrendous and Malfoy and Zabini's wasn't too bad.
After everyone had eaten and dressed they all sat around the fire waiting for Burbage to tell them what they were going to do through the day.
'Today we are going canoeing first, then we will go play capture the flag. Come back here for lunch then go fishing!' Almost instantly people raised their hands. 'Uh-uh-uh! No questions about what the activities are, I'll tell you as we come to them. So now, everyone go change into your bathing suits and follow me to the canoes!'
'Bathing suits?' Zabini said shocked.
'Yes Mr Zabini, bathing suit. If you didn't bring one I suggest a pair of shorts and a shirt, quickly now!' Everyone then hurried into their tents to change.
When everyone was changed into their swimmers they all headed through the forest towards the water.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking behind everyone and Ron couldn't seem to take his eyes off Hermione who was wearing a very tight one piece that had slits down the sides, revealing her soft pale skin. Her swimsuit was pale pink and had a black pattern covering it and it made her look very pretty in Harry's eyes.
'Quit staring Ron, one would think you've never seen a girl before.'
'Not one as sexy as you are in that outfit.' Ron then slapped a hand over his mouth before he said anything else. Harry burst into laughter and Hermione just blushed and pushed Ron in the side.
'Smooth,' Harry said softly so only Ron could hear.
Most of the boys were wearing just board shorts, except Zabini who was wearing a pair of dark denim shorts. Harry was then looking over everyone when he spotted Malfoy. Malfoy wasn't wearing a shirt and was walking backwards, facing Harry but laughing at something Blaise had just said. He tilted his head back in laughter and Harry's eyes drifted from Malfoy's face down his chest. He was toned and his skin almost looked porcelain when the light hit it. Malfoy then looked at Harry and then quickly looked away before turning back around and walking normally again, but that didn't stop Harry staring at his back. The muscles there were so perfect Harry just wanted to run his hands over them. WAIT A SECOND! What the hell had Harry just been thinking? Staring at Malfoy like he was a piece of meat! Malfoy is a foul, little prat! Harry definitely did not just think any of those things.
Shaking his mind away from thoughts like that Harry focused on what Ron and Hermione were talking about.
'-that's just wrong… so wrong!' Hermione scalded.
'What? I can't help it if she's flaunting herself in that tiny little thing!' Ron said defensively… Okay so maybe Harry didn't want to focus on what they were saying, although his eyes did drift in the direction Ron was pointing only to see Pansy in a tiny little bikini that was dark green and cut off at the back like a small pair of underwear. Harry thought at how on earth those things were comfortable, it looked as though she were almost wearing a G-string. Harry then glanced up when he saw Pansy's body turn and she was looking straight at him, she winked and then turned around before sliding her hands seductively over her butt. Harry then instantly shuddered at the thought and quickly looked away. Millicent was probably the only girl who was wearing a pair of board shorts and a singlet shirt because Harry noticed Lavender was wearing a very suitable two piece that was black and covered a lot more than Pansy's did.
They reached the river not long after and there was a row of canoes along a small pier. Harry smiled at the thought of being in the water so he rushed forwards and ran down the pier, that was all it took for everyone else to follow his lead. Harry slid into the back seat of a canoe, knowing that Ron would have no idea how to steer. Ron then copied Harry and got into the front seat. Lavender then squealed as she dipped her foot in the water.
'It's so cold!' She said loudly before Hermione did the same.
'It's not that bad, here you go in the front. The back is for steering.' Hermione then held the canoe as Lavender slid in very shakily.
After everyone was in a canoe with a partner Burbage got into a kayak and paddled so she was in front of everyone.
'Alright, now everyone listen carefully!' She shouted so everyone could hear her. 'The person in the back seat will be the person steering and the person in the front seat will be like a motor and paddle so they move! Remember to work together and both paddle on opposite sides as you go otherwise you will just end up going in circles!' Burbage then started to paddle away slowly. 'FOLLOW ME AND BE VERY CAREFUL!'
Everyone started to paddle and almost instantly Crabbe and Goyle capsized and couldn't get back upright. Lavender was the first to spot them and she screamed at the top of her lungs, causing everyone to twist in their seats to see what had happened. Burbage quickly spun around and waved her wand at them and both boys came back upright gasping for air and holding their paddles so tight their knuckles were white as paper.
