*omg, i finally updated! I can't believe my horrible self has waited so long. It took forever! I had a break from my horrid writer's block and just typed till I deemed it good enough to post. I hope its up to par with everyone! I can't recall how many times I had to re-read this whole story, just to get another case of blankness and have to read it again a few weeks later! Too many blocks for just one chapter, but i really hope you all enjoy it! Please send some feedback? Bigred!*
Chapter 28 Ominous or Inevitable?
Her pained expression had Harry worried the second he saw her. Molly had rushed down to the shop the moment Remus showed up at the flat looking for Harry. When Harry and the twins went upstairs, they saw that Remus' expression was no better than Mrs. Weasley's had been.
"Draco's back." was all Remus managed to utter before Harry had floo'd to headquarters.
Now he was running down the hall, Remus chasing after him.
"Harry!" he shouted.
The dark haired youth ignored him, focused completely on finding Draco. Lupin caught up with him, grabbing him by the arm.
"Where is he?!" demanded Harry.
"He's in the Hospital Wing, but you can't go in yet." Lupin explained.
"Like hell I can't." he muttered, yanking his arm out of the man's grasp.
Remus sigh and watched Harry stalk down to the Hospital Wing. The door's were locked anyway, so he knew Harry couldn't get in.
When Remus finally reached the Hospital Wing, there was Harry, beating on the door, demanding to be let in.
"Harry, stop now. He's banged up and needs medical attention first. All this noise is only hindering the process."
Harry angrily lowered his fists.
"How badly hurt is he?"
Remus merely frowned. He didn't know how to tell Harry about the Mark, and also didn't think it was his place.
"I don't know yet. He looked worse than he probably was when we found him. Once he's cleaned up, it shouldn't be too bad." Remus said encouragingly.
He felt like everything he just said was a lie, but technically it wasn't. Draco didn't seem all that injured despite a few cuts and bruises. The mark was what made it seem so much worse..
Luckily, he didn't have to explain much more. Dumbledore was quietly exiting the room, closing the door swiftly behind him.
"Are you quite done?" he asked Harry, a scolding look in his eyes. "I know you are worried, but would you rather we had waited to inform you of his return?"
Harry looked at the floor. "No sir." He knew he'd been acting like a child, but the need to see Draco had suddenly out weighed everything. Even the days of telling himself that he needed to distance himself.
"Remus, a word?" Dumbledore asked.
The two walked a few feet away and spoke in hushed tones.
"Have you told him about the Mark?"
"No sir, I didn't feel like I should."
Albus nodded. "I agree. I think its best we let Draco tell him. It's a personal thing. Severus is going to talk with Mr. Malfoy about it when he wakes up. No one else need know about this for awhile."
"Understood."
The men walked back over to Harry.
"It's going to be awhile before you can see him I'm afraid. He needs rest. Severus is watching over him."
Harry thought to argue, but nodded in agreement.
"It'll only be a couple of hours." Remus assured him.
"Try to keep yourself occupied; the time will go by quickly." Albus smiled, then headed off toward his office.
"Oh, I wanted to talk to you about the out reach to the werewolves." Remus remembered, catching up to the Headmaster.
Harry was left standing by the Hospital Wing door. What was he supposed to do till they let him see Draco? He guessed he could head back to the flat. Distract himself with the twins or something.
He sighed dejectedly and headed to back to the den to floo to the flat.
??lol
Severus took a deep breath as he leaned forward in his chair. They had cleaned Draco up and he was now laying unconscious on the bed. Unfortunately, they were forced to strap his arms and legs to the bed.
Voldemort had tried calling the blonde, but luckily they calmed and held him down till it passed. So far the Dark Lord hadn't tried again.
Severus was prepared for a call as well. Dumbledore instructed him to tell the Dark Lord that he hadn't seen Draco, if he was asked. He had to pretend that he didn't know that Draco was taken by the Death Eaters either. Snape was going to have to play it off as if he still though the young man was missing from when he first left Malfoy Manor. All of which he had been doing the entire time of course.
But still, he began to mentally build himself up to block the past few months in a vault, only letting out scenes he had told the Dark Lord about, because clearly now that Draco was missing, he would be carefully checking every Death Eater for details.
To anyone else, the task of blocking and clearing the mind would be daunting, but Snape had years of experience and was highly skilled in this area.
Slight movement caught his eye and he looked over at his godson. The blonde was starting to stir, waking up as he forced his eyes to open and adjust.
He didn't seem afraid. He just looked calmly around the room till his eyes landed on Snape.
"Hey." Draco said, his voice scratchy.
Severus knew it must have been from hours of yelling.
"Would you like some water?" he asked, unsure of what to say.
