AN: Hey guys! :) Thank you SO MUCH for the reviews! I ALWAYS appreciate receiving them ^_^ I know I was replying to many at first but then the link to reply broke :( I just wanted to let you all know that I love you all and thank each and everyone on of you who review! Some of you are pure love XD 3 I hope you are enjoying my fanfic!
Oh, and to those funny reviewers who think this is my only fanfic thus I should be able to write much faster—no it's not :P I have many many many stories that I work on and I shall start uploading them for you hopefully soon XD
Chapter 7
The Gryffindor versus Slytherin quidditch match had been the best game Harry had ever played. With his glasses no longer an issue, Harry had been free to pull as many risky turns and dives as he desired without the fear of losing them. Another matter that pleased Harry to no end was how distracted Malfoy had been during the entirety of the match. The blond had seemed no more interested in catching the snitch than he was during History of Magic. Harry was curious as to what it was that had been on Malfoy's mind. It had almost seemed as if the Slytherin just wasn't interested anymore.
I wonder if Malfoy even likes playing quidditch? Harry thought. He hasn't been much of a challenge during any of our games...
"Or maybe I'm just too good," Harry grinned at his reflection, ruffling his damp hair. Gryffindor had won three hundred and fifty points to eighty so Harry was in an ecstatic mood as he got dressed. Ron was humming happily beside him, blue eyes alight with happiness.
"You rocked today, Harry," he smiled, swinging his broom onto his shoulder. "We kicked Slytherin's butt."
"Wasn't much of a challenge," the brunet smirked in reply, following his best friend from the locker room, "didn't seem like Malfoy had his head in the game."
"It's probably too far up his a—"
"Ronald!" Hermione scolded from beside them. "That's disgusting."
"It's the truth," Ron huffed.
"Irrelevant," Hermione continued with a flourish of her hand. "Be the mature one, Ron, alright?"
"Are you defending him, Mione?" Harry asked, eyes wide.
"I just don't think silly name calling or the use of ridiculous sayings is needed," Hermione stated with a nod. "Surprisingly, Malfoy has been quite civil with me ever since McGonagall assigned us as study partners."
"I still can't believe she did that, of all people," Ron griped.
"Because out of everyone in our grade, Malfoy is the only one who is intelligent enough?" Hermione replied smugly. "You should be lucky you weren't assigned with Goyle or Crabbe."
"I'm lucky I wasn't assigned with a Slytherin," Ron retorted.
"Hey, Parkinson isn't that bad either," Harry interjected. "She can be really funny at times."
Ron's eyes bugged. "You can't be serious! The both of you falling for Slytherins!"
"We are not falling for Slytherins," Hermione sighed impatiently.
"Oh I don't know, Mione," Harry winked. "Parkinson and I have already planned our wedding theme."
"WHAT?"
"My god, Ron, I'm joking."
"Joking shouldn't be allowed!" Ron exclaimed, calming his stampeding heart. He pointed an accusing finger in Hermione's face. "I hope you aren't planning on becoming friends with the Ferret."
Hermione blinked innocently. "I don't know what you mean, Ronald," she replied. "Ooh, speaking of which I need to get to the library."
"Another study session? Didn't you have one yesterday?" Ron whined.
"We prefer to study at least once a day," Hermione shrugged. "When and where do you and Parkinson study, Harry?"
"Every other day," Harry replied. "Usually wherever we feel like parking our butts."
"Why don't you join Malfoy and me today?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "I think I'll miss."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive," Harry replied firmly. "Go enjoy your study session."
"I always do," Hermione smirked. "See you two at dinner." Rushing ahead, she left the two males to make their way slowly back to the castle. Harry couldn't actually remember when Hermione had been that excited to study; maybe Malfoy was the challenge she'd been after for years.
Harry frowned slightly as he realised he wasn't sure if he liked the idea of Hermione hanging around Malfoy so much.
It's because he's an arse... yeah... why else would I be protective?