'That is what happens when you don't work together people!' Burbage shouted. 'If that does happen again what you need to do is get out of your seat as quickly as possible!'
After about half an hour people started getting the hang of it and then they followed the river. There were bends and twists and small rapids and then after about an hour everyone was complaining about their arms hurting, even Harry's arms had started to ache and he was used to cleaning and picking up things and doing practically everything with his arms. They arrived back at the pier and everyone sat awkwardly in their canoes not too sure on how to get out. After Burbage got out of hers and stood on the bank everyone started to copy her, for some reason or another she just stood there with an amused expression, not telling them how to get out. Ron almost capsized Harry and himself by trying to get out and after a moment of struggle he just squeezed his legs out of the small hole and jumped into the water and swam to the bank. Harry watched in amusement as almost everyone started doing this, and to his surprise Hermione just jumped into the water, Lavender right behind her.
Harry's eyes drifted to Malfoy and Zabini in their canoe, they seemed to be talking, not really caring about getting out of their canoe until Zabini suddenly stood up on their canoe and put his arms out to balance his self. He looked as though he was surfing but then he suddenly jumped off and pin-dropped into the water. Malfoy shielded his face with his arms as water splashed up everywhere and laughed for a moment. Malfoy then leaned forward in the canoe looking extremely indecisive and then he shrugged, slid out of the seat and gently lowered himself into the water. Harry watched as Malfoy went straight under the water and swam towards the bank. When he came up for air Malfoy was tall enough to stand and he swished his head back and forth, his blonde hair flicking water everywhere. It seemed to go in slow motion as Harry watched very carefully.
Malfoy then ran his fingers through his hair and it fell gracefully either side of his face, shielding his eyes from Harry's view. He watched at Malfoy walked up the bank of the river, his chest was dripping with water and Harry's eyes followed the droplets down Malfoy's chest and to a small tuft of hair that started just below Malfoy's belly button, the rest was hidden by Malfoy's black and orange board shorts. Harry then felt his mouth go dry as Malfoy crawled up the bank, using his hands to grip the grass as he climbed. Harry was about to call out to Malfoy, he didn't know why he was going too… Maybe because he needed to see those eyes. But the words didn't get to leave Harry's mouth because just as he took a breath to speak his canoe capsized and Harry was dunked straight into the water.
Harry's mind was instantly on the right track and he squeezed out of the seat as fast as he could before he came up gulping for air. He looked around and noticed he was the only one still in a canoe and Ron was ogling at him as Harry gripped the canoe for support. He then realised why his vision was so blurry, he had lost his glasses.
'Professor?' Harry called and Burbage was at the end of the pier as close to Harry as she could get in a second. 'I lost my glasses.' Harry said as he was breathing heavily. He tried to focus on Burbage but his eyes wouldn't let him. He heard a quick 'Accio glasses' and then he felt his glasses being pressed into his hand. Shoving them on his face he swam for the river bank and then scrambled up it rather ungracefully. What the hell was going on with him lately? First staring at him without a shirt on and then capsizing his own canoe because he was too busy checking out Malfoy? MALFOY!
Harry shivered as the cold air hit his bare chest; he wrapped his arm around himself and started to stumble towards the Gryffindors.
'Potter!' Harry spun and saw Malfoy standing there with a big fluffy brown towel wrapped around his shoulders.
'Yeah?' Harry said cautiously. Malfoy hadn't seen him ogling at him had he?
'Here,' Malfoy then threw Harry a big black towel and gave him a small smile before turning back to the rest of the Slytherins.
'What was that about?' Seamus said as Harry approached.
'Just lost my balance,' Harry lied as he wrapped the towel around himself tightly.
Harry then looked at Hermione who had a calculating look and a small smirk on her face, she knew. Harry was sure of it.
After everyone was dry and back at camp they all changed into 'outer-wear' as Burbage had called it and they were all ready for capture the flag. Everyone had wanted it to be Slytherin versus Gryffindor but Burbage said that it had to be mixed to stop more competing between the two houses. She sat them all down and explained the rules and picked the two groups.