The blonde nodded. Severus poured him a glass and walked over, untieing his binds. Draco sat up slowly and took small sips.
"I was hoping I would apparate here. I'm not amazing at it, but that was the safest option." Draco said, relief in his voice.
"How did you get out?"
Draco took a moment to catch his voice.
"One of my guards fell asleep. He'd been watching me all night. I had to concentrate on my wandless magic to get the keys. Luckily they kept my wand in a drawer close by. I had to sneak around pretty quickly. The second I was out in the open I just apparated." Draco said as he thought back. "I got singed by a curse as I was apparating. The patrol outside saw me.."
"You were very lucky. Apparently they all grew too cocky in their accomplishment and slacked in watch. Has it bothered you much?" Severus asked, referring to the Mark.
"It stings a bit. I suppose it wasn't just in my dream that he called me was it?"
Severus nodded. "You felt it I imagine. Yes, its enough to cause pain even in an unconscious state. Especially in the beginning."
Draco furrowed his brow, worry etched on his pale face as he stared at his covers. "Will I be able to resist it?"
"It will be hard, but you resist.. I'll be here to help you when I can. Just stay in your right mind and remind yourself of the choice you made, what side you are on." Severus explained, recalling what he would have to do when he avoided a summon.
"I fought it Sev, I really did..." Draco said. "They almost had to knock me out to brand me."
"I know. If I had gone to look for you when you were taken, then maybe I could have reached you before hand."
"There wasn't anything you could do. My father took me to a secret chamber in the manor for awhile. He laughed because aurors were right there and had no idea." The blonde looked in his godfather's eyes. "I saw it. The control he had over my father. At times I could tell he was trying to fight, but his will is too weak compared to Voldemort's power. I know.."
"Lucius has let the Dark Lord control him too long, and when he wants to fight back he can't. I don't believe he's given up yet." Severus assured Draco.
The blonde nodded and both let their minds wander.
"Sev, what's going to happen now?" Draco asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Me having the Mark.. I'm sure everyone is pretty apprehensive about letting me be here now."
"Not many people know yet Draco, but yes it does pose a problem. We didn't exactly expect you to be branded, or to ever be kidnapped by the Dark Lord. I'm surprised he didn't try to force answers about your whereabouts from you. This is definitely a risk, with you knowing so much about the Order. If you are called and have to face him because you can't fight it, its not going to be easy to block everything from the Order in a vault only you can view. I'm sure Dumbledore is already thinking of something.." Severus said, his tone wasn't anything hopeful though.
Draco nodded, forming ideas and assumptions in his head. Was no one going to be able to trust him now? There was no way he could block the past few months in his mind from Voldemort. Reminders of what Dumbledore had done to Kimbly came to mind...He sighed and rubbed his head, feeling an ache coming.
"Has anyone told Potter.."
"He knows you're back, but Dumbledore thinks it would be best if you told him about the Mark."
Malfoy nodded. He was not looking forward to that conversation.
"No one else in the Order will know until you tell Potter, but I suggest you do it as soon as possible, just in case something slips."
"Yeah, before all my progress goes out the window."
"Exactly. Its not simple for wizards in our position."
"Seems simple enough for Blaise..." Draco muttered.
"He still has to back himself up at times, but he has a likeable demeanor. Also, he does not have the Mark to smear his name."
"Clearly." the blonde said sarcastically.
"I imagine he will want to hear it from you as well. I'm sure the second he finds out that you're back he will be here."
"Yeah..."
"So tell me, what happened exactly?" Severus asked.
Draco adjusted himself and began his tale to his godfather. He went into detail, knowing he would only tell this much to Severus because he understood. The others would get only a watered down version. So for the next hour, the two were locked away in deep conversation.
HOWAMIGONNAWORKTHISOUT..HMMM
Hermione pulled out the last few papers in the desk she was cleaning out. They had been searching for this locket for almost two hours now. She sighed and plopped on the floor.
"Find anythihng?" she yelled through the house.
"Nothing here!" Ginny answered from another room.
Ron's muffled yell of 'no' came from upstairs.
A couple of minutes passed and they all met in the den, where Bill stirred on the couch.
"Any luck?" he stretched, waking from his nap.
"None." Ron muttered.
"I was thinking, maybe they moved it when they switched headquarters."
"You mean, we just wasted two hours here?" Ron sighed.
"Well, its just an option. Kreacher could have taken it as well. We should check his quarters first." Hermione thought.
"Where is the old git anyway?" Ron wondered, helping Hermione to her feet.
"Ron, be nice. I'm not sure though. I think he's at Hogwarts?"
"Well, where did he sleep here?" Ginny asked as they walked downstairs.
"Not sure. Let's check around the kitchen."