"You don't think Hermione's falling for Malfoy do you, mate?" Ron asked sadly as they entered the Entrance Hall.
"Uh—no I don't think so," Harry replied. "The slimy git is pretty smart, it sort of makes sense that they should be study partners and all."
"Yeah but... we don't like Malfoy," Ron sulked. "Why does Mione suddenly seem as if she likes him?"
"Maybe he can actually be nice," Harry smiled in return. "We've seen the way he is with his friends, he's not a total arse to them."
"And Parkinson? You don't like her or anything do you?" Ron asked hopefully.
Harry laughed. "I think I'm beginning to like her as a friend, mate, but nothing more I assure you."
"Positive?"
"Absolutely."
Ron sighed aloud, a grin brightening his face. "I can still remember the look on both of your faces when McGonagall called out your names."
"Not as bad as yours when she called out Malfoy and Hermione," Harry teased.
Ron's eyes darkened. "I'm not going to be responsible for my actions if he hurts her in any way."
"Don't worry," Harry said gently. "Mione can handle herself." He eyed the red-head curiously. "Why haven't you told Mione yet?"
"Told her what?"
"That you like her."
A red blush stained Ron's cheeks. "Because she'll probably laugh."
Harry snorted. "You won't know until you tell her."
"I don't want to make things awkward."
God this match-making crap is harder than I thought...
"Look, Ron..." Harry ran a hand through his head, wondering if he should tell his best mate. "I may have told Mione that you like her..."
Ron's face paled. "... and?" he asked meekly.
Harry smiled reassuringly. "And she didn't laugh," he grinned. "She doesn't believe me though; she doesn't think you'd ever like her."
"But I do!"
"Then tell her that," Harry replied. "Mione likes you as well, Ron, but she's worried you don't see her for anything other than a friend."
"Okay um, how should I do it?"
"There's a Hogsmead trip coming up," Harry shrugged. "Ask her out for the day and take her somewhere nice."
"Three Broomsticks?"
Harry shrugged again. "It's up to you, mate."
Ron bit his lip, focusing on his footing as they climbed some stairs. "I don't want to take her on a cliché date."
"Then take her on a picnic or something," Harry suggested.
Ron's grin told Harry how well his idea sat with the red-head. "A picnic! That's a great idea!"
"I'm full of them," the brunet sniggered.
"No really, a picnic will definitely show Mione I like her," Ron beamed. "She loves it when you go out of your way to do things."
"Do you know her favourite foods?" Harry asked.
"Some of them... could you help me?"
"Sure."
"Thanks, mate, really," Ron said excitedly. "I hope this date works."
Harry giggled. "It's not the date that will woo her, Ron, it'll be you."
"Let's hope so," Ron smirked. "Now we just need to find a girl for you and we'll be set!"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Make it a man and you're on."
Ron paused in the hallway, eyes narrowing suspiciously. Harry kept his face resolute, ignoring the way his heart seemed to be in his throat.
"You did just say man, right?" Ron asked after a moment.
"Yes," Harry replied.
Ron bit his lip. "So... you don't like girls then?"
"Does that bother you?"
Ron shook his head. "No... no it's just—" His face fell. "Now we can't go out and pick up random girls together."
Harry snorted with laughter, clutching his side as his fear drained away into humour. "Ron, you are fantastic," he giggled.
A small smile tugged at Ron's lips. "So are you going to date Neville then?"
"Nah he's not my type," Harry replied. "I love Neville as a friend but I prefer blonds."
Ron glanced at his best friend. "Like... Malfoy blond?"
Harry's heart skipped a beat. "Pfft... no," he said, avoiding eye contact.
"You do!" Ron gasped.
"I do not!"
"You do so!"
Harry folded his arms and looked away with a pout.
"Harry, mate... Malfoy?"
"He's attractive," Harry replied. "I can appreciate that can't I? It's not like we'd ever date or anything—he's too much of a prick."
Relief settled across Ron's face. "That makes sense," he grinned. "Don't worry we'll find you a good looking blond who's really nice as well."