'Capture the flag is simple. I've put a blue flag over that way somewhere in the forest.' She pointed east. 'And a yellow flag that way somewhere in the forest.' She pointed west. 'I'll divide you into two teams, Yellow and Blue and you will get headbands according to your team colour. The yellow team needs to try and capture the blue flag and vice versa. You can be caught by someone on the opposite team, when you get caught they take your headband and you are taken prisoner by that person and they will walk you to their prison. But you must keep a hold of them the whole time so opposite team members know you're escorting someone to the prison and they can't capture you. Blue prison is over there between the two trees that have blue painted on them' She pointed to two far east trees, 'and the yellow prison is over there with the yellow painted on them' she pointed to two far west trees. 'To be freed from the prison someone from your team has to run through the prison without being caught and pull you out. After you have been freed you are allowed to walk to me without being re-captured and I will give you a new headband.' She smiled and then said 'Any questions?'
'So… when we capture the flag… what do we do with it?' Malfoy asked.
'Oh! Right! Haha, well, if you get the opposing teams flag you have to try and get it back to your prison without being caught, but if you are caught when you have the flag the person who caught you will take it back to its original spot and you go into jail. Everyone got it?'
Everyone nodded and to Harry's surprise none of them needed her to repeat anything. She then sorted them into their teams.
'Yellow team will be: Seamus, Gregory, Lavender, Pansy, Ron and Vincent.' She handed them all yellow headbands and they all put them on. 'Blue team: Neville, Harry, Hermione, Millicent, Draco and Blaise.' She handed them all blue headbands. Harry then stuck his on his head and it seemed to flatten his hair a little better. He then turned and smiled at Malfoy who had gingerly put his on over his beautiful hair. Wait… Beautiful hair?
'I will be sitting here with new headbands for everyone and don't think I won't know if you cheat! Now, blue team huddle here!' She then moved far away from the yellow team and the blue team all huddled close together. 'If you walk east straight through the forest you'll come to a white arrow on a tree, take it off the tree and follow the direction it says, that will lead you to your flag and that's where you will start. Go there and wait for my signal.' The blue team then separated and started walking into the forest, Ron shouting 'Good luck guys!' to them as they walked away. They then faintly heard 'Yellow team! Huddle!'
'Well, don't we have an interesting team…' Malfoy said with a laugh.
'I'm actually good at running Malfoy.' Neville said bravely. Malfoy laughed once and looked taken aback.
'For your information Longbottom I was being serious, and I never doubted your running abilities for a moment,' Malfoy said seriously.
'I see the arrow!' Blaise yelled.
'Shut up you idiot, they'll hear you!' Millicent said as she thumped Blaise on the head.
'Ow! You stupid troll!' Blaise then went to thump Millicent back when Hermione surprised everyone by yelling.
'STOP IT! STOP IT NOW, THE BOTH OF YOU!' Hermione then took a deep breath and kept walking as if nothing had happened.
Blaise and Millicent stared after her while Neville hurried along and Malfoy looked at Harry with a quizzical look before smiling quickly and then continuing to walk alongside Millicent and Blaise. When they finally found their flag they sat down on the grass and waited for Burbage's signal.
'I'm actually happy with the group we got,' Neville said happily.
'Why's that Longbottom?' Blaise said with a superior tone.
'Because I think we have a decent team. I'd be annoyed if we had Crabbe or Goyle, they're useless.' Neville said with a smile.
'Hmm... I have to agree with you there.' Blaise said with a frown on having to agree with Neville.
'What was that about?' Harry said softly to Hermione so no one else would hear.
'I just don't want to stand there while they fight. I want to win this game and play it as best as we can, it's not every day we get to go on an excursion to a secluded forest for muggle studies.' She said back.
Harry just nodded as his eyes drifted to Draco's back; he was sitting on the floor fiddling with a stick, swishing it around like a wand. His pale hand then reached up and adjusted his bright blue headband that stood out against his pale hair.
'What is all that about?' Hermione said, pulling Harry out of his daze.
'Huh? What is what about?' Harry said stupidly and Hermione just nodded towards Malfoy.
'Nothing, what do you mean?' Harry said feigning innocence.
'You know what I mean Harry Potter, I seen you in that canoe.' She said sternly. Harry would have stuttered like an idiot if there hadn't been a loud voice echoing 'BLUE TEAM, YELLOW TEAM! ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!'
