With this chapter I would like to announce that Midnight Unicorn, a great friend of mine on as well as IRL, has issued a challenge. She seems to think that my stories are 'too mushy.' I believe she said something along the lines of "I'm suffocationg on mush". So, Midnight Unicorn, being Midnight Unicorn, is writing a 'depresiongly angsty' response to each of the chapters. Be sure to check out her other works as well, she's quite good.

And thanks to Olga. Where would I be if not for you?

...I don't want to think about it

"Harry, no. Are you insane?"

"I just thought you might…"

"Know something? About the heir of Slytherin?"

"…Yeah."

"I don't know any more than you do, Harry. Except that it's father's fault. That's why I sent Dobby, to warn you."

"…You sent Dobby? Do you know how much trouble he's caused me?"

"Sorry, but he was my only option. He's the only elf in the entire place that doesn't tell father every detail of everything they ever see. I just want you safe." Draco caressed the side of Harry's face and Harry's heart stopped beating. It made up for it, though, by beating faster, and Harry leaned into the touch.

"I'll be alright Draco. As long as you're my friend, I'll be alright, you'll see."

"Harry, you know that whatever I do out there, whatever I say, it doesn't mean anything, that isn't me. This is me, right here with you. Nothing out there matters. Don't let it hurt you, Harry." He pulled Harry close to him into a hug. "I don't ever want to hurt you."

"Don't worry Draco." Harry rested his head on Draco's shoulder. "No matter what you say or do, I'll always forgive you. Cuz you're my friend, Dray."

"Dray?"

"Nickname. I should tell you though; Ron, Hermione and I are brewing Polyjuice potion so we can question you about the heir of Slytherin."

"Polyjuice? How - of course. Granger. I should've known."

They both collapsed into laughter at this, and had to stifle it with their hands or risk Filch.

"We should probably get back, before we get caught." Draco nodded and Harry grabbed his cloak. "I'll walk you back to Slytherin."

"I think I need to find me one of those, so you don't have to."

Harry chuckled "But I like to" he teased.

"It makes me feel helpless; I hate that."

"You know, you could learn that spell…"

"…no."

Harry laughed to himself as they walked back to Slytherin.