They made their way to the dimly lit room and began looking, opening pantries and cabinet doors, shuffling through cans and boxes.
"I think I found a stash." Ron said, disgust etched on his face.
Hermione and Ginny came over and peaked inside one of the cabinets Ron had opened.
"It's a pile of rubbish.." Ginny said.
"But it was all clearly important to him." Hermione noted as she carefully sifted through the pile.
There were several shirts, a painting, some silverware, random knicknacks strewn about. She almost gave up till she saw a glint in one of the corners.
"Ron, reach back and grab that." she said, squinting in the dark and dust.
He stretched his lengthy arm and snatched it up. When he sat back, he opened his palm to examine the object.
"Is that it?" Ginny asked excitedly.
It was definitely a locket, but was it the one they needed?
Hermione took it and looked at the design, flipping it over to reveal R.A.B. inscripted on the gold.
"Yes!" she exclaimed.
"Excellent!" Ron said.
"How are we going to destroy it?" Ginny asked.
"No idea. We'll talk to Dumbledore first, see what he has to say."
The three got up and went back to the den. Bill was standing near the door, looking out the window.
"Found it. Ready to head back?" Ron asked.
"Yeah.." he said slowly and distractedly. "Come on, lets get back."
He rushed over to the fireplace and told the girls to go together first. He and Ron then quickly followed.
"I need to find Dumbledore." Bill said, brushing himself off.
"We do too." Hermione replied.
"Alright, come on let's check his office."
The four walked down to the office, seeing Remus in the chair.
"Sorry to interrupt." Bill said.
"Not at all, I just finished." Remus assured him.
"Sir, I went with these three to watch them at Grimmauld, and I got suspicious of the watch the Death Eaters have set up around the house. The usual number has increased and they all seemed very aggitated. I think they may have noticed we were there. I don't really know how though, other than being tipped off. I suggest no one goes there for awhile."
Dumbledore nodded. "Good eye. I'll send the word out. We should have a team watch the spies. Did you three find anything?"
"Yes sir! We found it!" she said, handing the locket to him.
"Splendid. Thank you. We are ahead once again. Oh, and just a warning. Draco Malfoy is back."
"What? Is he alright?" Hermione awsked.
"He apparated here and he's a bit banged up." Remus said, remembering to keep out the Mark detail.
"Yes, so everyone should keep a bit of distance, at least for awhile. I'm sure Harry will be on edge as well." Dumbledore explained.
"More than likely." Bill nodded.
"I believe he is at the flat again. He was there earlier. If you want to try and take his mind off of it, that wouldn't be such a bad idea." Remus suggested.
Everyone in the room sighed. They could sense the trouble coming. It always did after something like this...
GEEZIMFORGETTINGEVERYTHING!
The distractions helped Harry a little as he continued helping the twins at the shop. Plus the fact that Draco was now safe at headquarters made him less antsy. But he felt one thing was 'helping' the most. Blaise's reminder that he shouldn't get too close. However, it was proving difficult to tell his emotions that.
He was just simply refusing to look at it too personally, and deal with it as he would anyone else. Right...
Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Bill had all come to the flat as well. The space was crowded and the overexerted cheerfulness was grating. He understood all to well what was going on, but he willed it to work.
Ginny had been extra clingy, but he didn't truly mind. They were getting close again, and he needed another mental picture other than Draco to satisfy his urges.
Even so, he was counting down the minutes till he deemed it long enough to check on the blonde. The second his two hours were up, he started towards the door.
"Sorry, I've gotta see Malfoy." Harry said, dashing up the shop stairs and into the flat.
His friends looked at each other and sighed. Well, at least they kept him busy for awhile.
Harry hurried to the fireplace, telling Mrs. Weasley he would talk to her later, then floo'd to Headquarters.
As soon as he stepped out of the flames, he saw Dumbledore sitting on the sofa, softly smiling at him.
"I knew you wouldn't waste time. Now Harry, let me speak with you just a moment before I let you see him."
Harry nodded and sat down beside the old man.
"Don't question him too much. He has been through quite alot and if he wants to talk to you, he will. I know you are only worried, but we have to consider his feelings in this matter."
"Right."
"Also, we don't have to go into this now, but I just want to inform you that we have found another Horcrux. The locket of one R.A.B. was found by your friends at Grimmauld Place. Destroying it might be a tad bit tedious, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
Harry nodded, saving his questions for later. Dumbledore smiled.
"Alright, I've kept you long enough. Just remember what I told you."
"Right, thank you, sir." Harry said, popping off the sofa and heading towards the Hospital Wing.
He let Dumbledore's words sink in as he walked. Another Horcrux down. How many were left now? He went over each one in his head that they had found and destroyed.