Harry smiled. "I look forward to it."
"So Neville really is out of the question?"
"Why Neville?"
Ron scratched his head awkwardly. "He might have told me he likes you..."
"But you didn't even know I liked males," Harry frowned.
"Yeah I know and I told him that. I um, may or may not have had a suspicion about you anyway..." Ron glanced slyly at his best friend. "So how long have you liked guys?"
"Since summer-ish," Harry replied. "I wasn't sure at first but I am quite positive now."
"Does Mione know?"
"Yeah I told her a little while ago."
"Before me? Your awesome best friend?"
"It was inevitable!" Harry persisted. "She found something of mine and I sort of had to tell her."
"Don't tell me it was porn."
"Ugh no!" Harry shivered. "God I think I'd die of embarrassment if Mione found something like that."
"So? What was it then?" Ron asked.
"Just something on the internet," Harry replied vaguely.
"Aw come on, I want to know! Please, please, please?"
"I have a blog," Harry sighed. "She found it."
"What's a blog?"
"Something that allows you to post whatever you want," Harry replied. "Things that reflect you and your personality."
"And she found yours," Ron stated. "Did it have a lot of naked men on it?"
"Somewhat," Harry replied awkwardly. "It would have been obvious if she looked through my blog so I basically came out and told her."
"How'd she react?" Ron snickered.
"She yelled at me for not telling her sooner," Harry smiled. "But I wasn't even sure myself and I didn't know how she would take the news... either of you for that matter."
"It can be a scary time," Ron nodded his understanding. "Lucky for you though it's widely accepted in the Wizarding community."
"Really?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Yeah of course," Ron frowned at the brunet. "Isn't it accepted in the muggle world?"
Harry shook his head. "No not really; my relatives hate the idea."
"Their opinions don't matter," Ron sniffed.
"Thanks, mate," Harry smiled. "You and Mione are the best things ever to happen to me."
"And don't we know it," Ron leered.
"What has you so preoccupied that you didn't even realise I had sat down?"
Draco's gaze flickered over to the expectant Gryffindor who sat opposite him. He casually lowered the lid of his laptop and sat up straighter in his chair.
"Nothing a Gryffindor would understand I'm sure," he replied in amusement.
"Try me," Hermione challenged as she organised her textbooks.
"I'd rather not."
Hermione's eyes glittered and Draco immediately rolled his eyes.
"Don't even go there Granger, that's disgusting," he stated tonelessly. "How very dare you think I would stoop so low."
"You're a male," she smirked in reply. "It's only natural."
"I'm sure," the blond muttered in reply. "Alright let's get this over and done with."
"Have somewhere to be?" Hermione inquired innocently.
"Yes, anywhere but here," Draco said. "Shall we?"
"Would you mind if Harry and Parkinson were to join us sometimes?" Hermione asked instead.
Words failed Draco for a moment and he shrugged casually, keeping his gaze off the female in front of him. "I could care less."
"Would you try to kill him?"
"Granger, can we just study already? I'm not in the mood for twenty questions," Draco snapped impatiently.
"Alright calm down," Hermione sniffed. "I thought it might be nice to study in a group."
"Granger, you're lucky I tolerate you," Draco replied. "Why on earth would I want to befriend Potter?"
Because I know you can be really charming when you want to be... Hermione thought. And Harry deserves someone as strong and attractive as you...
Hermione shrugged. "Thought it would have been nice to move beyond this pointless hatred for one another."
Draco cringed inwardly, fingers fiddling with his quill. "I don't... hate him."
"Excuse me? I don't think I heard you properly," Hermione said. "You don't hate Harry?"
"That doesn't mean I have to like him," Draco replied haughtily. "I'm beginning to realise that maybe he's not such an arrogant idiot after all."
"How noble of you," Hermione said dryly.
"I thought so," Draco smirked. "But don't expect me to start being nice to him."