'Everyone split up and don't get caught!' Hermione yelled as she ran off in a random direction. Everyone had scattered by the time Harry stood up and started running through the trees.
Harry was silently gliding through the trees, weaving this way and that when he finally came out to the open field. He watched as Seamus chased after Neville but was too slow and Neville disappeared into the trees. Harry quickly glanced around to make sure no yellows were around before he bolted as fast as he could through the open paddock. He could feel that someone was getting closer to him and he was right because seconds later Ron appeared out of what seemed to be nowhere and swiped at Harry. Missing him by millimetres.
'Too slow mate!' Harry called happily as he ran into the trees and hid behind one carefully.
Harry was puffing loudly and tried to be quieter. He then heard footsteps slowly approaching from behind him. Assuming it would be someone from his team he contemplated revealing himself but then thought better of it and waited til they walked past, and luckily he had waited because it was Lavender. Harry took his chance and leapt at her, grabbing her by the arm.
'Gotcha!' Harry said loudly as he smiled.
'Damn it, alright, I'm your prisoner!' She sighed and laughed at the same time. Harry then escorted her to the prison, took her headband and then disappeared into the bushes again. Harry started sneaking towards the yellow prison to check if anyone was in there as he shoved Lavender's headband in his pocket. No one was so far so he kept as close as he could to the trees as he followed the voices of what sounded like Ron and Millicent. As he got closer he heard what they were saying.
'Fine, but if I let you go you can't come after me then! That way neither of us has to go into the jail.' Ron said exasperated.
'Deal, I won't come after you.' Millicent then ran off in the other direction.
Just as Harry was about to jump out and catch Ron someone grabbed his arm and swung him around.
'Caught you,' someone said rather seductively, and it took Harry a few moments to realise it was Pansy who was pressed hard against him. 'You're now my prisoner Mr Potter.' She said as she leant in close and pressed her body against Harry's harder. Harry laughed awkwardly and tried to smile.
'Well, looks like I'm off to jail!' Harry said as he started to walk towards the yellow jail.
'I didn't mean that kind of prisoner… Harry,' Pansy then brushed her lips against Harry's cheek and her leg came up and wrapped around his waist.
'Whoa… Umm…' Harry gave an extremely awkward laugh. 'Parkinson-'
'Pansy!' She corrected.
'Right, that's what I said. Anyway… this is extremely awkward and well… you know, I kinda have to go to prison now…' Harry tried to back away but Pansy pressed against him until Harry was backed into a tree and had no means of escaping.
'What's wrong? Don't you like it when I do this!' Pansy slid her hand over Harry's crotch as she said the last word and looked into Harry's widened eyes.
'I… er… umm... well, you see… there's… umm…' Harry blubbered like a fish and Pansy took this as a good sign and started to slowly move her hand up to Harry's belt. 'WHOA… No, no, no, no… You've got it all wrong Pansy, all wrong!' Harry gasped.
'I saw you checking me out earlier,' Pansy said with a wink.
'Yeah, about that-'
'No need to explain, I completely understand.'
'Pansy, look… please just take me to the jail.' Harry pleaded as he squeezed away from the tree and Pansy. She pouted for a second, realising her seduction wasn't going to work then grabbed Harry by the wrist, shrugged and started walking along to take him to the prison.
'Okay, have it your way. Just know next time you won't get away so easy,' She turned to look at him and winked.
After Pansy dropped Harry in the prison he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. That was scarily close. What was the heck was that! Harry brushed it off and tried to focus on the game. From the yellow prison he could see Crabbe and Seamus standing in the blue prison, which means they only had four team members trying to get the flag. Harry was the only one in the yellow prison. He could hear people running around everywhere and he saw Lavender from a distance, she was making her way to the blue prison. He watched as she weaved in and out of the trees and then hid behind one of the tents right before she bolted forward grabbing Seamus and walking him to Burbage who stood on the edge of the forest. She gave him a yellow headband as Lavender disappeared into the trees again.
'Psst.' Harry looked over to his left and saw in the trees, Malfoy. Harry's heart skipped a beat. WAIT! No it didn't! It definitely did not!
'Anyone out there?' Malfoy whispered again and Harry looked around quickly before shaking his head. Malfoy was then about to jump out and grab Harry to free him but he heard Seamus shout.