As he moved down the long hall of windows to the door, his thoughts were interrupted as Severus Snape exited the room. Snape eye'd the boy knowingly.
"Potter." he said in formal greeting.
"Professor. Um, how is he?"
"Fine overall, you will find out for yourself when you see him. Take heed Potter, don't blame yourself." Snape warned, rather comfortingly.
Harry was taken back a moment. He had slightly been blaming himself for Draco's disappearace, but why would Snape mention it?
Harry simply nodded and opened the door as Snape continued down the hall.
Now that the moment was here, Harry was a nervous wreck. As he slid into the room, he stared at floor, almost too afraid to look up at the blonde.
He heard Draco move on the bed, took a deep breath and looked up. Relief flooded through him immediately. Besides a few bruises, he looked fine.
Harry made his way to the bed. Thinking of something to say, but settling for a simple "Hey."
"Hey." Draco said back, oddly shaky.
Harry reached the chair by the bed and sat down. He hadn't felt this awkward around Draco since before all the events of that summer, so feeling this way again was discouraging. But as he stared into the blonde's face, the relief that he was safe and back at headquarters surrounded him.
"Are you okay? How did you get back?" Harry asked softly, almost a whisper.
Draco soaked in the warmth of Harry's voice.
"Apparated. I'm surprised I even made it out of the cell. I knew this place was near my father's estate, so I just focused and was able to make a guess of where the property was located." Draco said, carefully avoiding the first question.
Harry wanted to shout out a million questions, but Dumbledore's reminder halted him.
Draco saw the apprehension on Harry's face, and wondered what the reaction on his own looked like. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no I'm just...glad you're safe." Harry smiled.
The blonde rose his hand and shuffled his hair, pressing too hard on a large bruise above his eyebrow. "Ahh" he hissed.
Harry began to reach up to caress the wounded area. Draco stared into those emerald orbs and broke. He turned his head away from the touch. "Don't.." he said, a little too sternly.
Harry wasn't sure how to react to the tone. He pulled his hand down and guardedly looked at the blonde.
"Harry.." Draco murmured.
"What?"
Draco continued staring out the window, finding the courage to say what he needed to, but failed. He had come up with so many scenarios in his head since he had regained consciousness that his whole mind was a wreck, he didn't know what to do. He didn't know what Harry's reaction would be. After a moment, he spoke.
"Maybe its just best if I stay away for awhile." he said, unable to get the harsh tone out of his voice.
Harry was floored. Had he done something wrong?
"What? I.."
"No, I have to have some space Potter. There's alot going on right now and I just need to re-evaluate my position."
"Re-evaluate your position? I thought you chose what side you want to be on? How can you say something like that?" Harry said, feeling the betrayal burn inside of him.
"My position is more compromising now than before."
"I'm not understanding. You disappear during the Death Eater raid, and now you come back and don't know where you stand? Here I thought you were kidnapped, but it sounds to me like you chose to go!"
Draco stood to his feet and rounded on Harry. "Don't assume so much Potter! I thought you knew me better than that!"
"Well I'm not so sure anymore Malfoy. Your whole persona is different. You're acting closed off and I can't figure it out. What else am I supposed to think!" Harry said, pushing Malfoy out of his face. "The way you're talking infuriates me because you won't just tell me what's going on!"
"Fine Potter! They branded me! I've got the Mark."
Time seemed to freeze for Harry. He watched as Draco lifted the sleeve on his arm and revealed the fresh Mark on his skin. Harry, with a shaking hand, reached for his arm and touched it. Snape's voice echoed through his head. 'Don't blame yourself.' Harry closed his eyes and rubbed the blonde's arm lightly. How could he not blame himself? There was always something that could have been done to avoid this outcome. They should have tried harder to find him.
But still, that shouldn't change where Draco stood...how could he say something like that?
"So why should this change anything? You chose your side, are you going back on that?" Harry pressed.
"No! But it does change up the cards! I can't just sit there and act like this isn't going to matter. I'm still too weak to deny a call when Voldemort summons me. If I go, it won't take long before everything you all have told me is handed over to him! You think Dumbledore wants that risk? Don't think I'm blind to the idea that I'm a threat to the Order now." he hissed.
"So what, you're just going to push yourself away? Leave?!"
"If its what keeps everyone safe, yes!" Draco said.
Harry punched the wall. "We are trying to keep you safe, we don't need you doing the same!"
"So you're telling me that if I go to Voldemort right now, tell him where this hideout is located, tell him where you are, tell him Order members and details, that won't place everyone here in danger?! Think Harry!"
"You don't have to go to him! Snape can ignore a call, why cant you!"
"Snape's had years of experience and he still has trouble ignoring a call. Do you honestly think I can handle it? I'm replaceable, Dumbledore doesn't need another spy, its too obvious. All I am is a liability!"
