Warnings: None for this chapter.

Author's Note: this is Harry's POV of the previous chapter - didn't expect this to be this long! No worries though, the party is coming soon!

Be patient with me, and review!

Chapter 7

Harry's POV

Harry woke up early the next morning, and decided to get up and prepare himself so that he'd get a chance to get out and have a walk in the snow. He took a quick shower, got dressed, put on a cloak and stepped silently out of the boy's dormitories into the common room – which was predictably empty.

When he was outside, he walked until he saw the tree next to the lake, which he loved to sit under, put on a warming charm, then sat down. He suddenly felt a cold breeze hit his face, and he shivered. The Gryffindor looked up and noticed that it was snowing. He got up to return to the warmth of the castle. Instead. He tripped, rolled, and fell into the lake. It was just his luck. He'd just showered, and now he was going to have to shower again, and be late for breakfast, and maybe late for his first lesson – which was Potions! God he can't be late for Potions!

He ran inside as fast as he could, and headed for his dorm. He got inside after muttering the password to the Fat Lady, and noticed that his friends were already in the common room, ready to head for breakfast. Ron was having an argument with Seamus, but upon seeing Harry, he'd forgotten all about it.

"Where were you, mate?" asked Ron intrigued. And Harry told him he just needed some air – which got some pestering from Hermione because apparently he wasn't wearing enough clothes for such weather. He tried to defend himself, but seeing that his cloak was wet and filled with white little drops of snow, he decided not to argue.

"We'll wait for you, Harry" Hermione called, after Harry told them he'd have to change again, and was going up the stairs. But Harry didn't want to be the reason his friends were late – it was already 7:15 when he got back, so he told them he didn't mind, and that they should leave without him, and he'd be sure to follow as soon as he'd finished.

He got undressed and headed for the shower. He barely spent 10 minutes in there, and rushed out. Harry couldn't find anything else to wear at first, all his clothes seemed to be dirty. But he finally managed to find a pair of jeans, and a grey shirt. He grabbed his bag and was already in the middle of the stairs when he remembered his Potions' essay. He rushed back to his bed, and started searching frantically, on the bed, on the floor, under his pillow, under Seamus' dirty underwear- eww, but couldn't seem to find it. He rushed back to the common room –perhaps Ron had taken it to copy or something and forgot it there, but it wasn't. His luck seemed to be getting better by the second! He rushed to his dorm again and started rummaging desperately into his trunk, he threw his books, and clothes everywhere. Where was this damned essay?! It was just his luck to lose a Potions' homework on the day it was due, he couldn't have lost Divination or DADA, no! it had to be Potions where Snape would be pleased as ever and would deduct points from their house! After insulting him extensively of course!

He sighed in frustration, and kicked his trunk to the side, then noticed with disdain that his parchment was under there all along! He snatched it roughly, then checked the clock. It was already past breakfast, so he decided that he might as well put everything back in its place before heading to class.

When he reached the classroom, he was breathing heavily. He noticed Ron and Hermione heading to their seats, and followed.

"Today we will be brewing the Draught Of Peace potion. Now this is a difficult potion to make, especially for some ill-advised students" Snape explained, looking at Harry as if to tell him that the insult was meant for him – which Harry already knew.

"No matter, I shall divide you according to your abilities, students with less capabilities with ones who can actually brew. That way you might get it right" Snape continued, and began dividing them. Harry was grouped with Malfoy, and was reluctant to go sit near the Slytherin, but had no choice in the matter.

Malfoy eyed him for a while, and when Harry didn't do anything, he raised his eyebrow "Well…?" he snapped.

"What?!" Harry asked. What exactly did Malfoy expect him to do?

"Aren't you going to get the ingredients? Merlin knows you can't brew" Malfoy retorted, and Harry felt fire in his face! Merlin he hated the Slytherin!

Needless to say, however, he had no choice but to get up and get them since Snape would have been more than willing to insult the Gryffindor again.

Harry shuffled through the ingredients, and picked up what was necessary. When he went back to his seat, he put the ingredients on the desk, and just stood there. He didn't really know what to do other than wait for Malfoy to instruct him – more like order him to start brewing. Harry didn't like Potions at all – as if that wasn't obvious enough. He took off his robes since he noticed that Malfoy had taken his as well, and thought it was for a reason.

Malfoy looked at him and asked him to hand the moonstone, to Harry's relief. He didn't like just standing there, it was just too awkward.

Harry grabbed the opened jar, and handed it to Malfoy, but before the Slytherin could take it from Harry's hand, he let it go, and it fell on Malfoy's trousers.

To Harry's horror, he noticed that the powder's milky color covered the other boy's entire thighs and knees, so much so that his once black trousers were now white. He only hoped that Snape hadn't seen this, since Malfoy was his favorite student, he would surely deduct a thousand points! Merlin! They could lose the House Cup! What was wrong with him? Every time that they lost points, it was somehow related to him!

The thought of losing the House Cup over something so juvenile as accidentally dropping powder on Malfoy was too outrageous to think of, and he began wiping and dusting the Slytherin's trousers frantically, not realizing that he was apologizing as he did so, only hoping that not Malfoy, nor other students would tell the Professor.