'AHA! MALFOY!' Seamus laughed ran at Malfoy and Malfoy quickly ran in the opposite direction with a wicked grin on his face. Harry sighed; he would probably be stuck in the prison for the rest of the game…
Just as Harry thought that he heard someone bolting as fast as they could towards him and just before he turned he felt someone grip his hand tightly and yank him hard towards Burbage. Harry got slight whiplash but kept running as fast as he could, he then looked at his rescuer and saw that it was Malfoy and Seamus was right on his heels. When Harry and Draco reached Burbage Draco dropped Harry's hand without stopping and ran into the thick green mass of trees, Seamus right behind him.
'That's a close one!' Burbage laughed as she handed Harry a blue headband which he jammed on his head and ran towards the yellow area. Just as Harry was approaching what he assumed would be the protected yellow area a voice echoed through the forest.
'GAME OVER. BLUE TEAM WINS. HERMIONE GRANGER CAUGHT THE FLAG!'
Harry was ecstatic as he ran back towards the campsite. Hermione was standing there holding the flag high above her head and everyone was cheering, even the yellow team seemed to be happy. As Harry approached he heard Malfoy say something that shocked everyone.
'Didn't think I would ever say this Granger, but, well done! Three cheers for Hermione!' Draco yelled loudly and everyone started cheering again. Harry looked at the picture in front of him and couldn't see on thing wrong. Slytherins and Gryffindors getting along? So this is what it would be like if they were just ordinary people at an ordinary school. No prejudice remarks or insults… Harry smiled at the people in front of him. He definitely came to the conclusion that muggle studies is his favourite subject.
After they all settled back down everyone huddled around the campfire again as they made their lunches. Sausages with baked beans and bacon. Harry looked around and noticed how much things had changed in just a few hours. Ron and Millicent were cooking together this time, Lavender and Blaise, Goyle and Hermione, Seamus and Crabbe, Pansy and Neville and Harry was cooking with Draco. Well… more Harry was cooking for him and Draco.
'Look, see how it's going a darker brown?' Harry pointed to the sausage.
'Yes.' Draco said quietly.
'That's how you know when it's cooked, but to double check I always cut it open a little bit to make sure that it's cooked properly. The baked beans are ready pretty much as soon as they're hot and the bacon is ready when it's crispy… if you like crispy bacon, if you like it soft then you only leave it on for a little bit. Do you like yours crispy or soft?' Harry asked as Draco watched his every move.
'Crispy.'
'Me too!' Harry smiled and Draco just looked at him for a moment before sitting back down.
Okay, well everything wasn't perfect… Maybe he exaggerated a little. He looked around and noticed most of the Slytherins were still iffy about the Gryffindors, but hey! At least they're working together right?
After lunch was finished and everyone had eaten enough they sat around the fire for a little while before doing anything else.
'I'm happy with the way that game turned out; I knew you would all end up having fun.' Burbage smiled at the group. 'Now it's time for all of us to go fishing, so whoever wants to change their clothes should do so now,' Burbage said happily and half of the students went and changed.
When everyone was changed they all walked back to the river but followed it further south. Burbage was carrying a large bag with thirteen fishing rods and bait and other random stuff needed for fishing. Once they arrived on a small bank everyone sat down and waited for Professor Burbage to hand out the fishing rods, as she did this almost everyone instantly started fiddling with it, trying to work out how it works. Once everyone had a fishing rod she handed everyone a small box filled with live worms. Harry only realised that he was sitting next to Draco when he heard Draco cringe as he realised what was in the box.
'EEEEEEEK! WHAT THE HELL? WHY DID YOU GIVE ME WORMS!' Pansy squealed as she opened her box and realised what was in it. All the boys laughed.
'Because you put them on the hook to catch the fish Pansy,' Hermione said kindly as she put a hand on Pansy's shoulder.
'But… They're gross…' All the boys except Draco laughed at this. Even Harry giggled a little bit.
'Alright, everyone! See how your fishing rod has a reel at the bottom near the handle? That little lever on the side is what you turn to reel in the fish. So what I'm going to do now is demonstrate what to do, follow along with me please!' Burbage then sat down on the grass and grabbed the wire with a hook on the end, everyone copied. She then held the hook tight and grabbed a worm from her box. A lot of people hesitated here and Lavender and Pansy didn't even touch their worms, neither did Draco. She then hooked the worm securely onto the hook and stood back up.