"You can't leave! We've spent so much time, and put so much of an effort into trying to get you to where you are, and you want to throw it all away! Every bit of trust I put in you...make me regret it all? I should have pulled myself away when I had the chance." Harry said...feeling the coldness wrap around him.
This conversation just changed everything. Where was Draco getting this idea? Why were they screaming at each other? What was going to happen? He had to get out...
Harry turned to the door and left the room, slamming the door behind him as he heard Draco cuss and throw his lamp.
INTENSE...
Harry stalked down the hallway after he left the Hospital Wing. It was the hardest thing he had done, and he knew it was just going to get harder. He couldn't let this get anymore out of control. He had decided that he wanted to detach himself from the blonde and finish this on his own, but when Draco turned the cards on him, it was like a stab in the back. Harry understood why detaching themselves from each other would help, but did Draco have to make it so drastic? Was leaving honestly the only option? He had said that Dumbledore couldn't handle the risk of him slipping information. Had Malfoy imagined the outcome of erasing his memory, or was it really going to happen? He didn't want Draco to forget everything that had happened since he came here.
Harry had felt that connection..too strong to describe. He had never experienced this with anyone, and holding onto that hope that Draco felt the same would get him no where. It would only hurt himself, and Draco in the end, especially after that last argument.
"Harry?"
The teen jumped and looked up to see Remus heading his way. "Are you alright?"
Harry just sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I just saw Draco."
Remus nodded gravely. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the Mark before. I just figured it was something you needed to hear from Malfoy."
"Its just all too much. I want to help him, but I don't know how. I want to push myself away, but I can't. Plus, he's so caught up in these theories he's built up in his head, and I can't tell him what's going to happen."
"Theories?"
Harry nodded. "He's pretty sure Dumbledore is going to want to erase his memory of the time here, and he is agreeing with it."
Remus looked confused. "Erase them? Explain, I'm lost."
"He said that he's too weak to avoid a call from Voldemort without help, and he knows that people cant help him all the time. He's saying he knows too much about the Order and that if he gets called, that he can't block the past few months from his mind. Then Voldemort will have the upper hand and everyone will be in danger. He says its best for everyone if he forgets, so if that's what Dumbledore wants to do, he will probably agree to it. He doesn't see any other way unless he runs."
"He has a valid point, but memory erasing is a last resort. We will do everything in our power to prevent him from being called before we do something like that. I'll have a talk with Dumbledore though, since this is clearly a straining issue on Draco if he's considering such drastic outcomes as leaving. Try not to stress Harry, we will figure this out. You have to keep a straight head."
Harry nodded.
"I was on my way to meet Severus and speak with Dumbledore about the fullmoon anyway, so I'll be sure to bring this up. Everyone's safety is our top priority, including Draco's."
Remus put his hand on Harry's shoulder, seeing the confusion and worry in his eyes. "It's getting late, its been a very long day and its past dinner. You should get something to eat and rest. Harry, I can't tell you what to do in this situation, but try not to do anything rash in this state of mind. There's alot going on in this whole house, and a clear head is the only thing that's going to help you now.,.."
But Harry was barely listening as the man tried to console him. Thoughts were tearing into his mind, driving him crazy. He didn't even notice that Remus finished talking till the man was already walking away to find Dumbledore.
Pain laced his heart as the image of the Dark Mark seared into Draco's skin flashed in his mind. He had done this to him... If he had just pulled himself away before..not let Draco get so close to him, he wouldnt have felt the need to rescue Harry.
But they were both in so deep now. He didn't know what to do.. He didnt want Draco to leave, but what else could go wrong now frightened him. He just wanted to forget for awhile..make it go away...
Almost as if on cue to his thoughts, Ginny Weasley came into view. She was walking out of the kitchen, saying a quick greeting to Remus as he entered through the kitchen door. She looked up and saw his expression, worried immediately.
"Harry? Are you alright?" she asked, walking over to him.
Harry looked into her eyes, felt the love and care he so desired, and let it consume him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.
Confused, yet willing, Ginny wrapped her arms around him and dove into the kiss, ready for anything Harry was willing to give her, completely unaware of the real meaning behind his sudden interest.
He pulled away, grabbed her hand, and led her up the stairs. He had to cover the pain..he had to feel the emotions he was denying himself, and this was the only way he could think of now... and he didn't care.
WTFISGOINGON?!
Draco paced back and forth in his room, calming himself down, trying to figure out what had just happened. He recalled everything he had said. Why? Nothing made sense now that he was saner. He walked to the window and watched as the dark clouds rolled over head, making the night even darker.
Was it fear?