He began dusting faster, noticing that every time he cleaned a spot, he would become aware of another just as white as the last one. When the last stain was removed, Harry realized were his hand now rested, and he froze, shocked beyond belief. He almost touched Malfoy's cock for Merlin's sake! Now what was he supposed to do?! What if someone saw him! What would his house say?! His friends?! Oh the thought of Ron seeing him! With his hand next to Malfoy's cock...! Merlin! what would Malfoy think?!

Just then, he looked up to see Malfoy's sneering face boring into his skull, and he flushed! Why must he keep flushing all the time?! He drew his gaze away from the blond, and stared at the floor, he just couldn't lock eyes with the Slytherin, not after what he just did. Did Malfoy think that Harry spilled the contents of the jar on him on purpose just so he'd touch him?! Merlin he hoped not! He'd never live it down if Malfoy thought that Harry liked him! Especially like THAT! The blond would taunt him to no end!

Harry was genuinely surprised when his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of his rival calling him, and he jumped up instantly, startling himself again when he accidentally knocked down his own book. Harry was so surprised by the former events that he didn't comprehend whether to pick up his book now or later after class, lest Malfoy think he was doing that on purpose to prolong their time together. (or not)

His decision was made for him when the blond's voice resonated again: "aren't you going to pick that up?"

Harry looked at Malfoy, and noticed that the blond had his robes back on. Perhaps there're still a few white spots on his trousers… Harry blushed at the remembrance of his actions in order to remove those spots, and looked away again, muttering his consent to the Slytherin's question.

Harry picked the book up and placed it on the desk in front of him, still blushing furiously – for some reason, and refused to meet the blond's gaze, as the latter went on to brewing the potion at hand.

Harry knew his face was flaming red, he just didn't know why. Well yes, maybe he did, but so what? He was only being a noble Gryffindor, anyone would do the same! Surely he shouldn't have let Malfoy walk around like a white sheet until Snape deducted all their house points and gave him detention!

He noticed that Malfoy was stirring the potion, looking a bit astray so he said: "it says you should stir until it's blue" just to make sure that the Slytherin's mind wouldn't wander off and ruin it.

"I know what to do you stupid idiot!" Malfoy snapped, and Harry held his hands up in a defensive manner.

Malfoy turned back to their potion and started working again. Harry was becoming increasingly bored by now, and he looked around at the other pairs in class. Everyone seemed to be irritated with their partner for some reason, well except Neville who looked really flushed. Harry turned to stare at Zabini, who was idly pointing to something with his left hand, while his right one rested on Neville's shoulder. That's odd… since when had Neville and Zabini become friends?

His thoughts were cut off again by the voice of none other than Draco Malfoy.

"Potter, you should at least pretend to want to do something! I've been doing everything since we started"

"erm.. I don't know what to do. Plus, you seemed to want to do it alone…" Harry whined. He didn't want to work on the goddamned potion! But he wasn't going to say that.

"No, I don't. And if your only problem is not knowing what to do, then I'll tell you. Come here, and stir the potion" Malfoy said, gesturing to the potion.

Harry took a step forward. Why was Malfoy asking him to do something? Surely he wouldn't want their efforts – his efforts – going to waste if Harry were to accidentally sabotage the potion… perhaps the potion was already ruined and he just wanted Harry to take the blame! Or maybe, he wanted to spill it on Harry's clothes as an act of revenge! Yes! That would explain why he wasn't moving from the spot in front of the damned potion! Like hell was he going to fall for that!

"aren't you going to move…?" he asked

"No, I have to see that you're not ruining the potion which I worked so hard to do" Malfoy claimed. Merlin Malfoy was SO obvious! He WAS going to spill the potion on Harry!

Harry was about to tell Malfoy that he can do it – since he was so afraid that Harry would ruin the potion, but then Malfoy challenged: "scared, Potter?"

Harry scowled, now that he knew the Slytherin's plan, he wasn't going to let it happen, and moved carefully closer, noticing every little move the blond did, so that he would be able to step back once the cauldron started leaking.

Harry stood before the cauldron, but nothing happened. Odd, he could almost swear Malfoy was up to something relating to that cauldron. No matter, he would find out soon enough! With renewed determination,he reached forward and began stirring.

"Not so fast you bloody twit" Malfoy said angrily. He felt a cold hand close on his own, and he gasped, his body became rigid and immobile at Malfoy's startling action.

"oh relax, I'm barely touching you" Malfoy said, and Harry started moving his hand again, albeit reluctantly.

The potion turned orange, and Malfoy's hand stilled over Harry's. The latter felt heat radiating from the Slytherin's body as it moved closer to his own, and shivered when he felt the blond's breath ghost over his ear: "good. Now add that" and he felt something brush his waist, looked down and saw a hand – Malfoy's hand – pointing at something. He couldn't contain the shudder that went through his body at the close proximity of the Slytherin. Why WAS Malfoy so close to him all of a sudden? What was he up to? He knew it! he just knew that this had something to do with this cauldron. Perhaps he noticed Harry's careful steps, and realized that Harry was on to him, so he decided to trap Harry between himself and the stupid potion! Damn Malfoy and his plan! He had to get out of there!