'Did everyone follow that? Draco, Pansy, Lavender, why haven't you hooked your worm?'
'Because worms are gross,' Pansy said quickly.
'I don't like touching them, they're slimy.' Lavender almost shouted.
'…' Draco didn't say anything.
'Draco? Why haven't you hooked your worm?' Burbage said curiously.
'Because I can't…' He said softly, so softly that it seemed only Harry heard him.
'What was that?' Burbage said a little more firmly.
'I said, I can't.' Draco repeated louder.
'Why?' Draco had gone silent again and was too busy fiddling with a piece of grass. 'Mr Malfoy,' Burbage said sternly.
'Because I can't hurt animals, whether it be a cat, a bear, a shark or a worm… I just can't do it,' Draco said before he stood up in a huff and stormed back towards the camp.
As the Slytherin stormed away everyone stared after him and when he was far enough away to be out of earshot the Slytherins started cackling. Well, the rest of the boys did.
'Isn't anyone going to go after him?' Burbage asked as she stood there with a pitying glance in the direction Draco just disappeared in. None of the Slytherins made to move after him so everyone sat there awkwardly.
'Harry!' Hermione whispered quietly as she leant over Ron to speak to him.
'What?'
'Go after him,'
'Why? I don't want to go after him.'
'Harry, I know-'
'Thank you Mr Potter, for volunteering yourself. Off you go,' Burbage said happily. Obviously mishearing that Harry had said he didn't want to go after Draco. 'Bring him back here please.' She then completely ignored Harry and started demonstrating how to use the fishing rod.
Harry got up in a huff of anger, sighed and started walking after Malfoy.
'Hurry along Harry, we don't want him getting lost!' Burbage shouted after him and Harry instantly started running through the trees. He went back to the camp and stopped when he got to the first tent, unzipping the zipper and checking inside, no one was in there. He continued doing this with every tent but Malfoy wasn't in any of them.
'Malfoy?' Harry called out. 'Malfoy, come back!' he yelled as he walked over and into the trees that had led to their blue team base earlier that day. Funnily enough when Harry got to the where their flag had been he found Malfoy sitting on a big rock fiddling with a stick and drawing patterns in the dirt.
'Hey,' Harry said as he approached the blonde. Harry just got a grunt in response. 'You okay?' Harry then cautiously sat down opposite the blonde on the dirt covered ground.
'Fine. I just made a complete fool out of myself in front of everyone, why wouldn't I be peachy creamy?' Malfoy snapped. Harry contemplated getting up and walking off but then Draco looked up and Harry saw the humiliation in his eyes.
'Sorry… I just wanted to make sure you were okay but if you don't want me here I can leave. It's just Burbage wants us back with the rest of the group.' Harry said as he stood up and brushed off his butt with his hands.
'Isn't there something else I can use besides worms? Fake worms or something?' Draco said softly as he stood up too.
'She'll probably have something for you to use Malfoy,' Harry said as he touched Draco's shoulder lightly.
'Good,' Draco then started walking, Harry is pursuit. Harry then noticed Malfoy had bark and dirt all over his butt and had to supress a laugh.
'What?' Malfoy said as he spun around to look at Harry.
'Nothing,' Harry lied.
'You're a horrible liar. Tell me,' Draco then spun and took the one step back towards Harry, Malfoy was suddenly so close that Harry could feel his breath on his face.
'You…' Harry's voice seemed to be lost in the wind because all he could do was stare at Malfoy's bright silver eyes. Harry's eyes flickered to Draco's lips for a split second before quickly darting back to look into those silver orbs.
Throughout this whole ordeal Draco just stood there looking at Harry's eyes glaze over until he looked as though he were in some kind of trance. Harry then shook his head to get rid of all the thought that were swimming in there and cleared his throat.
'You have um… there… dirt… on your arse…' Harry managed to splutter.
'Been looking at my arse have you Potter?'
'You wish Malfoy' Harry said after a long pause.
'Let's get back to the group,' Draco said as he started walking away in the direction Harry had came from just minutes ago.