Somehow he had convinced himself that the Order was out to erase his memory. From the time he woke up, to this very second, he was sure that there was no way he could keep his memories of the Order while he had this dangerous link to Voldemort.
That makes sense right? So why did Harry take it so badly? Draco didn't want to risk everyone's lives, all the progress they had made against You-Know-Who's legions. Clearly the best option was to go into hiding. But was it?
Draco's mind started to unfog. He realized what he thought just didnt make sense. Why would running make any difference? If he couldn't withstand the call here, with everyone helping him, then why would it be any easier away from everyone on his own?
Okay, so that was sorted out. But still, the option of having his memory erased was an issue to him. It would keep everyone safe, but what would happen to him? Surely the Order would send him out on his own, no recollection of the past couple of months. Where would that leave him? Would he still be in the mindset that Voldemort's plan was the best? Would he end up joining them? There was no way to know.. Maybe if that was the only option for him, he would ask Dumbledore to make it so he would still think Voldemort's side was wrong.
But Draco couldn't shake one thought..did he really want to forget it all? This undeniable bond that he and Harry had forged? Just the thought made his stomach sink...
Memories of when he first arrived flowed through his mind...the awkward sense of wanting to be near the raven haired teen. The moments at the lake..the rapture of giving-in in Paris. He didn't want to let that go.
He had been trying to stay in control of his emotions his whole life. Basically forget about anything other than keeping his cool and doing whatever it took to stay on top and be the best. But now..
He tried to think of his life without Harry...if he had never experienced this, what kind of person would he be in the future?
All he saw was an empty shell of a man. Regal status of his father's prime, prudish wife at his side, heirs to take over his estates; but he saw no joy, no meaning to anything except being above. Did he want that?
A knock came on his door. "Come in." he said, wishing it was Potter, but knowing it wasn't.
Blaise came through the door, not his cheerful self, more cautious.
"Hey." Draco said, walking away from his window.
"Hey, didn't expect you to be walking around."
Malfoy faced him and looked at his friend, unsure of what to say.
"Did it happen? Did they brand you?" Blaise asked, letting his gaze wander to Draco's arms.
The blonde nodded, revealing the Mark.
"I figured. I can't see them taking you without this happening. So what are you going to do?" Blaise said, letting his fingers run over and study the Mark he was lucky to never get.
"I don't really know. There's alot of possibilites up in the air right now of what could happen I think."
"How did Potter take it?"
"Not well, it wasn't really the Mark, it was just a bad turn of events in conversation overall. I don't really know why things are tense. He's closed off, I'm closed off...I mean, I understand that we want to protect ourselves, but at what cost?"
Blaise nodded and sat on the bed, watching the flicker of emotions in Draco's eyes. It was something he hadn't really seen with Malfoy. True he didn't want Draco to get hurt, but if the distance of them detatching themselves from each other caused the blonde to lose this new found passion, it wasn't worth it.
"I think its partly my fault Draco." Blaise admitted.
Malfoy turned to face him. "How so?"
"I didn't want either of you to get too close. This is war and with you both being on that love-hate line, it was just going to get difficult. I told Potter that he should probably distance himself, because we could all see how close you two were getting, and I had honestly expected something like this to happen. But now that its in motion, that you both are pushing each other away, it doesn't seem right. Draco, we can all see that something is there...everytime you two are together, there is something happening none of us can explain. You're right...protecting yourselves from pain of war isn't worth the cost of losing this...whatever it is."
Draco nodded. Apparently this thing between the two was obvious to everyone around them. It was something he knew that without it, his life would be bland..empty..a hole where something, where Harry, needed to be.
He didn't want that..now that he had experienced the limitless happiness and rollercoaster of emotions Harry gave him, he didn't want to let any of that go..to never have it again.
He needed Harry Potter. He couldn't deny the feelings anymore. It wasn't about sex, it wasn't about fame. It was about needing to know Harry felt this too..that he would never leave him.
"Don't tell me you don't see it.." Blaise said.
"No, I know I do. I never expected it to happen, but I care about him Blaise. I don't want things to end. I've never been this soft, this real and unprotected..raw I guess you could say, in my entire life."
"It's a pretty decent change I must say. So what are you going to do?" Blaise asked.
Draco looked out the window…the rain beginning to pound on the glass, there was something ominous about it.
"I've got to tell him. I can't be the only one who feels this, and I can't let it slip away."
"Good luck mate. I've got to catch up with Moody and the others down in the den. He said something big is brewing, so hopefully the two of you can work this out before it comes."
Draco nodded and watched his friend leave the room. He had to find Harry..apologize for his stupidity…salvage what he knew was there.
He grabbed a pair of jeans and threw a shirt on, then headed to Harry's room.