The only way Harry saw out of his rival's grip – without alarming Snape of course – is by completing the potion. He looked at the pale fingers on his left again, and grabbed the porcupine quills, added them to the potion, then stopped, just realizing that Malfoy's plan included their potion! The Draught of Peace potion! If he messed it up, and Malfoy poured it on him, he would go into some sort of a coma! He really had to get this right. He looked back at Malfoy, knowing the instructions, but hoping that Malfoy would feel smug that he topped Harry in something, and would in turn complete the potion by himself. But of course, he had no such luck.

The Slytherin told him what to do with a superior tone, which was expected, and Harry did as he was told, hoping to Merlin that Malfoy wasn't deliberately trying to sabotage the potion in order to send him into oblivion. When the potion shifted colors, Harry felt a bit relieved, then turned to Malfoy again "what now?" he asked with a shaky voice – since the potion wasn't finished yet.

"you wait for it to turn purple Potter…don't you read?" the blond replied. Harry knew this of course – since it was written in front of him, but he hoped that the Slytherin would back off a bit and let Harry get out of his human trap. But again, no such luck.

Harry moved back into Malfoy a bit, wanting to get out of there, and afraid that any moment now, Malfoy would tip the cauldron over his imprisoned body. And it worked! Malfoy moved away from Harry, and looked down at the cauldron. Harry shifted uncomfortably, still afraid that the blond was going to knock him unconscious using the damned potion.

After the potion had turned purple, the Slytherin motioned for Harry to add the powdered unicorn horn till the potion turned pink. When done, he began stirring the potion "Am I doing it correctly?" Harry inquired, buying a new set of clothes would be much better than sleeping for god knows how long! But Malfoy didn't answer, in fact, he looked pretty lost, like he was in an alternative universe or something. "Malfoy" Harry called, and he heard Malfoy mutter something that sounded suspiciously like "oh yess just like that."

"What?" Harry asked, genuinely confused.

Just like what? What was he on about? Was Harry not doing the potion correctly?! Is that what Malfoy wanted? Oh god! now he's going to go into a coma because of his stupidity!

"erm…yes…you're doing it right, thank Merlin" Malfoy snarled. Harry knew Malfoy was lying, he'd never admit that Harry did something right, but then the potion turned red – like it was supposed to. hmm, is it possible for the potion to be ruined but still look the way it should?

Malfoy was telling Harry to add more powdered moonstone when the latter heard a smash. Both him and Malfoy turned around immediately, and saw Neville and Zabini staring at each other with their cauldron on the floor, their potion slowly leaking out.

"I had expected this, but I'd hoped partnering you up with Mr. Zabini would relieve me of such foolishness." Snape sneered "I wonder why you're in my class to begin with, Mr. Longbottom" he mocked, and Neville blushed harder than ever. Harry noticed that Zabini was one of the students who were now glaring at the Professor, though he didn't know why Zabini would be pissed off about their Head of House insulting a Gryffindor.

"it was actually my fault, Professor." Zabini stated, and Snape gave him a interrogative look.

"Don't try to defend him, Mr. Zabini…10 points from Gryffindor" Snape said, and stalked back to his desk.

Harry looked at Neville to see the most peculiar sight. Zabini was apologizing to Neville! What brought this on?

Harry shrugged, perhaps Zabini was more mature than he thought.

He turned his attention back to his own dilemma, and started adding the moonstone. When satisfied that it turned grey, he left it to simmer. "I'm surprised I'm enjoying this" he said, hoping that civility was the way to keep Malfoy from his evil plan.

"yes Potter, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself…God knows I'm not!" The blond retorted and seemed to be very irritated. Harry smiled inwardly. Perhaps Malfoy's plan was ruined – since the potion looked legitimately good – and that's why he was so annoyed.

The potion finally turned orange, and Malfoy added more porcupine quills till it turned white, to Harry's immense relief, and called for Snape to check on it. Snape lifted the potion to his nose and sniffed it like a dog.

"Nicely done, Mr. Malfoy…you're lucky today Mr. Potter" Snape snickered "10 points to Slytherin for finishing the potion first" Snape continued, and he heard Hermione huff, so he looked at her and noticed that she was very infuriated. Harry wasn't as outraged though, he had already escaped a coma, what more could he hope for? Also, he wasn't really expecting Snape to praise him, and he was used to the man's insults. He sighed "well…that could have been worse."

Harry noticed that they still had like ten minutes left, so he thought about ignoring the blond, but decided against it as that usually made the Slytherin quite violent, and Harry was in no mood to fight, to lose house points, or to get detention – with Snape.

So instead, he said: "you're very good at this" trying to be civil again, while taking a step back to sit on his chair, not noticing that his foot nudged the chair backwards, and he fell on the floor. He heard the blond snort, but decided not to say anything.

Harry got up, and started dusting his own arse instead. When he finished, he looked up and saw the Slytherin stuffing his bag, then leaving the classroom in fast, long strides.