'I don't want too,' Harry said too quickly, then upon realising what he had said he slapped a hand over his mouth.
'Why?' Draco said as he stopped walking again. 'Do you want to stay lost in forest forever with me?' Draco said sarcastically.
'Oh that's exactly the reason,' Harry said back just as sarcastic.
'Hurry up Potter, let's go,' Malfoy then said suddenly serious again and started walking back.
The boys didn't really speak again until they were almost back with the group.
'Thanks Potter, for… for coming after me when no one else did,' Draco said softly.
'It's okay, I wanted too.' Harry smiled.
When they got back to the group Burbage gave Draco a rubber worm to use as bait instead. When everyone was positive o how to use their fishing rods they all cast them into the water and waited. The only person who ended up catching anything the whole time was Pansy, and she started crying when she pulled the fish up and out of the water because she saw the hook going through its jaw.
After the fishing trip was done, everyone was tired and just wanted to eat and go to bed. So Burbage decided to be nice and magically cook everyone's meals so they didn't have to do it themselves. After everyone had eaten Burbage suggested they play charades but everyone was way too tired for that and instead everyone headed off to bed. Saying goodnight to everyone was strange because everyone said goodnight to everyone, even the Slytherins walking all the way around the fire to shake the Gryffindors hands while saying goodnight and telling them it was a good game of capture the flag today.
Harry snuggled into his sleeping bag and was restless for a long time; he couldn't help but think of Malfoy. What had been with him today when he suddenly gone all serious. One moment they were mucking around and the next Malfoy was being all serious again. Harry felt as though he had been laying there for hours and he suspected he had been because he had heard someone get up twice and go to the bathroom far off in the trees then come back moments later. Just as Harry was thinking this he heard someone from the other side of the paddock unzip their tent and walk straight past Harry's tent and into the trees. It was silent for a long moment and he was waiting for the feet to come walking back when suddenly there was a loud scream and footsteps flying back towards the their tent. Harry instantly recognised the scream but just as he was jumping out of his sleeping bag and out of his tent he heard a loud thud and someone wailing in pain.
'DRACO!' Harry screamed as he ran over to the blonde boy who had obviously tripped over a stick or something in his terrified state and was now face down in the dirt.
'Something bit me! Something bit me, Potter make it stop hurting!' Malfoy cried and Harry just sat next to the blonde and pulled him onto his lap and started comfortingly stroke the blonde hair.
'Where did it bite you?' Harry said shakily but trying to remain calm.
'On... my… area.' Malfoy said through shaky breaths.
Harry didn't mean too but he let out a quick laugh and then stopped suddenly when he realised that whatever bit him could have been lethal.
'PROFESSOR! QUICK!' Harry screamed at the top of his lungs which caused a few of the Gryffindors to run out of their tents. Harry quickly moved Draco off his lap and onto the ground before standing up and running to the professor's tent.
Just before Harry was going to barge into her tent Burbage came out, wand at the ready and looking frantic.
'What's happening?' She said in a worried whisper.
'Draco's been bitten by something!' Harry said as he ran back towards the blonde. Half of the students were huddled around him as he had his hand down his pants in agony.
'Move!' Burbage said as she hurried to him. 'Tell me what's happened!' She said to Draco who just looked at her with a pained expression before mumbling.
'I was peeing! Then something bit my dick!' He hissed through clenched teeth.
As professor Burbage shooed everyone back into their tents Harry sat just inside with the zipper up trying to hear them talking. He glanced over at Ron who hadn't seem the least bit disturbed from all the commotion outside.
'It's going to have to come off,' Burbage said in a morbid tone.
'ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING! I DON'T THINK SO!' Malfoy yelled and the professor just laughed.
'I'm only joking Mr Malfoy, it looks fine, just a minor scratch, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't even bitten by something, it looks more like a scratch from a pinecone.'
'A pinecone?' Malfoy said incredulously. 'You're saying it wasn't bitten, it was hit with a PINECONE!'
'Indeed I am Mr Malfoy,' Burbage then cast a healing charm and ushered him back to bed. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the fact that a pinecone had hit Draco's member.
After a while of just sitting near the tent door Harry crawled over to his sleeping bag and squeezed inside it, falling asleep with a small smile on his lips because he was still thinking of Draco and the pinecone.