MKIGOTTHIS..YEAHHH
Harry ran his hands along the feminine body before him as they entered his room. He felt his hormones raging..the raw need for sexual touch. Ginny moaned as Harry kissed her neck. He layed her down on the bed and stood back to look at her. Her blouse unbuttoned, calling him to carress her supple breasts. Her hand roaming..touching herself. It drove him crazy.
He pounced like a wild animal..ferral need rushing through him. Kissing every inch of her flesh he could find, Harry sent Ginny into a whirlwind of pleasure.
But then a flash a blonde hair ..a haughty smirk..a slique phisique crossed his mind; flashes of Draco Malfoy made him freeze. He quickly tried to ignore it and continued feasting on Ginnys neck, unbuttoning the rest of her shirt.
Her breathing grew heavy and his need intensified. He slid his tongue into her mouth, but the taste wasn't what he thought he craved.
He sat up, straddling her half naked body as he took off his belt and began to unzip his pants. The sensitivity to his hard-on becoming unbearable. He leaned down and kissed her again, but a memory of a talented tongue..a male's binding grip on his body halted him again.
Melting eyes that he had learned to read so well were seared into Harry's brain. Another pang of hurt rushed through him, the kind that made your stomach sink..yet gave you butterflies at the same time. That feeling..the one he so desperately wanted to ignore right now.
No.. he told himself. He fought..he was so tired of this, he wanted to fight it more than anything.
He felt the pain as he continued to run his hands along her body..almost as if out of spite. He just didnt know what to do anymore.
A hard, quick knock jarred them from reality as the door flew open. A figure came into view and Draco stood in the doorway.
"Harry.."
It took a moment for the scene to process..every emotion crossed his features, till hurt, anger, and betrayal took its hold. Without another word, the blonde turned and rushed out of sight.
Harry was frozen, trying to understand what just happened as the feeling of regret washed over him.
"No!..Draco!" Harry called out. "Wait, please!"
Harry fastened his pants and jumped out of the bed, not even hearing what Ginny was saying behind him, and ran down the hall. He couldn't hear anything..couldn't see straight. Just one thing echoed through his mind..what had he just done? He couldn't bear the look he saw on Draco's face, and the dread of realizing that he may have just lost him forever. He..loved him.
But Draco was the faster runner. He felt so much pain..after finally admitting to himself what was completely obvious and already happening, he couldn't describe the anger he felt. He should have never given in to such fantasies of being happy.
He didnt even see the people as they flashed by. Draco headed straight for the door and ran into the pouring rain.
Not far behind him, Harry skidded down the stairs, passing several people in the den. Minerva curiously and worriedly watched as the two ran off. Dumbledore and Blaise watched knowingly though, but still wondering what had happened. Albus however had that twinkle in his eye. He calmed the others down and suggested they let the boys be and keep on with the meeting. Moody just grumbled and continued talking as Severus and Remus locked eyes. Something was happening, but sadly they all had to wait to know what.
Harry felt the rain pelt against his face as he dashed outside. He looked around frantically. "Draco!" he yelled.
He ran through the garden and into the woods. He spotted Draco ahead, slowing his pace.
"Draco wait! Please!"
The blonde could hear Harry call him. Everytime he heard his name out of those raven lips he felt pain.
"Malfoy stop!" Harry said as he caught up to the blonde, reaching out and grabbing his arm.
Draco jerked from the grip and whirled around violently. "What?!"
Harry stepped back, nearly slipping in the mud as the rain poured down around them.
"What the fuck do you want Potter?!" Draco shouted. Wondering what the raven haired persuer could possibly say to him now.
"Draco..what you saw..that was nothing! I don't know why I.."
"Just stop! I don't want to hear your stupid lies! I let my guard down..I let myself fall into your stupid Potter fan club, only to be made a mockery of! I've never regretted anything more in my entire life than getting close to you! Thinking your sympathy and words were out of truth..every personal thing we had shared..what rubbish. So don't try to pacify me with anymore of your fake friendship! Its not only about what I just saw, its about what's happened between us all together lately. Don't make me regret this!..the side I've chosen..the ways I've changed..everything!"
"Draco please listen to me!" Harry yelled over the thunder and downpour. "I was angry..I was mad you wanted to leave, after all the progress we had made! I mean what does this mean to you anyway? You told me in the beginning it was just sex, no attachments. You made me think it was just a game to you, that it was so easy to walk away. But for me it isn't! I thought before that the best thing for us was distance, but I was wrong! I can't do this without you, and hearing you give in so easily made me wish I hadn't put so much faith in this, I regretted it! I took out my pain on Ginny."
Harry paused, taking a step closer to the blonde..both soaked to the bone in the heavy torrent.
Taking a shot of courage, Harry let his heart pour out..it was now or never.