"Well he's not going to like you in return if you keep being an arse," Hermione interjected.
"Who says I want him to like me?" Draco shot back in reply.
Hermione twirled a section of her hair around her finger as she eyed the blond in front of her. "I thought it would be fitting considering it was you who fixed Harry's eyesight."
"... What?"
"Is the great Draco Malfoy speechless? Such a feat has never been accomplished!"
"Shut it, Granger," Draco growled. "What do you mean, I fixed Potter's eyesight?"
"Whatever you added to Harry's cauldron the other week reacted with the ingredients and fixed Harry's eyesight," Hermione explained carefully. "If you hadn't meddled with his potion, he'd still have glasses."
Draco stared at the female in disbelief. "I don't believe you."
Hermione smiled slyly. "Face facts, Malfoy," she grinned. "You've given Harry an amazing gift... and you didn't even know it."
"I swear the universe has it in for me," Draco snarled, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms tightly across his chest. "This is ridiculously unfair."
"Oh yes, ridiculously so," Hermione mocked. Why can't you just be happy for him...?
Draco sighed wearily, rubbing his temples. "He knows it was me doesn't he."
"Yes," Hermione replied. "And if you were to befriend him I'm positive he'd thank you for it... even if it was accidental—sort of."
"I don't need his thanks," Draco sniped. "I wasn't trying to help in the first place." He glowered at the desk, keeping his arms folded. "Merlin if my father ever found out…" He huffed. "Never mind, are we studying or not?"
"Certainly," Hermione said. "Where would you like to start?"
"I don't care," Draco moped. "Anywhere." I can't believe I was the one to fix Potter's eyesight… it's a bloody joke…
"Did you want to leave it for today?"
Of all the things… of all the people…
"Malfoy?"
"Hmm?" Draco blinked.
Hermione's eyes were unnervingly kind as they gazed over him. "You seem rather distracted; why don't we leave it for today?"
"Alright, fine." Draco drummed his fingers on the table top, gaze falling to his laptop. "I have things to do anyway."
"Same time tomorrow?"
Nodding silently, Draco waited for the bushy haired female to leave him be before lifting the lid of his computer and refreshing his Tumblr dashboard. Scrolling downwards through the posts calmed him only slightly as many had in fact been reblogged or added by Potter himself.
Draco found himself admiring a drawing the Golden Boy had drawn of Pansy, the caption below stating how demanding the sly Slytherin had been to have Potter draw her. Draco smiled.
Pansy what are you up too, I wonder? Actually wanting Potter to draw you?
"He captured my good side don't you think?"
Draco jumped, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. Pansy smirked as she slid in the seat opposite her friend, staring at him intently.
"Don't do that," Draco glared.
"Appreciating Potter's artwork hmm, Draco?"
"Why did you want Potter to draw you?" Draco replied instead.
Pansy shrugged elegantly. "I found him drawing before one of our study lessons and I asked him about it. He said he liked to draw people and I asked him if he would draw me. At first he seemed reluctant but I persevered."
"So I see," Draco said drily.
"I think it came out rather nicely," Pansy continued, examining her nails intently. "You're just jealous because he hasn't drawn you yet."
Draco opened his mouth but closed it firmly. She doesn't need to know…
Pansy smiled. "Am I right?"
"I never said anything."
"You don't have too," Pansy grinned. "It's written all over your face."
"Uh huh."
"So, um… are you able to get that picture off the computer?" Pansy asked, biting her lip endearingly.
"Don't tell me you actually want it," Draco sneered, ignoring the small jibe he felt. He of course, had printed off the picture Potter had drawn of him and hidden it securely. Pansy didn't need to know that.
"Please?"
Draco sighed. "Fine, although I can't see why you didn't asked Potter for his copy."
"And remove my presence from his wondrous collection of artworks? You must be joking."
Draco laughed, feeling better than he had all afternoon. "I don't know what I would do without you, Pansy."
"You'd be as soft as a Hufflepuff."
"Speak for yourself!"
