Duskborn

Co written by:
Naoi & cait-the-fangirl

See Prologue for list of warnings and disclaimer.

Revised January 2013.

Interlude One: Contemplations of a Devious Nature

September 12, 1996 ~ Slytherin Common Room, Hogwarts

Draco glared at the roll of parchment in front of him. He was supposed to be writing thirty inches on the various uses of wormwood in healing potions, but he couldn't seem to focus enough to care. He growled and threw his quill onto the desk, still aware enough to throw it far away from his parchment. He really didn't want to have to rewrite the bloody thing.

'Bloody Potter.' Sighing lightly in exasperation, he leaned back in his chair and surveyed the empty common room. Double-checking his wards, he let out a groan and fully slumped down in his chair. It was a relief to be able to let himself relax slightly. To be able to let go of the Malfoy pride for just a few moments.

Thoughts of the dark-haired savior crowded into his mind; all of them clamoring to be acknowledged. He rubbed small circles against his temple, allowing a thread of healing magic to soothe him.

Ever since he had seen him that day on Platform 9 ¾, thoughts of Harry bloody Potter wouldn't leave him alone.

It didn't help that every time he saw him, the dark-haired boy looked more and more stressed. The others couldn't see it, but Draco could feel the other boy's magic becoming more frazzled every time he saw him. It was as annoying as it was worrying.

It had gotten to the point of bothering the Malfoy heir enough that he had asked Snape to partner him up with Potter in Defense classes, just to make sure the boy was alright. During each class, Draco tried to sneak threads of his own magic into Harry's. He knew from his father that his magic had a calming effect on most wizards. Luckily, it seemed to be helping. Also luckily, Harry hadn't shown any signs of addiction. The boy had even thrown Draco a confused smile a few times after he did it. It was as if Harry knew Draco was helping, just not how.

Draco sighed again, pressing his fingers harder into his head. The worst part was that Draco enjoyed Harry's smiles.

He gave up trying to stop the thoughts in his head from voicing themselves. Picking up his books, he stuffed them all into his bag to head for the dormitories. He could write the essay for Slughorn before class. It wasn't as if he didn't know the material. He snorted. 'Yeah right. I probably know more than that worm could even dream of knowing.'

A quick wave of his hand as he stood removed the warding spells he had set up. There was no point in letting some of the more curious upperclassmen know he could cast those spells. He slung his bag over his shoulder and climbed the steps to his dormitory room.

Crabbe and Goyle were out like boulders. Thankfully, after first year, his father had taught him a spell for quieting their snores. Draco tossed his bag down at the foot of his bed just inside his personal wards. Quickly stripping down to his boxers, he tossed his uniform on the floor for the house elves to get.

Shivering from the cold, he climbed into his four-poster and drew the curtains. A glimmer and muted spark showed his protection wards setting themselves for the night. Curling into his covers, he exhaled softly. 'Bloody Potter. I hope your magic behaves tomorrow.'

A/N: Yes, Draco's magic is special. It will come into play later, along with Draco's feelings (and Harry's~).

Reviews are love!

Ja,
Naoi and Caits