"I care about her, but not the way I've grown to feel for you. I thought she could replace the need I have for you. I didn't realize the attachment was there, but it cemented itself to my being and I can't comprehend anything with you not here! I've let myself be sold out to you without even knowing it and I've never felt more complete. It was natural, inevitable...and I didn't want to believe this meant nothing to you! That I was the only one dealing with this uncontrolable feeling. Don't make me regret giving in..believing in this thing if it was only a fantasy!"
Draco couldn't comprehend what he was hearing..he shook his head, turning away and walking a few feet. Trying to grasp what was happening, why he felt so hurt..why Harry felt so hurt..why there were fears of regret..
"I love you..." Harry whispered, yet somehow, despite the loudness of the storm and the distance, Draco heard it. Like an echo through his body. The statement and speech finally dawning on him.
He turned to face Harry, a look on his face unsure. Potter's features were soft..raw. He nodded, broken.
"I need you..in more ways than I can describe. I've never felt this way before, and its a much deeper feeling than I can comprehend. I had dreamed of this happening, of our lives connecting before you came, and I didn't understand what it meant. It was hazy, and not so obvious to all the details of emotions. But I now understand it. You are a part of me, and I never want to lose what I know is there."
Draco broke as he stared at Harry. Even in the rain, he could see the tears streaming down his face..feel the sincerity in everything he said.
Draco closed the gap between them in less than a second. He lifted his hand and grasped the back of Harry's head, feeling the soaked locks between his fingers. He wrapped his other arm around the man and felt the waves of emotion from Harry's body crash into him. The blonde felt his own tears fall as he stared into those emerald eyes, but his voice was strong and stern.
"Harry, I'm not going anywhere. I know I over reacted before about leaving and there being no hope, but you should know by now I don't give up that easy. And if you think that this is a game to me, you're wrong. I've never taken anything more serious than the changes I've experienced over the past few months. Thats why it hurt so much. I thought I had let my guard down only to be hurt by the one person who knows more about me than anyone. I've never opened up to anyone as completely as I have to you. As close I as I feel to Snape and Blaise, I knew but tried to deny that there was a inter-closeness with us, like we really were part of each other. Before I came to you're room, I told Blaise that I loved you, and I meant it. I'm not letting go of that or going back on it. I love you Harry."
"I'm so sorry Draco. I don't know why I reacted so badly..why I tried anything with Ginny...I just.."
But his words were smothered by Draco's soft lips as they crashed into his. Pure liquid ecstasy flowed through his veins at the touch. He wrapped his arms around the blonde and quenched his desire for the taste he had been craving, the need he had been denying that only Draco Malfoy could satiate.
After a moment, Draco pulled away. "Just never do that again, understood?" He smirked.
Harry smiled and agreed. "Never."
Draco took his hand and turned back to the manor. The rain hadn't lightened up much, and the blonde was sure they would both be sick from exposure to the cold rain. "Let's get back inside."
The two made their way back to the garden, and towards the house. They discussed holding off on outward displays of affection in public till they had the chance to explain to those closest what was going on. Harry also knew he had to break it to Ginny..something which really made him sick with guilt.
Dropping hands, they entered the house, dripping wet. McGonnagal immediately hurried over and conjured up some towels.
"Look at you both! I won't be surprised if you catch pnuemonia, here dry off and bundle up! Why on earth did you even run out there?" she fussed.
Before the boys could answer, Albus spoke. "Now, now Minerva, they are back inside and safe. Let's just finish our discussion tomorrow as planned and call it a night. Draco should get back into bed anyway with those injuries and potions working on his healing process. I'm sure Madame Pomfrey would not be pleased to see him so worked up, adding illness to injury. Severus, Remus, would you be so kind as to escort these two up to their rooms and explain what we've discussed down here. Maybe they can enlighten you on why they've run around so much as well." Albus winked at the two, that sparkle and smile convincing both boys that he already knew.
With a quick goodnight, the group disbanded from the kitchen and headed up stairs to their separate rooms, personal caretaker in tow.
Once the four of them reached the dorm floor, the teams split. Severus and Draco silently glided into the blonde's room, a gentle look between the soaked teens before the door shut.
As Remus and Harry made their way to his room, Harry could only pray that Ginny had left..he really didn't know how to explain why she was there to Remus, or why he had left to her.
Luckily as the two entered, she had apparently taken her leave. Harry quickly gathered some dry clothes together and went into his bathroom to change while Remus settled into a nearby chair. Feeling like he was still in a daze, Harry turned on the shower to warm his body up. It was a high feeling, one he was afraid would vanish..but what had just happened between he and Draco was too real to disappear. Harry stripped from his clothes and stepped into the warm shower, a smile on his face.